10 favorite summer campgrounds

A campsite in Penitente Canyon provides easy access to rock climbing and mountain biking. Angela Lee climbs a route called Black is Beautiful on Jan. 14, 2021.

Helen H. Richardson, Denver Post file

Try these 10 favorite Colorado campgrounds

By R. Scott Rappold Special to The Denver Post

Colorado has tens of thousands of campsites scattered across 8.3 million acres of public land. But anyone who has spent time traversing our mountains knows that all campgrounds are not created equal. Some are cramped or lacking in nearby hikes and surrounding scenery or are right next to roads and highways, a far cry from the immersive wilderness experience. And then there are the gems, places so special they’ll reward the extra drive from the Front Range with majestic mountain scenery, serene alpine lakes or scenic day hikes.

first-served sites and you’ll be rolling in on a Friday afternoon, have a backup plan in case the campground is full, which is often the case on summer weekends. While most of these campgrounds have RV sites, none has an RV hookup, so if you’re looking for electricity you’ll want to try one of the many private campgrounds around the state.

If you’re looking to get away from everyone else, remember that most BLM and Forest Service land is open to dispersed camping. Follow the Leave No Trace principles and leave the area better than you found it.

Alvarado Campground

Mattie, a shepherd-border collie mix, looks northwest from a saddle on Trinchera Peak above Bear Lake Campground near Cuchara. Dena Rosenberry, The Denver Post

CAMPING

«FROM 21W

valleys to stunning remote lakes and basins. This campground sits on the edge of the wilderness in a sweet-smelling pine and aspen forest bisected by a babbling brook, an ideal base camp for a few days of exploring the mountains by foot, horse or even dirt bike (on the Rainbow Trail, not in the wilderness). While you’re there: Take a hike on the Comanche-Venable loop, one of the greatest loop day hikes in the wilderness, past several lakes and across the Phantom Terrace, a steep ledge not recommended for those with a fear of heights. Season: May 13-Oct. 9 Campsites: 50, nine of which are RV accessible Reservable: Yes, though 13 sites are first-come, first-served Fee: $24 per night Drinking water: Yes Restrooms: Yes

Amphitheater Campground

Uncompahgre National Forest

Ouray, in southwest Colorado, is one of the state’s prettiest towns. It sits in an area known as the “American Alps” for its jagged peaks and iconic box canyons. This campground is on the side of a mountain just above town, a perfect location for a few days of enjoying these mountains by foot or off-highway-vehicle. Most of the sites have stunning views of Mount Sneffels, one of Colorado’s most beautiful 14,000-foot peaks. While you’re there: If off-roading is your thing (not to mention breathtaking drop-offs), take the rig over 13,114-foot Imogene Pass, the second-highest drivable pass in Colorado. Hikers will delight in a trip up the Bear Creek National Recreation Trail, following a former mining road that will make you appreciate the hardy miners of yesteryear. And be sure to wrap up your trip with a visit to one of the many hot springs in the area. Season: May 6-Sept. 30 Campsites: 35 Reservable: Yes, though 15 sites are first-come, first-served Fee: $26 per night Drinking water: Yes Restrooms: Yes

Bear Lake Campground

eas of the state, highlighted by the namesake peaks that dominate the view. This pretty campground is just a few miles from the old ski town of Cuchara. It features a gorgeous lake that’s popular among anglers and hiking trails right from your campsite. While you’re there: Cast your line in the namesake lake or take the gentle hike around the perimeter. Or you can enjoy Indian Creek Trail right from the campground. Season: May 13-Oct. 9 Campsites: 14 Reservable: Yes, though seven sites are first-come, first-served Fee: $23 per night Drinking water: Yes Restrooms: Yes

Camp Hale Memorial Campground

White River National Forest

During World War II the 10th Mountain Division trained for winter warfare in this valley north of Leadville, known as Camp Hale, learning to ski and fight in frigid conditions. You can enjoy it in summer, camping near the site of their training grounds. While you’re there: Tour the former camp. Most of the buildings are gone but you can imagine what life was like for these hardy mountain troopers who saw fierce combat in Italy. Some of the men would go on to found much of Colorado’s ski industry. Season: May 27-Oct. 1 Campsites: 21 Reservable: All sites are reservable Fee: $22 per night Drinking water: No Restrooms: Yes

