THE HEATHER COLLECTION · GUIDE

Camping Colorado

A life outdoors. A place to come home.

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HEATHER COLLECTION MOUNTAIN SERIES / COLORADO CAMPING Camping Colorado A life outdoors. A place to come home. State parks. National parks. A lifetime of weekends outside. HEATHER LAY REALTOR® Your Colorado life, thoughtfully chosen. heathercollection.com 720.688.8688 HEATHER COLLECTION / MOUNTAIN SERIES

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A NOTE FROM HEATHER 002 Camping is part of why I love Colorado. A home is where our everyday life happens. For me, that life also includes getting outside, heading to camp and making room for the places that remind us why we chose Colorado. I am an avid outdoors person, and camping is central to how I enjoy living here. I love the change of pace: a meal outside, a walk with no hurry and a morning that begins with the landscape rather than a schedule. Some trips can begin close to Colorado Springs. Others deserve a few extra days and a different corner of the state. I want this guide to help you find the version that feels right for you, whether you bring a tent, travel in an RV or start with a cabin or yurt. The life around the home Choosing a home in Colorado is also choosing access to experiences. A community that supports your ordinary week and a state that invites you outdoors can belong to the same thoughtful decision. Heather Lay REALTOR® | HEATHER COLLECTION HEATHER SAYS “I love having a home base that works for everyday life and the freedom to get outside. Camping is one of the ways I make the most of both.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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THE COLORADO CAMPING LIFE A home you love. A state to explore. A good camping trip begins with room in your life for it. From northern Colorado Springs, make an easy overnight part of the calendar, then grow into the farther journeys. “Being outdoors is not an occasional extra for me. It is part of what makes living here feel like home.” EXPLORE HEATHER'S MOUNTAIN SERIES heathercollection.com/mountain-living Heather Lay REALTOR® | 720.688.8688 HEATHER COLLECTION / 003

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INSIDE THE GUIDE 004 Find your next Colorado weekend. A note from Heather 2 The statewide camping atlas 6 Choose your camping style 8 Reservations, seasons & preparation 9 Pikes Peak & the Arkansas Valley 15 Front Range & Foothills 21 Southern Front Range 30 The Eastern Plains 35 Northern Mountains & Yampa Valley 40 Northwest & the Colorado River 46 Central Mountains & North Fork 54 Southwest & the San Juan Country 60 Colorado’s four national parks 65 Additional NPS camping destinations 82 National forest & dispersed camping 85 Three ways to plan a camping trip 86 Destination comparison tables 90 Your Colorado home base 93 Connect with Heather 94 HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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USING THIS GUIDE 005 A complete park collection. A personal way to explore. What is covered Thirty-four established Colorado state park camping destinations are organized into eight regions. All four national parks receive their own campground and trip-planning sections. Three additional National Park Service destinations broaden the collection: Colorado National Monument, Dinosaur’s Colorado campgrounds and Curecanti. Choose the experience before the campsite Begin with the statewide map, then use the regional maps and profiles. The numbered markers remain the same throughout. Campground names help you compare options inside a park; individual campsite dimensions and current inventory still belong to the specific reservation listing. A practical boundary This is a public-park camping guide, not an inventory of every national forest, BLM, municipal or private campsite in Colorado. National forest and dispersed camping are explained as a separate next step. A day-use park is not automatically an overnight destination. Drive times and maps Drive bands are editorial planning estimates from the Northgate area of northern Colorado Springs, without prolonged stops, major traffic or weather delays. Towing can take longer. Maps are geographic locators with generalized highways and approximate park or gateway markers; use the exact campground entrance for navigation. HEATHER SAYS “The best trip is the one that fits your people, your comfort level and the time you actually have.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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THE STATEWIDE CAMPING ATLAS 006 One home base. Forty-one park destinations. Thirty-four state park camping destinations, four national parks and three additional NPS destinations. N 19 20 16 Fort Collins Craig 22 18 11 Sterling US 40 9 15 23 35 21 I-76 40 10 8 Denver Eagle 24 25 5 6 7 28 Rifle I-25 26 29 27 NORTHGATE 39 Grand Junction 30 3 Colorado Springs 2 Buena Vista 1 31 Gunnison Montrose 4 37 41 US 50 Pueblo Salida 12 32 17 La Junta 36 Cortez US 160 13 Alamosa 33 Durango Trinidad 38 14 34 Geographic locator | approximate markers | highways generalized | not for navigation Read the landscape before choosing the drive. The Front Range is the north-south travel spine. I-70 reaches into the central and western state; US 24, US 50 and US 160 open different southern journeys. Neighboring markers can be separated by mountains, seasonal roads or very different approaches. Dark circles: state parks | Blue squares: national parks | Warm circles: additional NPS destinations HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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THE STATEWIDE CAMPING ATLAS 007 The map, at a glance. 01 Cheyenne Mountain 22 Elkhead Reservoir 02 Mueller 23 Yampa River 03 Eleven Mile 24 Rifle Falls 04 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area 25 Rifle Gap 05 Chatfield 26 Highline Lake 06 Cherry Creek 27 James M. Robb - Colorado River 07 Staunton 28 Sylvan Lake 08 Golden Gate Canyon 29 Vega 09 Boyd Lake 30 Paonia 10 St. Vrain 31 Crawford 11 Lory 32 Ridgway 12 Lake Pueblo 33 Mancos 13 Lathrop 34 Navajo 14 Trinidad Lake 35 Rocky Mountain National Park 15 Jackson Lake 36 Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve 16 North Sterling 37 Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park 17 John Martin Reservoir 38 Mesa Verde National Park 18 State Forest 39 Colorado National Monument 19 Steamboat Lake 40 Dinosaur National Monument: Colorado 20 Pearl Lake 41 Curecanti National Recreation Area 21 Stagecoach James M. Robb’s master marker represents Fruita; Island Acres is shown on the regional map. Arkansas Headwaters and Yampa River represent their main corridor bases. Dinosaur’s master marker represents the Colorado gateway, not a single campground. HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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CHOOSE YOUR CAMPING STYLE 008 Start with the kind of weekend you want. The experience Places to begin comparing A gentle first trip Cheyenne Mountain, Chatfield or Cherry Creek: developed facilities and a relatively straightforward approach. A forest-and-trails stay Mueller or Golden Gate Canyon; compare the individual campground and your group’s walking preferences. A walk-in tent experience Staunton for walk-in camping; Lory for a more demanding hike-in backcountry overnight. A reservoir weekend Eleven Mile, Lake Pueblo, Steamboat Lake, Ridgway or Navajo; match the season and the water activity. A smaller campground Pearl Lake or Rifle Falls; reserve around the inventory rather than assuming space will remain. A longer journey Mesa Verde, Dinosaur’s Colorado campgrounds or the southwestern state parks; allow several nights. A solid-roof alternative Selected state parks offer cabins or yurts. Bedding, cooking facilities, utilities and winter access vary. These are editorial starting points, not a ranking. Every site still needs to fit the people and equipment coming with you. HEATHER SAYS “There is no single right way to camp. I care more about enjoying the time outside than making every trip look the same.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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RESERVATIONS & ARRIVAL 009 Book the campsite. Then build the trip. State park camping Colorado state park campsites require reservations. Use the actual campground listing and confirm the arrival date, accommodation type and site dimensions before paying. National park camping Federal campgrounds have different booking windows and operating patterns. Recreation.gov handles many reservations, but Morefield at Mesa Verde uses the park concessioner’s channel. First-come camping, where offered, is a separate arrangement and does not guarantee space. Separate the charges and permissions A campsite fee is generally separate from park entry. A park pass does not automatically provide a campsite, a tour ticket or any required timed entry. Boat inspections, fishing licenses and backcountry permits may add separate steps. Make arrival easy Save your full confirmation and campground directions offline. Check the name of the entrance, your pad length, the allowed number of people and vehicles, check-in time and late-arrival instructions. Finish groceries, fuel and water filling before the last stretch. HEATHER SAYS “I like doing the practical work before we leave. Once we get to camp, I want the trip to feel simpler.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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A SEASON FOR EVERY SETTING 010 Follow the season. Respect the elevation. Season How the plan changes Spring Lower-elevation and plains campgrounds can offer an earlier start. Mountain snow, mud and overnight freezing may outlast warm days in Colorado Springs. Summer High-country camping becomes more accessible, but cold nights, afternoon storms and busy reservation calendars remain part of planning. Autumn A rewarding time for color and quieter routines in some places. Water systems, showers and individual loops can close before the park itself closes. Winter A separate camping discipline. Confirm an open site, safe road access, appropriate shelter, freeze protection and which utilities actually operate. Do not book by a photograph’s season A summer image says little about a May opening or an October water supply. Review the operating season for the exact campsite or lodging unit. A yurt may operate while the campground around it is closed. Let the forecast change the plan Use the forecast for camp elevation and location, not only the nearest city. Strong wind can change a reservoir weekend; snow can change a mountain approach. Keep a realistic alternative and enough flexibility to leave early. HEATHER SAYS “I love seeing familiar places in a different season. I also want the trip we plan to suit the conditions we will actually find.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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PACK FOR THE STAY 011 Comfort starts before you leave home. Bring the function Choose equipment that fits it Sleep A tested shelter, ground protection, an insulated sleeping pad and bedding suited to forecast overnight temperatures. Food & water Drinking water and reserve capacity; meals that suit your cooking setup; a plan for safe food and scented-item storage. Clothing Layers for sun, wind, rain and cold evenings; dry sleeping clothes; comfortable footwear and spare socks. Camp routine Headlamps, spare power, seating, waste bags, cleanup supplies and a stove arrangement allowed under current restrictions. Navigation Offline directions to the exact campground, downloaded maps, a paper backup and a plan for limited mobile service. RV essentials Adapters, leveling equipment and a confirmed plan for water filling, dumping, towing length and electrical needs. Test the unfamiliar equipment Put up the tent, check the stove and confirm that your bedding is comfortable before the first trip. A nearby campground is a useful place to learn what your household wants to bring next time. HEATHER SAYS “A little preparation makes it easier to relax. I want to be thinking about where we are, not discovering that something essential is still at home.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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CARE FOR THE PLACES YOU ENJOY 012 A good camp leaves a light footprint. Plan an evening that works without a fire Restrictions vary by land manager and location. Check the current order, including what it allows for stoves and other equipment. A built fire ring is not permission to light a fire. If a fire is permitted, follow local rules and extinguish it completely. Keep food and wildlife apart Store food, trash and scented items using the park’s required method. A tent is not secure storage. Observe wildlife from a distance, keep the campsite clean and never feed animals. Use the campsite as it was intended Keep vehicles and tents on approved surfaces. Do not create new campsites, tie equipment to trees where prohibited or collect wood without permission. Pack out litter and use the waste facilities or portable system required for the location. Protect the quieter part of the trip Respect quiet hours, generator limits and low-light evenings. Leave room for neighbors to enjoy the same stars, birds and early mornings you came to experience. HEATHER SAYS “The places we love are worth taking care of. Leaving camp well is part of making sure the next campers can enjoy it too.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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THE PEOPLE COMING WITH YOU 013 Plan for everyone who will be at camp. Mixed-comfort groups Choose the first trip around a comfortable arrival, manageable weather and an activity everyone can enjoy. An easy walk, a shaded picnic table and a good night’s sleep can matter more than an ambitious itinerary. Confirm tent-pad capacity and occupancy rules before inviting another household. Dogs Check campground and trail permissions separately. Mueller restricts pets from trails and backcountry, and Cheyenne Mountain allows dogs only on designated trails. National park trail rules vary and are often more restrictive. Plan a lawful way to include and care for the dog throughout the day. Access needs An accessible campsite label does not describe every part of the stay. Confirm pad surface, slope, transfer space, the route to toilets, restroom layout and any shower requirements. Ask about the actual site and facilities rather than assuming the entire campground has the same access. Walk-in and backcountry camping The carrying distance changes the trip. Include water weight, food storage, waste arrangements and the return journey in the decision. Lory’s minimum two-mile approach is a different commitment from a short walk from a parking pad. HEATHER SAYS “The best memories come when the people with us feel comfortable enough to enjoy being there. That is where I start planning.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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FIND YOUR KIND OF CAMP Choose a setting. Make it your own. A lake, a forest, a river corridor or a quieter night under a bigger sky. Begin with what you want the weekend to feel like. “I love having different places and different kinds of trips to choose from. The right one is the one that makes us want to get outside again.” EXPLORE HEATHER'S MOUNTAIN SERIES heathercollection.com/mountain-living Heather Lay REALTOR® | 720.688.8688 HEATHER COLLECTION / 014

