7 Best Colorado State Parks To Go Camping
Colorado is a state that is world-famous for its connection to nature. The state sits right along the always stunning Rocky Mountains and is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire United States. It is no wonder that many consider Colorado a Mecca for any outdoor lover looking to get a real experience in the great outdoors. As the summer months drag on, millions of people from Colorado and the surrounding states flood into the nearby countryside, hoping to get a firsthand look at the world-renowned landscape. Thankfully Colorado hosts some of the best state parks in the nation, all of which offer top-notch camping and other outdoor activities.
Chatfield State Park
Chatfield has just about everything anyone could ask for in a state park. The park grounds are well-kept, and the park staff are more than welcoming and helpful to new arrivals. The park is just south of Denver and easily accessible by car. There are endless things to do at Chatfield too. The park sits right along a small lake, so boating and swimming are commonplace here. The beach is also a great place to soak in some sun or dip in the water to cool off.
Being so close to Denver has made Chatfield one of the more popular destinations during the summer. If you want to camp and spend the night here, you will need to call ahead to make reservations for yourself and anyone else accompanying you. The short phone call is certainly worth it; each campsite is spacious and can fit quite a few people.
Rifle Gap State Park
Rifle Gap Park sits right along a large reservoir that can be used for fishing, sailing, and other watersports. This park is remote compared to Chatfield and will be a much more authentic camping experience if that is what you want. While most people visit here during the summer, camping in Rifle Gap is open all year round. When the snow inevitably arrives, activities like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and hunting all become popular.
The park does take reservations, but you won't likely need to make any. There are 89 campsites in the park in total, and they are not frequently visited, especially in the winter. If you are lucky, you might only encounter a handful of people while there.
Ridgeway State Park
Located in southwestern Colorado, Ridgeway Park might have some of the best views of any park on this list. The park is tucked away at the San Juan Mountains' base and provides visitors with some truly breathtaking views.
Most people visit Ridgeway Park to hike into the nearby hills to get a better view of the mountains and the reservoir at the bottom of the valley. These vantage points make it the perfect place to observe local wildlife and a hotspot for birdwatchers. Camping here is available all year, but its busiest months are between April and October. Staying overnight will require a reservation, but it should not be too much of a hassle. If you go early in the busy months, then you should have no issue finding a place for your tent or RV.
Roxborough State Park
Roxborough State Park is filled with some of the most amazing and spectacular rock formations on the planet. Much of the park is dominated by towering red rock mountains and hills that jut directly into the sky. These jagged behemoths are a good reminder of how diverse and varied Colorado's ecosystems are. There is much more to the state than just the odd evergreen forest or quiet mountainside lake.
Officially, camping here is not permitted at Roxborough, but that does not stop many from doing it. It is never a good idea to break the law, but a good way around these guidelines is to camp just outside of the park grounds and hike in in the morning. There are tons of campsites and lodges in the surrounding area that are more than welcome to take those not willing to risk upsetting the park rangers at Roxborough.
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Just south of Boulder and west of Denver is one of Colorado's best parks. It is often considered a perfect day trip for those staying in Boulder, but it can also be a great place to go camping as well. Much like Roxborough, camping is not allowed on park grounds in Eldorado. That being said, there are still tons of campsites in the surrounding area. Most people spend the night around the park borders and then march their way in when the sun comes up.
Walking around the park might be the best way to explore the area anyways. Eldorado Park is infamously hard to get a vehicle through and you need to pay for a vehicle pass if you plan to drive through the park grounds.
Steamboat Lake State Park
As the name would suggest, this park's main attraction is the crystal clear lake that sits in the middle of it. The typical water activities, such as boating and fishing, are some things you can expect to see and do while out here.
Steamboat Lake is incredibly popular, considering its relatively remote location in northern Colorado. The park has a strict no-show policy and will not think twice about selling off your campsite if you arrive late to your reservation. If you think you will need more time to make your reservation make sure to call ahead and let them know. The campsites here are great. They are usually very clear and private. There are also cabins available if you do not want to pull out all of your camping equipment from your garage or dread the gas prices that come with taking an RV.
Boyd Lake State Park
You can find Boyd Lake just a short trip south of Fort Collins. This park has long been the place to go during the summer months to enjoy a day out on the water. Kayaking and water skiing are some of the most popular activities here.
Many locals bring their boats to one of the many boat launches here and bask in the warm afternoon sun. Being so close to a city, there is no ban on motorized watercraft or anything like that either. However, bringing a vehicle into the park will cost you a $10 fee. The campsites here are designed with RVs and other vehicles in find but are spacious enough to allow a tent or two to fit on the nearby grassy areas.
Colorado is one of the most beautiful parts of the United States. Despite having large megacities such as Denver, most of the state remains very close to nature and its roots as an outdoor enthusiast paradise. If you ever get the chance to stop by any of these fantastic locations, make sure you do so and book your spot there quickly. Reservations can fill up fast, and you would not want to miss out on what could be an experience of a lifetime.
