Colorado's Top Destinations for Fall Camping
Submitted by kristina on Wed, 09/17/2014 - 5:41pm
Colorado’s breathtaking landscape has long been a destination of choice for avid campers. Whether you are looking for a remote spot on top of a mountain accessible only by hike, or a more luxurious cabin in the woods, Colorado has camping options for adventurers of all types and interests. Here are Colorado’s top destinations for fall camping.Andrews Lake
At 10,826.8 ft. above sea level it’s no surprise why this is one of Colorado’s best camping destinations. The lake is heavily populated with rainbow and brook trout and surrounded by the stunning peaks of Snowdon, Grand Turk, Engineer and Twin Sisters. It is important to come prepared while camping in the area of Andrews Lake since weather can be unpredictable at such high elevation, especially in the fall. Weather can range from summerlike and sunny to sudden hail to even snow storms, providing a unique camping experience.
Colorado National Monument
Steep red rock canyons surround you as you camp in Colorado National Monument, and miles and miles of incredible hiking are just minutes away. One of the reasons this location is a prime spot for fall camping is its lower elevation which means milder temperatures and climate. An added bonus is that you'll avoid the summer crowds, leaving more of those hiking trails for you.Great Sand Dunes National Park
The diversity of the landscape in Great Sand Dunes National Park is something the draws campers in from all over. There are Aspen and Conifer forests, alpine lakes, wetlands, tundra, and grasslands. The diversity of the land makes this camping location a dream come true for all types of adventure seekers. Cooler fall weathers makes exploring easier than during peak summer months when the sand can be scalding, which means you'll have plenty of energy to summit the highest dunes.
Mesa Verde National Park
A milder climate also makes Mesa Verde one of our top picks for fall camping. Visitors can plan on 70 degree days with cooler 40 degree nights on average, making for perfect camping conditions. One of the best parts of camping in this area is the history. There are multiple archeological sites and ruins to visit during your adventure.Crested Butte
Crested Butte has a lot to offer for campers. There are RV campsites, tent and trailer sites that offer all the comforts of home, and even off the beaten path sites which are only accessible by foot. Campers can enjoy horseback riding, ATVs, mountaineering and more. Should you decide to head into town, you'll find off-season discounts on everything from gear to restaurant happy hours.
Wondering how to prepare for a fall camping trip? Plan for a wide variety of weather patterns with temperatures ranging from around freezing at night up to 70's during the day. Be sure to bring a rain fly for your tent and stakes in case of high wind. You'll also want to bring a camera and sturdy footwear, because fall exploring can offer some of Colorado's best sightseeing with abundant wildlife and stunning fall colors.
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