They’re inexpensive vacation ideas, but that doesn’t mean they’re not the Best of the West.
Taking a folding tent trailer to points out West opens up infinite opportunities for memorable, incredible vacations. For years to come, your family will talk about fishing at the Stagecoach Campground, rock climbing at Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Colorado or Wyoming summer vacation that beat all the others.
See historical sites and Native American stone architecture; hike in some of our country’s most enthralling, picturesque locations. And do this all with affordability and flexibility unattainable with other vacation options.
If you’re wondering what a Colorado or Wyoming family vacation might look like, imagine towing your home away from home – your folding tent trailer – to some of these destinations:
NATIONAL PARKS
National Park Service website (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/)
Rocky Mountain National Park
View the website (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/romo/index NULL.htm)
Designated a Biosphere Reserve; the park straddles the Continental Divide and features 14,000-foot peaks, massive herds of elk, and miles upon miles of some of the best hiking trails in the Rocky Mountain West.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Yellowstone website (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/yell/index NULL.htm)
Grand Teton website (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/grte/index NULL.htm)
Yellowstone was the first and still greatest National Park. Original explorers told grand tales of boiling mud, geysers taller than buildings, mountains made of glass and vast herds of buffalo and elk, along with the magnificent predators who stalked them including the wolf and grizzly bear. Not many believed them then; yet it was all true and still as amazing now.
Next door neighbor Grand Teton National Park lives up to its name. Â The Ansel Adams photo of the Snake River before the Tetons stands as an iconic image of the American West.
Mesa Verde National Park
View the website (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/meve/index NULL.htm)
The first cultural park set aside by the National Park Service features the best preserved and most notable pre-Columbian cliff dwellings and other works of early Americans.
Grand Canyon National Park
View the website (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/grca/index NULL.htm)
The one park that needs no introduction. Generations of humans from ancient Native Americans to today have tried to describe this Arizona land feature. None have succeeded.
Canyonlands Color Country
Zion Canyon (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/zion/index NULL.htm)
Bryce Canyon (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/brca/index NULL.htm)
Capitol Reef (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/care/index NULL.htm)
Arches (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/arch/index NULL.htm)
Canyonlands National Park (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/cany/index NULL.htm)
Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Hard to believe there are five National Parks in this one area in Utah. It’s as if Mother Nature rounded up the scenic areas and deliberately placed them close together. Yet each park is so uniquely different, it doesn’t seem possible they are within easy drives of each other.
Badlands National Park-Black Hills of South Dakota
View the website (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/badl/index NULL.htm)
Famous for its deep gorges and sharp lunar-like spires. An easy drive from the Denver area, these are the legendary Black Hills of South Dakota, an oasis of pine-clad mountains on the Great Plains. The region enjoys an unmatched brand of Old West history; with legendary names like Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, General George A. Custer, Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Jim Bridger and Jedediah Smith.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
View the website (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/grsa/index NULL.htm)
Large sand dunes were deposited over thousands of years by southwesterly winds blowing through the passes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Southeastern Colorado.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
View the website (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/blca/index NULL.htm)
No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths visible here. This recent addition to our National Park System is right in the center of Colorado – and a world away!
NATIONAL MONUMENTS
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site
View the website (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/beol/)
Features reconstruction of the original trading post built in the early 1830′s that became a major trading site for Plains Indian tribes and trappers.
Colorado National Monument
View the website (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/colm/)
Features include monoliths, sheer-walled canyons, dinosaur fossils, remains of prehistoric Indian cultures, and a variety of wildlife.
Yucca House National Monument
View the website (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/yuho/)
Ruins of these large prehistoric Indian pueblos are as yet unexcavated. Not open to the public.
Hovenweep National Monument
View the website (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/hove/)
Pre-Columbian Indians built these six groups of towers, pueblos, and cliff dwellings, fine examples of ancient stone architecture.
Dinosaur National Monument
View the website (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/dino/)
Include spectacular canyons cut by the Green and Yampa Rivers, a quarry containing fossil remains of dinosaurs, and diverse plant and animal communities.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
View the website (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/flfo/)
A variety of fossil insects, seeds, and leaves, as well as a display of petrified sequoia stumps, are preserved here.
