Colorado Rockies

Debbie wrote:
Planning trip to Colorado in a couple of weeks. We have been to different places in CO. but not up by the Rockies. First any suggestions on places to stay. I was kind of looking for a place to camp either on the way up or back where there is a lake you could camp by. Not into the real tourist stuff. We are looking for a nice place to spend a week, little hiking, fishing and just relaxing. Wasn't sure which side of the Rockies to camp on. Recommend any places. No kids just a little dog.

There are many places in Colorado to go that would meet these criteria. Consider Red Feather Lakes area in northern Larimer County. There's the village there for basic needs (NOT touristy!) and several different lakes that provide for an excellent camping/fishing/relaxing experience. Dowdy Lake, West Lake and Bellaire Lake are all good places to stay and all have electric hookups, but no water/sewer. H E R E is a link to those campgrounds and more. Note that they are open until the end of September.

Also may want to consider the Poudre Canyon area, west of Fort Collins. Gradual elevation change as one goes up the canyon, topping out at over 10000 feet at Cameron Pass. Multiple places to camp there, also noted in the link above. The higher up one goes, the sooner the campgrounds close, though. Closing dates start the first week of September in some areas, mid-September in other areas.

These two suggestions are definitely off the beaten track and offer a different perspective on northern Colorado.