Below is just a glimpse of what 11 campsites around the state have to offer. For other lodging ideas, consider a stay on a Colorado lake.
Rocky Mountain National Park Camping
Glacier Basin Campground
Near: Estes Park
Accessibility: Three accessible sites
One of the nation's most popular national parks, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2015, has a few options for campgrounds. We like Glacier Basin for its views of the Continental Divide and easy access to Estes Park's amenities and the shuttles that run through the park, making exploring the park a real cinch!
Record-Setting Fishing
Harding Spur Campground, Stagecoach State Park
Near: Steamboat Springs
This park is a one-stop recreation destination with excellent hiking and biking trails, birdwatching opportunities, ranger-led activities, beach volleyball and water sports. But its reputation is for huge, hard-fighting rainbow trout and pike that draws anglers to its waters. The largest pike ever caught in Colorado was hooked here, weighing in at 31 pounds, 11 ounces.
Endless Off-Roading
Grand Junction KOA
Near: Grand Junction
By camping standards, the KOA's sites sit in the lap of luxury: Think swimming pool, Wi-Fi, on-site bike rentals and one-room cabins with minifridges. If you can tear yourself away from the campground, explore the scenic views between the high desert of the Colorado National Monument and the shady lakes of Grand Mesa on one of the many ATV trails weaving through the area.
Miles of Shoreline
Oasis RV Resort & Cottages, Curecanti National Recreation Area
Near: Gunnison and Montrose
As U.S. Hwy. 50 winds through the high-mountain desert, the view suddenly opens up into a broad landscape of sparkling blue water and talus-sloped hills. Here is where the crystalline waters of the Gunnison River gather before carving through the steep walls of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. It offers 93 miles of shoreline, abundant recreation and lounge-worthy beaches.
Hike Among the Ancients
Morefield Campground, Mesa Verde National Park
Near: Cortez
Accessibility: Accessible campsites are available on Apache Loop
Tucked in a canyon within the park, this campground is known for its incredibly quiet, serene setting — with the advantage of being just half an hour's drive from the park's famous archeological sites. Hikers will also enjoy the options of leisurely and challenging trails. For a special moment, take the Knife Edge trail and gaze down upon the Montezuma Valley at sunset.
Strike It Rich
Railroad Bridge, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Near: Buena Vista
Encompassing 150 miles of the rafting-bonanza that is the Arkansas River, this recreation area caters to whitewater lovers of all skill sets. When the rafting and kayaking day is done, try your luck at gold panning, which you can do just about anywhere along the banks of the river.