Colorado has some of the best skiing, fishing, hiking, and kayaking in the world. There are also world-class museums, amusement parks, and national park sites found in the state, making it a great place for an RV trip.
One of the best ways to experience it all is by RV camping in Colorado. Camping gives you a chance to truly experience the state’s natural beauty. You can have a campsite with a view, watch the sunrise, and hit the trail without ever getting in your car.
But there are some things to know about RV camping in Colorado before you begin. This guide will help you understand the ins and outs of camping in this amazing state so you can have the best trip possible.
- Finding Campgrounds
- Preparing for RV Camping
- Considerations for Camping in Colorado
- Planning Your Itinerary
- Exploring Outdoor Activities
- Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
- Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Colorado
Finding Campgrounds
Now it’s time to find the perfect campground for your Colorado RV camping trip. Fortunately, Colorado is home to all kinds of campgrounds. From luxury RV parks to rustic campgrounds in the woods to urban campgrounds, there truly is something for every type of RVer in this state.
Because Colorado is such an outdoorsy state, you’ll want to make sure to make reservations soon after you decide on your plans.
Exploring Public Campgrounds in Colorado
Colorado has lots of public camping options. They tend to be more rustic, with fewer amenities but also a lower cost (sometimes no cost at all!) They include national and state park campgrounds, boondocking areas in national forests, and other campgrounds on public lands.
National Park Camping
Colorado is home to four national parks. They are:
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
All four are unique and worth visiting. All of the Colorado national parks have onsite camping, although campgrounds do fill up quickly. If the park you want is full, you might try boondocking or booking a private campground outside of the park.
National Forest Camping
Colorado national forests are a fantastic option for those who don’t mind roughing it. There are a total of 11 amazing national forests in Colorado where you will find campgrounds and dispersed camping sites.
State Park Camping
State park camping in Colorado is a nice mix of amenities and rustic camping in nature. Mueller State Park‘s campground is an excellent choice. This place offers some incredible views of the Rocky Mountains, campsites with hookups, and easy access to outdoor recreation.
Other great Colorado state parks include Trinidad State Park and State Forest State Park.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Camping
Colorado Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and dispersed camping sites are a lesser-known option. Generally speaking, BLM campsites do not offer many amenities, but they tend to be in beautiful places.
There is tons of BLM land in Colorado and all of it is fantastic and great for exploring!
Exploring Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
If you prefer more amenities and a glamping experience, Colorado’s private campgrounds might be a better option.
The Views RV Park and Campground is one of our top picks. As the name suggests, this beautiful campground features amazing views. You’ll appreciate the large RV sites with hookups, laundry facilities, and bathhouses with showers.
We also love Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains. This is the perfect home base for those who want to explore Rocky Mountain National Park, and the top-notch amenities are hard to beat.
Boondocking in Colorado
Those who want free camping or want to try dry camping can look for boondocking in Colorado. Some fantastic options include the dispersed camping in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, as well as the boondocking options at Penrose Common Recreation Area.
Preparing for RV Camping
You will need to do some prep work in order to ensure your Colorado camping trip goes smoothly. You’ll want to start by making sure you have the right RV. You’ll also want to pack that RV with all the right stuff.
Choosing the Right RV for Your Needs
The right rental RV for you might not be the right RV for someone else. You might even find your preference changing from one trip to the next. Colorado is RV-friendly, but some mountain passes can be a challenge for larger rigs. There are a few passes that prohibit them altogether. You’ll want to keep any length restrictions in mind when booking your rig.
You’ll also want to think about whether you prefer a driveable or a towable rig. If you choose a trailer, you’ll want to make sure you have the right truck to tow a trailer. Also consider how many beds you’ll need, and whether you want amenities like larger showers, a kitchen, or other perks.
Packing Essentials for a Successful Trip
With the right RV picked out, the next step is to start packing. Obviously, you will need the usual clothing and toiletries, but your packing list will change depending on what you plan to do in the state. We have packing lists for a variety of occasions so you can see what you’ll need.
Along with the items on the packing list, make sure to pack sunscreen for any time of the year. Colorado’s elevation and the 300+ days of sun the state gets make it easy to get burned even on frigid days. You’ll want at least one water bottle, and a sun hat in summer or a warm beanie in winter.
Also, weather in Colorado can change quickly. It’s best to bring a day pack on your outings and pack lots of layers to add and subtract as needed.
Considerations for Camping in Colorado
The mountain passes are one thing to keep in mind when RVing in Colorado, but they aren’t the only thing you’ll need to consider. You’ll also want to make sure you’re following traffic laws. If you’re visiting in winter, keep an eye on the weather in case of incoming storms.
In Colorado, rigs can be a total of 75 feet long (including tow vehicle), but no longer than that. Trailers and motorhomes should not be more than 45 feet long, and no RV should be more than 8.5 feet wide and 14.5 feet high. You’ll also need a safety chain and breakaway switch on any trailer you pull, as well as brakes on any trailer that weighs more than 3,000 pounds.
Colorado also has a chain law for parts of I-70 that requires passenger vehicles to have snow tires, all-wheel or four-wheel drive, or to carry chains from Sept. 1 through May 31.
Planning Your Itinerary
Next on the to-do list: planning your RV camping in Colorado itinerary. Whether you’re exploring Denver or going on a mountain hike, you’re sure to have an awesome time!
