Camping

Camping environments can vary widely, as well.  Campgrounds in Colorado are available across the state from Glenwood Springs to Steamboat Springs and from Durango to Denver, and each offers a unique experience.  Some offer stunning scenery, while others offer a wide range of amenities like hot tubs and mini golf courses.  Still others provide riverside sites or can be combined with activities like fly fishing or whitewater rafting.

There are also areas where backcountry camping is permitted. It is important to learn the rules of where one is allowed to camp. The rules differ per each national forest or spot of land. Some outdoors enthusiasts choose to forego the tent, and just camp under the brillian Colorado stars. Evenings can become fairly chilly, so an insulated sleeping bag is strongly recommended. 

Camping in the backcountry can be hugely rewarding with sightings of wildlife, convenient access to attractions and trailheads, incredible scenery, and unparalleled seclusion, but it comes with risks, as well.  Always plan ahead and bring extra layers of clothing, extra food and water, and a first aid kit in case of an emergency.  It's also important to have a good map and a compass in case you get lost. Once you've taken the necessary precautions, you can relax and enjoy the best of the Rocky Mountains.

Colorado is abundant with wildlife, so it is important to make sure all food and remains are not left out at the campsite. Campers should abide by the “take only pictures, leave only footprints” rule and be extra careful that all trash. Remember, anything brought to the site should leave the site as well.

When the sun goes down, campfires are a popular camping activity that many enjoy. There isn’t a much better way to experience Mother Nature than by enjoying a s’more (graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate) around a campfire, breathing in the crisp Colorado air.