NATIONAL RECREATION AREAS
Curecanti National Recreation Area
View the website (http://www NULL.nps NULL.gov/cure/)
Three lakes — Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal — extend for 40 miles along the Gunnison River and the Black Canyon.
STATE PARKS
Colorado State Parks
Gorgeous natural resources and thousands of miles of them…we’re so lucky to have access to nature’s wonders through the state parks of Colorado. Summer vacations at Colorado’s State Parks can include water sports, boating, biking and swimming; in the fall and spring, fishing, hiking, and rock climbing are popular. Whatever you choose to do on your Colorado family vacation, our state parks system makes it easy for you to access the wonders of this part of America.
Northern Colorado State Parks
Bonny Lake State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/Parks/BonnyLake/)
The reservoir is known for excellent fishing for walleye, channel catfish, and a variety of bass.
Boyd Lake Sate Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/Parks/BoydLake/Pages/BoydLakeHome NULL.aspx)
Boyd Lake State Park has something for everyone: boating, fishing, picnicking, swimming, hiking, biking, and hunting.
Jackson Lake State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/jacksonlake/)
Jackson Lake is ranked one of the “Top 15 Park Beaches” by Reserve America. Anglers, boaters, or naturalists realizing there’s too much fun for just one day enjoy the variety of water or land based recreational facilities found here.
Lory Sate Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/lory/)
From rolling valleys to mountainous hillsides, Lory State Park’s 20 miles of trails rarely exceed a 12 percent grade. The variety of trails is great for short or long hikes, mountain bike rides, horseback rides and jogs. Backcountry camping is also available for visitors looking for a quiet getaway close to suburban Fort Collins .
North Sterling State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/northsterling/)
A boater’s paradise, this large irrigation reservoir offers great coves and fingers to explore during the spring and summer months. Anglers, boaters and water skiers enjoy the water all day, while land lovers hike, bike, or picnic.
Pearl Lake State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/Parks/PearlLake/)
Nestled in the mountains north of Steamboat Springs, this peaceful park sits in a quiet forest setting. Surrounded by mountains and trees, visitors camp along the lake and up a gentle hill.
Saint Vrain State Park (formerly named Barbour Ponds State Park)
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/stvrain/Pages/StVrainHome NULL.aspx)
Formerly named Barbour Ponds, this nature and people-friendly park offers 604 acres of land and 152 acres of water split among several ponds. It’s a great place for anglers, campers, photographers, birders, walkers and anyone who loves nature.
Stagecoach State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/Parks/Stagecoach/)
A year-round destination, the park also makes a great base to explore the variety of sports and attractions of the area. An array of activities await with boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping.
State Forest State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/stateforest/)
The ultimate in rugged Colorado, State Forest State Park offers visitors 71,000 acres of forest, jagged peaks, alpine lakes, wildlife and miles of trails. The park stretches along the west side of the Medicine Bow Mountains and into the north end of the Never Summer Range.
Steamboat Lake State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/Parks/SteamboatLake/)
Hahn’s Peak frames the breathtaking scenery of this premier park offering family fishing, camping, picnicking, trail and boating recreational opportunities. A full-service Marina and swim beach provide amenities for active water play.
Yampa River State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/Parks/yampariver/)
The Headquarters on the Yampa River near Hayden, Colorado, provides excellent camping, a Visitor Center and nature trail. The Headquarters has 50 camp sites; 35 are RV electric sites, 10 tent sites and five sites for group camping. The proximity to Hwy 40 makes the Headquarters the base camp for many outdoor activities in the Steamboat area: hunting, fishing, and OHV riding.
Southern Colorado State Parks
Arkansas Headwaters State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/Parks/ArkansasHeadwaters/)
The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is recognized as one of the nation’s most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Arkansas River – the most commercially rafted river in the world!
Eleven Mile State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/elevenmile/)
Canoe the day away around the shores of the backcountry. Fish from the shore or a boat while enjoying scenic vistas. Camp comfortably in designated campsites located around the shoreline, nestled among trees in the backcountry, or tucked away in secluded canyon pockets and remote hillsides.
Lake Pueblo State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/Parks/lakepueblo/)
Full service marinas and a diversity of campsites welcome guests to stay awhile. Water recreation includes sailing, motor-boating, waterskiing, river tubing and prime fishing. Boaters choose from two full-service marinas and boat ramps.