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01 / PIKES PEAK & THE ARKANSAS VALLEY A favorite escape can begin nearby. Forest camps, open water and a river corridor west of home. EXPLORE HEATHER'S MOUNTAIN SERIES heathercollection.com/mountain-living Heather Lay REALTOR® | 720.688.8688 HEATHER COLLECTION / 015

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PIKES PEAK & THE ARKANSAS VALLEY 016 A favorite escape can begin nearby. Forest camps, open water and a river corridor west of home. N I-25 NORTHGATE 3 Buena Vista 2 Colorado Springs 1 Salida 4 US 50 Pueblo Geographic locator | approximate markers | highways generalized | not for navigation The approach US 24 west connects Colorado Springs with Woodland Park, Divide and South Park. Continue toward Buena Vista for the upper Arkansas corridor; US 50 serves the Salida and lower river approaches. Choose your base Choose Cheyenne Mountain for a nearby first overnight, Mueller for forest and meadow, Eleven Mile for a reservoir stay, or an Arkansas Headwaters campground for a river-centered trip. 01 Cheyenne Mountain 02 Mueller 03 Eleven Mile 04 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area HEATHER SAYS “I love that camping can be part of an ordinary Colorado weekend. We do not have to wait for a long vacation to spend real time outside.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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PIKES PEAK & ARKANSAS 017 Cheyenne Mountain State Park A first camping trip can begin close to home. Cheyenne Mountain puts a genuine overnight outdoors within the Colorado Springs landscape, with the mountain rising behind camp and the city still within reach. It is an especially useful choice for testing new equipment or introducing a reluctant camper to a simpler routine. From Northgate 45-70 minutes; planning estimate Camping choices Tent sites; full-hookup RV sites; cabins Facilities Seasonal showers and laundry; restrooms; hookups at designated sites. Season Camping year-round; camper services are seasonal. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Swift Puma, Meadows, Raptor Glen and Gobbler Grove offer different campground settings. Compare the actual pad, slope and walk to facilities. Choose a tent site for sleeping outdoors with a lighter setup, or a full-hookup site when your RV is part of the experience. Cabins provide another way to share the weekend with people who prefer a solid roof. Make a day of it Build the day around a park trail, a picnic and time to settle into camp. Let the evening be the event rather than adding a drive across town. Before you reserve Pet access is restricted on much of the trail system. A pet-friendly campsite does not establish permission for the hike you have in mind. ATLAS 01 / PIKES PEAK & ARKANSAS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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PIKES PEAK & ARKANSAS 018 Mueller State Park Mueller offers a different rhythm from the city: meadows, conifers and aspen, with the Pikes Peak country shaping the horizon. Come for a walking weekend and leave time to sit outside. A short journey can still produce the feeling of having gone somewhere. From Northgate 75-110 minutes; planning estimate Camping choices Tent and RV sites; electric sites; cabins; backcountry options Facilities Seasonal showers and laundry; restrooms; dump station; electric sites. Season Year-round camping with reduced winter facilities. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Developed campgrounds support a comfortable forest stay; hike-in and equestrian options require a different equipment plan. Check the individual site description for electricity and vehicle fit. A furnished cabin changes the packing list; a backcountry site or yurt changes how everything reaches camp. Make a day of it Use an early park walk as the main outing, return for lunch and enjoy the changing light across the meadows. In autumn, conditions at camp matter as much as the color in the trees. Before you reserve Pets are allowed in designated developed areas but are restricted from park trails and backcountry. Higher-elevation nights can be cold even during a warm Front Range week. ATLAS 02 / PIKES PEAK & ARKANSAS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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PIKES PEAK & ARKANSAS 019 Eleven Mile State Park At Eleven Mile, the attraction is open water and a broad South Park sky. This is a reservoir camping trip with room for fishing, unhurried mornings and long views. It feels very different from a sheltered forest campsite. From Northgate 1.5-2 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Basic, electric, walk-in and backcountry campsites Facilities Seasonal showers, laundry and water; vault toilets; electric sites in designated areas. Season Year-round options; individual campgrounds and services close seasonally. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Nine campgrounds include Rocky Ridge and several shoreline settings. Backcountry sites require carrying or boating equipment in. Compare a more developed electric site with a basic shoreline location. An appealing water view can also mean greater wind exposure; the most comfortable choice depends on your shelter and equipment. Make a day of it Make fishing or a suitable water outing the anchor, then leave the afternoon flexible. Shore access, water levels and boat operations should guide the plan. Before you reserve Do not confuse the state park reservoir with Elevenmile Canyon campgrounds farther downstream. Bring secure tent anchors and confirm the seasonal availability of drinking water. ATLAS 03 / PIKES PEAK & ARKANSAS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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PIKES PEAK & ARKANSAS 020 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area The Arkansas River corridor offers a sequence of camping destinations rather than one central campground. The right base depends on whether your weekend belongs near Buena Vista, Salida or the lower canyon. A river-focused trip is most enjoyable when camp and the day’s activity are close together. From Northgate 2-3 hours, by campground; planning estimate Camping choices Basic developed campsites; regulated dispersed areas Facilities Basic campsites and toilets at developed areas; plan to bring drinking water. Season Campground access and river conditions vary with season and location. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Railroad Bridge, Ruby Mountain, Hecla Junction, Salida East, Rincon, Point Barr and Five Points serve different river sections. Select the actual campground before estimating your drive. A basic riverside site suits a self-contained setup; it should not be treated as a full-service RV park. Make a day of it Combine time at camp with a town visit or an appropriately guided river outing. Water levels change the character of rafting and fishing, and a pleasant bank is not an invitation to enter moving water. Before you reserve Developed sites require reservations. Dispersed camping has specific toilet and fire-container requirements. River access and campground management boundaries require attention. ATLAS 04 / PIKES PEAK & ARKANSAS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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02 / FRONT RANGE & FOOTHILLS Keep the journey simple. Make the weekend count. Developed lake camps, foothill forests and a first backpacking night. EXPLORE HEATHER'S MOUNTAIN SERIES heathercollection.com/mountain-living Heather Lay REALTOR® | 720.688.8688 HEATHER COLLECTION / 021

