Colorado camping recommendations

[jasheehan]

I am in the final stages of getting my M416 trail ready for a camping excursion.

I live in Colorado Springs and wondered if anyone had any camping recommendations for me and my family. We plan on taking a week at the end of the month and doing a big circle around the center part of colorado stopping and camping a few nights at 3-4 places. I have small kids, kayaks, bikes, fishing rods, etc. Any recommendations on places to go or see? I'd like to stop in Estes Park, somewhere around Glenwood Springs, and finally around Leadville or Salida.

Thanks.

 

[bigndn]

If you've never been to St Elmo, CO, it's a cool little ghost town near Salida. There's lots of biking/hiking/fishing opportunities in the area.

 

[Cobound]

We usually cruise in above Vail and pass through Red Cliff and camp at Camp Hale. It's an old Army training grounds, lots of nice spots to hunker down for several days. From there we take day trips to Leadville, Salida, Buena Vista, Red Cliff, Eagle Vail, etc. There are tons of trails to hike or Jeep.

I'd highly recommend Mango's in Red Cliff for some eats and drinks. There is even a small convenience store w/ a hotel in it in town now.

Leadville is a great day burner, walking up and down the streets and visiting some shops (if that's what you're looking to do, my wife loves it. Happy wife = Happy life). When we stay at Camp Hale we usually cruise into Leadville where we use a hostel to shower up.

Here is a shot of our Camp Hale spot:

It was just a couple day stop last year on our way home from Ouray.

There are some nice short trails right off of Camp Hale grounds, specifically Jeep Road where you can access the 10th Mountain Jackyl Hut

McAllister Gulch runs from there, ties into Shrine Pass and comes out in Red Cliff, at the base of Mango's as a matter of fact.

Views to die for up there...there are some great 360* spots up there you can see forever!

Good luck,

B

 

[B-RAD]

I would steer clear of Estes Park, too touristy. From where you are I would look to the west and southwest and do a loop.

Day 1 There's a cool lake northwest of Marysville, off of CR 240 near Mt. Shavano, that you can camp, fish, kayak on. The last 4-5 miles is 4x4 if I recall. I took my oldest son there on a father/son trip 11 years ago when he was 4, with a couple of other dad/son connections.

Day 2 or 3 There's great camp sites/mt. biking NE of Crested Butte, just north of Gothic. Keep your eye on the right side of the road, cross the river and set up camp!

Day 4 Sand Dunes

Day 5 Back home to CS.

 

[jasheehan]

I appreciate the feedback. Any other suggestions. I've only been over to the Salida/Leadville area once. Went skiing up at Monarch. I've heard the Sangre De Cristo mtns are phenomenal. Any recommendations on hot springs vic Salida/Buena Vista? Is that campground about Marysville free or by reservation?

 

[The Wizard]

Mount Princeton hot springs which are along Chalk Creek. Take 285 south out of Johnson Village to Nathrop. Turn left on Co Road 262 (Chalk Creek Drive). Along Chalk Creek there are several national forest campgrounds.

Been to Bishop's Castle? There is a nice little campground (Davenport) not far from the castle. About a month ago there was a write-up about it in the Springs paper. You might want to check that one out.

 

[B-RAD]

I appreciate the feedback. Any other suggestions. I've only been over to the Salida/Leadville area once. Went skiing up at Monarch. I've heard the Sangre De Cristo mtns are phenomenal. Any recommendations on hot springs vic Salida/Buena Vista? Is that campground about Marysville free or by reservation?

When I was there, it was just forest service land, I don't recall there being a formal campground, and I don't recall paying any fees...yet again that was more than a decade ago.