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The 6 Best Camping Spots in Colorado

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Camping in Colorado

Colorado has one of the most varied and beautiful landscapes in the whole of the United States. So, it’s no wonder you’re looking to go camping in Colorado.

Encompassing much of the Southern Rocky Mountains and the northeastern part of the Colorado Plateau, along with the western side of the Great Plains, the vast state contains uniquely varied landscapes.

There are so many options for where you should put up camp. After all, how do you choose between snowy mountains with hot springs and desert planes and all the ecosystems that come in between, all discoverable in one state? 

Not only do you need to decide on which of the breath-taking landscapes you would like to be surrounded by on your trip, but you also need to choose between over 13,000 campsites! So choosing your route and the best campsite for you can seem like a daunting task.

We’ve rounded up our top 6 best camping sites in Colorado to help you make your decision easier (click to jump to detailed information):

  1. Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon
  2. Bear Lake Campground
  3. Arapaho Bay Campground
  4. Ruby Mountain Campground
  5. White Star Campground
  6. The Sacred White Shell Mountain

But before you choose your camping destination, let us break down for you the three different types of camping grounds in Colorado,

The 3 Types of Colorado Camping Grounds

1. Private Campgrounds

There are tons of privately owned campgrounds all across Colorado. Some of the benefits of looking into these campsites are the extra facilities that they sometimes offer. So if you’re looking for more of a “glamping” experience, consider researching the privately-owned options available. Some of the places you can go for further research include: Colorado.com campgrounds listings, the Colorado KOA Owners Association, and the Colorado Campground and Lodging Owners Association.  Here you can find details of privately owned campgrounds with extra facilities such as playgrounds, Wi-Fi and even hot tubs!

2. Federal Lands

A huge amount of land in Colorado is owned federally, with the US Forest Service alone managing 14 million acres in the 11 National Forests in Colorado, and 2 National Grasslands. The Bureau of Land Management also manages over 8 million acres. You can make reservations at these campsites at recreation.gov for camping grounds managed by both of these agencies. The campsites range from developed campsites with necessary facilities to pit-stops in very remote areas that you can only access by backpacking or mountain bike. These campsites are also often free! So for the more adventurous amongst you or those who are trying to save some dollar, you might want to consider the second option!

3. Colorado State Parks Camping

Colorado State Parks run forty-one parks in the state, including over 4,000 campsites. The amenities offered at each campsite range massively, from the basics to yurts and cabins to rent throughout the year for a more luxurious option. 

So, to help you choose the perfect Colorado camping site for you, we’ve compiled together our favorite campsites from each of these categories: showing you options for the glamper and the off-piste adventurous hiker alike. 

The Top 6 Camping Spots in Colorado

1. Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon

 

Golden Gate Canyon

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is filled with lush forest and evergreens.

 

If you’re looking for a privately-owned site for tent camping Colorado, and you want the best experience possible, we would recommend Base Camp. Base Camp is located in Golden Gate Canyon: a serene mountain escape 30 miles west of Denver, with over 35 miles of trails, it’s an ideal car-camping location. The landscape around here is truly beautiful, there’s enough adventuring and trailing to be done to satisfy even the most adventurous outdoors enthusiasts! With rolling hills, mountains and forests, only 30 miles from Denver, this has become a popular site for campers in Colorado. This site is a serious glamping location that is not only perfectly situated but also offers you almost all of the amenities you could possibly need. They even boast their own convenience store, which sells stores ingredients for s’mores, alcohol, and many other things – so you can create a perfect pit party around one of their designated fire pits! With all these amenities, you’re still in the heart of nature, it’s even possible to sight moose, deer or elk from the campsite!

