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Colorado is graced with some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the US. From soaring peaks, mist-filled forests, serene lakes, bubbling streams, sprawling plains to vast deserts, the Centennial State has everything that camping enthusiasts could dream of.
Expert campers will tell you that the best time of year to tent camp in Colorado is from the middle of June through the end of September. But it can depend greatly on the elevation of your desired campground. Naturally, the highest in elevation, the cooler the temperatures will be. This is something that you will want to be aware of when planning the time of year you want to tent camp.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly campsite, planning a solo backpacking adventure, or hoping to car camp in the middle of nature, you’ll be awed by Colorado’s prime camping territory and unique outdoor offerings. But to get the most out of your trip, you need to know the best time to camp in Colorado.
In this article, we’ll take you through the best time to visit, what climate to expect for each city, what essentials you need to pack.
What Makes Colorado a Great Camping Destination?
With its scenic landscapes, breathtaking vegetation, and stunning wildlife, Colorado is an incredible place to camp. Whether you want to pitch a tent in a meadow packed with wildflowers, in a sand dune, or near one of the tallest peaks in North America, you won’t be disappointed.
One of Colorado’s biggest attractions is the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains. There’s nothing quite like unzipping the tent flap at sunrise to watch the mountain ridges rise and fall on the horizon. It’s no surprise that the Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited attractions in the US. It’s home to over 5,000 plant species, 60 species of mammals and boasts over 300 miles of scenic hiking trails.
Colorado is also home to three other national parks; Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, all begging to be explored. On top of that, there are eleven national forests, two national grasslands, eight national monuments, over forty state parks, and more than 13,000 campsites in Colorado.
Beyond the numbers, Colorado’s diverse landscape offers endless activities to help you play and explore. Whether you want to camp and spend your time hiking, climbing, skiing, biking, or kayaking, the state’s abundant and unique outdoor offerings will impress you.
Best Colorado Camping Time Frame
Again, as mentioned previously, the best time to tent camp in Colorado is from the middle of June through the month of September.
Summers are generally pleasant across the board; however, the temperature varies depending on geography. When the places in lower elevations are experiencing hot summer temperatures, mountainous areas and foothills can be as much as 20 degrees F colder.
If you want to camp in the Colorado mountains, the best time is June. It’s the driest month, and the risk of thunder and lightning storms is low. If you’re looking for a window with fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons will help you avoid the congestion without shivering too much.
Spring and fall in Colorado may offer mild weather, but you should always prepare for weather fluctuations as heavy rain and light snow are common around those seasons. Spring brings wildflower blooms that create vibrant displays, while fall transforms the landscape into a natural arena of shimmering colors, making these two seasons irresistible for campers.
Winter camping is best left to seasoned adventurous because of heavy snowing and chilly temperatures.
Although Colorado receives 300 days of sunshine in a year, it’s not surprising to experience the four seasons in a single day. So, always plan ahead for the weather regardless of the season or place you plan to visit.
What Climate to Expect in Different Colorado Cities and Towns
One of the biggest surprises for visitors to Colorado is the climate. Let’s take a look at the best cities and towns to go camping in the Centennial State and learn what weather to expect.
Denver
Denver is the capital city of Colorado. Although it’s a thriving urban metropolis, it’s surrounded by natural attractions, including the unbelievably beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. It offers everything from off-the-grid camping, bird watching, whitewater rafting to wildflower hikes.
Prepare for a semi-arid climate with very low humidity. Summer temperatures are tolerable, with an average daily high of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Denver can experience precipitation any day of the year, but it is infrequent during the summer. Winters are mild, and temps can soar above 50 degrees F.
Boulder
Tucked away in the foothills of the Rockies, Boulder is famous for its laid-back vibes and diverse array of outdoor activities. It has an extensive network of hiking trails, beautiful waters ripe for kayaking, and it ushers you to explore the breathtaking Flatirons rock formation.
The peak camping time is between May and August when it’s warm and sunny. Summer is mild, with temperatures as high as 88 degrees F and as low as 53 degrees. The region has an average of 245 sunny days a year and receives a form of precipitation even during the driest month.
Aspen
One of Colorado’s most famous mountain towns, Aspen lets you camp on the doorstep of some jaw-dropping mountain scenery. On your camping trip, you can enjoy hiking, fishing, rafting, and biking in the warm weather and world-class skiing in the cold season.
Due to its elevation, Aspen’s climate is cold and temperate. The summers are comfortable, with temperatures between an average high of 69 degrees F and an average low of 35 degrees. For warm-weather camping, aim to visit from late June to mid-August.
Colorado Springs
Nestled on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is a gateway to multiple attractions. It’s near snow-capped Pikes Peak, majestic natural red rock formations, and eight mineral springs believed to have healing powers. And there are dozens of campsites you can use as your base to explore the natural riches it offers.
Colorado Springs has a cooler, semi-arid climate. The summers are warm, and the winters are quite mild, receiving less snow than Denver. The average highest temperature in summer is 84 degrees F, and the lowest is 50 degrees. There are 243 days of sunshine a year, and it’s partly cloudy year-round.
Fort Collins
Located along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins is mostly famous for its craft breweries. However, it’s also an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with an endless supply of campsites, trails, lakes, rivers, and fascinating rock formations. Whether you want to take part in hiking, fishing, or stand-up paddleboarding, you’re in for a treat.
Fort Collins has a semi-arid climate. The summers are warm and mostly clear, while the winters are cold, dry, and windy. The highest average temperature during the summer is 87 degrees F, while the lowest is 52 degrees. If you prefer warm-weather camping, plan your trip between Mid-June and late August.
Packing the Right Essentials for a Colorado Camping Trip
Here’s what to bring for a fulfilling Colorado camping adventure.
Tent
Due to Colorado’s cool nights, a quality tent is a necessary essential. It should be waterproof, spacious enough to accommodate everyone who’s joining you, and offer enough warmth without losing breathability.
Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad
For summer camping, get a sleeping bag with a 40 degrees F rating and make sure it handles moisture correctly. For cold season camping, pack one with a rating of below 20 degrees F. Add a comfortable sleeping pad to protect you from the cold hard ground.
Warm Layers
Weather in Colorado can change dramatically, so it’s smart to pack several layers regardless of the season. For three-day camping, bring two moisture-wicking T-shirts, a long sleeve shirt, two warm pants, a jacket, and a rainproof coat. Throw in some shorts for cool weather.
Kitchen Supplies
Pack a stove, matches, lantern, cooler, cooking pots, and enough plates and cups for the number of people camping. Don’t forget water carriers, kitchen towels, dish cleaning supplies, and trash bags.
Food and Water
Mountain towns have few grocery stores, and the prices are often steeper. So make sure you pack enough food to cover all your meals during the entire camp. If you’ll only take part in some light activities around the campsite, pack 1 to 1.5 pounds per person a day. For more strenuous activities like long hikes, bring 1.75 to 2 pounds per person a day. Bring at least one gallon of drinking water per person a day.
Extras
For a safer and more comfortable Colorado camping experience, don’t forget to bring insect repellent, a water filter, a first aid kit, camping furniture, and a weatherproof tarp.
Ready for a Colorado Camping Trip?
Colorado offers a little something for every camping enthusiast. Generally, the weather is comfortable enough during the summers, and you can always find a tranquil spot to pitch your tent and revisit the simplicity of nature. Just make sure you make reservations months before your trip and pack enough layers in case the weather changes drastically.
If you are in need of a great tent for the appropriate situation, please check out our product reviews section.
