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Make North Park Your Summer Destination for RV Road Tripping
Now that winter has been winding down in the Colorado mountains and summer is on its way, it’s time again to get the RV back out on the road! This summer promises to bring with it all sorts of adventures for you and the whole family. So instead of the usual spots you have already gone to, this year drop North Park into your navigation app and find a whole other Colorado experience.
What is North Park?
Synonymous with Jackson County, North Park is one of Colorado’s three largest intermountain basins, joining Middle Park and South Park along the length of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. These “parks” are found throughout the Rockies, and have been used traditionally by hunters, trappers, and ranchers for generations. North Park sits between. The Park Range, Never Summer mountains, and Medicine Bow mountains, with Walden, CO sitting at its center, forming the hub of the main highways running through Jackson County—particularly the Cache la Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway on CO HWY 14.
Most locals identify more with the regional name, North Park, rather than Jackson County, which originated at the end of the 19th Century after gaining county status from Larimer County. It has persisted through the silver boom, mineral mining, and forestry during the railroad era, but cattle ranching has remained a constant. And luckily for so many of our visitors who love the outdoors, it has become one of Colorado’s best kept secrets for fishing, hunting, backpacking, and all sorts of outdoor recreation.
Have the Best RV and Road Trip Experience in Colorado
One of the reasons North Park is so appealing to RV enthusiasts is due to its ease of access. Hwy 127/125 out of Wyoming, CO Hwy 14, and US 40 all pass through North Park, allowing visitors a variety of ways to turn their road trip into an experience of a lifetime. The moment you cross into North Park from Cameron Pass, Willow Creek Pass, or Muddy Pass and that big valley opens up in front of you, surrounded on all sides by mountains, the possibilities for outdoor recreation will feel endless.
Along the way you will find working cattle ranches, pine forests, and horizons full of mountains on all sides. Anglers will discover uncrowded Gold Medal sportfishing waters, serene lakes, and raging creeks. Hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers will find all sorts of unspoiled places to test their skills and enjoy incredible scenery in the process. North Park has hundreds of square miles of public lands, both State and Federal, with all sorts of options when it comes to clean and affordable accommodations.
Road bikers will find campgrounds and even Walden’s Hanson Park for a nice place to pitch a tent to take a break from the miles—provided themoose aren’t already in your spot. That’s another thing to know about Jackson County: it’s theMoose Viewing Capitol of Colorado.
When compared to anywhere on the Front Range or I-70 Corridor, North Park is an out of the way summer destination you won’t want to miss.
What’s Going on this Summer?
Memorial Day Weekend is usually the big start to summer fun in Jackson County. Many of our visitors go to the North Sand Hills to ride OHVs, though due to its popularity, it can get a little crowded. If you plan on trying out your motorcycle, four-wheeler, or side-by-side at the Sand Hills, remember to ride safely and watch out for others.
June starts off with Free Fishing Weekend, where would-be anglers are invited to fish for free for two days on June 7-8. It’s a great chance to try out fishing for yourself or the next generation of would-be anglers in some of the best sportfishing waters in Colorado.
In the mountains, summer can take awhile to arrive. It’s not unusual for the last snowstorm of the year to hit North Park in May, but once the summer nights arrive there are plenty of events going on in the Summer.
The Never Summer Rodeo hits hard on the first weekend of summer on June 20th. In Walden, you’ll find the Never Summer Jam, hosted by the Stockman Bar, where street dances, vendors, and live music show the nightlife North Park has to offer.
Throughout the summer you’ll have plenty of chances to experience festivals and community events. Subscribe to the Visit North Park Newsletter for regular updates and keep checking ourcalendar of events!
Where to Stay in North Park?
Jackson County has a wide variety of summer rentals through VRBO or AirBnB. Or check into a local hotel for clean rooms at great rates, most of which are within walking distance to where you want to be.
RVers are in for a treat when it comes to full hookups, boondocking, and even free camping spots in North Park. Whether you are an angler or just here to enjoy the cool weather and incredible sunsets, here are some of the best RV parks near Walden in Jackson County:
Granite Corner: Located on the south side of Walden in view of the Rawah’s and Medicine Bow mountains. On 6th street and CO Hwy 14 in Walden.
Sentinel Mountain RV Park and Quick Stop: On the north end of Jackson county, just a few miles north of Cowdrey, CO, you’ll have a shorter drive to locations such as the North Platte river, Big Creek Lakes, North Sand Hills, and more. Near the intersection of HWY 125 and 127, in the shadows of Sentinel Mountain and Independence Mountain.
Powderhorn Cabins: Newlyremodeled and opened for business, RVers have their choice of 5 spots with full hookups, a pavilion, and access to State Forest State Park and National Forest recreation areas.
Lake John Resort: Notorious for some of the best fishing in North Park, Lake John Resort features a general store, bait shop, and access to prime sport fishing with full hookup RV service.
Campgrounds and Free Camping Sites
North Park is nearly unsurpassed in Colorado when it comes to public land access. With Routt and Arapaho National Forest, BLM, and State Forest State Park, you’ll find all sorts of paid and free sites available for your RV adventure.
State Forest State Park: Dozens of RV friendly campsites as well asYonder Yurts, which put you right in the middle of Colorado’s only State Forest. From Ranger Lakes to Bockman campground, Lake Agnes and more, you’ll have lake access, vault bathroom facilities, fire rings, fresh water pumps, RV dump facilities, and even shower houses. Check out the State Forest State Park website for more information.
National Forest recreation: Whether it’s fishing for mackinaw and tiger muskie at Big Creek Lakes or doing a walking tour of the ruins of 19th century miner cabins atTeller City ghost town, the National Forest Service offers plenty of options for RV camping with sites for big rigs and boondockers alike.
Boondocking
What’s better than finding free places to camp in North Park? How about boondocking sites that give you great views and access to amazing camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures? From the Bureau of Land Management to National Forest Service, and State Forest State Park you will find off the beaten path campsites perfect for boondocking with 14 day stay limits to let you escape the summer heat.
Places to Resupply, Refuel, and Repair in Walden, CO
Walden and other towns in North Park can be a very long way from other services and facilities. Be sure to fill up your tank in Walden at one of our service stations. The Walden Sinclair Station and Corkle’s Mini Mart are both on the corner of 6th and Main Street in Walden. Corkle Oil Company at 308 Grant Street in Walden, CO is ideal for big rigs and high profile vehicles.
Jack’s Auto Parts and Service provide repair service and tire repair locally with a wide spectrum of know-how and experience from RV to passenger vehicle and OHVs.Check out this link for more info on automotive service and facilities near Walden, CO.
Walden RV Dump Station
The Town of Walden provides an oasis in the desert when it comes to dump and fill up stations for RVs. On the corner of Washington and 3rd Street in Walden, near the baseball diamonds, you’ll have complimentary access to a dump and fill station, as well as trash disposal. Donations are appreciated and encouraged, as well as practicing Leave No Trace when you visit North Park, CO.
A New Place to Explore this Summer
Rather than going to all the usual places, add North Park to your list of destinations this summer. The friendly people, wide open spaces, and spectacular views will always win out over crowded tourist traps and interstate traffic. Come join us in North Park this summer and give yourself the gift of new, unique experiences. When it comes to scenic views, wildlife, and true Colorado mountain culture, North Park has no comparison.
For more stories and suggestions for how to start your North Park adventure, check in every week at theVisitNorthParkCO.com site. If you like what you’ve seen, subscribe to our Visit North Park Newsletter and follow us on social media on Facebook orInstagram, for regular updates of events, stunning photos, and historical tidbits.
