BLACK FRIDAY

Five Colorado Regions, Five Different Seasons

Use these regional notes to match your Colorado camping plans with the season and weather your trip needs.

Colorado Camping Guides by Month

Each strip shows the average daytime high by month at the nearest NOAA station. Read down a column to see where the weather suits you in any month.

ColdCoolIdealHotVery hotThis month

Front Range

You get the easiest Front Range camping in May and September, when city access and foothill sites fit shoulder season plans. Use Denver's May average high of 73°F and Mueller State Park's July average high of 74°F to pack for warm days without assuming every site feels the same.

DenverYou plan around 5,276 ft in Denver, where July brings an average high of 91°F.May, Sep-OctChatfield State ParkYou plan for 5,431 ft at Chatfield State Park, with a January average low of 17°F.May-Jun, Sep-Oct
Golden Gate Canyon State ParkCold Springs gives you 40 listed campsites near Golden Gate Canyon State Park and takes vehicles to 45 feet.Jun-AugGuide coming soon
Fort CollinsBull Mountain gives you a nearby first come option, while Ansel Watrous offers 17 reservable campsites.May-Jun, SepGuide coming soon
Colorado SpringsThunder Ridge gives you 20 listed campsites near Colorado Springs and takes vehicles to 60 feet.May-Jun, Aug-OctGuide coming soon
Mueller State ParkAt Mueller State Park, you plan around 9,619 ft, and July brings an average high of 74°F.Jun-Sep

Northern Rockies

You can aim for June through August if your trip centers on Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, because high elevations keep summer moderate. Pack warm sleep layers for your July nights because Estes Park has an average low of 48°F.

Rocky Mountain National ParkMoraine Park gives you a reservable park campground and takes vehicles to 40 feet.Jun-SepEstes ParkGlacier Basin gives you 150 listed campsites near Estes Park and takes vehicles to 35 feet.Jun-Sep

Central Mountains

Plan your Central mountains trip for July or August if you want comfortable days near high elevation lakes and towns. Pack for cold mornings, since Crested Butte has an average low of 40°F in July and Turquoise Lake has an average high of 73°F.

Turquoise LakeSilver Dollar gives you 38 listed campsites near Turquoise Lake and takes vehicles to 30 feet.Jun-AugGuide coming soon
Twin LakesWhite Star gives you 49 listed campsites near Twin Lakes and takes vehicles to 50 feet.Jun-AugGuide coming soon
Crested ButteOh Be Joyful gives you 29 listed campsites near Crested Butte and takes vehicles to 58 feet.Jun-SepGuide coming soon

Southwest

Choose May, June, or September if your route links Durango, Telluride, and Mesa Verde National Park. You can use Durango's May average high of 71°F for warm day planning, but your layers still matter because Telluride has an average low of 41°F in July.

TellurideMatterhorn gives you a reservable national forest campground near Telluride, with fees from $26 to $40 per site.Jun-SepDurangoJunction Creek gives you 45 listed campsites near Durango and takes vehicles to 65 feet.May-Jun, Aug-Sep
Mesa Verde National ParkTarget Tree gives you 28 listed campsites near Mesa Verde National Park and takes vehicles to 60 feet.May-SepGuide coming soon

San Luis Valley

Choose May or September for your San Luis Valley trip if you want moderate days at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Great Sand Dunes has an average high of 66°F in May and an average low of 44°F in September, so your packing list should cover sun and cold.

Great Sand Dunes National ParkPinon Flats gives you 89 listed campsites near Great Sand Dunes National Park and takes vehicles to 35 feet.May-Sep

Colorado Camping by Topic

Free and dispersed camping in Colorado

Packing for Colorado's Altitude

Tent heatersPack a tent heater so you can handle cold mountain nights.Sleeping padsBring an insulated sleeping pad to keep your sleep system warmer.Water filtersCarry your water filter because dispersed camping has no water.

Colorado Camping FAQ

When should you plan a Colorado camping trip?

Plan your easiest weather window in summer, especially if your route includes high country. At Rocky Mountain National Park, July has an average high of 80°F and an average low of 48°F, while September drops to an average low of 39°F.

Can you use dispersed camping on BLM land?

You can use dispersed camping on BLM land in Colorado where BLM allows it, and your stay runs up to 14 days. After that stay, you need to move at least 30 air miles before you return to the same area.

How far ahead should you book a state park site?

You get a six month advance campsite reservation window at Colorado state parks. Book your preferred colorado camping dates as early as your trip plan allows.

Where should you camp near Denver?

Start your Denver-area plan with Chatfield State Park if you want a lower Front Range base. Chatfield State Park sits at 5,431 ft, while Golden Gate Canyon State Park sits at 9,337 ft for a colder mountain option.

How cold do mountain nights get?

Your mountain nights can get cold enough to shape your sleep system, even in summer. At Crested Butte, the average low is 40°F in July and -6°F in January, so bring insulation for tent camping in Colorado.

Camping in Other States

← Where to camp in the US: all state guidesCamping in Arizona

Sources