Can you imagine pitching your tent in the wilderness of Colorado beside a roaring mountain stream with wildflowers in bloom all around you? This is the Colorado camping experience that draws vacationers to the myriad of campgrounds and campsites that this state has to offer.

A camping vacation to Colorado is one of the best ways to intimately see the state. There is no better way to get close to Colorado's wilderness, whether the rolling plains of Eastern Colorado, the Colorado Rockies, or the mesas of the Western Slope than by setting up your tent in one of Colorado's many campgrounds.

You'll find that Colorado's campgrounds and RV parks make great home bases for exploring the state's scenic areas and historical landmarks. Camping in Colorado is easy. Thousands of campsites and campgrounds are to be found within the 20 million acres of public lands that are found in any section of the state.

Colorado camping is some of the best in the world. There are endless possibilities to camping in Colorado when on your vacation to the state. Where you camp while in Colorado is up to you. Here is a list of a few Colorado camping options to help you plan your vacation as you'll need to pick your campsites as reservations in most campgrounds need to be made in advance to insure that you get the camping spot you are wishing for.

The Steamboat Springs Area

Many make the Steamboat Springs area the base camp for their Colorado camping experience. Steamboat springs itself is a popular downhill skiing resort in winter. But in summer, the surrounding area presents vacationers with many Colorado camping adventures.

Dumont Lake Campground is located Southeast of town on Rabbit Ears Pass where mountains and wildflower meadows meet. The campground's 22 campsites take in views of the twin-pinnacled Rabbit Ears Mountain. This is a spectacular area for hiking and mountain biking.

North of Steamboat the Colorado camping experience continues. Steamboat Lake State Park is a wonderful fishing spot where the family can enjoy the camping that they came to Colorado for. Beginner and experienced anglers alike will enjoy the fishing here. Other family members will enjoy the hiking trails and nature exploration.

Nearby is Pearl Lake State Park. Camping at this park is more secluded. You will find 36 campsites nestled in the woods where it's hard to see your neighboring camper's tents. As you rise in the morning from a rested sleep, you will gaze to the lake below your tent and listen to the sand hill cranes that roost in the willows towards the north end of the lake.

Maroon Bells

Along Maroon Creek, just to the south of Aspen, you'll find a few Colorado camping experiences at the Silver Bells and the Silver Queen Campgrounds. Book these in advance because you'll find that there are limited campsites here. But it's well worth it to experience Maroon Lake. And just so you know, only booked campers can drive to the lakes and see the Maroon Bells reflect in the still waters at dusk.

The Colorado camping experience here is the private, leisurely view of the scenery. Since non-campers have to take the crowded shuttles from Aspen, you have the advantage. But, keep in mind that you will still have to do a short hike to experience the view.

Of course, you can also mountain bike or horseback ride to one of the most fabulous sights around Aspen. This spectacular wilderness area is full of trails that will delight any camper to Colorado. It's one of the areas that most Colorado visitors rarely see.

The Colorado camping experience is some of the best in North America. At your campsite you will find that your tent is a room with a fantastic view. While camping in Colorado you should remember that many of the campgrounds are at high altitudes. Be sure to acclimate to your surroundings before venturing out on the many trails that you will find for hiking and fishing.

If camping is on your vacation agenda this summer, make sure you don't pass up the Colorado camping experience. Colorado is truly a camping wonderland that your whole family will enjoy.