There’s nothing like falling asleep to the tranquil sounds of the water, and if you’re looking for the ideal spot to do just that in Colorado, consider one of these fabulous places to camp.
Grand Lake
Grand Lake, the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, is the state’s largest natural lake, making it an ideal spot for camping near the water. You’ll even find some beaches along the shore for lounging on near the glassy blue waters, as well as having the opportunity to enjoy all types of water sports, like fishing, boating and swimming. When you’re not cooling off in this high alpine lake, you can enjoy hikes in the surrounding area, including miles and miles of trails in the park, as well as horseback riding, golfing and four-wheeling. The local marina offers speedboats, canoes and fishing boats for rent, while the village itself has an historic boardwalk lined with more than 60 shops, eateries, bars and art galleries.
Steamboat Lake State Park, Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Lake State Park is a favorite with Coloradoans and visitors alike, offering the chance to camp near the water as well as to go kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming and water skiing, while the surrounding mountains are ideal for hiking and biking, and all are framed by magnificent Hahn’s Peak. Not only are there lots of scenic campsites, but the marina offers watercraft rentals, there is a swimming beach, a visitor center, a camp store, gift shop, concessions, showers and more. Wildlife watchers can enjoy glimpses of red fox and mule deer, as well as a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl like the sandhill cranes that nest in the wetland areas. Camping is available year-round and includes traditional sites as well as camper cabins and even winter camping with electric outlets in the marina parking lot.
Mountain Park, Poudre Canyon
Mountain Park is one of the largest campgrounds in Poudre Canyon, home to Colorado’s only nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, which flows flows through the majestic cliffs and interesting rock formations that are dotted with pines, mountain mahogany, aspen and sage brush. Both the canyon and river offer a myriad of outdoor adventures, including whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, and biking. Watch for deer and bighorn sheep that navigate rocky peaks and boulders. The campground hosts a wide range of amenities, so much so it’s almost like a “camping resort.” It has horseshoe pits, a volleyball court, basketball court, a playground and showers. If you can score a spot along the Commanche Loop or the Crown Loop, you’ll have immediate access to the banks of the river where kids can splash around when the water is low, fishermen can cast their lines and you can enjoy the gurgling sounds of the water.
Little Molas Lake, San Juan National Forest
Little Molas Lake, located in the southwest corner of Colorado in the San Juan National Forest between Durango and Silverton, is a primitive campground that offers spectacular views of the glistening water and the surrounding jagged peaks of Snowdon, Grand Turk, Engineer and Twin Sister. With access to Andrews Lake, a high-altitude tarn stocked with rainbow and brook trout, the Colorado Trail and views from Molas Pass, it’s truly hard to beat. A scenic hike will bring you to a hidden waterfall in Cascade Canyon, and if you’re into rock climbing, there are plenty of opportunities too. Be aware that there are actually two campgrounds: Molas Lake and Little Molas Lake. The latter is the more remote and secluded, situated about a mile west of US Highway 550 on Molas Pass. There are 10 campsites, all of which include fire grates but there is nothing else in the way of amenities – no tables, no drinking water or trash service. This one is worth it for the especially tranquil, and breathtakingly scenic experience.
Chatfield State Park, Littleton
Chatfield State Park is just 45 minutes from Denver and is one of the metro area’s most popular destinations, thanks to the opportunity to play on the beach, take part in a wide range of water sports, hike barbecue, view wildlife and more. And, all can be enjoyed while soaking up views of the Rocky Mountain foothills. There are nearly 200 campsites, for both tents and RVs, and each one includes a picnic table, grill and is within walking distance of the water. On the 880-acre, surface of the water, you can kayak, fish, boat, paddleboard and canoe. If you don’t have your own watercraft, boat rentals are available. While on land, there are scenic trails for horseback riding, biking and hiking throughout the area. Facilities also include a marina, a restaurant, and even a model airplane field with paved runways, frequency posts and field regulations for radio-controlled aircraft.
Turquoise Lake Recreation Area, Leadville
Turquoise Lake is a recreation area in the San Isabel National Forest just outside of Leadville, the nation’s highest incorporated town. You’ll find thick evergreen forest, towering mountains and an 1,800-acre lake as well as eight campgrounds, all sitting at a crisp and cool 10,000-foot-high elevation. The lake offers boating and fishing, and on land, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking and four-wheeling. If you’re looking for a fairly easy hike or bike excursion, the 12-mile paved Mineral Belt Trail loop starts in downtown Leadville, just four miles east of the lake. The campgrounds offer both RV and tenting camping, with tent-only sites at Belle of Colorado. They’re all spread across the lake’s shoreline, most along the eastern shore. All include picnic tables, fire rings, toilets and drinking water.
Vallecito Revervoir, Vallecito
Vallecito Reservoir is located east of Durango in the southwest region of the state, and is one of Colorado’s few large reservoirs (along with Chatfield) that blends the joys of camping with the opportunity for an extensive array of water sports. There are a number of campgrounds around it, but if you’re looking for peace and quiet, head to the east side’s Old Timers or Graham Creek campgrounds which are less developed. Boating is especially popular here, as is fishing for German brown trout, rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon and northern pike. There are a number of hiking trails that can be easily accessed from the campsites, leading along streams and into the high country, including longer treks into the Weminuche Wilderness and short walks to scenic overlooks.
Rainbow Lakes Campground, Nederland
Rainbow Lakes Campground is located just a little over an hour from Denver near the small town of Nederland, but it offers the ultimate camping experience that feels as if it’s world’s away. The small, primitive campground is open to tents only, with 18 spacious sites all on a first come, first served basis. Each one includes a fire ring and picnic table, with vault toilets nearby. Campers also have easy access to the beautiful Rainbow Lakes Trail, a short trek that leads to a string of ponds that are known for exceptional fishing. By taking the Glacier Rim Trail up the ridge, you’ll discover an awe-inspiring overlook of Arapaho Glacier.
Thunder Ridge at Rampart Reservoir, Colorado Springs
Located just above Rampart Reservoir in the Pike National Forest near Colorado Springs, Thunder Ridge Campground offers an ideal base for fishing and boating on the water, which is stocked with fish by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, as well as hiking and biking in the surrounding mountains. It’s also a magnificent destination for flat-water kayaking and canoeing, and Pikes Peak creates a stunning backdrop. There are 21 sites, some with lake views, while wild roses, aspen and spruce trees dot the campground. It includes a boat launch ramp, dock, tables, grills, vault restrooms, waters, garbage service and picnic areas.
