Boulder puts the bounties of the Rocky Mountains at your fingertips.
With a name like Boulder, it’s not surprising mountain adventures beckon in this Colorado town. Located north of Denver, Boulder has easy access to both big city delights and outdoor recreation in the Rocky Mountains. Camping spots range from dispersed off-grid locales deep in the national forests to full hookup RV camping. Cabins, yurts, RV/tent campsites, and backcountry sites are available in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, which has 40 miles of hiking trails with views of the Front Range. Reverend’s Ridge Campground has tent and RV sites, while Aspen Meadow is for tents only. Near Longmont, St. Vrain State Park is another camping spot, with several ponds and hiking trails.
Leave the foothills and head into the peaks with a visit to Estes Park, one of the eastern gateways to Rocky Mountain National Park. Inside the park, camping spots are available for tents and RVs. While hookups are not available, many sites have access to fire pits, picnic tables, and vault toilets or full-service comfort stations. The landscape provides a dramatic backdrop for rock climbing, horseback riding, and mountain biking—or whatever menu of outdoor activities you enjoy.
From Boulder, you have easy access to 1.5 million acres of national forests, thanks to the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, which offers all of the beauty of the national and state parks with fewer crowds. In addition to dispersed camping areas, the national forests have over 50 public campgrounds, with various offerings and amenities. Some allow RVs, while others are limited to tent camping. Camp Dick, Pawnee Campground, Olive Ridge Campground, and Rainbow Lakes Campground are four popular options in
If you’ve had your fill of Mother Nature’s playground, urban delights await in Denver. Camping options include both private and public RV parks and campgrounds. Chatfield State Park’s focal point is a 1400-acre lake, with views of the surrounding mountain ridges. Tent and RV camping are available, and onsite activities include fishing, boating, and paddling. Cherry Creek State Park is another option nearby.
While the Rocky Mountains offer four seasons of delights, winter camping is not for the faint of heart, as campers must prepare for freezing temperatures and deep snows, especially at higher elevations. As the snow melts at lower elevations, spring is a generally pleasant time to camp, though overnight temperatures and mountain passes are still daunting. Summer brings the warmest temperatures. A highlight of fall is the turning of the aspen leaves, which fills the forests with a golden hue.