Lathrop State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/lathrop/)
Colorado’s first state park, Lathrop State Park is 1,594 acres of recreational enjoyment nestled in the shadow of the Spanish Peaks in Southern Colorado.
Mueller State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/mueller/)
Mueller State Park’s 50 miles of trails provide a 5,000-acre playground for the hiker, mountain biker, wildlife watcher and winter sports enthusiast.
San Luis State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/sanluis/)
The park is located just 15 minutes west of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument and features a modern campground. All 51 sites have electrical hookups, sheltered tables, fire grills, nearby drinking water hydrants, and an available dump station.
Spinney Mountain State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/spinneymountain/)
For gold medal trout fishing, it’d be hard to find any better than Spinney Mountain Reservoir. Anglers can find shoreline or fly fishing, belly boating or trolling opportunities in a peaceful and scenic setting.
Trinidad Lake State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/trinidadlake/)
The mild climate and large lake are ideal for water sports. Anglers catch rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, crappie and bluegill. All types of boaters appreciate the open waters and modern services.
Western Colorado State Parks
Crawford State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/Parks/Crawford/)
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is close by, so it’s easy to imagine the inspiring scenery found here. Crawford State Park invites anglers, boaters, hikers and water sports enthusiasts to the western slope, for one day or several.
Harvey Gap State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/Parks/HarveyGap/)
Harvey Gap State Park is a favorite spot for anglers in the winter and summer.
Highline Lake State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/highlinelake/)
James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/Parks/jamesmrobbcoloradoriver/)
From Fruita on the west end, to Island Acres on the east end and three stops in-between, this is one park split into five sections. To visit the park, follow the Colorado River west from Debeque Canyon to Fruita, and enjoy five uniquely different river and lake based outdoor recreation opportunities.
Mancos State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/mancos/)
Mancos State Park in Southwestern Colorado is a haven for the year-round outdoor enthusiast and traveler. Travelers use Mancos State Park as their camping headquarters when they visit the numerous attractions in the area, including Mesa Verde National Park, the San Juan Skyway and Durango.
Navajo State Park
Paonia State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/Parks/paonia/)
Camp near a babbling stream, water-ski on a mountain reservoir, have a picnic, observe wildlife, all in view of the majestic Ragged Mountains. The park’s natural beauty and abundance of wildflowers make it a “must see” for photographers and nature lovers.
Ridgway State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/ridgway/)
Only 15 miles from the town of Ouray, Ridgway’s great outdoors – the “Switzerland of America” – welcomes those from near and far. The park’s popular campgrounds, beautiful reservoir, picnic and playground areas, extensive trails, and diverse wildlife offer year-round activities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Come enjoy our swimbeach too!
Rifle Falls State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/riflefalls/)
Rifle Falls State Park’s lush vegetation and waterfalls have attracted photographers and movie crews from around the country who come to capture the area’s unique scenery. Rifle Falls State Park has 13 drive-in and seven walk-in campsites.
Rifle Gap State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/Parks/riflegap/)
The clean, clear waters of Rifle Gap State Park’s 350-acre reservoir provide some of the best boating, fishing, swimming, water-skiing and windsurfing in Colorado. Camping in the park’s 89 sites and picnicking are also popular.
Sweitzer Lake State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/sweitzerlake/)
It started out as a community dream. This lake based retreat for the Western Slope provides day-use nature, picnic and water recreation.
Sylvan Lake State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/sylvanlake/)
Vega State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/vega/)
At an elevation of 8,000 feet, Vega State Park’s high-mountain lake sits in a beautiful montane meadow on the western edge of Grand Mesa National Forest in Western Colorado. The park’s 109 campsites in four campgrounds surround the lake.
Metropolitan Denver Area Colorado State Parks
Barr Lake State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/Parks/barrlake/)
There’s something for every type of outdoors person - from the fishing enthusiast and boater to the naturalist - at Barr Lake State Park, a short drive northeast of the Denver area.
Castlewood Canyon State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/Parks/CastlewoodCanyon/)
Nature lovers and groups enjoy environmental diversity on several hiking trails ranging from mild to moderate.
