There’s no better place to enjoy the outdoors than Northern Colorado. With stunning views and scenery around every corner, there are lots of great places for RV camping.
Now is the time to prepare for outdoor adventures with garage additions for an RV. The right shelter and garage addition can keep your RV safe so it’s always ready for an outdoor adventure.
Here is everything you need to know about RV camping in Northern Colorado, including the 10 best camping spots in Northern Colorado.
Benefits Of RV Camping
RV camping provides an outdoor experience unlike anything else. With many of the comforts of home, while still being in nature, RV camping makes outdoor recreation accessible for many people, including families with young children, the elderly, and people with health or mobility limitations.
RV camping also extends the typical camping season. Instead of having to wait until the weather is nice and only having a few months of camping season, RV camping makes it possible to go nearly year-round. This is a big benefit in Colorado, when the weather can be unpredictable for much of the year.
Instead of getting trapped outside in bad weather or having to cancel a camping trip at the last minute, RV camping allows you to camp comfortably throughout the year.
Most campgrounds are incredibly accommodating to RVs and have amenities and space for all types and sizes of RVs. RV parks and campgrounds are all over Northern Colorado. There is so much beautiful nature to see and experience in Northern Colorado, and you can do it all from your RV.
Preparing To Camp In An RV
When it’s not out on an adventure, your RV is likely at home in an RV shelter. These garage facilities and additions protect the RV from weather and other elements which can extend the life of the RV.
As you get ready to go on an RV camping trip, you’ll need to prepare both your itinerary and also the RV itself by ensuring all of the necessary supplies, including food, bedding, and emergency supplies are stocked and ready to go. The first time you take an RV out each year typically requires more preparation. Here is the basic preparation checklist for RV camping:
- Fully charge the batteries
- Flush the water system and fill it with potable water
- Check for water leaks
- Check appliances
- Check tires for leaks and proper tire pressure
- Change engine and generator fluids if needed
- Inspect the seams and seal
- Perform a full safety check
With a safe RV, you can make plans for a great RV camping trip in Northern Colorado.
Camping Spots in Northern Colorado
Northern Colorado is full of great places for tent and RV camping alike. Some locations are popular, and others are hidden gems. Here are 10 of our favorite spots for camping in Northern Colorado with an RV:
West Lake Campground
Located northwest of Fort Collins in the beautiful Red Feather Lakes area, West Lake Campground is a great location for canoeing, fishing, and hiking and one of the best places to camp in Northern Colorado.
The campground is relatively small and offers great access to the lakes. Although swimming isn’t allowed, Red Feather Lakes are known for fantastic fishing. There are trails connecting the West Lake Campground to the other lakes in the area. The campground is clean and quiet and a favorite of everyone who visits.
Moraine Park Campground
Moraine Park is one of the best-reviewed campgrounds in Colorado because of its stunning views, great facilities, and great location in Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the best national parks in Colorado. Around every corner on the drive into the campground are jaw-dropping views of craggy mountains, lakes, and meadows.
Camping in an RV in RMNP provides access to 355 miles of hiking trails, as well as numerous scenic drives and viewpoints. A shuttle stops at the campground to take campers to trailheads and locations throughout the park. Take note that this campground is extremely popular and the RV spots don’t have hookups.
Horsetooth Reservoir
Horsetooth Reservoir is one of the most popular camping and recreation areas in Northern Colorado, and for good reason. No matter what activities you enjoy, Horsetooth has something for everyone, including fishing, boating, swimming, rock climbing, and even scuba diving.
The views from Horsetooth Reservoir alone are worth the trip, with the combination of sparkling water and nearby mountains and rock formations. The campground has 110 standard electric spots and 17 with full hook-up, but spots tend to fill up quickly in the summer.
Hermit Park Open Space
Take your RV camping to the next level at Hermit Park, which reaches up to nearly 9,000 feet elevation. Located southeast of Estes Park, the area features stunning ponderosa pine forests and wetland meadows full of wildflowers. It’s not uncommon to see a wide variety of wildlife on a camping trip to Hermit Park, which used to be a working cattle ranch.
Aside from the campground with dedicated RV spaces, there are also biking, hiking and horseback riding trails around the property. Take note that the RV sites are all non-electrical and that the area is so popular that reservations are recommended, especially during weekends in the summer.
Carter Lake
Though not nearly as large as Horsetooth Reservoir, Carter Lake still offers great water access, fun outdoor activities, and stunning scenery. A camping trip to Carter Lake can also include fishing, sailing, swimming, water skiing, and much more. Carter Lake is located in the foothills between Loveland and Berthoud.
The area is known for its many elk and deer, but hunting is not allowed. There are multiple campgrounds on Carter Lake, including Eagle Campground, South Shore Campground, and Knolls Campground. Each offers a unique atmosphere, great facilities, and easy access to all the lake has to offer.
State Forest State Park
Full of forest, alpine lakes, and jagged peaks, State Forest State Park near Walden is the moose viewing capital of Colorado. The large area is ready to be explored and features miles of trails through all sorts of terrain. State Forest is open year-round and offers unique activities in every season, from snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter to fishing and hunting in the summer.
The park is vast and has a huge diversity of geography and wildlife without feeling crowded. State Forest State Park offers similar views and wildlife as neighboring Rocky Mountain National Park, but with a fraction of the crowds and traffic.
Sleeping Elephant Campground
This small campground is located in a ponderosa pine forest at the foot of Sleeping Elephant Mountain west of Fort Collins. The campground offers a more rustic feel with slightly older facilities, fields of wildflowers, and the occasional bear wandering through camp.
Sleeping Elephant Campground is close to the Cache la Poudre River and a great location for fishing, hiking, and taking in the mountain views. Campers who find Sleeping Elephant Campground only have positive things to say and can’t wait to return. Take note that there are only 15 campsites and they don’t accommodate larger RVs.
Ansel Watrous Campground
Located northwest of Fort Collins right along the Cache la Poudre River, Ansel Watrous Campground is nestled in between the river and mountains for stunning views. There is easy access off Highway 14, making it a quick getaway from nearby towns.
The campground is especially popular for people who enjoy fishing or white water rafting because of the easy access to the river. Part of the campground is open year-round, and the facilities are known for being incredibly clean and well-maintained.
Olive Ridge Campground
Located near the southwestern corner of Rocky Mountain National Park and Allenspark, Olive Ridge Campground has 50 spots for RV camping. Olive Ridge offers great access to many hikes within RMNP without the crowds and serves as a popular basecamp for exploring the surrounding area.
The campground itself is heavily shaded and has beautiful views of the nearby mountains. There are also boulders and jagged rock formations throughout the campground for climbing and exploring.
Mountain Park Recreation Area
Conveniently located along Highway 14, Mountain Park Recreation Area features a smaller campground with 30 available spots. The great location puts campers right next to the Cache la Poudre River for great fishing, rafting, swimming, and hiking. The area of the river right by the campground is a popular spot for wading and swimming and features plenty of rocks for exploring.
Campsites are surrounded by tall trees for beautiful views and plenty of shade, which is a great benefit in the warmer months. There are many trails that run through the campground, making it easy to hike right from your campsite.
RV camping is a great experience in Northern Colorado. With so many great locations to choose from, you can always find a fun adventure and beautiful nature. Before you start your adventure, equip your property with an RV shelter or garage addition to protect your purchase.