Dreaming of sleeping under the stars this summer in Colorado? Now is the time to reserve your campsite!
Camping reservations are now available for national parks, national forests, and state parks nestled around the state of Colorado for upcoming months. Most campgrounds allow visitors to make reservations up to six months in advance. Many popular spots fill up fast, especially for holiday weekends such as Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.
The COVID-19 pandemic is also pushing more people to spend time outdoors, with national forests and state parks continuing to see high visitation.
Here’s a look at how camping reservations work at a few popular spots:
Rocky Mountain National Park
There are more than 500 campsites in Rocky Mountain National Park, most of which run on a summer reservation system, including Glacier Basin (May 27, 2021-September 13, 2021), Moraine Park (May 27, 2021-Oct 11, 2021), and Aspenglen. These sites transition to a first-come, first-served basis during the winter season.
Campgrounds that are first-come, first-serve all-year-round include Longs Peak and Timber Creek.
Due to the pandemic, season camping dates have not yet been determined for Longs Peak, Timber, and Aspenglen.
National Forests
From mountain ranges and alpine lakes to rugged waterfalls and canyons, Colorado’s eleven national forests are overflowing with abundance of natural beauty and wonder.
National forests offer camping both on a reservable and first-come, first-served basis. Campgrounds have a tendency to fill up quickly.
For an interactive map of dispersed camping areas found in national forests, click here. For an interactive map of backpacking trails located in national forests, click here.
State Parks
Colorado is home to 42 state parks just waiting to be explored. There are more than 4,000 campsites and 58 cabins and yurts where visitors can stay.
A vehicle pass is required for all vehicles entering a state park, which are separate from camping fees. There is a 14-day maximum stay allowed per state park during any 28-day period. It’s also important to note that a reservation-only system will likely be put in effect this year due to the pandemic. For more rules and regulations, click here.
Quick Links
Reservations for national parks and national forests can be made online at recreation.gov. Reservations for state parks, can be made online at cpwshop.com/campinghome.page or by calling 800-244-5613.
Editor’s Note: Camping and entrance fees may apply. COVID-19 restrictions vary by county. Please check prior to planning your travels. Closures may be in effect as well. As always, if you do visit any of these destinations, please remember to follow the core principles of Leave No Trace.
This content was originally published here.
