Things for RVers to Do in Colorado

Every year, hundreds of RVers travel to the 38^th state—Colorado. Since it achieved statehood on the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it's also known as the Centennial State. Many people enjoy exploring with family or friends, others prefer to go on solo trips or only take their furry four-legged companions, as they reflect and take in the beauty of the scenery. From the largest city park system and greatest number of microbreweries per capita to the Colorado Rockies and Pike's Peak, there is plenty to see during a road trip or vacation there. However you choose to travel, these are some of the most popular destinations in Colorado.

Aspen

Named for the number of Aspen trees found there, Aspen, CO is located along the Roaring Fork River within the Rocky Mountain Sawatch Range. A few of the most popular areas to visit are the scenic Independence Pass, the twin peaks known as the Maroon Bells, and the T-Lazy-7 Ranch. For a bit of culture, there is the Wheeler Opera House inside the city limits.

Camping options for RVers are a little sparse. Difficult Campground is the closest one to Aspen, but it offers very few amenities. It's a primitive campground with no power, water, or sewer hookups. It allows tents and has a few pull-thru sites, but doesn't accommodate big rigs. Twenty miles away, however, you can find the Aspen-Basalt Campground, which has full hook-ups, accommodates big rigs, and even has a pool. It does cater primarily to long-term or even full-time residents, though.

Related Read: History of Pike's Peak Colorado

Boulder

Flagstaff Mountain is one of the top draws to Boulder, CO. With trails to Realization Point and a nature center located at Flagstaff's summit, there is plenty to do during the summer months, which is the only time it's accessible. One of the most popular tours in the area is the Flatiron Explorer Tour. It takes you past the Red Rocks Amphitheater, Chautauqua Park, features views of the Colorado mountain vistas, and ends at the Pearl Street Mall for shopping.

The park closest to Boulder is the Boulder County Fairgrounds, which is nearly nine miles away in Longmont. It accommodates big rigs and offers pull-thru sites with 30/50 amp and water hook-ups. Aside from the bare necessities, the park provides no additional perks.

Related Read: RV Travels, Railroads, Water & Mining - Durango, CO

Colorado Springs

The 300-foot tall sandstone, red rock formations against the backdrop of Pike's Peak made Garden of the Gods Park a registered National Natural Landmark. One of the top-rated destinations in the area, it boasts a world-class museum and Visitor & Nature Center. You can tour the park in a variety of methods like via bicycle, motorized bike, jeep, and even Segway. Other Colorado Springs hotspots include the National Museum of WW II Aviation, Olympic Training Center, and the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site.

There are many RV parks to choose from in Colorado Springs, and most of them have excellent reviews. Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Garden of the Gods Campground, and Mountaindale Cabins and RV Resort each have exemplary reviews, have full hook-ups, and accommodate big rigs and tents. It may be best to plan your visit and stay in a park that is closest to your destinations.

Great RV Resort to Stay Nearby: Foot of the Rockies RV Resort & Storage

Denver

The capital of Colorado offers several ways to explore the city, such as the Downtown Bicycle Tour, the popular Bike and Brew Tour, or Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey Tour. The Landmark's Mayan Theatre, Larimer Square, the Molly Brown House Museum, and Union Station are a few of Denver's other highlights. Another enjoyable trip is the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, which would be a perfect diversion on your drive in or at the end of your stay.

There aren't very many decent places to stay in Denver; the majority are crime infested trailer parks, or parks restricted to military families and Elks Lodge members. Cherry Creek State Park, however, is located less than four miles away in Aurora. It's paved and clean with full hook-ups, restrooms, showers, and free Wi-Fi. It accommodates big rigs, as well as tents.

Fruita

Arguably, the scenic Colorado National Monument is the primary reason people travel to Fruita, Colorado. With 23,000-acres of canyons and naturally-sculpted monoliths, it's something to see. For the less adventurous, visitors can spend the day at the Museum of Western Colorado or the Western Slope Vietnam War Memorial.

There are plenty of RV parks to choose from in or near Fruita with a range of amenities. If you want a rustic experience, consider Colorado National Monument – Saddlehorn Campground or Mud Slings BLM Campground. If you prefer more comprehensive accommodations, however, there are several to choose from including James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park and Monument RV Resort.

Great RV Resort to Stay Nearby: Monument RV Resort

Mesa Verde National Park

One of the most memorable places to visit in Colorado is the Mesa Verde National Park. The natural attractions include Park Point and people generally enjoy the Petroglyph Point Hike. What really draws visitors to this destination, however, are the cliff dwellings left by the Ancient Pueblo natives. The Balcony House, Cliff Palace, Long House, Spruce Tree House, and Step House are just a few of the amazing structures that have been identified.

Both the Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park and the Mesa Verde RV Resort are highly-rated options. Their amenities include full hook-ups, pull-thrus, big rig and tent accommodations. They even have swimming pools. Both are located about three miles away from Mesa Verde National Park in the city of Mancos.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Camping, biking, and hiking are the main activities enjoyed at the Rocky Mountain National Park. The Emerald Lake Trail and Trail Ridge Road are a couple of the most popular and offer the best scenery.

There are tons of campgrounds near and in Rocky Mountain National Park with a range of amenities. The Estes Park KOA, Manor RV Park, and Spruce Lake Resort offer full accommodations. The rustic NPS campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park include Aspglen Campground, Glacier Basin Campground, Moraine Campground, and Timber Creek Campground. The Paradise on the River park offers mid-range amenities, but has a gorgeous water-front view. It really just depends on what type of experience you are seeking.

Steamboat Springs

The fabulous slopes at the Steamboat Ski Resort are what make Steamboat Springs the must-visit destination for expert skiers and novices alike. It has beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails in its 2965 skiable acres. There are also opportunities for ice skating, dog sledding, and snowmobiling. If you want a less physical experience, visit the Tread of Pioneers Museum.

Although there are several RV parks from which to choose, the ones with the highest ratings are the rustic campgrounds. Eagle Soaring RV Park and the Steamboat Springs KOA are the two in the area that have full hook-ups including Wi-Fi. The popular primitive parks include Meadows Campground in Routt National Forest and the Routt National Forest - Dumont Lake park.

In Conclusion

With spectacular scenery and so much to do, a trip to Colorado can be an RVer's dream. From fast-paced metropolitan areas like Boulder and Denver to the majestic mountains and national parks, there is something for everyone. Plan your visit for the off-season months to receive the best rates and have greatest number of RV parks and campgrounds to choose from. Colorado is a state that everyone should experience at least once in their life.