If camping is a little too adventurous for you, or some members of your party, Base Camp has many cozy wood-lined cabins. If you’re thinking of coming in the winter months they will keep you warm – just remember your bedding! Some of their cabins offer electricity and heat, perfect for the winter months, or if you’re looking for a romantic getaway in the summer, then they also have cabins with no heat or electricity – but a double bed. So if you’re looking for a truly luxurious camping experience, you may have found your match. However, this is not the best option for those wanting a truly immersed outdoors experience, or a cheap one. Some campers complain that they can still hear the highway and byway located nearby. So this might be a great option if you’re looking for a quick and easy getaway, but for full immersion in Colorado’s stunning landscapes and scenery, take a look at some of our more adventurous campsite options. 

 

Pros: 

  • Convenience store
  • Cabins
  • Laundry facilities
  • Gas services
  • Pavilion for groups and special events
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Near to Gilpin County Community Centre (swimming pool and slides for a fun family day out)
  • Access great Colorado trails for hiking and mountain biking

 

Cons: 

  • Located close to a highway – can be noisy
  • More expensive than most other options

 

2. Bear Lake Campground

 

Bear Lake in Colorado

Bear Lake in Colorado is great for fishers and swimmers alike.

A similar option for adventurous campers, looking to be in the midst of nature, and not minding roughing it a bit at camp, is the Bear Lake Campground. This campground is situated right next to Bear Lake in Routt National Forest, one of the most popular destination ions for campers in Northern Colorado. This breathtaking lake is part of the Rocky Mountains National Park, which we think is really one of the natural wonders of the world, situated about 9,500 feet above sea level. For a colder climate and more rugged, mountainous and astounding views, campers flock to this location. 

And Bear Lake Campground is one of the most popular destinations for these visitors to the backcountry. With about 45 different campgrounds, you’re likely to find the right location for you here. However, similarly to White Star Campground, the amenities offered are very basic. You’ll have access to toilets, water, and well-maintained camping areas for tents, trailers and big rigs, and also access to great nearby activities such as fishing and recreational trails. However, that’s about where the facilities end: no showers, Wi-Fi, electric, or laundry facilities here! If you don’t mind looking at other cleanliness options, check out our recommendations for the best camping showers. So choose the Bear Lake Campground if your number one pull-factor is location, location, location. 

 

Pros: 

  • Toilets and water
  • Recreational trails for hiking or biking
  • Stunning location and views
  • Fishing

 

Cons: 

  • Limited amenities: no Wi-Fi, showers or laundry facilities
  • Rough road to access it
  • Remember your mosquito repellent!

 

3. Arapaho Bay Campground

 

Arapaho Bay Campground

Arapaho Bay Campground is the perfect getaway if you want to camp near the water.

Arapaho Bay is the best campsite located on Lake Granby and is maintained by the US Forest Service. Lake Granby is the third-largest body of water in Colorado and boasts stunning views and scenery. The campsite is located on the eastern end of the longest arm of the lake, underneath the gorgeous Indian Peaks Wilderness. Many activities can be done from this site, making it one of the best in our eyes. From here you have access to the Roaring Fork, Monarch Bak, and Strawberry Lake trails, connecting with the beautiful Buchanan Pass, Cascade Creek, and Continental Divide Trails. It’s also easily accessible to fish from this location: for mackinaw or kokanee salmon from a boat or by the shore. 

Arapaho Bay Campground has many campsites – we would recommend site 49, as it’s a one minute walk from the water, and right behind it is a big mound you can climb for exceptional views. Here you are right in the midst of nature: from the campsite, it’s possible to have lots of wildlife sightings, such as bears (from a distance!), moose and bald eagles. So, with its fishing, trailing, and wildlife sighting possibilities, this is a great option for campers looking for adventures, off the beaten path, wildlife centered trip. The prices aren’t too high as well, especially if you’re sharing a site. But for those who need a little more luxury in their lives, a campsite with more amenities would be a better option.

 

Pros: 

  • Sight local wildlife – even bears, moose, and bald eagles!
  • Incredible sunsets
  • Basic amenities: bathrooms, trash, water
  • Can rent canoes and paddleboats nearby
  • Lots of fishing possibilities

 

Cons: 

  • Popular location can get crowded
  • Limited amenities
  • $16 for a single and $32 for a double site

 

4. Ruby Mountain Campground

 

Ruby Mountain Campground

Ruby Mountain campground is a paradise for any adventurer looking to explore Colorado’s vast outdoor opportunities.