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FRONT RANGE & FOOTHILLS 022 Keep the journey simple. Make the weekend count. Developed lake camps, foothill forests and a first backpacking night. N CO 14 Fort Collins 11 9 10 8 Denver 6 5 7 I-25 Geographic locator | approximate markers | highways generalized | not for navigation The approach I-25 is the main north-south spine. Chatfield and Staunton sit west of the southern metro area; Cherry Creek is east. Continue north for St. Vrain, Boyd Lake and the Fort Collins-area approach to Lory. Choose your base Pick a developed lake campground for convenience, Golden Gate Canyon for a forest stay, Staunton for walk-in tents, or Lory for a true hike-in overnight. 05 Chatfield 06 Cherry Creek 07 Staunton 08 Golden Gate Canyon 09 Boyd Lake 10 St. Vrain 11 Lory HEATHER SAYS “A good camping trip is the one that fits the people going. Sometimes that means an easy campground, and sometimes it means carrying a little farther.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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FRONT RANGE & FOOTHILLS 023 Chatfield State Park Chatfield is a practical way to enjoy a camping weekend without making a mountain pass part of the itinerary. Its reservoir setting and Denver-area access suit a mix of outdoor time and convenient services. From Northgate 1.25-2 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Tent, RV and group camping; many full-hookup sites Facilities Showers, restrooms and developed campground facilities; hookup type varies by site. Season Camping year-round; verify seasonal utility service. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Four developed camping areas provide 197 individual sites, including 146 with full hookups. Select the loop around the way your group travels. Use a full-hookup site when comfort and easy RV routines matter. Tent campers should assess shade and the site surface rather than assuming every developed RV site will feel equally inviting. Make a day of it Choose a lake outing, a bike ride or an easy walk as the main activity. Keep the plan local so that camp remains the center of the stay. Before you reserve Navigate to the correct campground entrance rather than a generic park pin. Busy roads and metro recreation activity are part of this setting; it is a convenient escape rather than a wilderness retreat. ATLAS 05 / FRONT RANGE & FOOTHILLS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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FRONT RANGE & FOOTHILLS 024 Cherry Creek State Park Cherry Creek puts camping within a metropolitan landscape. It is useful for an easy shakedown trip, a group gathering or a stay that mixes time outside with Denver-area commitments. The experience is about access and recreation rather than remoteness. From Northgate 1.25-2 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Basic tent and full-hookup sites; group camping Facilities Showers, laundry, restrooms and dump station; full hookups at designated sites. Season Tent and full-hookup camping year-round. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite The developed campground offers 135 campsites in a prairie-and-reservoir setting within the Denver metro area. Pick a tent site for a simple overnight or a full-hookup site for an RV-centered stay. Consider the distance to facilities and how much daytime activity your group enjoys around camp. Make a day of it Plan around a reservoir outing or the park’s paths, with time to return for a relaxed meal. Check the rules for the specific activity before bringing equipment. Before you reserve Park entry and any applicable Cherry Creek basin charge are separate from camping. Dogs have designated access rules; an off-leash area does not make the entire park off leash. ATLAS 06 / FRONT RANGE & FOOTHILLS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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FRONT RANGE & FOOTHILLS 025 Staunton State Park Staunton suits the camper who wants to fall asleep near the trail landscape rather than beside an RV hookup. Meadows, forest and granite outcrops give the outing a distinctly foothill character. From Northgate 1.5-2.25 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Walk-in tent camping Facilities Vault toilets, water hydrants, tent pads, picnic tables and food-storage boxes. Season Year-round camping; snow can change the walk into camp. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Twenty-five walk-in sites make this a camping-and-trails destination. Carrying gear from parking is part of the experience. This is a walk-in tent choice. Pack for the carrying distance and consolidate loose equipment before leaving home. Reserve a site only after checking how its access works for everyone in the group. Make a day of it Choose a park hike matched to the group, then return with enough daylight to enjoy camp. A shorter route can leave more time for the part of the weekend that happens around the picnic table. Before you reserve No RV campground is offered. Confirm water operation and current fire rules; do not interpret a fire ring or a previous visitor’s photograph as permission for a fire. ATLAS 07 / FRONT RANGE & FOOTHILLS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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FRONT RANGE & FOOTHILLS 026 Golden Gate Canyon State Park Golden Gate Canyon brings the foothill forest into focus: aspen, pine-covered hills and room to build a weekend around walking. It is a useful alternative when your ideal getaway is a wooded setting rather than a reservoir shoreline. From Northgate 2-3 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Developed tent/RV camping; backcountry; cabins and yurts Facilities Electric sites and seasonal camper services in developed areas; facilities differ by campground. Season Year-round park overnight options; specific loops and buildings are seasonal. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Reverend’s Ridge and Aspen Meadows serve different camping styles. Backcountry sites, cabins and yurts add alternatives. Compare the campground rather than booking on the park name alone. A developed electric site, a tent-focused campground and a backcountry reservation require very different expectations. Make a day of it Plan one main trail outing and a slower second morning. In autumn, leave space for daylight and weather changes rather than trying to cover every overlook. Before you reserve Read the actual site utility listing. Broad park descriptions can use hookup terminology inconsistently; confirm electricity, water and sewer individually before arrival. ATLAS 08 / FRONT RANGE & FOOTHILLS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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FRONT RANGE & FOOTHILLS 027 Boyd Lake State Park Boyd Lake is an accessible northern Front Range camping base for people who enjoy the energy of a recreation lake. It can work well when the group wants water time and convenient access to town. From Northgate 2.25-3.25 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Electric tent and RV sites Facilities Electric hookups; seasonal showers; restrooms; dump station; playgrounds. Season Year-round camping with a reduced winter operating pattern. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Cottonwood Campground has paved pull-through sites in a developed lake recreation setting near Loveland. Paved sites and electricity simplify RV routines. Tent campers should look carefully at the pad, shade and nearby activity before deciding which location suits them. Make a day of it Build a weekend around the activities actually operating during your stay, then add a Loveland stop if the group wants a change of pace. Before you reserve Water levels can alter boating opportunities. At the October 2026 check, trailered boating was closed for the remainder of 2026; hand-launched uses had different rules. Recheck before booking around a boat trip. ATLAS 09 / FRONT RANGE & FOOTHILLS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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FRONT RANGE & FOOTHILLS 028 St. Vrain State Park St. Vrain is a ponds-and-birdlife camping experience with easy I-25 access. It suits a simple overnight, a convenient RV stop or a weekend organized around fishing and quiet observation. From Northgate 2-2.75 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Electric and full-hookup sites; tent camping Facilities Developed restrooms and camper facilities; electric and full-hookup options. Season Year-round camping; construction and seasonal services can affect availability. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Eight campground areas sit near the park’s ponds. Choose an individual site for utilities and proximity to the water. Compare the electric and full-hookup sites, and expect a Front Range corridor setting. Convenient access to the highway also means this is not the same experience as a remote mountain campground. Make a day of it Keep the outing unhurried: a walk around an open pond, time with binoculars and a meal at camp. Use designated access for any water activity. Before you reserve At the October 2026 check, paving work closed south campground sites 42-87 and affected nearby trails. Confirm the reopened areas before selecting a site. ATLAS 10 / FRONT RANGE & FOOTHILLS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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FRONT RANGE & FOOTHILLS 029 Lory State Park Lory belongs in a different category from the developed campgrounds in this guide. The reward is an overnight reached on foot, with the walk itself becoming part of the getaway. From Northgate 3-4 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Hike-in backcountry camping only Facilities No campsite water, restrooms or tent pads. Carry in and pack out what you need. Season Year-round access; off-season reservations are limited to specified nights. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Six backcountry sites require a minimum two-mile hike. Vehicles cannot reach the campsites. Choose it when everyone is ready to carry a complete overnight kit, including water. This is a backpacking commitment rather than a car-camping site with a slightly longer walk. Make a day of it Allow enough daylight for the approach, camp setup and a relaxed evening. A first backpacking night is more enjoyable with a modest objective and equipment already tested at home. Before you reserve Campfires are prohibited; small camp stoves are subject to current rules. No vehicle-based or dispersed camping is allowed. Check the permitted reservation nights for your dates. ATLAS 11 / FRONT RANGE & FOOTHILLS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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03 / SOUTHERN FRONT RANGE Follow the horizon south. Reservoir weekends, open landscapes and a gentler travel corridor. EXPLORE HEATHER'S MOUNTAIN SERIES heathercollection.com/mountain-living Heather Lay REALTOR® | 720.688.8688 HEATHER COLLECTION / 030

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SOUTHERN FRONT RANGE 031 Follow the horizon south. Reservoir weekends, open landscapes and a gentler travel corridor. N Pueblo 12 13 Trinidad 14 Geographic locator | approximate markers | highways generalized | not for navigation The approach I-25 south serves Pueblo, Walsenburg and Trinidad. Turn west to each park’s designated entrance. Lake Pueblo has multiple access areas; choose the one associated with your reservation. Choose your base Lake Pueblo suits a relatively close reservoir stay. Lathrop combines lakes with a varied recreation setting, while Trinidad Lake adds a useful town-and-camp pairing. 12 Lake Pueblo 13 Lathrop 14 Trinidad Lake HEATHER SAYS “I enjoy having different versions of Colorado within reach. A lake weekend south of home can be just as rewarding as heading into the mountains.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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SOUTHERN FRONT RANGE 032 Lake Pueblo State Park Lake Pueblo offers a lower-elevation change of scene south of Colorado Springs. Open hills and a large reservoir make this an appealing contrast to a forest camping weekend. From Northgate 1.25-1.75 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Basic tent and electric RV campsites Facilities Showers, restrooms, electric sites and dump stations; seasonal closures apply. Season Year-round camping; some northern campground areas close in winter. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Northern Plains and Arkansas Point areas give access to different sides of the reservoir. Match camp to your intended activity. Choose the side of the lake first, then the site. A convenient launch or trail connection can matter more than being in the largest campground. Review shade and afternoon exposure. Make a day of it Combine a suitable reservoir activity with an early walk or ride. Leave the warmer part of the day for rest, shade and a slower meal at camp. Before you reserve Open camping does not mean every service building is operating. The distance between reservoir areas makes it worth checking where your planned outing actually begins. ATLAS 12 / SOUTHERN FRONT RANGE HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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SOUTHERN FRONT RANGE 033 Lathrop State Park Lathrop works for a relaxed southern Colorado getaway where the agenda can include water, walking and a round of golf. The Spanish Peaks country gives the trip a different visual character from the Pikes Peak region. From Northgate 1.75-2.5 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Basic tent sites; electric RV sites; group camping Facilities Seasonal showers, restrooms, water hydrants and dump station. Season Year-round camping; winter amenities are reduced. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Yucca provides basic non-electric camping. Pinon offers paved sites with electricity near the park’s lake-and-golf setting. Compare Yucca’s simpler camping with Pinon’s electric sites. Check individual utilities carefully rather than assuming electricity means full hookups. Make a day of it Let the group choose one anchor activity and keep a second part of the day open. This is a good setting for a mixed-interest weekend in which everyone does not need to follow the same schedule. Before you reserve Heat, wind and seasonal water operations affect comfort. Check the specific lake rules for boating or swimming, along with the current fire restrictions. ATLAS 13 / SOUTHERN FRONT RANGE HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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SOUTHERN FRONT RANGE 034 Trinidad Lake State Park Trinidad Lake combines a southern Colorado reservoir stay with the option to explore the town of Trinidad. It is an appealing stopping point for a longer trip or a destination when the group wants several different kinds of day. From Northgate 2.25-3 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Tent/RV camping; electric sites; selected full hookups Facilities Seasonal showers and laundry; restrooms; water; hookups vary by site. Season Year-round options at Carpios Ridge; South Shore is seasonal. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Carpios Ridge provides electric sites and selected seasonal full hookups. South Shore offers a separate seasonal campground setting. Use Carpios Ridge for a more developed RV routine. Compare the quieter preferences of your group with South Shore’s season and facilities rather than choosing only by the nearest water view. Make a day of it Build in one park outing and one town visit. A stay of two or three nights leaves room to enjoy both without treating camp as a place used only for sleeping. Before you reserve The season for full hookups differs from the season for camping. Check the exact utility dates, water level and approach to your reserved site. ATLAS 14 / SOUTHERN FRONT RANGE HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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04 / THE EASTERN PLAINS There is more Colorado beyond the mountains. Big skies, reservoir shores and evenings that belong to the stars. EXPLORE HEATHER'S MOUNTAIN SERIES heathercollection.com/mountain-living Heather Lay REALTOR® | 720.688.8688 HEATHER COLLECTION / 035

