Colorado is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful states in the USA. With unforgettable mountain views, rolling plains, and friendly people, it’s no wonder it has become a year round destination for travelers, tourists, and outdoors adventure seekers around the world. As we approach the end of summer, there’s still plenty of time to experience the best of the season, especially if camping is your choice of recreation. 

North Park, the region synonymous with Jackson County, Colorado, occupies thousands of square miles of prime Rocky Mountain territory. Situated between the Continental Divide and the Medicine Bow Mountains, the area surrounding the small town of Walden, CO is quintessential Colorado Rocky Mountain living. It’s also the best place in northern Colorado to go camping in summertime!

There’s more to camping in Colorado than just pitching a tent in the mountains. With several different options, from RVing to glamping, backcountry wilderness camping, and mountain trekking, North Park offers everything you are looking for to suit your camping needs.

Where to Find RV Spots 

Recently we covered a number of RV friendly campsites and suggestions on how to kick your RV experience up a notch. There are several RV campgrounds in Jackson County you need to see to believe. 

Granite Corner, Walden, CO: On Walden’s south end just off HWY 14, the Cache la Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway. Here you’ll find full hookups and stunning views of the Medicine Bow mountains and Never Summer Range.

Old Homestead: Cabins and RV hookups in the shadow of the Never Summer Range and within reach of Rand, Teller City, and Granby, CO. Check out this article to learn more about the Old Homestead under new management.

Sentinel Mountain RV and Quick Stop: Several RV units with full hookups and a convenience store right next door. Just south of Three Way, makes it a great location close to Big Creek Lakes, the North Sand Hills, Lake John, and the headwaters of the North Platte river, at the intersection of HWY 125 and 127.

Powderhorn Campground: Not far from Colorado State Forest State Park, you’ll find the jewel in the crown of RV and cabin camping of Gould, CO. With a pavilion, RV hookups, rustic and deluxe cabins, you can beat the August heat in the scenic mountain air.

Colorado State Forest State Park: Whether you want to fish the Michigan Reservoir or wake up with moose grazing near your RV at Bockman Campground, the State Forest State Park offers dozens of RV and tent camping spots as well as Yurts for glamping. The State Forest also has potable water and a dump station for campers.

More to know: Check out this article for more RV camping spots near Walden, CO and this one for yurt glamping in the State Forest State Park.

A Great Place to Go Wild: Tent Camping

Our State Forest State Park and National Forests within Jackson County offer nearly endless possibilities for tent camping, whether you are driving up and chilling for a few days, or doing a thru-hike on one of our single-track hiking trails. Backpackers, tent campers, and hikers need to check out these spots for their next visit. You’ll find plenty of places for wild and dispersed camping, from wilderness areas to lakeside camping.

Routt-Medicine Bow National Forest: Several locations give you access to our National Forests. From Buffalo Pass to Rainbow Lakes, Teller City, Big Creek Lakes, Owl Mountain, and more! Check out the National Forest website for more information.

Colorado State Forest State Park: Near Gould, CO, you’ll have access to some of the most beautiful backpacking and camping in Colorado. From Montgomery Pass to Kelly Lake, Michigan Reservoir, Ranger Lakes, the North Sand Hills, and Lake Agnes!

Wilderness Areas: North Park gives you access to two unique alpine wilderness areas. Wilderness areas go beyond land management of State Forest or National Forest. These areas limit the impact of people to the highest standards, even preventing any kind of machinery or vehicles other than what walks on two or four legs. The Rawah Wilderness area on the east side of North Park and the Zirkel Wilderness area on the west side of North Park are unparalleled when it comes to Colorado wilderness.

Van Lifers

Are you tired of truck stops or Cracker Barrel parking lots? Why not enjoy an extended stay on some of North Park’s public land? You’ll find several options where you can find 14 day limited stays for dry camping. BLM land to the east and north of Walden, Routt-Medicine Bow National Forest, and overnight friendly spots in town offer a welcome rest from the road.

Walden also has a free RV dump, with potable water and trash dumpsters (on the corner of Washington and 3rd Street, near the baseball diamonds). While in town, drop in at one of our convenience stores, grocery stores, or restaurants to stock up on supplies before hitting the open road. Just remember to practice leave no trace camping on your visit.

Just Passing Through

Are you a thru-hiker or on a long distance bike trek? Hanson Park is an ideal place to set up camp in Walden, CO. You’ll find BBQ grills, picnic tables, toilets, fresh water, all in close proximity to downtown Walden, CO. Pitch your tent in the park and head downtown for some of Walden’s nightlife, visit our local museum, or kick back and watch the sunset from the park. Just keep an eye out for moose, since they also use the park sometimes during the summer.

Late Summer is Fire Season

Jackson County is currently under a Fire Ban. An unseasonably mild winter and dry spring has made the outdoors pretty crispy, even for August. Fire restrictions generally mean campfires can only be made in established campsites with metal fire rings.

If the area you are camping is under a Red Flag Warning, all open flames are prohibited. This includes fire and charcoal. Lack of moisture and windy weather can make fire conditions extremely volatile. Check out this link for current fire restrictions in Colorado.

Tips to prevent fires while camping:

• Clear vegetation and dry debris at least five feet from a fire ring. 
• Watch for flying sparks
• Don’t keep kindling or firewood next to the fire
• Keep a sand bucket, plenty of water, and a shovel nearby.
• When dowsing your fire, put it out cold. Pour plenty of water onto coals and embers to extinguish. Smoking means the fire is NOT OUT. Keep pouring water onto the firepit until it is no longer smoking then cover with sand and dirty (no sticks or flammable material). 
• Charcoal is dangerous since it burns hot and continues to burn for a long time without smoke, usually until it is ash. 
• Learn more about what has been happening in our forests for the last ten years here.

Alternatives to Campfires

• Use a camp stove or chemical heater (like you would find in an MRE or other camp dinner kit).
• Especially at altitude, a fuel backpacking stove will be a better companion for cooking than a campfire. Sudden winds can carry sparks for very long distances, making camp stoves essential for fire safety above treeline.
• LED lights can make for a fun camping experience without the blazing fire. Plus they have the added benefit of not making everything you own smell like smoke.

Leave No Trace Camping

We only ask that you be respectful of locals and other visitors. Leave no trace camping means that not only will others be able to have an incredible camping experience, free from garbage, sewage, or hazardous materials and other junk, but you’ll be doing your part to make sure our public lands stay open for everyone to use! 

Summer is Just About Over, Head for the Hills!

Late summer is an ideal time to visit North Park. As the season winds down, you’ll experience mild weather, cool nights, and minimal mosquitos. Wildlife is just about to enter the rutting season, which means the cooler weather brings them into the open, but they haven’t yet become as aggressive as they get in early Fall.

For bicyclists, you still have plenty of daylight to put in the miles, and though the mountains are often dry in August—with fewer places to fill up water containers— hikers and backpackers still have plenty of wildflowers to see. With wildfires causing some hazy days this summer, our mountain breezes usually mean clear skies and the occasional afternoon rainstorm to cool everything off.

If camping isn’t your thing, check into a vacation rental, hotel, or cabin on your visit! We have many to choose from. However you enjoy the last days of Summer in Colorado, whatever you do, don’t sleep on North Park for the best Colorado camping destinations.