The Ruby Mountain Campground is one of many campgrounds that give you access to the Arkansas River. The Arkansas River begins in the Rocky Mountains, in the Rocky Mountain National Park,  and weaves it’s way over the southeastern part of Colorado, down to the state border with Kansas. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in the whole country, so the Colorado Parks and Wildlife run numerous campsites all around this area. The Ruby Mountain Campground is one of our favorite picks because of its location: it’s right in the midst of all of the activities you would be choosing to visit the Park for. The Campground is huge, with 22 campsites. Our recommendation would be campsite 7: it’s right next to where they drop the rafters off for white water rafting. 

All of the campsites in the Ruby Mountain Campground are close enough to the river to see and hear the water. It’s perfectly situated for the outdoors enthusiast: nearby there are 4×4 trails, many hiking paths and opportunities, and the town of Buena Vista for you to collect your groceries. 

If accessibility is a problem for you, this campsite is better than many but not perfect: there’s a one-lane access road to the campground that is a bit hard to navigate, as you cannot see the other person coming, but does the trick. Although you have to fork out roughly $25 per night for this campsite, it might be worth it for the available amenities – and you could even share the cost to make this option dirt-cheap. There are well-maintained picnic tables and fire rings, accessible by a path of fine gravel, and the cleanliness of the site is regularly maintained to a high level. 

So, the Ruby Mountain Campground is a great option for you if you’re looking to be located right in the middle of the mountains, have ample and easy access to the Arkansas River and any activities within it (including kayaking, white water rafting, and fishing for rainbow and brown trout), and don’t mind spending a little for the available amenities. 

 

Pros: 

  • About 300m of river access for fishing
  • Friendly hosts, help you find somewhere to camp
  • Good mobile connectivity
  • Hiking trails nearby, for hiking or biking
  • Picnic area
  • Fire ring
  • Clean and well organized
  • Good site for RVs

 

Cons:

  • About $25 per night to camp
  • A country road leads through the middle of the camp but isn’t busy
  • Not much shade, maybe not the best choice in summer
  • Difficult to access

 

5. White Star Campground

 

White Star Campground

A few backpackers light a fire at White Star Campground.

 

Twin Lakes is a stunning area, situated at the base of Mount Elbert in Colorado’s Lake County. One of the benefits of camping here is just a stunning location, and the activities that come with it: bathing in the lakes, hiking, and fishing. One of the most popular campgrounds in Twin Lakes is the White Star Campground. It’s managed by the US Forest Service, and sometimes gets booked up fairly far in advance – so if you want to stay here, make sure you book ahead! Visitors to the White Star Campground have easy quick access to the famous Continental Divide Trail, which traverses 800 miles of peaks and alpine lakes and goes through some of the most incredible landscapes in Colorado. You might even want to plan your camping trip around it.

Staying at White Star Campground isn’t your cheapest option for camping in Colorado – but at only $24 a night, especially if you split the price with friends or loved ones, it definitely isn’t going to break the bank. However, this campsite isn’t for the faint of heart. With only very basic facilities, such as drinking water, toilets, and campfire rings, this campsite is missing the basic amenities of even showers. But the sites are well maintained, and if you’re willing to get a bit down and dirty, then they could be a great option for you. Especially considering the stunning landscape that the campsites are situated in: this really is the main selling point of White Star Campground, you’re in the midst of overwhelmingly beautiful parks, with views all around, a mecca for outdoors and camping enthusiasts. There’s even a designated angler fishing area on the campground, so for perfect access to the turquoise lakes, it’s really your best bet.