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THE EASTERN PLAINS 036 There is more Colorado beyond the mountains. Big skies, reservoir shores and evenings that belong to the stars. N 16 Sterling 15 Pueblo La Junta 17 Geographic locator | approximate markers | highways generalized | not for navigation The approach Jackson Lake and North Sterling lie northeast of the Front Range, reached through the I-76 and local-road corridors. John Martin is a separate southeastern trip via US 50 and the lower Arkansas Valley. Choose your base Treat the northeastern lakes and John Martin as separate weekend choices. They are grouped here by landscape and camping character, not because they form a short driving circuit. 15 Jackson Lake 16 North Sterling 17 John Martin Reservoir HEATHER SAYS “Some of the best parts of camping are simple: being outside, sharing a meal and having time to look up. The scenery does not have to be alpine.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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EASTERN PLAINS 037 Jackson Lake State Park Jackson Lake is a reminder that Colorado camping does not have to involve a mountain pass. Water, an open horizon and a broad night sky create a different kind of escape on the eastern plains. From Northgate 3-4 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Tent and electric RV sites; group camping Facilities Seasonal showers, drinking water and toilets; electric sites; dump station. Season Year-round camping; seasonal facilities vary. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Multiple campground loops offer 251 sites in a plains reservoir setting; the Dunes area accommodates group camping. Choose a basic or electric site according to your setup and review shade, exposure and the walk to water. A site that looks spacious on a map may be more exposed than your usual forest campground. Make a day of it Give the day to a suitable lake activity, then let the evening slow down. Shielded, minimal lighting helps everyone enjoy the park’s dark-sky character. Before you reserve Reservoir levels and wind can change the day’s plan. Bring a dependable shade solution and check lake access before building the entire weekend around launching a boat. ATLAS 15 / EASTERN PLAINS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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EASTERN PLAINS 038 North Sterling State Park North Sterling offers a plains reservoir weekend with plenty of sky and a slower sense of distance. It is a useful choice when your group enjoys fishing or boating and wants to explore beyond the familiar mountain corridors. From Northgate 3.5-4.5 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Basic tent and electric RV sites Facilities Restrooms; seasonal showers and laundry; electric sites; shaded picnic tables. Season Year-round options; selected campgrounds close seasonally. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Elks, Inlet and Chimney View are the park’s three campground areas. Seasonal operation differs between them. Compare the season and utilities at each campground before selecting a site. A shaded picnic shelter can be a meaningful comfort feature in this open setting. Make a day of it Plan a lake-centered morning and leave time for an easy shoreline outing or simply watching the light change. This is a trip worth giving more than one night from Colorado Springs. Before you reserve Check water levels, ramp operation and current wind conditions. In winter, confirm the open campground and available facilities rather than assuming all three areas are operating. ATLAS 16 / EASTERN PLAINS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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EASTERN PLAINS 039 John Martin Reservoir State Park John Martin brings the southeastern plains into the camping collection. It suits people drawn to birdlife, reservoir landscapes and the history of the lower Arkansas Valley, with a very different atmosphere from a high-country lake. From Northgate 2.75-3.75 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Basic tent camping and electric RV sites Facilities Seasonal camper services with showers and laundry; restrooms; utilities vary by area. Season Year-round options; basic areas and services have seasonal limitations. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Lake Hasty sits below the dam with electric sites; The Point provides a more basic north-shore camping experience. Decide between Lake Hasty’s more developed setting and The Point’s simpler camping. Shade, access and the facilities your group needs should guide that choice. Make a day of it Keep the schedule flexible around heat and lake conditions. A birding morning, time at camp and a regional history stop can create a satisfying trip without filling every hour. Before you reserve At the October 2026 check, an electrical failure closed affected Lake Hasty sites and the dump station. Low water also affected boat ramps. Confirm repairs and current water advisories before travel. ATLAS 17 / EASTERN PLAINS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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05 / NORTHERN MOUNTAINS & YAMPA VALLEY Give the farther places a little more time. Mountain lakes, forest bases and the northern Colorado landscape. EXPLORE HEATHER'S MOUNTAIN SERIES heathercollection.com/mountain-living Heather Lay REALTOR® | 720.688.8688 HEATHER COLLECTION / 040

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NORTHERN MOUNTAINS & YAMPA VALLEY 041 Give the farther places a little more time. Mountain lakes, forest bases and the northern Colorado landscape. N 19 20 CO 14 18 Steamboat Springs 21 Geographic locator | approximate markers | highways generalized | not for navigation The approach State Forest is approached through North Park and the CO 14 corridor. Steamboat-area parks are served by US 40 and regional roads. The most sensible route depends on the campground, weather and towing setup. Choose your base Choose one base for several nights. Compare State Forest’s varied camping, Steamboat Lake’s larger recreation setting, Pearl Lake’s smaller scale and Stagecoach’s open reservoir country. 18 State Forest 19 Steamboat Lake 20 Pearl Lake 21 Stagecoach HEATHER SAYS “When we travel farther, I like having enough time to settle in. The slower mornings are part of why I love camping in the first place.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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NORTHERN MOUNTAINS 042 State Forest State Park State Forest offers room to build an entire mountain camping trip around one place. Forest, lakes and rugged terrain give it a more expansive character than a quick roadside overnight. From Northgate 4-5 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Basic/electric camping; backcountry; cabins; yurts Facilities Utilities and toilets vary by area; limited-service sites require carrying supplies. Season Year-round overnight options; snow and access determine the winter experience. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Yurts/huts may use a separate operator. Find your campsite North Michigan, North Park and Ranger Lakes are distinct starting points. Other primitive and backcountry options require more self-sufficiency. Choose the actual campground or lodging unit first. Electric camping, a rustic cabin and a backcountry site do not share the same access or comfort level. Allow enough nights to justify the longer approach. Make a day of it Plan one outing each day and protect time at camp. Wildlife viewing is a possibility, never a promise; a distant observation is more rewarding than trying to approach an animal. Before you reserve Cold nights and changing mountain weather require preparation. Confirm road access, water availability and the operator for any yurt or hut reservation; not every overnight option uses the same booking channel. ATLAS 18 / NORTHERN MOUNTAINS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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NORTHERN MOUNTAINS 043 Steamboat Lake State Park Steamboat Lake is a destination to settle into, with the Park Range and Hahn’s Peak country giving the stay a memorable northern Colorado setting. The longer drive argues for several nights rather than a hurried overnight. From Northgate 4.5-6 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Electric/non-electric sites; walk-in tents; marina cabins Facilities Water fill and dump station seasonally; electricity at designated sites; no full hookups. Season Summer campground experience; limited winter RV sites near the marina. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Reserve marina cabins separately. Find your campsite Developed campground loops suit tents and RVs. Sites 181-200 are walk-in only; marina cabins are reserved separately. Select an electric or non-electric site around your equipment, and distinguish the walk-in sites from vehicle-accessible camping. A cabin reserved through the marina creates another option for a mixed-comfort group. Make a day of it Combine a suitable lake outing with a walk and an afternoon left unscheduled. Staying in one place long enough to notice the changing light is part of the appeal. Before you reserve Winter camping is a limited marina-area RV arrangement rather than the summer tent experience. Review its specific service limits and booking rules for the season you intend to visit. ATLAS 19 / NORTHERN MOUNTAINS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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NORTHERN MOUNTAINS 044 Pearl Lake State Park Pearl Lake suits a camper who wants a quieter mountain-lake atmosphere and a smaller campground footprint. Nearby Steamboat Lake offers a useful comparison, but the two should not be treated as interchangeable experiences. From Northgate 4.5-6 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Basic campsites; two yurts Facilities Basic campground facilities; no campsite hookups. Confirm seasonal drinking water. Season Campsites are seasonal; yurts have separate year-round reservation arrangements. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite A small campground offers 36 sites near the lake. Yurts provide a separate overnight alternative. Choose a basic campsite if you are comfortable without hookups. Yurts change the shelter arrangement, but their access and operating rules still need to match your dates. Make a day of it Let a gentle lake outing and time at camp set the pace. An uncomplicated day gives you room to enjoy the setting rather than spending the trip in the car. Before you reserve The park’s campsite season and yurt season differ. Confirm the exact accommodation’s access and facilities, especially when planning outside summer; winter approaches can require additional effort. ATLAS 20 / NORTHERN MOUNTAINS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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NORTHERN MOUNTAINS 045 Stagecoach State Park Stagecoach gives the Yampa Valley a reservoir camping option south of Steamboat Springs. Sagebrush hills and open views create a different atmosphere from a heavily wooded campsite. From Northgate 4-5.25 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Basic tent sites and electric RV sites Facilities Seasonal showers, water and restrooms; electric sites; group camping. Season Seasonal loop and service patterns; confirm winter availability. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Four campground areas include Junction City, McKindley, Pinnacle and Harding Spur. Match the loop to your equipment and preferred exposure. Compare a basic tent site with an electric site and look at the actual placement on the campground map. Sun exposure and distance to services can matter as much as the site’s view. Make a day of it Choose a water outing or a park trail as the main event, then spend a second day at a slower pace. An excursion into Steamboat Springs can complement the trip without replacing the camping experience. Before you reserve Reservoir conditions and seasonal services shape what is practical. Secure shade structures against wind and verify the open loops and utility services for your dates. ATLAS 21 / NORTHERN MOUNTAINS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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06 / NORTHWEST & THE COLORADO RIVER Make room for western Colorado. River corridors, waterfalls and Grand Valley camping bases. EXPLORE HEATHER'S MOUNTAIN SERIES heathercollection.com/mountain-living Heather Lay REALTOR® | 720.688.8688 HEATHER COLLECTION / 046

