The range of campaign options can be daunting in Colorado, but getting ahead of planning, and most importantly knowing what’s important to you are critical to a great family experience
Asking the right questions is key
Start by asking the right questions about what your family is expecting from your camping trip. Do you plan to have a campfire? Do you need amenities like toilets, showers, firewood for sale, etc.? Do you like to have a firm plan or fly by the seat of your pants?
1. Do you want a campfire?
For me, the answer is obvious… OF COURSE. However, most years at least some parts of Colorado will end up with various levels of fire restrictions. While it is possible that ALL campfires will be banned, the fire bans come out in stages. In Stage 1, fires are still allowed in state installed fire rings which are present at most designated campsites run by Colorado Parks and Wildlife or the National Forest Service.
So, we usually reserve a couple of campsites about 6 months in advance so that we will have guaranteed access to a site with a fire ring. Also, fire restrictions usually increase through the drier months, so camping in Spring or early Summer are more likely to avoid restrictions.
Before you go, check fire bans on BOTH the county and agency (CPW or Nat’l Forest Service) websites for where you plan to camp.
If this is a priority, check recreation.gov and reserveamerica.com , to search for site options.
2. Do you want specific amenities?
Does anything smell worse than a preteen’s feet after a few days of playing, sweating, and not showering?
If you’re planning a longer camping trip, you may want a site with a shower. Or, you could invest in a camp shower.
Do you mind shovelling a latrine in the backcountry, or would you prefer a campsite with toilets?
Do you want an easy place to buy firewood? (Do not transport from far away)
Knowing what type of gear you have and your family’s preferences.
If you do want amenities like these, check recreation.gov and reserveamerica.com , to search for site options.
3. Do you want to be near a popular trail or town?
If you want amenities AND you want to be near a high demand location, preparation is key. You’ll need to book your campsite 6 months in advance as the availability is loaded into the systems. Even then, you should be prepared to book right away because they go FAST.
There are also First Come First Serve sites in most campgrounds, but you’ll need to plan to arrive early and ideally on a less popular day in order to get a site.
If you’re comfortable with less amenities, see below.
4. Do you want more space and freedom?
Dispersed camping is the way to go! Many forest service roads and most areas of National Forest allow you to simply locate a campsite, setup, and spread out. However, make sure to reference the local rules and regulations, especially fire bans.
For National Forest Service, check here, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/psicc/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=12403&actid=34 and consider downloading Motor Vehicle Use Maps, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/maps-pubs/?cid=fsm91_058275 . They can be downloaded for free and work with your phone’s GPS and a free app called Avenza Maps.
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FAQ
Where should I start? It’s cheaper to reserve a cabin or easy site at a KOA than to buy a bunch of gear you won’t use. If you’re unsure, start there.
What should I avoid? Avoid overcommitting and think of increasing your commitment each time. Going too far out or thinking you’ll cook complicated meals on a campfire for your first trip may be a mistake. Also avoid bringing so much that you don’t ever feel uncomfortable. Think in terms of what levels of discomfort can bring growth and grit.
What’s next?
Let us know what questions you still have on the Contact page.
