Hello all. I'm new to the forum, but not new to camping. Been tent camping all around western OK and Texas for the past few summers with my kids.
Next month, however, we will be heading up to the Colorado Springs area for a week. This area is all new to us, so I've been reading all I can and talking to those who have been there. I still have a few questions, however.......
Are reservations needed? It's not a holiday week (July 13 - 19), and I really want freedom to roam and camp wherever, instead of having to stick to a schedule. That kinda takes away the "vacation" part of it.........
Also, if we do happen to not be able to get a spot in a CG on a certain day, are there government (BLM?) lands that can be used for camping? If so, how will we know where they are? I'm not particular about EXACTLY where we stay, as long as it's somewhere in the Colorado Springs/Royal Gorge area.
We're looking to do as many things on a limited budget on this trip as possible. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in a advance!!
I would suggest Garden of the Gods Campground. YES reservations are necessary almost anytime in the summer in Colorado Springs. You will find that most campgrounds in Colorado are full in June, July and August. Check the Trailer Life RV, Campground and Service Directory. There is very little BLM land in that area. Good luck.
There are many National Forest Service campgrounds in Colorado. Some take reservations for sites, some don't and quite a few have sites that are not reservable.
I know just what you mean about not having to make reservations. That is what we used to do. But then we discovered some great sites in some beautiful campgrounds so now we do make reservations.
Marilyn w/ Joe, 2000 Xplorer Class B van, usually pulling a Ranger bass boat.
Smudge, (in photo) a Shih Tzu/Yorkie Mix and Gizmo is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge
I've seldom made reservations unless it was to Yellowstone or someplace like that. I like to travel free of reservations or having to be someplace. We carry campground guides or PassPort America guide with us, and if it's getting late in the day and we worry about finding a place, we'll just call ahead if we feel the need.
Speaking of Colorado, there was a posting a couple days ago from a Coloradan asking where all the RVers and campers are, that he just got back from a trip and hardly ever met an RV. So maybe with gas prices being what they are, there might be fewer RVers on the road this year. Who knows?
Have a great trip.
Frank & La Donna Bodden,
Duke the Maltese
2004 Sea Breeze LX
Once a Texan, always a Texan
Thanks for the responses everyone. I think we're just gonna take our chances and go without reservations (like I said, I don't wanna have to be on a schedule), and just try to find our spots early in the afternoons before the CG's fill up (hopefully!). I ordered the "Moon's Colorado Campground Guide" (or something like that) that supposedly has info to over 700 CG's in it, so hopefully we can make it work.
This used to be a hot topic between my wife and I.
I hate hate hate planning and tying myself down to a particular campsite. Plus I used to hate camping next to RV's. In colorado I camped all the time, but mostly after a hike in.
Out of the 4 times I actually made reservations in CO, I stayed in the campsite I reserved once. We even went through Yellowstone and never had a problem (though you had to get to camp early).
If you're going to a popular area, I'd make reservations. In the north there are excelent tent sites available. Rifle Falls has streamside ones that are perfect. Also, it's been a few years, but I had no problem getting a tent site in Garden of the Gods. If no site is available, ask a ranger and they can probably point you to an area that is probably better than any in the campsite. (Tent only of course)
The thing I loved most about Colorado is to get on one of the many 4x4 roads. You'll find numerous campsites set up perfect, right next to a stream, fire pit, and more often than not firewood already piled up. I'm not too familiar with the springs area, but I'm sure they are there though might have to drive out a bit.
Also, not sure how much you want to drive, but our favorite was the Sand Dunes in S Central CO. If you bypass the campground, pile through the sand, you'll come into the forest. My favorite campsite ever will be on the right not too far out of the sand. We saw one vehicle in 2 days go by.
Actually, I WANT to do a lot of driving while we're there. Seeing the sights and enjoying the beauty of the scenery is the main reason for going, IMHO. I was already thinking of visiting the dunes while we're there anyway, so I'll definitely look for your site. Is this on public (BLM) land?
You can check for BLM land at their website blm.gov.
I always make reservations when I can during the summer in Colorado. I find it more relaxing to know I'll have a spot and I like to plan out our trips (this is also why I'm a travel agent). Even National Forest campgrounds with limited facilities will be full around popular areas. If I can't make a reservation I always make sure I know where two alternate campgrounds are. The only BLM campground we stayed in was outside of Lake City. It was every bit as nice as a NF campground and was $2 less a night. Of course, you can boondock just about anywhere in the NF and BLM lands.
I'll second the Dow's NF campground review site forestcamping.com but, remember they camp in an RV so, they don't list every available campsite. Be sure to make use of the USNF website for the forest you'll be in. You might consider calling the appropriate ranger's district and ask them what the campground occupancy is like during your time frame.
It is public land, but I believe NF. I just peaked online and looks like the campsite has 90 RV spots & 70 tent sites. Hopefully you have a 4x4 and can go up the mountain a bit though.
I spent most of my time around leadville and twin lakes, then over near aspen near snowmass. Also the pass behind Georgetown has several 4x4 roads branch off to perfect campsites.
Another campsite that I highly recommend it Kite Lake. It's around 12,000 ft and is centered between 3 14,000 ft mountains. There are only about 6 or so sites, so you have to get there early and probably during the week. My wife & I camped there on a full moon it's one of the most gorgeous places on earth.
Though I have to say I somewhat agree with KK. It is nice to have a spot reserved and know you have a place to stay. I've taken a beating from my wife a couple of times. Though it always worked out.
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