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NORTHWEST & THE COLORADO RIVER 047 Make room for western Colorado. River corridors, waterfalls and Grand Valley camping bases. N Craig 22 US 40 23 24 25 Rifle 26 27 27 Grand Junction Geographic locator | approximate markers | highways generalized | not for navigation The approach US 40 serves the Hayden and Craig area. I-70 serves Rifle, the Grand Valley and Fruita. These are two travel corridors; do not assume neighboring markers on a statewide map have a quick direct connection. Choose your base Use Yampa River or Elkhead for a northwestern stay; Rifle Falls and Rifle Gap for a waterfall-and-reservoir pairing; Highline or James M. Robb for the Grand Valley. 22 Elkhead Reservoir 23 Yampa River 24 Rifle Falls 25 Rifle Gap 26 Highline Lake 27 James M. Robb - Colorado River HEATHER SAYS “I like a trip that gives us a new landscape and time to enjoy it. A campground can be the beginning of the experience, not just the place we sleep.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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NORTHWEST & COLORADO RIVER 048 Elkhead Reservoir State Park Elkhead Reservoir is a northwestern Colorado alternative for a water-centered camping trip. It is best treated as part of a longer stay in the region rather than a short dash from Colorado Springs. From Northgate 5-6.5 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Electric and non-electric tent/RV sites Facilities Toilets, picnic tables and shade shelters; no drinking water or dump station at the park. Season Seasonal camping; no winter camping. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Bear’s Ears and Pronghorn provide two developed camping choices near the reservoir. Choose electric or non-electric camping, then review the individual pad and shoreline relationship. Arrive with your drinking-water and RV-service arrangements already settled. Make a day of it Make the reservoir the focus, with a flexible schedule for changing water and weather conditions. A slow day at camp can be as satisfying as a longer excursion. Before you reserve This park does not provide drinking water or an on-site dump station. The nearby regional service options have their own operating schedules; confirm them before leaving the highway corridor. ATLAS 22 / NORTHWEST & COLORADO RIVER HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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NORTHWEST & COLORADO RIVER 049 Yampa River State Park Yampa River camping ranges from a developed home base near Hayden to much simpler river access sites. Pick the experience first, because the park name covers a long river corridor. From Northgate 4.75-6 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Headquarters electric/tent camping; primitive river sites Facilities Headquarters has seasonal camper services, showers and a dump station; river sites differ. Season Availability depends on campground, river access and seasonal facilities. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Headquarters near Hayden provides developed camping. Duffy Mountain, Juniper Canyon, Maybell Bridge and East Cross Mountain are separate primitive settings. Headquarters is the more practical choice when showers, electricity or an easy campground routine matter. Remote river sites require a separate plan for water, toilets, access and payment. Make a day of it Enjoy the riverside landscape from legal access points. A river trip is a separate undertaking that depends on flow, skill and the precise stretch involved. Before you reserve Low water can make downstream travel impractical, and private property interrupts some shorelines. Deerlodge Park is managed by the National Park Service, even when discussed alongside the Yampa corridor. ATLAS 23 / NORTHWEST & COLORADO RIVER HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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NORTHWEST & COLORADO RIVER 050 Rifle Falls State Park Rifle Falls is a small-scale camping choice with a distinctive reward: a lush creek corridor and the park’s triple waterfall. It works especially well for people who enjoy a compact destination with a memorable feature close by. From Northgate 4-5.25 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Drive-in electric sites and walk-in tents Facilities Toilets, water hydrants, food-storage boxes and electricity at designated sites. Season Year-round camping options; winter access and utilities need checking. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite A small creekside campground offers 13 drive-in and seven walk-in campsites. Compare the walk-in tent sites with the drive-in sites before reserving. The small campground means site availability may determine which dates are realistic. Make a day of it Leave time for the falls and a suitable park walk, then return to camp. Pairing the stay with nearby Rifle Gap can broaden the trip without moving camp every night. Before you reserve Creekside camping does not remove the need to store food correctly. Stay on designated routes and observe posted cave, waterfall and resource-protection restrictions. ATLAS 24 / NORTHWEST & COLORADO RIVER HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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NORTHWEST & COLORADO RIVER 051 Rifle Gap State Park Rifle Gap is the reservoir counterpart to nearby Rifle Falls. Open views and water recreation make it a practical western Colorado base when your group wants both a lake day and a nearby waterfall outing. From Northgate 4-5.25 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Tent/RV sites; basic, electric and full-hookup options Facilities Restrooms, seasonal showers, water and dump station; utility levels vary by site. Season Year-round options; seasonal service reductions. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Five campground areas provide 89 sites along the reservoir’s north side. Compare the individual loop and hookup listing. Pick your utility level first, then assess the pad and exposure. Walk-in tent sites and more developed RV areas offer different ways to enjoy the same landscape. Make a day of it Spend one day near the reservoir and another exploring the local area. Keeping the campsite for more than one night avoids turning a western Colorado trip into a sequence of packing exercises. Before you reserve Boat access and shoreline conditions depend on water levels. Confirm each utility explicitly, and do not assume that a nearby trail or open hillside is public access without checking the map. ATLAS 25 / NORTHWEST & COLORADO RIVER HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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NORTHWEST & COLORADO RIVER 052 Highline Lake State Park Highline Lake offers a Grand Valley base near Loma, with access to western Colorado’s open landscapes and nearby communities. The camping appeal is a mix of water, shade in selected areas and opportunities beyond the park. From Northgate 5-6.5 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Tent and RV camping; developed campground facilities Facilities Seasonal showers and laundry; restrooms; water and dump station. Season Year-round camping with seasonal service limits. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Bookcliff is the established campground area. Confirm the current operation and utilities of newer Sunset Ridge sites in the reservation inventory. Look at the actual campground and current site inventory. Tree cover and the balance of sun and shade can materially change comfort in a warm western Colorado afternoon. Make a day of it Pair time at camp with a suitable local outing and leave the hottest hours flexible. A stay of several nights supports a broader Grand Valley trip. Before you reserve Older pages may still describe future campground openings or outdated boating restrictions. Verify current lake operations, aquatic nuisance-species measures and the campground actually being offered for your dates. ATLAS 26 / NORTHWEST & COLORADO RIVER HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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NORTHWEST & COLORADO RIVER 053 James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park James M. Robb is particularly useful when the camping weekend is part of a larger Grand Valley itinerary. Fruita and Island Acres offer different bases, with the Colorado River corridor providing a shared geographic thread. From Northgate 4.75-6.5 hours, by section; planning estimate Camping choices Tent, electric and full-hookup RV sites Facilities Seasonal showers, restrooms and RV facilities; utilities differ by site and section. Season Year-round camping in both sections; limited winter facilities. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Fruita and Island Acres are separate camping sections along the I-70 corridor. The park’s other sections are not interchangeable campgrounds. Choose the section before choosing a site. Fruita is useful for a west-end base; Island Acres serves the eastern end near the canyon corridor. Both include developed RV choices. Make a day of it Combine camp time with an outing matched to your chosen end of the valley. Colorado National Monument can be paired with a Fruita stay, allowing a different landscape without another campsite move. Before you reserve Traffic and railway sounds can be part of the corridor experience. Check the exact entrance and reservation name, and distinguish river access from designated pond or swimming access. ATLAS 27 / NORTHWEST & COLORADO RIVER HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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07 / CENTRAL MOUNTAINS & NORTH FORK Find a quieter place to land. High-country lakes, aspen country and the North Fork landscape. EXPLORE HEATHER'S MOUNTAIN SERIES heathercollection.com/mountain-living Heather Lay REALTOR® | 720.688.8688 HEATHER COLLECTION / 054

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CENTRAL MOUNTAINS & NORTH FORK 055 Find a quieter place to land. High-country lakes, aspen country and the North Fork landscape. N Eagle Rifle I-70 28 29 30 31 Gunnison Montrose Geographic locator | approximate markers | highways generalized | not for navigation The approach Sylvan Lake is south of Eagle from I-70. Vega is reached from the Grand Mesa side of the western slope. Paonia and Crawford belong to the North Fork corridor. Seasonal passes are optional routes, not assumptions. Choose your base Choose a park first, then build the drive around it. Sylvan Lake and Vega offer upland settings; Paonia and Crawford suit a North Fork trip with different facility levels. 28 Sylvan Lake 29 Vega 30 Paonia 31 Crawford HEATHER SAYS “I do not need every hour planned when we camp. A good setting, a walk and time together are often enough to make a weekend memorable.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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CENTRAL MOUNTAINS & NORTH FORK 056 Sylvan Lake State Park Sylvan Lake is a high-country retreat south of Eagle, with forest, meadows and a small lake creating a sense of being well away from the interstate. It suits a stay built around the place itself. From Northgate 3.5-4.75 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Basic tent/RV camping; cabins; yurts Facilities No individual campsite hookups; water and camper services depend on current conditions. Season Year-round overnight options; snow changes access and facilities. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Elk Run and Fisherman’s Paradise provide different camping areas. Cabins and yurts are separate overnight choices. Bring a self-contained camping setup or choose a cabin or yurt after reading its specific equipment and access notes. The absence of campsite hookups is part of the planning equation. Make a day of it Keep the schedule simple: a suitable walk, time near the lake and an evening at camp. Download directions and confirmations before you leave reliable service. Before you reserve At the October 2026 check, drought had shut down campground spigots, showers and flush toilets. Arrive with water and confirm current service; cell service is not dependable. ATLAS 28 / CENTRAL MOUNTAINS & NORTH FORK HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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CENTRAL MOUNTAINS & NORTH FORK 057 Vega State Park Vega places camp beside a high-mountain reservoir on the Grand Mesa side of western Colorado. Meadows, aspen and a cooler upland setting create an alternative to the warmer Grand Valley below. From Northgate 4.75-6 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Tent/RV sites; electric sites; walk-ins; cabins Facilities Seasonal camper services; electric sites; restrooms; cabins with selected appliances. Season Seasonal camping patterns; cabins provide year-round options. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Four campground areas include Pioneer’s walk-in tent sites and cabins. Compare each loop’s utilities and season. Choose between a developed RV pad, a walk-in tent site and a cabin according to the group’s preferred routine. The same park can support quite different levels of comfort. Make a day of it Allow several nights for a combination of lake time and local exploration. A midweek visit may offer a gentler pace than a busy summer weekend. Before you reserve Grand Mesa weather can feel very different from lower-elevation towns. Confirm the road approach, drinking water and the season of your exact loop, especially in spring and autumn. ATLAS 29 / CENTRAL MOUNTAINS & NORTH FORK HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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CENTRAL MOUNTAINS & NORTH FORK 058 Paonia State Park Paonia is a smaller, simpler camping choice in the North Fork region. It can suit a camper who values a basic setting and is comfortable arriving with the supplies needed for the whole stay. From Northgate 4-5.5 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Basic tent/RV sites; limited electric sites Facilities Vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings; no drinking water. Season Seasonal camping; campgrounds close during winter. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Spruce offers a streamside camping setting; Anthracite has the park’s electric sites. Decide whether the streamside character of Spruce or electricity at Anthracite better matches the trip. Review vehicle access and the exact site rather than relying on the regional map. Make a day of it Enjoy time at camp and build one outing around the reservoir or nearby valley. Seasonal road access should determine any larger scenic circuit. Before you reserve Bring all drinking water. Reservoir drawdown changes the shoreline, and a seasonal mountain pass is not a dependable year-round approach. Confirm openings before planning a loop through the region. ATLAS 30 / CENTRAL MOUNTAINS & NORTH FORK HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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CENTRAL MOUNTAINS & NORTH FORK 059 Crawford State Park Crawford is useful for a quieter reservoir base in the North Fork country, with the North Rim side of Black Canyon forming a possible separate excursion. It is a different choice from camping at the canyon rim itself. From Northgate 4.5-5.75 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Tent/RV sites; water/electric and full-hookup choices Facilities Showers, flush toilets and water in season; RV utility options vary. Season Year-round camping with seasonal service changes. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Iron Creek and Clear Fork offer different camping arrangements near the reservoir. Confirm the selected site’s actual utilities. Compare Iron Creek with Clear Fork by utility level and tent suitability. A site near a ramp may suit one group while another prefers more time around camp. Make a day of it Build in a reservoir day and, if conditions permit, a separate canyon visit. The journey to a specific rim entrance deserves its own time allowance. Before you reserve Do not substitute Black Canyon’s South Rim directions for the North Rim approach. Check water levels, campground utility service and seasonal road access before travel. ATLAS 31 / CENTRAL MOUNTAINS & NORTH FORK HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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08 / SOUTHWEST & THE SAN JUAN COUNTRY Stay long enough to feel far away. Reservoir camps, pine forests and a southwestern Colorado journey. EXPLORE HEATHER'S MOUNTAIN SERIES heathercollection.com/mountain-living Heather Lay REALTOR® | 720.688.8688 HEATHER COLLECTION / 060