 

Pros: 

  • Campfire rings
  • Drinking water and toilets
  • Picnic tables
  • Self-pay station
  • Accessible 
  • Lake access, recreational trips, and fly-fishing

Cons: 

  • Limited amenities: no Wi-Fi, showers or laundry facilities
  • Roughly $24 a night

 

6. The Sacred White Shell Mountain

 

The Sacred White Shell Mountain

A backpacker revels in the scenic mountain view of The Sacred White Shell Mountain from his tent.

 

The Sacred White Shell Mountain, situated on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is about six miles south of the entrance to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The Great Sand Dunes National Park boasts some of the tallest sand dunes in North America and is a stunning sight to behold. At the Sacred White Shell Mountain, you are right in the landscape, surrounded by the scenery: this campsite has a 360-degree view of the park’s creek, dunes and the San Luis Valley, meaning you can take in the magnitude of the surrounding landscape where you set up your tent.

One of the major benefits of this campsite is that it’s free! That means you can save your money, and spend it on some of the amazing activities you can do in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, like swimming in Medano Creek or sand-boarding. So it’s a great option for campers and backpackers who are willing to get a bit down and dirty and spend a lot of their time out in nature. However, the road to the campsite is often bumpy and dirty,  and there’s even a cattle guard at the beginning of it that feels a little dangerous to cross. So the cleanliness of the site isn’t exactly perfect: but if you’re looking for a free campsite with stunning views, this could be just the campsite for you.

Pros: 

  • Access to toilets and fresh water
  • Good mobile connectivity
  • Tent sites close to the city of Alamosa to buy groceries
  • 360-degree view
  • Camping is free!

Cons:

  • Need a National Park pass to access the toilets and fresh water
  • No Wi-Fi
  • Road to the site is a little bumpy and rough
  • Not open year-round

Final Verdict:

So now you’ve read our breakdown of how to find the best camping in Colorado, how can you start planning your trip? There are some things to take note of before you start planning the best possible camping experience in Colorado: 

 

  • The weather can be very unpredictable – so even in the summer months, remember to take a lot of layers, and pack the rain cover for your tent – or plan some shade in the summer months!

  • As we have mentioned, there are many private lands, or federally owned acres or national parks in Colorado (check out Gunnison National Forest, San Juan National Forest, Mueller State Park, Roosevelt National Forest, and the Pike National Forest too to start your comprehensive search). If you’re entering private lands, you need the landowner’s permission, and if you’re entering one of the parks you may need to purchase a permit or pass before you enter. Make sure to research all of these details before you arrive to be prepared!

  • And, as always, keep the great outdoors clean. Make sure to always leave no trace once you’ve packed up your campsite – especially if you’re staying in a rural, free campsite with little or no staff. 

So, whether you’re watching the sunrise over the Rocky Mountains, or chilling by one of Colorado’s stunning Lakes, we hope that your time spent camping in Colorado is exceptional – and that your campsite only adds to the experience.

 

 

 

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Living Life on the Edge: Embracing Adrenaline-Fueled Moments

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Life is an adventure, a journey filled with countless opportunities for thrill and excitement. For some, the idea of living life on the edge, embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is an exhilarating concept that fuels their passion for adventure. This article delves into the world of adrenaline-chasing, highlighting the benefits and experiences of such a lifestyle.

Kitesurfing: Riding the waves of excitement

The first step to living on the edge is stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Kitesurfing, a water sport combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paragliding elements, is an excellent example of an adrenaline-fueled activity. The activity entails utilizing a sizable maneuverable kite to capture the force of the wind, enabling the rider to traverse the water on a board specifically designed for kiteboarding. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of soaring through the air, feeling the breeze caress your cheeks, and mastering the art of maneuvering a kite. Kitesurfing is a remarkable adventure that captures the spirit of embracing excitement and pushing boundaries.

The psychological thrill

In addition to the excitement of the tangible experience, embracing a daring lifestyle offers a mental rush that is just as stimulating. Engaging in these activities provides an exhilarating experience that stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s innate pain relievers. This results in a profound sense of joy and an overwhelming feeling of invulnerability. The thrill of this frenzy can become habit-forming, compelling thrill-seekers to pursue fresh and increasingly demanding adventures consistently. 

