Colorado offers some of the best camping opportunities in the country. Whether you're looking for a developed campground with amenities or a remote dispersed campsite under the stars, there's no shortage of places to escape into the mountains this summer.
Here are a few destinations worth adding to your camping bucket list.
Red Feather Lakes
Located northwest of Fort Collins, Red Feather Lakes is a favorite destination for Northern Colorado residents.
Popular campgrounds include:
- Dowdy Lake Campground
- West Lake Campground
- Bellaire Lake Campground
For those seeking a more rugged experience, several dispersed camping opportunities can be found throughout the Roosevelt National Forest.
While you're there:
- Fish for trout in the area's lakes
- Explore nearby hiking trails
- Enjoy some of the darkest night skies in Northern Colorado
Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park
Camping near Rocky Mountain National Park offers access to some of Colorado's most iconic scenery.
Popular campgrounds include:
- Moraine Park Campground
- Glacier Basin Campground
- Aspenglen Campground
Visitors can spend their days:
- Driving Trail Ridge Road
- Spotting elk and bighorn sheep
- Hiking to Alberta Falls or Bear Lake
Reservations are highly recommended during summer months.
Buena Vista
Known for mountain views and outdoor recreation, Buena Vista is one of Colorado's premier camping destinations.
Popular camping areas include:
- Cottonwood Lake Campground
- Collegiate Peaks Campground
- Dispersed camping along Cottonwood Pass
Don't miss:
- Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River
- Exploring downtown Buena Vista
- Scenic drives through the Collegiate Peaks
Grand Lake
Grand Lake combines mountain scenery with a classic Colorado lake-town atmosphere.
Campers often choose:
- Green Ridge Campground
- Stillwater Campground
- Dispersed camping areas near Arapaho National Recreation Area
Popular activities include:
- Boating and kayaking
- Hiking nearby trails
- Visiting the historic downtown boardwalk
State Forest State Park
Often called Colorado's "Moose Capital," this hidden gem offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
Campers can choose from developed campgrounds or backcountry camping options throughout the park.
Keep an eye out for:
- Moose
- Bald eagles
- Wildflowers in peak bloom
Before You Head Out
Summer weekends can fill up quickly, especially at Colorado's most popular destinations. Check reservation requirements, weather forecasts, and road conditions before leaving.
Many of these destinations also involve long stretches of highway driving, mountain roads, or gravel access roads. Before your trip, it's worth taking a quick look at your windshield for existing chips or cracks. Small damage can sometimes spread during a road trip due to vibration, temperature changes, and rough road conditions.
Most importantly, pack out what you pack in and help keep Colorado's public lands beautiful for future visitors.
From all of us here at Quick-Set Auto Glass, drive safely out there Colorado!
Quick-Set Auto Glass proudly serves drivers throughout Northern Colorado.