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SOUTHWEST & THE SAN JUAN COUNTRY 061 Stay long enough to feel far away. Reservoir camps, pine forests and a southwestern Colorado journey. N Montrose 32 Cortez 33 Durango 34 Geographic locator | approximate markers | highways generalized | not for navigation The approach Ridgway is reached through the Montrose and US 550 corridor. Mancos and Navajo are served by southwestern Colorado routes including US 160. A large RV should use a verified approach rather than a scenic shortcut. Choose your base Ridgway suits a San Juan base, Mancos a simpler forest stay near Mesa Verde, and Navajo a longer water-centered getaway. These are separate destinations, not a one-day loop. 32 Ridgway 33 Mancos 34 Navajo HEATHER SAYS “Camping is one of the ways I stay connected to what brought me to Colorado. I love having places to return to and new ones still to discover.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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SOUTHWEST & SAN JUANS 062 Ridgway State Park Ridgway makes an appealing San Juan region base for a longer camping stay. Reservoir views, the Uncompahgre River setting and access toward Ouray create several possible versions of the same trip. From Northgate 5-6.5 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Tent/RV sites; electric/full hookups; walk-ins; yurts Facilities Seasonal showers and laundry; restrooms; electricity and full hookups at selected sites. Season Year-round options in selected areas; individual loops are seasonal. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Dakota Terraces, Elk Ridge and Pa-Co-Chu-Puk create three distinct camping settings. Dakota Terraces and Elk Ridge offer electric camping; Pa-Co-Chu-Puk adds full-hookup choices and a riverside atmosphere. Walk-in tents and yurts broaden the options. Make a day of it Choose one nearby excursion each day and leave time to enjoy camp. A trip toward Ouray is a separate outing, not a reason to hurry through the park’s own setting. Before you reserve Use the campground map to distinguish reservoir access from river access. A scenic San Juan drive may involve demanding roads; keep the RV route separate from any optional mountain excursion. ATLAS 32 / SOUTHWEST & SAN JUANS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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SOUTHWEST & SAN JUANS 063 Mancos State Park Mancos offers a ponderosa-pine camping base for southwestern Colorado. It works well for travelers who want a simpler camp setting while leaving room for a separate visit to Mesa Verde or time in the Mancos area. From Northgate 6-7.5 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Basic tent/RV sites; two yurts Facilities Vault toilets; drinking water in designated areas; no electric hookups or showers. Season Year-round overnight options; winter services and access are limited. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Main and West campground areas offer different positions around Jackson Gulch Reservoir. Choose a basic campsite for a self-contained stay or a yurt for a different shelter arrangement. Check where drinking water is available relative to your campsite. Make a day of it Allow a full day for a Mesa Verde visit rather than squeezing it between setup and dinner. Another day can belong to the reservoir and the local community. Before you reserve No electric hookups or showers are offered. A reservation here does not include national park admission or a cliff-dwelling tour; those are separate trip arrangements. ATLAS 33 / SOUTHWEST & SAN JUANS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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SOUTHWEST & SAN JUANS 064 Navajo State Park Navajo is a water-oriented southwestern Colorado getaway near Arboles. A longer stay makes room for boating, time at camp and exploring the wider region without spending every day packing up. From Northgate 5.75-7 hours; planning estimate Camping choices Basic/electric/full-hookup sites; walk-in tents; cabins Facilities Developed service buildings in selected areas; primitive areas lack drinking water. Season Year-round options with seasonal loops, utilities and water access. Reservations CPWshop for campsites. Choose the exact campground and site. Find your campsite Rosa, Carracas, Tiffany, Windsurf Beach and Arboles Point provide markedly different camping styles. Rosa offers full hookups; Carracas has electric sites; Tiffany mixes basic sites and cabins. Windsurf Beach and Arboles Point are more primitive choices with different access and service expectations. Make a day of it Give the lake a full day when conditions permit, with another day kept flexible for rest or a regional outing. Match the campground to the part of the reservoir you intend to use. Before you reserve The reservoir extends into New Mexico. Fishing, boating and access rules depend on where you go. Confirm applicable licenses, inspections, water levels and the correct Colorado campground entrance. ATLAS 34 / SOUTHWEST & SAN JUANS HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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COLORADO’S NATIONAL PARKS 065 Four parks. Four different camping trips. The destination The planning scale Rocky Mountain National Park 3-4.5 hours, by entrance from Northgate; allow a multi-night stay. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve 3-4 hours from Northgate; allow a multi-night stay. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park 4.75-6 hours, by rim from Northgate; allow a multi-night stay. Mesa Verde National Park 6.25-7.75 hours from Northgate; allow a multi-night stay. Give each park its own trip These parks are not four stops to collect in a hurried weekend. Each has a different landscape, entrance pattern and camping system. Start with the one that matches your group, choose the campground and protect time to be there. An overnight reservation has a precise meaning It secures the booked accommodation under its rules. It does not necessarily include every road corridor, guided tour, wilderness permit or activity you might want. Keep those arrangements separate. HEATHER SAYS “I love that Colorado can keep surprising us. These are places to spend time in, not just names to cross off a list.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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09 / ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK Wake up in the mountain landscape. Camping here puts the park at the center of the trip. EXPLORE HEATHER'S MOUNTAIN SERIES heathercollection.com/mountain-living Heather Lay REALTOR® | 720.688.8688 HEATHER COLLECTION / 066

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK 067 Wake up in the mountain landscape. Camping here puts the park at the center of the trip. Choose an entrance and campground around the places you want to explore, then leave enough time to enjoy mornings and evenings without another long approach from town. Moraine Park An east-side base with selected electric sites; check the current loop inventory. Glacier Basin East-side camping useful for a trail-centered visit; seasonal operation. Aspenglen A smaller east-side option near the Fall River entrance; seasonal operation. Timber Creek The west-side choice near Grand Lake; plan the approach independently of Trail Ridge Road. Longs Peak Seasonal tent-only, first-come camping with no water. A distinct choice for prepared campers. Reserve the right experience Winter camping operates differently. Confirm the specific campground and current timed-entry arrangements before travel. Comfort at camp Facilities differ by campground. Do not assume water or sewer hookups. Selected Moraine Park sites have electricity; Longs Peak has no drinking water. Check seasonal water and RV service arrangements. HEATHER SAYS “I love the idea of waking up where the day’s adventure begins. Staying a few nights can change a park visit from something we rush through into something we really experience.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK / AREA MAP 068 Know the approach. Enjoy the arrival. N 5 6 1 3 4 7 2 Geographic locator | approximate markers | highways generalized | not for navigation 1 Estes Park 2 Grand Lake 3 Moraine Park 4 Glacier Basin 5 Aspenglen 6 Timber Creek 7 Longs Peak The detail that changes the trip The 2027 campground dates were not yet finalized at the October 2026 check. Trail Ridge Road is seasonal and should not be assumed to connect your entrance with the other side of the park. Local numbers on this page identify entrances, campground areas and nearby towns. They are separate from the statewide atlas numbers. Park boundaries and campground roads are not shown. HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK / THE STAY 069 Give the park time to become the trip. Arrive Use your booked entrance and campground. Set up, orient yourself and keep the first evening simple. Explore Choose one realistic outing for the group. Return with energy and daylight left to enjoy camp. Linger Allow another morning for a different part of the same side of the park. Move between east and west only when roads and the itinerary support it. A better balance Allow an easy arrival day, at least one full day without a campground move and a departure that leaves time to pack calmly. Add nights when the drive, the group’s pace or a separately booked activity would otherwise make the stay feel compressed. Before departure Recheck the exact campground opening, site fit, water supply, food-storage requirements, pet access and any separate reservation. Download the confirmation and the route before leaving reliable service. HEATHER SAYS “I love the idea of waking up where the day’s adventure begins. Staying a few nights can change a park visit from something we rush through into something we really experience.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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10 / GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE Trade the familiar view for something extraordinary. A dunes camping trip brings a strikingly different Colorado landscape into reach: sand, the Sangre de Cristo backdrop and a broad San Luis Valley sky. EXPLORE HEATHER'S MOUNTAIN SERIES heathercollection.com/mountain-living Heather Lay REALTOR® | 720.688.8688 HEATHER COLLECTION / 070

