Great Places for Family Camping in Colorado
Colorado has a vast wilderness that’s just waiting for you to start exploring it. From meadows to gorgeous mountains and lakes, there are all sorts of terrains to match anyone’s preferences.
However, the addition of children can complicate things when it comes to camping. Experienced campers have DIY hacksup their sleeve that can help them in any unpredictable situation, which is useful when you bring the kids.
But you can also make your life easier by choosing a family-friendly place in Colorado to camp. Here are some ideas.
Moraine Park, Rocky Mountain National Park
If you want a Rocky Mountain National Park experience, the Moraine Park Campground might be the right spot for you and your family. That’s because this site is quite well-established, and it offers all the amenities a family might need.
You can reach it through the Estes Park entrance, but it’s also near the Beaver Meadows Entrance. The view is beautiful, with dreamy meadows and strong mountains. You can rest in the shade of tall Douglas fir and different types of pine and enjoy the pleasant smell of the trees.
Both tent and RV camping are available, but bear in mind that the site can get crowded in summer during the peak season.
Green Mountain Reservoir, White River National Forest
Green Mountain Reservoir gives you plenty of different opportunities for an adventurous stay in nature. There are seven campsites to choose from, but wild camping is also an option. No matter which spot you choose to pitch your tent, you’ll have a magnificent view of the lake.
That said, apart from standard camping activities — hiking, picnicking, biking — you can also enjoy the water-based ones, such as swimming, paddling, boating, etc.
Bear in mind that the majority of campsites are first-come, first-serve. The place offers a sense of remoteness, but there’s also a shop nearby if you forget anything.
Turquoise Lake Recreation Area, Leadville
Turquoise Lake near Leadville is a beautiful man-made reservoir, and it’s quite popular among families. No dispersed camping is available around it, but there are around 300 campsites with all the necessary amenities, including drinkable water, toilets, and tables.
You can bike, hike, ride a horse, do water activities, and much more here. The campsites on this lake are quite popular, so make sure to make a reservation a couple of days in advance.
Turquoise Lake is also great for those who like fishing. There’s a variety of trout species you can roast on your campfire. The crystal clear water will induce a sense of calm and help you reset from everyday life.
Dolores River Campground, Dolores
Dolores River is a privately owned campground, and the family that runs it — the Beyhans — are dedicated to making everyone’s stay as fun and comfortable as possible. The Dolores River runs through the campground, and there’s also a fishing pond.
The best thing about this campground is that it offers several quite unique lodging options. They include cabins and yurts, but also vintage trailers and Conestoga wagons for a genuine Wild West feel.
Of course, there are also sites where you can pitch your own tent or park your RV. The campground is equipped with all the amenities, and it offers all the standard camping activities.
Cub Creek Primitive Campsite, Cub Lake
If you’re an adventurous family with some camping experience behind you, you might want to experience the Rocky Mountain National Park from the backcountry. Cub Creek is near Cub Lake, and it’s a two-mile hike starting from the Moraine Park Road trailhead. This is a perfect opportunity for some backpacking with your kids.
The beautiful, pristine mountain lake is covered in gentle lily pads in summer, which is quite a sight to behold. The campsite is great for bird-watching and observing other animals in their natural habitat.
If you want to spend the night here, you need to obtain a backcountry permit. This camping adventure may be better suited for teens.
Arrowhead Point Campground, Buena Vista
Arrowhead Point is a great base for adventures in the Arkansas River Headwaters area. The biggest draw of this campground is its location, which is convenient for exploring numerous attractions around, such as Royal Gorge, Colorado Springs, and Pikes Peaks.
You should choose this campground if you’re an active family looking for an active camping trip. There’s so much you can do around here, from fishing and rafting to horseback riding and ATV touring.
It’s another privately owned campground that offers all the amenities you may need for a comfortable stay in nature with your kids.
Mountain Park, Fort Collins
Mountain Park Campground is on the banks of the Cache la Poudre River near Highway 14. It’s nestled in a forest of pine trees and surrounded by meadows and mountains. Apart from biking, hiking, and similar camp activities, you can also try rafting and fishing on the river. There are even basketball and volleyball courts, a playground, and horseshoe pits on the premises.
The camp offers all the amenities a family may need, including tent pads, coin showers, electricity hookups, and more. You shouldn’t be worried about the temperature drops at night either, as the campground is not that high up.
Camp Dick Campground, Roosevelt National Forest
Camp Dick makes for a great mid-summer retreat in nature. The campground sits on the banks of the Middle Saint Vrain Creek and is surrounded by aspen and conifer forests as well as an open meadow.
Be prepared though because the campground doesn’t have amenities such as showers and electrical hookups. However, there’s no need to worry as Allenspark (town) is very close to the campground, and it has a restaurant and a grocery store.
The place is great for fly-fishing, biking, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing among other activities.
These are just some ideas to get you inspired to pack up your backpacks and pick a spot on the map to go on a camping adventure with your family. Colorado certainly has plenty to offer, and camping is one of the best activities you can do with your kids.
