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Start Thinking Summer Camping And Reserve Those Prime Spots Now!

Summer Fun Will Be A Success If You Plan Now.

By Melissa Shrader Editor/Publisher Fort Collins Macaroni Kid January 8, 2024

What is the first thing you think of when you think Summer (after you think "What do I do with the kids?")? If you are like us you think camping or at least an overnight someplace in the mountains. The days of just driving up and finding a place are long since gone. If you are planning a camping trip this summer, especially on any holiday, it is a prudent idea to make your reservations now. Camping sights fill up right away and some are booked years ahead. Use these links to help you plan your summer break fun. 


Car and RV Camping:

Larimer County
Horsetooth Reservoirs - 155 for tents, trailers, and RV's.  These sites are EXTREMELY popular.
Reservations at 
http://www.larimercamping.com or call 1-800-397-7795
Carter Lake, Hermit Park and Pinewood Springs are also very popular but not quite the demand of Horsetooth.  All can be reserved at 
http://www.larimercamping.com/ or call 1-800-397-7795

Forest Service 
Tons of the parks fill up fast especially on the holidays so book now for holidays.
Roosevelt National Forest Favorites and all other national park campground can be booked here 
www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777

Canyon Lakes Ranger District can be reserved at 
http://www.fs.usda.gov/arp
Mountain Park has basketball courts, volleyball pits, and showers family-friendly
All campgrounds can handle RV's except Grandview.

State Parks 
State parks offer campsites, cabins, yurts. Reservations can be made at 
https://www.cpwshop.com/campinghome.page or call 1-303-470-1144

Rocky Mountain National Park 
The fifth most-visited park in the nation is super busy!  Reserve at 
www.recreation.gov www.reserveamerica.com or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Due to water conservation, Glacier Basin Campground will not be available for reservation or camping till later this spring.

Top Picks
Make sure that if you want to view Moraine Park for the Elk Rut in October. Pack earplugs, they bugle throughout the night.

Backpacking permits at RMNP 
If you are backpacking and hiking to a campground you need a Backpacking permit. These are needed to hike back to any designated area off the beaten path! Reservations for summer and fall permits are accepted beginning March 1st and the permits are limited.  They cost $30.00 for each trip - not per night/per person.
Reservations can be made 
here or in person at the backcountry office adjacent to the Beaver Meadow's Visitor Center. Call with questions 1-970-586-1206.  

More information on the National parks plan your visit site 

If you love to hike and camp and this is a great way to assure you make the day by having someplace to stay.