The benefits of embracing the edge

Embracing a daring lifestyle goes beyond pursuing excitement; it presents many advantages. Participating in thrilling adventures can enhance physical well-being, as numerous pursuits demand robustness, stamina, and skill. Furthermore, they have the potential to enhance one’s emotional well-being by offering a means to alleviate tension and unease. Engaging in these activities demands concentration, which can effectively alleviate mental clutter, resulting in a serene state once the surge of excitement diminishes.

The balance of risk and reward

While living life on the edge can be exhilarating, it’s important to remember the balance of risk and reward. Adrenaline-fueled activities often involve a certain level of risk, and it’s essential to approach them with a healthy respect for safety. Proper training, equipment, and precautions can help mitigate these risks, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without unnecessary danger. 

Always research your activities and location. This understanding can help you decide if the risk is acceptable and if you have the skills and equipment. Check and maintain your gear, and never sacrifice safety. Finally, embracing adventure with a responsible and safety-conscious mentality lets you enjoy high-risk activities without risking injury.

Living life on the edge embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is a lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of thrill, excitement, and personal growth. Whether kitesurfing across the waves, scaling a mountain, or skydiving from a plane, these activities provide an escape from the mundane, a chance to challenge oneself, and an opportunity to experience life at its most vibrant. So, step out of your comfort zone, embrace the adrenaline, and start living on the edge. After all, life is not meant to be lived in the slow lane; rather, it’s about experiencing every thrilling moment it offers.

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Renewable Energy Farms That Make Beautiful Hiking Trails

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Wind farms and solar panels are not just alternative means to get our natural resources. They have now combined with another industry and are making some unexpected news. 

The tourism industry has marked renewable energy farms as hiking trails, and hikers are here for it. You can read more about renewable energy sites. Although you might not think of hiking on a wind farm as beautiful as hiking along a famous mountain trail, you might just be in for a surprise. 

Let’s discuss the benefits that renewable energy farms have as hiking trails. 

Why are Renewable Energy Farms Important? 

Renewable energy farms are important for the future of civilization. These farms provide an alternative to our natural resources, such as wind and energy. 

The most important benefit of renewable energy is that it doesn’t produce any greenhouse emissions and reduces the air pollution other traditional processes create when providing natural resources. 

These farms also allow for the creation of the country’s own resources without having to import natural resources from another country and save their limited natural resources. 

Here are some of the reasons why energy farms are important: 

  • Allows for sustainable rural development 

This will allow landowners to make an extra income by generating energy. 

  • Test new technologies 

Providing the opportunity to test technologies to find new ways to create renewable energy. 

  • Improving the effect of climate change 

Climate change has left the environment filled with toxic pollutants, which has led people to become sick and breathe in harmful air. 

Renewable energy can change this by lessening the number of pollutants that are released into the atmosphere and providing much safer, cleaner, breathable air. 

  • This leads to job creation 

Job creation within the renewable energy farms industry is plentiful as there is a need for skilled workers such as construction, maintenance and manufacturing to build the necessary infrastructure that is needed to generate these wind and solar farms. 

The Benefits of Renewable Energy Farms As Hiking Trails 

Renewable energy farms have many benefits for both the environment and people who love spending their time outdoors. 

Embracing the Use of Green Technology 

Since wind farms and solar plants are located in areas that are unpopulated, they make for great hiking trails. 

By visiting these sites, people get to experience green technology, and by integrating them into recreational spaces, people can visit these sites and embrace green technology by seeing how they work and the positive effects that it has on the environment. 

The more people embrace the shift to green technology, the easier it will be to use it. 

Energy Farms Offer A Unique Experience For Visitors 

Visiting energy farms means you will have a unique experience while there. You will get to see how these large devices work and how they replace the basic resources needed to survive. 

Tours can give visitors more information on the background of the construction of devices, their environmental impact and why it is important for us to switch to sustainable energy resources. 

