June is National Camping Month! Camping is one of our favorite activities, whether with friends, family, or even solo. It is a perfect way to connect with nature, as well as provide some much-needed change of scenery from the hustle and bustle of daily life. But, where should you set up your RV or tent for a bit of summer adventure? We’re here to help, with some of the top spots in Colorado!
Estes Park
As the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park offers lots of outdoor recreation activities for the warmer seasons - hiking, climbing, bird-watching, swimming, and more! In addition, Estes Park is a busy little town with over 200 shops and restaurants that you can enjoy during your visit. Need to stock up before your grand adventure? Or, do you need a break from hiking food, ready for a full, hot meal? Pop into downtown Estes Park to find the gear you need. There, you can also indulge in the sights and smells of freshly cooked meats and veggies from your standard-fare sandwiches all the way to wagyu beef or bison steaks! And, remember to pick up some of their delicious, hand-crafted taffy while you’re at it.
Top spots to bed down in Estes Park:
- Elk Meadow Lodge/RV Park: Offers easy access to the national park and a mix of family-friendly amenities, including miniature golf, an adults beverages bar, a heated swimming pool and hot tub, a playground, and a game room.
- Manor RV Park: Manor RV Park offers panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains surrounded by babbling streams, towering cottonwoods, and curious wildlife, with nightly, weekly, monthly, and summer spaces available.
What to See Nearby: Rocky Mountain National Park | Stanley Hotel | Eldora Mountain Resort
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is home to more than 50 family-friendly attractions, which are sure to keep vacationers of all ages and preferences occupied. This area is known for its stunning beauty and plenty of hiking spots, from the infamous Manitou Incline to the gorgeous Garden of the Gods with its famous red sandstone rock formations.
Top spots to bed down in Colorado Springs:
- Colorado Springs KOA: Fountain Creek-front sites with patios, grills, and chimineas. A convenience store, laundry, and Wi-Fi keep you as connected as you want to be in a Colorado RV park.
- Pikes Peak RV Park: In nearby Manitou Springs, this park is situated in the shadow of the iconic mountain, Pikes Peak.
What to See Nearby: Pikes Peak | Garden of the Gods | Seven Falls | Manitou Springs | The Manitou Incline | Cheyenne Mountain State Park | Cripple Creek | Royal Gorge
Ridgway State Park
After just one glance at the sweeping views of jutting peaks, lush forests, and sparkling, blue waters, you’ll know why the nearby town of Ouray is nicknamed the “Switzerland of America.” Ridgway State Park’s reservoir, which is 5 miles long, is a popular place for wakeboarding, waterskiing, windsurfing, and boating. The park also features volleyball courts, sandy beaches, 14 miles of hiking trails, and nearly 90 picnicking sites.
Top spots to bed down in Ridgway State Park:
- Dakota Terraces Campground: This is the only campground in the park that offers year-round RV camping sites with electrical hookups, shared water, and a dump station.
What to See Nearby: Box Cañon Falls | Ouray Hot Springs Pool | Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Roosevelt National Forest
Escape the crowds and experience the rugged wilderness of Roosevelt National Forest, where rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing await you. Here, you can also find Cache La Poudre River, Colorado’s only designated National Wild and Scenic River - perfect for a peaceful afternoon of fly-fishing or an action-packed rafting trip down the Class IV rapids.
Top spots to bed down in Roosevelt National Forest:
- Fort Collins Lakeside KOA: Located less than an hour away in LaPorte, this park includes electrical hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and a swimming pool.
What to See Nearby:
Cache La Pudre River | James Peak Wilderness Area | Hidee Gold Mine | Carousel of Happiness | Nederland Mining Museum
Glenwood Springs and Glenwood Canyon
Glenwood Springs, near Glenwood Canyon, has some of the most fabulous camping experiences in the perfect Rocky Mountain setting! Sitting within the Rocky Mountains, this cute little area is known for its hot springs, wildlife, and sparkling, turquoise lakes.
Top spots to bed down in Glenwood Canyon:
- Glenwood Canyon Resort: With private cabins, RV spots, and camping areas, you can rest however you want at the end of a long day. Visitors enjoy on-site rafting, zip-lining, fly-fishing, bar & grill, canyon bike path access.
- Ami's Acres Campground: Family-owned and operated since 1972, Ami’s Acres is a family-friendly spot with RV and tent sites plus basic amenities.
Chatfield State Park
When visitors see Chatfield's beautiful rolling foothills, expansive reservoir, and abundant wildlife, they can't believe the park is located just outside the Denver metro area. Out on the Chatfield trails, you can escape the hum-drum gym by taking a morning jog, exploring the reservoir, biking through the park, or riding a horse into the sunset.
Top spots to bed down in Chatfield State Park:
- Chatfield State Park: You can camp right on-site, within the park itself. With over 190 sites that include electricity, group picnic areas, and a dump station, the amenities suffice. Reservations are required, so it is best to finalize your plans and call/schedule ahead.
- Flying Saucer RV Park: Just about 20 minutes outside of Chatfield State Park, the Flying Saucer offers a quieter alternative lodging option. With over 18 riverfront acres in the metropolitan Denver area, this RV park is the ideal base of exploration for the many exciting natural treasures in central Colorado.
Jellystone Park Larkspur – #1 for Kids!
Situated on a bluff overlooking spectacular views, Jellystone Park is a Yogi Bear-themed, family-oriented, pet-friendly private RV park and campground located halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs. This award-winning park offers 100 acres of spectacular scenery with a wide selection of spacious lodging options that include full hookup RV sites and upscale cabin rentals.
Some of the family-friendly amenities include:
- Basketball, sand volleyball, and pickleball courts
- Swimming pools and fitness center
- Playground
- Outdoor kitchen stations
- Restaurant and bar
Are you planning a Colorado excursion this summer? If so, some of these spots may be prime candidates for your stay! Of course, this short list is not inclusive of every RV park in Colorado. However, it represents some of the very best in the area. At the end of your adventurous day, whether you are looking west to the mountain-crested sunsets or east to the wide expanse of prairie, you will find that same Colorado effect - breathtaking.
We at WK Real Estate want to wish you the happiest of times during this season. If there is anything we can help you with, please don't hesitate to contact us.