Chatfield State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/chatfield/)
Float your boat in the lake, bicycle or hike on a trail that provides scenic views of the neighboring foothills and Platte River valley, camp, ride a horse and even fly a model airplane – all at Chatfield State Park, nestled next to the foothills southwest of Denver.
Cherry Creek State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/cherrycreek/)
Anchored around a 880 surface acre reservoir, the park offers a natural prairie environment of gentle, rolling hills and complete outdoor recreation facilities, including camping, picnicking and facilities for group events.
Eldorado Canyon State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/eldoradocanyon/)
Eldorado Canyon is a hidden treasure right in Boulder’s backyard! Whether it’s hiking amidst the towering sandstone cliffs, picnicking along scenic South Boulder Creek or climbing Eldo’s sheer golden walls, Eldorado Canyon State Park truly has something for everyone!
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/goldengatecanyon/)
Only 30 miles from Denver, Golden Gate Canyon offers such amenities as a electrical hook-ups and tent-sites in two different campgrounds, stocked fishing ponds, picnic sites and the Panorama Point Scenic Overlook, where visitors can see 100 miles of the Continental Divide.
Roxborough State Park
View the website (http://parks NULL.state NULL.co NULL.us/parks/roxborough/)
Roxborough is a Colorado Natural Area and a National Natural Landmark for good reason. The 3,339-acre park is filled with dramatic red-rock formations, distinct plant communities, and a host of wildlife ranging from black bears to mule deer.
Wyoming State Parks
Bear River State Park
View the website (http://wyoparks NULL.state NULL.wy NULL.us/Site/SiteInfo NULL.aspx?siteID=1)
Bear River State Park and Visitor Center are located just outside Evanston, Wyoming. Bear River is a year-round park that offers nearly 300 acres that are ideal for picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing, group activities, bicycling, skiing, rollerblading, remote control cars and many other activities.
Boysen State Park
View the website (http://wyoparks NULL.state NULL.wy NULL.us/Site/SiteInfo NULL.aspx?siteID=2)
Boysen State Park offers 3 entrances: U.S. Highway 20 (east side), U.S. Highway 26 (south side) and Bass Lake Road (west side). It is a lake-orientated park at the south end of the Owl Creek Mountains at the mouth of Wind River Canyon now part of the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway. Day and camping facilities are available. It features interesting geological formations.
Buffalo Bill State Park
View the website (http://wyoparks NULL.state NULL.wy NULL.us/Site/SiteInfo NULL.aspx?siteID=3)
Park Headquarters, nine miles west of Cody on US Highway 14-16-20. The majestic peaks of the Absaroka Mountains dominate the scenery at Buffalo Bill State Park. Two campsites, North Fork and North Shore, have a limited number of reservable sites.
Curt Gowdy State Park
View the website (http://wyoparks NULL.state NULL.wy NULL.us/Site/SiteInfo NULL.aspx?siteID=4)
Curt Gowdy is located just 24 miles west of Cheyenne, Wyoming and 24 miles east of Laramie, Wyoming. Curt Gowdy State Park has seven sections of richly varied landscape, flora and fauna decorate the foothills of the Laramie Mountains. There are a limited number of reservable campsites at the Tumbleweed and Camp Russell campgrounds. Aspen Grove campground is next to a free public horse corral for those visitors who would like to camp with horses.
Edness K Wilkens State Park
View the website (http://wyoparks NULL.state NULL.wy NULL.us/Site/SiteInfo NULL.aspx?siteID=5)
Edness K. Wilkins State Park can be located by taking Interstate 25 (Exit 182) to U.S. Highway 20-26. Edness K. Wilkins is a serene day-use park for families, nature lovers and those looking for solitude can enjoy.
Glendo State Park
View the website (http://wyoparks NULL.state NULL.wy NULL.us/Site/SiteInfo NULL.aspx?siteID=6)
Glendo State Park is located off Interstate 25, Exit 111. It offers visitors water-skiing, fishing and other water- based activities. Day-use and overnight facilities feature improved campsites, comfort stations, tables and grills. A commercial concession at the reservoir provides visitors with complete marina services, motel units and fishing equipment.
