DENVER — The three seasons Coloradoans look forward to (in order of importance): Broncos, ski, and camping.
And while the first two seasons have been somewhat disappointing (ahem — we’re looking at you, Broncos), there’s still time to plan for the sleeping-in-a-musty-tent-covered-in-a-thick-blanket-of-mosquito-spray season or what is better known as the summer camping season, which is upon us.
Colorado is home to the best campgrounds in the country, and according to Beyond The Tent, these are the best of the best:
1. The Crags – Colorado State Forest
2. Camp Dick – Boulder Range District
3. Guanella Pass Campground – Arapaho National Forest
4. Mueller State Park Campground – Pike National Forest
5. Dunton Hot Springs – Dolores
6. Turquoise Lake Recreation Area – San Isabel National Forest
7. Granite Tent Campground – Gunnison National Forest
But as many of us know, finding a spot to pitch a tent can be tricky. Camping sites fill up fast during the summer months. Bu there are alternatives.
If all other options fail, you can choose to camp on private land. Hipcamp.com connects campers to property owners. The Airnbnb-like service, which launched recently and operates in Colorado, lets you book ranches, farms, vineyards, nature preserves and public sites.
The site has several listings for the weekend.
However you decide to enjoy Colorado’s parks and forest land, officials remind you to:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Resources:
Colorado state Parks
National Parks
US Forest Service
How to camp