Hidden Valley Campground

Gunnison National Forest

Most people who visit Lake City come to climb the fourteeners, fish or boat Lake San Cristobal, or drive the famous four-wheel-drive Alpine Loop. It gets crowded. But drive up Slumgullion Pass and turn on Forest Road 788 and you’ll find quiet and solitude among the many free campgrounds that line Cebolla Creek. This primitive tent campground is the prettiest, tucked in a steep valley and barely visible from the road. Don’t fret if it’s full, there are several more campgrounds along this route. While you’re there: Take a hike up the Cannibal Plateau Trail. It was here in 1874 that Alferd Packer and his companions became snowbound and cannibalism ensued. Don’t forget to pack a lunch. Season: June-September Campsites: 7 Reservable: No Fee: No fee Drinking water: No Restrooms: Yes

Lost Park Campground

Pike National Forest

The Tarryall Mountains — the chain of green peaks and wild rock formations south of U.S. 285 near Jefferson — are often overlooked by Front Range campers bound for more dramatic mountains. But this area, encompassed by Lost Creek Wilderness, offers some of the best hikes within an easy drive of the cities. This campground on the west side is at 10,000 feet elevation and therefore makes a great launching point for explorations. While you’re there: Take a stroll on the Wigwam Trail, which takes a mellow CAMPING » 24W The dark skies in the valley near Lake City in the San Juan Mountains. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post

course through lovely mountain meadows. For a more strenuous hike follow the Brookside-McCurdy Trail to the summit of 12,000-foot Bison Peak, the high point of the wilderness. Season: May-first snowfall Campsites: 12, with a maximum trailer length of 22 feet Reservable: No Fee: $15 Drinking water: Yes Restrooms: Yes

Moraine Park Campground

Rocky Mountain National Park

It’s not often I’d recommend a campground that has more than 200 sites, but this is the best base camp for a few days of exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. The campground is in a scenic valley teeming with elk and deer, with sites far enough apart to not feel crowded. While you’re there: Drive Trail Ridge Road. This paved road (open in summer only) rises high above timberline and offers a great chance to experience roaming the tundra for those who maybe don’t have the time or ability to take a long hike. And there are hikes galore. Season: Jan. 1-Oct. 11 Campsites: 244 Reservable: Required for the summer 2022 Fee: $30 per night Drinking water: Yes Restrooms: Yes

O’Haver Lake Campground

San Isabel National Forest

It’s not often you can camp next to a lake without trekking into the backcountry, but this campground on Marshall Pass south of Poncha Springs provides that experience. With campsites in a pleasant pine and aspen forest and great views of Mount Ouray, it’s a great place to while away a few days and enjoy some fishing or boating. While you’re there: Cast your line into the 15-acre lake or paddle around in a canoe or kayak. Season: May 27-Sept. 5 Campsites: 31 Reservable: Yes, though 10 are firstcome, first-served Fee: $24 per night Drinking water: Yes Restrooms: Yes

Oh Be Joyful Campground

BLM, Crested Butte

The name says it all. It’s hard not to be joyful when recreating in the gorgeous mountains around Crested Butte. This camping area is along the Slate River, a From left, friends from Iowa State University Amanda Brown, Ashley VanDer Hart and Krystina Schouten prepare food in 2011 at their campsite at Moraine Park Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park. RJ Sangosti, Denver Post file

You don’t have to trek into the backcountry to set up your tent and enjoy the beauty at O’Haver Lake Campground on Marshall

Pass. R. Scott Rappold, Special to The Denver Post

shallow waterway you can walk or drive across except during high flows. Cross the river for the most remote campsites. It’s an ideal base camp for adventures in the majestic Elk Mountains. While you’re there: Take a hike on the Oh Be Joyful Trail (starting in the campground), which leads past amazing waterfalls into a lovely mountain basin. Or take a bike ride into Crested Butte, the mountain-biking capital of Colorado, for lunch. Serious mountain bikers should be sure to ride the 401 Trail, one of those scenic trails you’ll think about for years afterward. (See local bikers’ recommendations for other trails in the area on pages 11-15.) Season: May 27-Sept. 30 Campsites: 30 Reservable: Yes, all sites Fee: $10 per night Drinking water: Yes Restrooms: Yes

Penitente Canyon

BLM, San Luis Valley

Lest you rock climbers think I forgot about you. This unique area in the San Luis Valley is home to steep canyons reminiscent of the desert Southwest, with more than 300 bolted climbing routes. The campground itself offers sites among the rocks and cliffs as well as sites with great views of the valley and the distant Sangre de Cristo Mountains. While you’re there: If rock climbing isn’t your thing, the area also offers great mountain biking trails, including the Blue Sky Loop, with just enough technical terrain to get your heart pumping. Hikers can enter the heart of the steep canyons on other trails. Season: Year-round Campsites: 17 Reservable: Yes Fee: $11 per night, $20 for group sites Drinking water: No Restrooms: Yes

R. Scott Rappold, based in the San Luis Valley, has been writing about the outdoors for nearly 20 years.