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GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE 071 Trade the familiar view for something extraordinary. A dunes camping trip brings a strikingly different Colorado landscape into reach: sand, the Sangre de Cristo backdrop and a broad San Luis Valley sky. Plan around comfortable times of day rather than assuming the afternoon is the best time to explore. Pinon Flats The main developed, paved-access campground. Individual and group sites use reservations. Medano Pass Primitive Road Up to 21 primitive sites in the preserve when the road is open; high-clearance four-wheel drive is required. Dunes backcountry and trail camps Permit-based backpacking options for people prepared for a self-sufficient overnight. Reserve the right experience Pinon Flats reservations and backpacking permits use Recreation.gov. The developed campground normally operates April through October. Medano Pass sites follow a separate first-come access pattern. Comfort at camp Pinon Flats has toilets and seasonal water, but no showers, hookups or laundry. The combined vehicle-and-trailer limit is 35 feet, and individual pads may be smaller. HEATHER SAYS “One of the things I love about Colorado is how different the next trip can feel. Camping gives us time to notice those differences, especially when the day slows down.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE / AREA MAP 072 Know the approach. Enjoy the arrival. N 5 1 2 3 Alamosa 4 Geographic locator | approximate markers | highways generalized | not for navigation 1 Pinon Flats 2 Visitor Center 3 Mosca 4 Alamosa 5 Medano Pass The detail that changes the trip An ordinary passenger vehicle or an all-wheel-drive badge is not a substitute for the high-clearance four-wheel-drive requirement on Medano Pass Primitive Road. Creek flow and road access vary with conditions. Local numbers on this page identify entrances, campground areas and nearby towns. They are separate from the statewide atlas numbers. Park boundaries and campground roads are not shown. HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE / THE STAY 073 Give the park time to become the trip. Arrive Settle into Pinon Flats in daylight and learn the layout before heading onto the sand. Explore early Choose an early outing suited to the group. Save the hottest or windiest part of the day for a different plan. Enjoy the evening Return for changing light and a simple camp meal. Build stargazing around weather and the campground’s quiet atmosphere. A better balance Allow an easy arrival day, at least one full day without a campground move and a departure that leaves time to pack calmly. Add nights when the drive, the group’s pace or a separately booked activity would otherwise make the stay feel compressed. Before departure Recheck the exact campground opening, site fit, water supply, food-storage requirements, pet access and any separate reservation. Download the confirmation and the route before leaving reliable service. HEATHER SAYS “One of the things I love about Colorado is how different the next trip can feel. Camping gives us time to notice those differences, especially when the day slows down.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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11 / BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK Choose the rim. Then choose the pace. Black Canyon is a camping trip organized around dramatic depth and the experience of being on the rim. EXPLORE HEATHER'S MOUNTAIN SERIES heathercollection.com/mountain-living Heather Lay REALTOR® | 720.688.8688 HEATHER COLLECTION / 074

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BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK 075 Choose the rim. Then choose the pace. Black Canyon is a camping trip organized around dramatic depth and the experience of being on the rim. The North and South Rims have different approaches, and the river below is not a casual extension of a campground walk. South Rim Campground Reservation-based camping near the main South Rim visitor facilities. Current fire recovery affects the available inventory. North Rim Campground A smaller, more remote rim option reached by a separate approach. Check road and seasonal access. East Portal: neighboring Curecanti A riverside campground accessed through the South Rim side, but legally within Curecanti National Recreation Area. Reserve the right experience At the October 2026 check, South Rim sites were reservation-only; North Rim and East Portal used first-come camping with Recreation.gov Scan & Pay. Download payment arrangements before losing service. Comfort at camp South Rim has no water hookups or dump station, and generators are not permitted. Bring drinking water when the seasonal system is shut down. HEATHER SAYS “I would rather enjoy one place properly than spend a trip chasing every stop. Camping makes it easier to slow down and let a landscape become the experience.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK / AREA MAP 076 Know the approach. Enjoy the arrival. N 5 2 1 3 Montrose 4 Geographic locator | approximate markers | highways generalized | not for navigation 1 South Rim 2 North Rim 3 East Portal 4 Montrose 5 Crawford The detail that changes the trip The 2025 South Rim Fire left areas closed and reduced the available campground inventory. Water systems were also shut off for winter at the check date. Review current recovery notices before booking. Local numbers on this page identify entrances, campground areas and nearby towns. They are separate from the statewide atlas numbers. Park boundaries and campground roads are not shown. HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK / THE STAY 077 Give the park time to become the trip. Choose your side Base the trip on one rim. There is no road directly across the canyon between the two rim campgrounds. Explore deliberately Use designated overlooks and a walk suited to the group. Keep children close near drop-offs. Keep the river separate Inner-canyon routes and East Portal access require their own preparation. A view of the river does not establish an easy route to it. A better balance Allow an easy arrival day, at least one full day without a campground move and a departure that leaves time to pack calmly. Add nights when the drive, the group’s pace or a separately booked activity would otherwise make the stay feel compressed. Before departure Recheck the exact campground opening, site fit, water supply, food-storage requirements, pet access and any separate reservation. Download the confirmation and the route before leaving reliable service. HEATHER SAYS “I would rather enjoy one place properly than spend a trip chasing every stop. Camping makes it easier to slow down and let a landscape become the experience.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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12 / MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK Make the stay part of the story. Mesa Verde combines camping with time in an extraordinary cultural landscape. EXPLORE HEATHER'S MOUNTAIN SERIES heathercollection.com/mountain-living Heather Lay REALTOR® | 720.688.8688 HEATHER COLLECTION / 078

