Living in Colorado, it would be a shame to not take advantage of all the stunning landscapes and natural beauty around us. There’s something for every nature lover here! Our Interior Designer, Rachel, loves to go camping for a breath of fresh air. Check out a few of her favorite Colorado camping spots below!
Arkansas Headwaters
Nestled along the Arkansas River, the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is a paradise for campers and water enthusiasts. The Railroad Bridge campground has a gold metal stream, where you can actually pan for real gold. Ruby Mountain offers easy access to the river for private boaters and to the backcountry for hikers. However, Hecla Junction is one of Rachel’s favorite private campgrounds in the area. It is located near the Browns Canyon whitewater run, making it the perfect place to enjoy rafting and kayaking in the summer.
Eleven Mile State Park and Eleven Mile Reservoir
Eleven Mile State Park is located in a canyon along the South Platte River, offering a peaceful and secluded escape from Denver city life. There are plenty of fishing spots and picturesque places to relax. There are campgrounds as well, but they tend to fill up quickly, so be sure to plan ahead if you want to pitch a tent in the canyon!
Just a short drive away, the Spillway Campground near the Eleven Mile Reservoir dam offers a great alternative camping experience. It’s a little larger than the state park camping spots, which is perfect for campers with RVs and boats. Visitors can enjoy water activities at the marina, bird watching, hiking, and even rock climbing. The popular Dream Stream nearby boasts consistent year-round temperatures, more opportunities for gold panning, and an abundance of trout for fly fishing. Not to mention the beautiful view of the river winding through the tall grasses!
Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Four Pass Loop
While she hasn’t been yet, the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Four Pass Loop is at the top of Rachel’s bucket list. This 25.7-mile loop takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Colorado. The Maroon Bells are often referred to as America’s Alps because of the alpine lakes and panoramic scenery in the area. The trek requires a permit, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Dogs are also welcome, as long as they are on a leash. June through October are the best months to visit.
Whether you’re an angler, rafter, climber, hiker, or camper, these Colorado camping spots offer endless opportunities to immerse yourself in natural beauty and outdoor adventure. So pack your gear, plan your trip, and get ready to bask in the summer splendor of Colorado's great outdoors!