Guernsey State Park
View the website (http://wyoparks NULL.state NULL.wy NULL.us/Site/SiteInfo NULL.aspx?siteID=7)
Guernsey State Park is located off Interstate 25, Exit 92 to U.S. Highway 26 and then State Route 270. Guernsey State Park provides seven campgrounds. Five are around the lake. All campgrounds include comfort stations, picnic tables, fire grills and drinking water. We also have a trailer dump station located at the south entrance to Guernsey State Park.
Hawk Springs State Park
View the website (http://wyoparks NULL.state NULL.wy NULL.us/Site/SiteInfo NULL.aspx?siteID=8)
Hawk Springs Recreational Area is located by taking U.S.Highway 85 then State Route 151. Hawk Springs reservoir boasts a blue heron rookery, including birds such as the blue-winged and green-winged teal, gadwall, pintail, wood duck, and great horned owl. Fishermen have long known that fishing is good at Hawk Springs. Game fish include walleye, largemouth bass and channel catfish. Winter ice fishing is also good at the park. There are 24 camping units, comfort stations, and accommodations for trailers. A boat ramp and parking area are available.
Hot Springs State Park
View the website (http://wyoparks NULL.state NULL.wy NULL.us/Site/SiteInfo NULL.aspx?siteID=9)
Hot Springs is located in the town of Thermopolis, Wyoming on U.S.Highway 20 then State Route 120. Over colorful terraces along the Big Horn River at Thermopolis flows water from mineral hot springs. The park has a free bath house where the water is maintained at 104 degrees for theraputic bathing. Hot Springs has 6.2 miles of universally accessible trails and hiking trails. Hot Springs is a day-use park.
Key Hole State Park
View the website (http://wyoparks NULL.state NULL.wy NULL.us/Site/SiteInfo NULL.aspx?siteID=10)
Keyhole State Park is located on the western edge of the famed Black Hills, between Sundance and Moorcroft. Keyhole is a mecca for both resident and migrating birds of all species. Visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of other wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorn antelope and wild turkeys. There is a marina and motel located on the headquarters side of the lake and operated by a concessionaire. The concessionaire has pop, alcohol, groceries, bait, tackle, fishing licenses and 10 electric campsites that he reserves. There is a public boat ramp at the marina.
Seminoe State Park
View the website (http://wyoparks NULL.state NULL.wy NULL.us/Site/SiteInfo NULL.aspx?siteID=11)
One of Wyoming’s treasures is located 35 miles north of Sinclair, Wyoming. Seminoe Reservoir offers the full range of water-based activities and is known for both trout and walleye fishing. Day-use and overnight facilities feature improved sites, comfort stations, tables and grills.
Sinks Canyon State Park
View the website (http://wyoparks NULL.state NULL.wy NULL.us/Site/SiteInfo NULL.aspx?siteID=12)
Sinks Canyon State Park is six miles southwest of Lander, Wyoming on Highway 131. The park contains hiking trails and offers camping, picnicking, rock climbing and fishing. Sinks Canyon is home to a wide variety of wildlife, birds and plants. Visitors might see porcupines, black bears, red squirrels, bighorn sheep, mule deer, moose or golden eagles.
NATIONAL FORESTS
For the nature enthusiast, camping in a national forest can be a paradise on earth. Colorado has 13 national forests; each has a website with detailed information about the right spots for fishing, birding, and, of course, camping (view the website (http://www NULL.fs NULL.fed NULL.us/r2/recreation/map/colorado/index NULL.shtml)). The portability of a folding tent trailer means that you can reach these hidden locations, and transport your family to a truly different—and spectacular—world.
Wyoming also boasts a number of national forests (view the website (http://www NULL.fs NULL.fed NULL.us/r2/recreation/map/wyoming/index NULL.shtml)). Bighorn, Medicine Bow and Shoshone National Forests are great destinations for a camper trailer.
Campgrounds
Colorado Directory (http://www NULL.coloradodirectory NULL.com/RV/) — A list of Colorado private RV Parks & Campgrounds.
Campgrounds in Colorado.com (http://www NULL.colorado NULL.com/Camping NULL.aspx)- Comprehensive listings of all types of campgrounds including national forest, BLM, national parks, state parks, and private campgrounds.
