Exploring Colorado National Forest Campgrounds: A Guide
Colorado’s breathtaking scenery calls to adventurers. What better way to answer than by camping in one of its incredible National Forests? This post guides you through Colorado’s National Forest Campgrounds. We’ll cover everything from choosing the perfect forest to packing the essentials for an unforgettable trip.
Colorado boasts 11 National Forests, offering a vast expanse of natural beauty ripe for exploration. These forests cater to every interest, from fishing in alpine lakes to soaking in mountain views.
Table of Contents
Choosing Your Colorado Camping Adventure
Each Colorado National Forest has its own distinct character. Some are known for towering peaks, while others are famed for their pristine lakes and rivers. Let’s explore some options:
Arapaho National Forest
If stunning mountain vistas are your goal, head to the Arapaho National Forest in the Rocky Mountains. Stillwater Campground near Granby offers easy access to Lake Granby for boating, fishing, and hiking. For larger groups, the secluded Cutthroat Bay Group Campground is ideal.
Olive Ridge Campground
High in the San Juan National Forest, you’ll find Olive Ridge Campground. It sits pretty at 9,000 feet. This spot is perfect if you love peace and quiet. Because it’s tucked away, it doesn’t see as much traffic as some other Colorado campgrounds.
Olive Ridge Campground has 16 campsites. You can reserve some ahead of time. But some are first-come, first-served. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. There’s also a vault toilet. Although there’s no drinking water, you can find it nearby in the town of Rico.
This campground is a great starting point for exploring the area. You’ll find plenty of hiking trails nearby. This includes the popular Lizard Head Trail. And this campground is a good spot if you love backpacking. You can even do some rock climbing in the area.
Fly fishing is another fun activity near Olive Ridge Campground. The Dolores River is just a short drive away. It’s known for its great trout fishing. So, bring your fishing pole!
The campground is open from June to September. This is because the weather can change quickly in the mountains. It’s important to be prepared for anything. Always check the forecast before you go. Also, be sure to pack layers of clothing. This will help you stay comfortable no matter the temperature.
Camp Dick Campground
Camp Dick Campground sits in the San Isabel National Forest. This place is great for folks who love to fish. The South Platte River runs right through it. You can cast a line right from your campsite. But, there is more to do than fish. This campground is close to some pretty sweet hiking trails. And, the views of the Collegiate Peaks are amazing.
