Forum Discussion

fanrgs's avatar
fanrgs
Explorer
Mar 18, 2019

Cheap camping in Colorado!

For 2019, I have again updated my "Free RV Campsites in the Colorado Mountains" blog. The blog follows the U.S. highways (not I-70 or most state highways) through the Colorado Rockies.

I recommend free and low-cost campsites, boondocking-dispersed camping locations, and not-to- miss sightseeing opportunitites. For example, these routes include U.S 550 through the San Juans between Montrose and Durango, U.S. 285 through the rafting mecca along the upper Arkansas River, and U.S. 160 to Great Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde National Parks. So, take a look if you are planning an RV trip to, or through, Colorado this summer. And have a great vacation!

The blog can be found HERE.
  • tragusa3 wrote:
    Sounds like a good state to get off the grid in!
    Exactly the point of this thread, my last post, and my blog!
  • If you are planning to stay at Colorado state parks this summer, note that camping fee and reservation requirements changed on January 1, 2019. Reservations are now REQUIRED for camping at nearly every state park, but can be made on the day of arrival (assuming anything is available).

    Camping fees have increased considerably, but the reservation fee has been dropped if you reserve through the state parks website, not ReserveAmerica. For example, a full-hookup RV site at Cherry Creek State Park is now $41/night, plus a $10/day park pass. And Chatfield, Golden Gate Canyon, Cheyenne Mountain, Mueller, and other popular parks along the Front Range are nearly that much for W/E and even electric-only sites.

    Bottom line: if you want to camp in Colorado state parks, plan ahead, make reservations, and bring lots of money!

    Go HERE to see the fee changes from 2018 to 2019.
  • ppine wrote:
    Once you live in the West and figure out public lands, you do not need a blog, a map or directions. Just get out there.
    True, but a great number of people reading this blog have never lived in the West. And some have never even been to the West. So this blog is for those RVers.
  • That is a very informative blog. I will use this for our next trip. We camped a few nights in Whitestar at Twin Lakes. We had site 10. What a beautiful area. Thank you for the link to your blog.
  • Once you live in the West and figure out public lands, you do not need a blog, a map or directions. Just get out there.

About Campground 101

Recommendations, reviews, and the inside scoop from fellow travelers.14,716 PostsLatest Activity: Oct 15, 2013