We had a change of vacation plans and we now will be traveling to Colorado in late July from the Chicago area. We are looking for some suggestions for campgrounds and things to do and places to see. We know we will be staying at Chatfield State Park to visit with family in Littleton for about 5 days. After that we want to head up into the mountains for about 5-6 days. We are looking at the KOA in Central City if anyone has any info on this CG, but we are open for other CG suggestions please. I was reading other posts and info and it looks like Estes and the Rocky Mountain parks are still recovering from last years problems. Should we stay away from those areas? Any help and info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

We will be in CO around the same time. Chatfield is a nice park. I would not write off anywhere that was flooded last year. We are looking at St Vrain SP, Longmont. 1/2 the sites were flooded. They are looking at March to reopen. RMNP will be open. Not every CG is next to the river. Old Fall River Road is a great drive if open. Dirt road. Single lane. No trailers. One way. Length limit. Did it with 2WD dually no problems.

We stayed here in Estes Park. It was not riverside. I am sure that the local businesses will appreciate your business. Rocky Mountain Park is very close. WiFi and showers and access to all of Estes Park.

Try Winding River Resort at Grand Lake. Abt a mile from the west gate of Rocky Mountain NP. Check the website.

You do not want to stay on the west side of Rocky Mtn NP as all the major activities are on the east side; some 45 miles away and up over the Cont Divide.We had dinner with former neighbors from Estes Park last night. Hwy 34 up is in pretty good shape but some sections lack the guard rails and all. Think it can be done in an RV with some real caution. REAL caution. I understand Fall River Road will be closed all 2014.If you are going to the "mountains" I am not sure why you are looking at Central City - mainly a lower level gambling area. Depends on what you are looking for.If you can, head over to Buena Vista / Leadville area. We really love that area and Black Canyon and all.Estes can use all the support it can get but make sure to check out things you want to do and places you want to visit very carefully before making decisions.

We have been all over Colorado several times. Our favorite town is Ouray. Located in the southwestern part of the state, it is absolutely beautiful.

Colorado suggestions/info | Good Sam Community

coloradotallman
Explorer
Feb 06, 2014
lushy; I think the PM problem is at your end. I tried to PM you before posting. I received a PM the day before you tried. Sorry for the inconvenience, I am at HideAwayLLC@gmail.com
monakayk
Explorer
Jan 31, 2014
Below are 3 more photos of Campsite #7 at Jellystone Park CG--Estes Park. The metal-round picnic table and 4 matching chairs were part of the campsite. Not sure if they still have those now. We camped there (in photos) 4 years ago. Also on each campsite are standing metal grills and also a firepit (last photo).
monakayk
Explorer
Jan 31, 2014
lushy wrote:
monakayk, do you remember what site # you had?

lushy

In the photo...that was campsite #7. It is directly across from the bath-house. Very nice location and a deluxe site..so you will pay a bit more than some of the other campsites.

As for how far Jellystone Park CG is from Estes Park...it took us less than 10-15 mins to get to downtown. Not far at all.
lushy
Explorer
Jan 31, 2014
coloradotallman wrote:
Lushy; Check out ColoradoInfo.com. 4Runner and Busskipper are a wealth of knowledge. I've been in Silverthorne, Summit County, CO for 28 years. PM me with any questions.

Thanks coloradotallman! I tried to PM you, but it said you do not accept PM's? We will be visiting Summit County, Silverthorne, Breckenridge, Frisco. Can you offer any info on things to do and see. I have 2 teens, so we will be going to the alpine slide. I am still looking for info on the web and I have some info being mailed but if you could offer some info I would appreciate it. PM me if you can.
Thanks!
lushy
Explorer
Jan 31, 2014
monakayk, do you remember what site # you had?
Veebyes
Explorer II
Jan 30, 2014
I suppose if you don't like moving house St Vrain SP in Longmont is decent enough to use as a base if you want to do RMNP & Denver from. Denver being straight down I25 & Estes Park & RCNP due west.

They got a good washing out in the floods last year but hope to be open in March.
coloradotallman
Explorer
Jan 30, 2014
Lushy; Check out ColoradoInfo.com. 4Runner and Busskipper are a wealth of knowledge. I've been in Silverthorne, Summit County, CO for 28 years. PM me with any questions.
Lauren
Explorer
Jan 28, 2014
Jellystone is a ways - although not tooooo far from Estes and RMNP.
monakayk
Explorer
Jan 28, 2014
ITA with everyone about Central City, but if you are up there touring around, you should visit Georgetown. It is a beautiful old town and from there you can take the Georgetown Loop Historic Railroad. Link below:

Railroad

Also as for your question about CG in Estes Park....if you want full hookups and have kids...try Jellystone Park CG. They have really nice deluxe campsites, pool, game room, mini golf, outdoor fun activities for the entire family. Links to their website below:

Website

Below is a photo a deluxe campsite we stayed at:
vermilye
Explorer
Jan 28, 2014
If you are still in Colorado in early August, try staying at one of the National Forest campgrounds around Turquoise Lake near Leadville, and attend "Boom Days" in the city. Some photos from my visit.

If you stay for the following week, you can watch (or ride) the Leadville Trail 100 MTB Bike Race, or run the same 100 miles the following week. Lots of old mines, jeep trails, and hiking to do in the area.

I also enjoyed a drive (high clearance, 4 wheel necessary) to Crystal & the Crystal Mill near Marble, CO. Photos.