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MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK 079 Make the stay part of the story. Mesa Verde combines camping with time in an extraordinary cultural landscape. The most rewarding visit leaves room for interpretation and reflection, with tour arrangements and driving distances planned before the day begins. Morefield Campground The park’s developed campground, about four miles beyond the entrance; accommodates tents, trailers and RVs. Selected full-hookup RV sites A limited subset of the campground has full hookups. These sites warrant a specific reservation. Morefield Village services Seasonal showers, laundry, supplies and other services support the campground stay. Confirm current opening dates. Reserve the right experience Morefield uses the park concessioner’s reservation channel rather than Recreation.gov camping reservations. Cliff-dwelling tours are separate bookings and are not included with a campsite. Comfort at camp Morefield Village provides seasonal showers and laundry. Full hookups are limited to selected RV sites; confirm your exact reservation and the current service season. HEATHER SAYS “I love trips that leave us with more than a photograph. Having time to learn about a place and then talk about it back at camp adds something special to the experience.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK / AREA MAP 080 Know the approach. Enjoy the arrival. N Cortez 5 2 4 1 3 Geographic locator | approximate markers | highways generalized | not for navigation 1 Morefield 2 Park Entrance 3 Cliff Palace area 4 Mancos 5 Cortez The detail that changes the trip Morefield is not beside every archaeological destination. Allow time for the park road, and match any tour’s ladders, walking and physical requirements to the people attending. Local numbers on this page identify entrances, campground areas and nearby towns. They are separate from the statewide atlas numbers. Park boundaries and campground roads are not shown. HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK / THE STAY 081 Give the park time to become the trip. Settle in Reach Morefield with daylight to set up and check your next day’s tour arrangements. Give the park a full day Build around one reserved tour or interpretation focus. Resist filling the day with every possible stop. Leave room for the region Add time in Mancos or another southwestern community as a separate outing, with enough time to return comfortably. A better balance Allow an easy arrival day, at least one full day without a campground move and a departure that leaves time to pack calmly. Add nights when the drive, the group’s pace or a separately booked activity would otherwise make the stay feel compressed. Before departure Recheck the exact campground opening, site fit, water supply, food-storage requirements, pet access and any separate reservation. Download the confirmation and the route before leaving reliable service. HEATHER SAYS “I love trips that leave us with more than a photograph. Having time to learn about a place and then talk about it back at camp adds something special to the experience.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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BEYOND THE FOUR NATIONAL PARKS 082 A canyon-country night above the Grand Valley. Colorado National Monument | 5-6.5 hours from Northgate Why make the trip Saddlehorn is the monument’s established campground, with three loops and 79 sites. It offers a different overnight experience from the river-level campgrounds around Fruita. Think of it as a destination for enjoying the monument’s landscape and changing light rather than an RV-resort stay. Choose your camping arrangement All Saddlehorn campsites, including same-day inventory, require online reservations through Recreation.gov. Confirm site dimensions and the approach along Rim Rock Drive. Backcountry camping is a separate permit-based undertaking. The important distinction Do not plan roadside camping in a scenic pullout. Backcountry water is not available for drinking, and pets are restricted from backcountry routes. James M. Robb’s Fruita section is an alternative when utility needs take priority. HEATHER SAYS “I enjoy having a choice in how we experience a place. Sometimes the right campsite is the one closest to the landscape we came to see.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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BEYOND THE FOUR NATIONAL PARKS 083 River-country camping with a remote character. Dinosaur National Monument: Colorado | 5.5-7.5 hours, by campground from Northgate Why make the trip The monument spans Colorado and Utah, so a campground name matters more than the monument name alone. Colorado’s campgrounds are Echo Park, Gates of Lodore and Deerlodge Park. They serve different river approaches and are not clustered around one convenient central entrance. Choose your camping arrangement Check each campground’s access, payment system, drinking water and current road condition. Echo Park’s approach demands particular attention after rain. Group reservations and permitted river trips have arrangements distinct from a casual car-camping stay. The important distinction The well-known dinosaur quarry is on the Utah side. A Colorado campground reservation should not be treated as a short walk or quick drive to the quarry. Backcountry overnights require permits. At the October 2026 check, NPS reported storm damage affecting motorized access to Echo Park. Confirm current access before choosing it as your overnight destination. HEATHER SAYS “The farther we go, the more I value arriving prepared. It leaves us free to enjoy the place once we are there.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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BEYOND THE FOUR NATIONAL PARKS 084 Make Blue Mesa your camping base. Curecanti National Recreation Area | 3.75-5.25 hours, by campground from Northgate Why make the trip Curecanti adds a major reservoir-and-canyon camping landscape along the Gunnison River corridor. Elk Creek and Lake Fork are useful starting points for comparing developed camping; smaller campgrounds offer different degrees of exposure, access and service. Choose your camping arrangement Other named areas include Stevens Creek, Ponderosa, Dry Gulch, Red Creek, Cimarron, Gateview, East Portal and the East Elk Creek group area. Inventory and operating status change; choose the actual campground and review the current listing before planning around a particular amenity. The important distinction Boat-in camping is a separate experience requiring a watercraft and a suitable plan. East Portal belongs to Curecanti but is accessed through Black Canyon’s South Rim side. A nearby point on the map does not imply a direct drive. At the October 2026 check, several areas had seasonal closures. Gateview is another named campground to compare in the current inventory. HEATHER SAYS “A campground becomes more valuable when it gives us time to enjoy the surrounding area. I like finding a base that lets the days feel less hurried.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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BEYOND THE PARK COLLECTION 085 The forest is another chapter. National forest campgrounds Colorado also has a large national forest camping network. Around the Pikes Peak region, the Pike National Forest is a natural area to investigate; other forests extend the possibilities across the state. A developed forest campground may have a table, toilets and water, or only some of those features. The current listing is the deciding detail. Dispersed camping Camping outside a developed campground can require more self-sufficiency and more careful rule checking. It is allowed only where the relevant land manager permits it. Road access, stay limits, designated-site requirements, human-waste rules and fire restrictions vary by location. Backcountry camping An overnight reached by hiking or boating has its own equipment, skill and permit demands. It should not be planned as car camping with the vehicle simply farther away. Start with an achievable route, current conditions and a complete plan for water, shelter, food and waste. Keep the categories clear A Colorado state park pass does not provide general camping permission on federal lands. A campground reservation, public road or attractive clearing is not permission to camp on surrounding private or restricted land. HEATHER SAYS “I love knowing there is always another kind of trip to grow into. Starting with a comfortable experience is a good way to discover what you enjoy.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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MAKE IT A WEEKEND 086 Your first Colorado camping weekend. Two nights | a nearby developed campground Choose Begin with Cheyenne Mountain or Mueller after comparing pet rules, facilities and the actual campsite. Friday Finish supplies before leaving. Arrive with daylight, set up the sleeping system first and make dinner easy. Saturday Choose one appropriate outing, then come back to camp. Let the afternoon include time to sit, talk and enjoy being outside. Sunday Keep breakfast simple, pack a dry shelter if conditions allow and leave the site clean. Note what you would bring differently next time. HEATHER SAYS “A nearby trip still counts. Some of my favorite parts of camping are the simplest ones.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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MAKE IT A WEEKEND 087 A lake weekend with room to linger. Three nights | choose one reservoir base Choose Compare Eleven Mile or Lake Pueblo for a closer stay; Steamboat Lake or Ridgway for a longer journey. Arrival day Check water and wind conditions. Set up shade and shelter within the site rules, and learn where the services are. Two full days Give one day to your chosen water activity and one to a walk, a regional outing or simply enjoying camp. Keep weather alternatives ready. Departure Plan RV dumping and refilling where applicable. Allow time to secure gear and finish watercraft inspection or decontamination requirements. HEATHER SAYS “Staying another night can turn a short escape into time that really feels unhurried.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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MAKE IT A WEEKEND 088 A farther journey worth taking slowly. Four to six nights | southwestern Colorado or a national park Choose Base the trip on Mesa Verde, a San Juan-area campground or another destination that deserves more time than a quick weekend. Travel Select a verified approach for your vehicle. Use a sensible break or overnight stop rather than forcing a late arrival after a long drive. Settle Protect at least one full day at the chosen base. Make tours and other scheduled activities the anchor, with open time around them. Return Leave the final morning manageable. A familiar home base is part of the pleasure of going farther and coming back. HEATHER SAYS “I enjoy exploring, and I enjoy coming home. The right Colorado life leaves room for both.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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CHOOSE THE ACTUAL SITE 089 The park is the beginning. The campsite is the decision. Look beyond the name Confirm the detail Vehicle fit Confirm pad length and allowed vehicle combination. An RV’s stated length and a site’s usable parking space are not automatically equivalent. Utility fit Read electric amperage, water and sewer separately. Electric-only is not full hookup. Tent comfort Check tent-pad size, surface, shade, slope and distance from the vehicle. A beautiful view can come with greater exposure. Service access Measure the practical walk to water, toilets and showers, and verify which buildings are operating. Group needs Check occupancy, number of camping units, extra vehicle rules, pet limits and quiet hours. A quieter stay Review road position and nearby activity. Avoid promising solitude in a developed campground; choose the setting that fits your tolerance. Have a second choice If the exact site does not fit, choose another date or another campground. A compromise on the view is often easier to live with than a compromise on safe access, sleeping comfort or required utilities. HEATHER SAYS “The details that make a trip comfortable are personal. I would rather choose well than assume every campsite will work the same way.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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THE DESTINATION COMPARISON 090 Find the right starting point. State park destination Drive estimate Camping choices 01 Cheyenne Mountain 45-70 minutes Tent sites; full-hookup RV sites; cabins 02 Mueller 75-110 minutes Tent and RV sites; electric sites; cabins; backcountry options 03 Eleven Mile 1.5-2 hours Basic, electric, walk-in and backcountry campsites 04 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation 2-3 hours, by Basic developed campsites; regulated dispersed areas Area campground 05 Chatfield 1.25-2 hours Tent, RV and group camping; many full-hookup sites 06 Cherry Creek 1.25-2 hours Basic tent and full-hookup sites; group camping 07 Staunton 1.5-2.25 hours Walk-in tent camping 08 Golden Gate Canyon 2-3 hours Developed tent/RV camping; backcountry; cabins and yurts 09 Boyd Lake 2.25-3.25 hours Electric tent and RV sites 10 St. Vrain 2-2.75 hours Electric and full-hookup sites; tent camping 11 Lory 3-4 hours Hike-in backcountry camping only 12 Lake Pueblo 1.25-1.75 hours Basic tent and electric RV campsites 13 Lathrop 1.75-2.5 hours Basic tent sites; electric RV sites; group camping 14 Trinidad Lake 2.25-3 hours Tent/RV camping; electric sites; selected full hookups 15 Jackson Lake 3-4 hours Tent and electric RV sites; group camping 16 North Sterling 3.5-4.5 hours Basic tent and electric RV sites 17 John Martin Reservoir 2.75-3.75 hours Basic tent camping and electric RV sites Drive estimates begin in Northgate and vary by specific campground. Utility descriptions are park-level summaries; confirm the exact site and current season before reserving. HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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THE DESTINATION COMPARISON 091 Find the right starting point. State park destination Drive estimate Camping choices 18 State Forest 4-5 hours Basic/electric camping; backcountry; cabins; yurts 19 Steamboat Lake 4.5-6 hours Electric/non-electric sites; walk-in tents; marina cabins 20 Pearl Lake 4.5-6 hours Basic campsites; two yurts 21 Stagecoach 4-5.25 hours Basic tent sites and electric RV sites 22 Elkhead Reservoir 5-6.5 hours Electric and non-electric tent/RV sites 23 Yampa River 4.75-6 hours Headquarters electric/tent camping; primitive river sites 24 Rifle Falls 4-5.25 hours Drive-in electric sites and walk-in tents 25 Rifle Gap 4-5.25 hours Tent/RV sites; basic, electric and full-hookup options 26 Highline Lake 5-6.5 hours Tent and RV camping; developed campground facilities 27 James M. Robb - Colorado River 4.75-6.5 hours, by Tent, electric and full-hookup RV sites section 28 Sylvan Lake 3.5-4.75 hours Basic tent/RV camping; cabins; yurts 29 Vega 4.75-6 hours Tent/RV sites; electric sites; walk-ins; cabins 30 Paonia 4-5.5 hours Basic tent/RV sites; limited electric sites 31 Crawford 4.5-5.75 hours Tent/RV sites; water/electric and full-hookup choices 32 Ridgway 5-6.5 hours Tent/RV sites; electric/full hookups; walk-ins; yurts 33 Mancos 6-7.5 hours Basic tent/RV sites; two yurts 34 Navajo 5.75-7 hours Basic/electric/full-hookup sites; walk-in tents; cabins Drive estimates begin in Northgate and vary by specific campground. Utility descriptions are park-level summaries; confirm the exact site and current season before reserving. HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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BEFORE THE NEXT TRIP 092 A little planning. More time outside. One final check What is settled The reservation Correct campground, dates, arrival procedure and saved confirmation. The route Exact entrance, road condition, vehicle suitability, fuel and a daylight arrival. The weather Camp-elevation forecast, overnight temperatures, wind and a realistic alternative. The services Water, restrooms, showers, electrical supply and dumping confirmed for your dates. The activities Required permits, tours, inspections and pet access handled separately. The campsite Sleeping setup tested, meals manageable and food-storage method correct. The return A calm packing morning, a clean campsite and enough time for the journey home. Make room for the next favorite place Keep a simple record of what worked: the campground, site, season, drive and activity everyone enjoyed. A growing collection of familiar places makes it easier to put another weekend on the calendar. HEATHER SAYS “I love having favorite places to return to. I also love knowing there are still more to discover.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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YOUR COLORADO HOME BASE 093 Build the everyday life. Keep the outdoors close. Start with how you want to live Heather’s home is in The Farm in northern Colorado Springs. Her love of camping and hiking is part of her own Colorado life, and it informs the questions she asks when helping someone choose a home base. The right fit is personal Northern Colorado Springs offers a range of settings, from neighborhood communities to wooded homesites. Consider the ordinary week alongside the weekend: work, daily routines, the home itself and the direction you most often want to go. HEATHER SAYS “I want to help you choose a home that fits the life you want to live. For me, getting outdoors is a central part of that conversation.” HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO heathercollection.com | 720.688.8688

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HEATHER COLLECTION / CAMPING COLORADO 094 YOUR NEXT CHAPTER Start with the life. Find the home that fits. If camping, hiking and exploring are part of the Colorado life you imagine, tell Heather what matters to you. Begin with the everyday home base and the experiences you want within reach. HEATHER LAY REALTOR® heathercollection.com 720.688.8688