Features and Attractions in Colorado
First things first, we highly recommend driving on Colorado’s scenic byways. This will give you a chance to see a lot of the beautiful vistas without much effort. San Juan Skyway and Peak to Peak are two excellent choices.
While you’re out exploring, be sure to stop and see landmarks like The Stanley Hotel, Pikes Peak, and Garden of the Gods. National monuments like Dinosaur National Monument and Colorado National Monument are also sure to make your trip more exciting.
Festivals, Fairs, and Events in Colorado
What about adding some Colorado events to your itinerary? Planning your trip around a festival, concert, or other event is an excellent way to add an extra layer of fun to the whole adventure.
Some of the best annual events in Colorado include the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, the Denver Underground Music Showcase, and the Great American Beer Festival.
Exploring Outdoor Activities
You’ll want to spend a good chunk of your trip enjoying the amazing natural beauty of the state. Fortunately, there are tons of places to do this, and many different recreational opportunities await.
You can give skiing or snowboarding a try if you visit during the winter. During the warmer months, try some of the options below.
Hiking, Biking and Nature Trails
Hiking and biking are great ways to immerse yourself in nature in this amazing state. We love these options when visiting national parks and state parks, but honestly, you’ll find great trails around every corner in Colorado.
Some of the best hiking trails in Colorado include:
And for biking, try one of these trails:
- Maxwell Falls Trail
- Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Trails
- Evergreen Mountain Trail
- Horsetooth Falls and Horsetooth Rock Trail
- Palmer Trail
Fishing, Boating, and Water Activities
Water adds more fun to every trip, and Colorado has lots of great lakes and rivers for recreation. The fishing in Colorado is top-notch, especially in the Animas and Dolores Rivers. Lakeside beaches are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Meanwhile, many people enjoy exploring the state’s waterfalls.
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
With so many natural areas around, it should come as no surprise that the wildlife viewing is wonderful in Colorado. You might see bighorn sheep, moose, elk, bears, and a host of smaller animals like pikas and marmots.
Rocky Mountain National Park is a great place to see animals in Colorado. You’ll also probably see some animal friends at Alamosa and Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuges, as well as Pawnee National Grassland.
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
Taking the kids along? There are lots of great family-friendly attractions in Colorado. Whether you’re headed to Grand Junction, Estes Park, Thornton, or somewhere else entirely, you’ll find fun ways to make memories with your little travelers.
Historical Sites and Museums
Visiting historic sites is a great way to add an educational element to your trip. At Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site you can learn about the trading post that was a popular stop in the mid-1800s. At Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, you’ll find out more about a sobering event in Colorado’s history. Yucca House National Monument is one of the biggest archaeological sites in Colorado.
You could also some museums to your itinerary. Colorado has tons of awesome museums, including some hands-on options.
Some of our favorite Colorado museums include:
- The Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- The Denver Art Museum
- Children’s Museum of Denver
- Wings Over the Rockies Museum
- History Colorado Center
Amusement Park, Zoos, and Wildlife Refuges
Of course, we have to mention Colorado amusement parks! Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a unique amusement park that mixes outdoor recreation and amusement park fun. Other great options include Royal Gorge Bridge and Park and Elitch Gardens. Looking to cool off? Head to Water World or Pirate’s Cove Family Fun Aquatic Park.
Zoos are also a great pick when visiting Colorado with kids. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs is a fun pick, as is the Denver Zoo. Those who love water animals will appreciate the Downtown Aquarium in Denver, and gator fanatics will adore the Colorado Gators and Reptile Park in Mosca.
Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Colorado
Although you’re planning a fun trip, you’ll still want to keep safety in mind. From weather to hiking risks, here’s how to stay safe in the Centennial State.
Weather Conditions and Natural Disaster Preparedness
It’s no secret that Colorado has lots of mountains. This means you will want to make sure your rig is equipped to make climbs and descents. Ensure your truck is rated to tow your trailer, check the brakes on your rig, and learn some tips on driving mountain passes. It’s also important to stay hydrated and give yourself time to adjust in case altitude sickness is a problem for you.
You probably already know that Colorado can see some blizzards in the winter, especially on the Eastern Plains. If you plan to RV camp in the winter, know about upcoming storms and have an emergency kit with things like extra food and water, emergency blankets, and extra propane. If you’ll be driving out of the state during winter, check weather apps and alerts frequently so you can drive in clear weather.
Colorado also gets tornados in the summer. In fact, Weld County, Colorado is the most tornado-prone county in the U.S. Make sure you download weather apps if you’re camping in an area with tornadoes, and set the apps up to deliver push alerts. You’ll also want an emergency bag with flashlights, a radio, and food and water. Also, know where the nearest tornado shelter is in case you need it.
Wildlife Encounters and Precautions
Colorado’s wild animals tend to be found in natural areas where one might be camping, hiking, or enjoying other types of outdoor recreation. They can include black bears, mountain lions, and more.
In order to protect yourself, always give wild animals their distance. If an animal is hurt, call in professional help rather than attempting to help them yourself. It’s also smart to make plenty of noise when hiking so bears and other animals hear you coming and avoid you. Of course, bear spray could prove useful as well, but carry it with caution. Use the “Rule of Thumb” when looking at wild animals – extend your arm straight out in front of you, giving a “thumbs up.” You should be able to cover the entire animal with your thumb. If you can’t, you’re too close!
You’ll also want to carry a basic first aid kit while hiking, and be aware of potential lightning storms or other weather hazards while you’re hiking.
