1. Arapaho Bay Campground
Arapaho Bay Campground is approximately 100 miles northwest of Denver. It is situated on Lake Granby and is part of the Arapaho National Recreational Area. The Rocky Mountains National Park lies to the north. There are 84 single and family-sized campsites, each with picnic tables and campfire rings. None of the campsites have electrical hookups. The campground is in a lodgepole pine forest and is open all year round. However, in winter months campers need to be self-sufficient as there are no toilet facilities or trash removal. Activities include swimming, boating, hiking and fishing for salmon and trout.
77 Arapaho Bay Rd, Granby, CO 80446
2. Aspen Glade Campground
Aspen Glade is part of the Rio Grande National Forest and is situated in southern Colorado, on the fast-flowing Conejos River. It is a quiet campground with active birdlife, bears, deer and elks. It has achieved Gold Medal status as a trout fishing destination. The large, quality trout are a drawcard for fly fishermen. There are 32 campsites, without electricity. Some are in a shaded area, lightly wooded with Ponderosa Pine trees. Others are among the spruce, aspen and fir trees. The scenic Forest Road 250 affords view of the Conejos River and Canyon. Nearby is the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad which traverses 64 miles of abandoned mining villages.
Aspen Glade Campground, 23750 State Highway 17, Antonito, Co 81120, Phone: 435-245-6521
3. Camp Dick
Camp Dick is a Civilian Conservation Camp that was set up in the 1930s and is part of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. It is situated in a glacial valley, on the banks of the Middle Sain Vrain Creek. The habitat is mixed conifer, aspen forest and open meadow. There are 20 campsites for tents and RVs, each with picnic tables and grills. It is a popular destination for fly fishermen, hikers and mountain bikers. The Rocky Mountain National Park is 25 miles away and there are several scenic drives in the area. The nearest town is Allenspark which has a restaurant and grocery store.
Lyons, CO 80540, Phone: 303-541-2500
Family-Friendly Campgrounds
4. Cascade Campground
Cascade Campground is in Chaffee County, near Cascade Falls, a mile west of Chalk Lake and five miles from a private hot springs resort. It is situated in a dense forest of Douglas firs and aspens, 9000 feet above sea level. There are fifteen 14000 foot mountains in the area. Stream fishing is best above the falls and Chalk Lake is a popular with anglers of all ages, for its brook, brown and rainbow trout stocks. There are 21 campsites, with picnic and ablution facilities, 8 of which are 'walk-up', first come, first serve sites. Nearby are off-road vehicle trails and the ghost town of St Elmo.
5575 Cleora Rd, Salida, Co 81201, Phone: 719-539-3591
5. Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Cheyenne Mountain State Park is 77 miles due south of Denver and is open all year round. There are 28 miles of hiking trails in the park, some of which are suitable for horse riding, mountain biking and walking pets. The Visitor Center hosts exhibits of the area and sells souvenirs and snacks. There are 51 full-serviced sites and 10 tent sites. Amenities, such as a playground, activity room, coin-operated showers and laundry operate only from mid-April to mid-October. Several ranger-led programs are scheduled to entertain younger campers. The annual 'Leave No Child Inside' program offers workshops, craft lessons, campfire activities and field trips.
410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, Phone: 719-576-2016
6. Crawford State Park
The 760 acre Crawford State Park was established in 1964 on the shores of the Crawford Reservoir. The 400 acre lake is a popular destination for camping, swimming, fishing and other water sports. Water-skiing, motor boating and jet skiing are typical summer weekend pursuits. Scuba diving is permitted anywhere that is safe with the proviso that a diving flag marks the spot. Two miles of trails, suitable for hiking, mountain biking and watching birds and wildlife, have been marked out. There are several ecosystems in the park, such as woodlands, sagebrush, grasslands and wetlands.
40468 Hwy 92, Crawford, Phone: 970-921-5721
7. Difficult Campground
Difficult Campground is situated in the White River National Forest, 5 miles southeast of Aspen, on Highway 82. Many people camp there in order to visit the city or to attend events there. It is also popular for excursions to Independence Pass, when it is open, and fly fishing in the Roaring Fork River. There are 45 single and double camping sites at an elevation of 8180 feet. Many of the sites are shaded by Aspens and some are situated on the river bank. There are more than 2000 miles of forest road and trails to explore.
900 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, Phone: 877-444-6777
Campgrounds for Couples
8. Jefferson Creek Campground
Jefferson Creek is a pleasant fishing destination, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. The campsite is at 10000 feet above sea level, on a ridge overlooking the creek. It is close to Jefferson Lake which is renowned for its trout stocks. From here, hikers have access to the 471 mile Colorado Trail that runs from Denver to Durango. The local West Jefferson Loop Trail is 11 miles long. The South Park City open air museum is close by. There are 44 buildings and 60000 artifacts to see in this former mining town, depicting life from 1860 to 1910.
Jefferson Creek Campground, Co Rd 37, Breckenridge, CO 80424, Phone: 719-748-3619
9. Lathrop State Park
Lathrop State Park was established in 1962 and was Colorado's first state park. It is close to the New Mexico border, approximately 170 miles dues south of Denver, in the shadow of the Spanish Peaks. There are two lakes in the park. The warm water Martin Lake has a beach and is popular with swimmers. Horseshoe Lake is known for tiger muskie fishing but there are several other species to be caught including rainbow trout, bass and catfish. Lathrop is the only state park with a golf course. There is a restaurant at the course. There are 103 campsites, some with electrical hookups.
70 Country Road 502, Walsenburg, Phone: 719-738-2376
10. May Queen
May Queen is situated at the western end of Turquoise Lake, about 100 miles southwest of Denver. It is situated in a shaded lodgepole pine forest, at 9900 feet above sea level, with panoramic views of the lake and the Holy Cross and Mount Massive Wilderness areas. The Turquoise Lake Trail is 6.4 km long and runs parallel to the shoreline. A variety of plant and animal species can be seen along the way, possibly chipmunks, beavers and porcupines. There are remnants of mining activity evident along the trail. The Timberline Lake trailhead is close by, with access to the Colorado Trail.
810 Front Street, Leadville, Co 80461, Phone: 719-486-0749
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