Visitors Get to Enjoy Natural Beauty 

The sites for these renewable energy farms are often located in areas that are surrounded by natural beauty, such as large landscapes. 

Natural pathways can be used as hiking trails without the need for carving out new roads and damaging the ecosystem. 

Visitors can even discover native plant life and explore the natural wonders that are located at these energy farms, as they are often placed where no infrastructure has been built on the property before. 

Providing Health and Wellness Benefits 

Hiking has many health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving fitness, and helping aid mental well-being. 

Energy Farms have Community Benefits and Increase the Economy 

These hiking trails can help boost economic sales, bringing tourists to the community. This will give the local people the opportunity to expand their businesses. 

This can also help increase employment within the community as these sites will be visited frequently and lead to new business openings to cater to tourists. 

Conclusion

Renewable energy farms greatly benefit both the economy and the people who want to spend their time on them. These farms are especially important for transitioning from natural resources to newer energy resource power plants. 

From learning how to embrace green technology to getting health and wellness benefits to enjoying nature’s natural beauty and finding job opportunities within the market. 

Spending time on these renewable energy farms can be educational and recreational for anyone who visits them. To find more renewable energy farm hiking trails, you can visit https://outsidebozeman.com

 

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Top Recommendations for RV Window Maintenance

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Much like other sections of your RV, the windows sometimes need a bit of maintenance. It is essential to clean off dirt and insect smudges and also make sure they are adequately sealed to avoid leaks and water harm.

If you have a broken RV window, then you may want to consult Van Isle Glass. However, if you wish to know more about simple measures to ensure your RV windows stay spotless and secure, you are in the right spot! Continue reading below.

Polish Your Windshield Using Ultra-Fine #0000 Steel Wool

Numerous RV enthusiasts have praised the use of the finest grade of steel wool #0000 for removing stubborn bugs and water marks from their windshields. Before proceeding, first test the #0000 steel wool on a small portion of your windshield. Apply it with light, circular motions. Sweep away any remaining steel wool bits with a microfiber towel. Next, spritz the surface with a residue-free glass cleaner and wipe it down with a separate cloth.

Steel wool is also great when used with a spray lubricant for cleaning tires, maintaining grills, starting campfires, and repelling mice. A gentler alternative is cleansing dish pads. These pads are versatile, suitable for cleaning various materials such as wood, porcelain, stainless steel, chrome, painted areas, and glass.

Apply a Sealant to Avoid Leaks

Silicone sealant is effective in stopping leaks in areas like your windshield, RV windows, sunroof, and vents. It penetrates tiny gaps, creating a robust waterproof barrier. Ensure the surfaces are clean before application and do not have old caulk, dirt, oil, and other residues.

Furthermore, clear away any standing water on windows to prevent hard water stains. Make sure the inside of your windows stay dry to avoid condensation and mold build-up. If there is significant condensation on your windows, consider getting a small dehumidifier.

Use Tools to Access Difficult Regions

Using cleaners with long handles can prevent you from straining to clean those distant parts of your windshield. Windshield cleaning tools often feature a lengthy, swiveling triangular head that is ideal for getting into corners and spots difficult to access manually.

Opt for a Residue-Free Glass Cleaner

A high-quality glass cleaner will maintain the clarity of your windows and windshield. A great glass cleaner performs well on both standard and tinted windows, making sure to remove streaks or leftover residue. Another option is a natural concoction of half vinegar and half water, with a touch of lemon essential oil.

Steer Clear of Cleaning RV Windows in Bright Sunlight

A sunny afternoon may feel perfect for washing your RV windows, but the warmth can speed up the drying of the cleaner, resulting in streaks or spots. It is advisable to tackle your RV window cleaning during early morning, late evening, or when stationed in a shaded area for the best outcome.

Endnote

Keeping your RV windows clean and clear is not only about aesthetics, but is also vital for safety. The subtleties in cleaning, like steering clear of the sun and using the appropriate products, play a key role. Adhering to these guidelines will help you maintain a pristine view during your various journeys.

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