Colorado Outdoor Guide: Campgrounds, Trails, Beaches & RV Spots
Key Takeaways
- Rocky Mountain National Park’s Bear Lake to Emerald Lake trail is genuinely the best beginner-friendly introduction to alpine hiking in the state
- Maroon Bells requires a parking or shuttle reservation May through October — don’t show up without planning ahead
- Grand Lake is Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake, with a genuine public swim beach a block from downtown
- Longs Peak is a serious 14er with a real fatality history — this is strictly for experienced hikers, not a family day hike
The Deepest National Park System in This Guide
Colorado supports one of the richest lists in this whole series thanks to Rocky Mountain National Park, the Maroon Bells, and a genuinely excellent state park system — plan for real variety here.
Campgrounds
Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
The park’s marquee campground near the Beaver Meadows entrance, with trails right from your site and regular moose sightings. Reserve early — this is the most in-demand campground in the park.
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Mueller State Park — Divide
Over 5,000 acres of meadows and granite, with sites among aspens and a Pikes Peak backdrop. Good for both families and more serious backpackers.
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Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
Cabins, tents, and RV sites with hikes right from camp — a strong base for exploring the cliff dwellings.
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Chatfield State Park — Littleton
197 campsites, all within walking distance of the reservoir — an easy, family-friendly option close to Denver.
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Twin Lakes — near Leadville
Some of the best lakeside camping in the state, with multiple site options and genuinely great views.
Learn moreHiking Trails
Bear Lake to Emerald Lake — Rocky Mountain National Park
An easy-to-moderate string of alpine lakes — the classic beginner-friendly introduction to RMNP’s 350+ miles of trails.
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Dream Lake — Rocky Mountain National Park
An easy roughly 2-mile hike to a genuinely gorgeous alpine lake — popular with families and small kids specifically because it delivers a big payoff without much difficulty.
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Maroon Lake Scenic Trail — Maroon Bells (Aspen)
An easy roughly 1-mile loop past the most photographed peaks in North America. Parking or shuttle reservations are required May through October — plan this in advance.
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Perkins Central Garden Trail — Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)
A paved, wheelchair and stroller-accessible loop through towering red-rock formations. Free entry — the park’s original deed prohibits gates.
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Longs Peak — Rocky Mountain National Park
A strenuous 14.5-mile, over 5,000-foot climb, strictly for experienced hikers. This mountain has a real fatality history — not a family day hike, even for ambitious teens.
Learn moreLakes & Swimming Areas
Grand Lake — Grand Lake
Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake, with a well-maintained public swim beach just a block from downtown. No lifeguards, so keep a close eye on kids, but genuinely one of the best lake-town experiences in the state.
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Chatfield State Park — Littleton
A roped, calm, shallow swim area with changing facilities and showers. Arrive before 10am on weekends — it fills fast.
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Cherry Creek State Park — Aurora
A sandy, roped swim beach on a large reservoir close to Denver. Children under 12 need direct supervision.
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Boulder Reservoir — Boulder
A swim area with Flatirons views, paddlecraft rentals, and a scenic loop trail alongside it.
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Blue Mesa Reservoir — Curecanti National Recreation Area (Gunnison)
Colorado’s largest lake, good for boating and paddleboarding, with some swim and sunbathing spots.
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Steamboat Springs KOA Holiday
Level, full-hookup big-rig sites along the trout-filled Yampa River, with a heated summer pool and cabins.
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Grand Junction KOA Holiday
Shaded big-rig sites with WiFi throughout and an outdoor pool.
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Palisade Basecamp RV Resort
Well-equipped electric and water sites in wine country, close to real outdoor access.
Learn morePlanning Your Trip
Rocky Mountain National Park should anchor a Colorado trip if hiking is the priority — Moraine Park as your base, Bear Lake to Emerald Lake as your introductory hike. If Maroon Bells is on the list, book your parking or shuttle reservation well before you go — it’s not optional in season. And treat Grand Lake as a genuine standout for family swimming, not just a scenic drive-by.