Fall in Colorado is a beautiful time as the aspen trees turn from green to a golden yellow. The best time to view fall foliage in Colorado is from September to October. Trees in the high mountains start changing as early as September while fall foliage isn’t at its peak in lower elevations, such as Denver, until October. To really enjoy this beautiful season, choose to go camping at one of these five perfect fall camping spots in Colorado.
Just west of Crested Butte near Paonia is Lost Lake Campground. This part of Colorado explodes with changing fall foliage once the autumn months hit. This campground is home to three double sites and 11 single sites. Situated in a grove of aspen, spruce and fir trees, Lost Lake Campground is serene and picturesque. Hike or bike the Three Lakes Trail, which is a loop trail around Lost Lake that boasts views of the Ruby Range mountains. To view even more fall foliage in the area, take a drive to Kebler Pass, home to one of the largest aspen groves in the state.
Unlike many campgrounds in Colorado, Saddlehorn Campground stays open all year round. Therefore this campground near Fruita makes for a great camping site in fall and winter when other campsites in the state close. Located in Colorado National Monument, Saddlehorn Campground is the only campground in the monument and is surrounded by gorgeous red rock formations. With 80 campsites to choose from, you’re sure to find solitude here, since you’ll be avoiding the summer crowds by staying during autumn. Due to its lower elevation, Saddlehorn Campground will have milder weather compared to higher camping spots in the state.
Camp near North America’s largest sand dunes at Pinyon Flats Campground in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Pinyon Flats Campground has 88 individual campsites, all with picnic tables and fire pits. This national park has a variety of natural features that draw campers year round. However during fall, the forests full of aspen trees make for a colorful sight. Furthermore, the sand dunes provide great hiking during the fall months. During the summer, the sand on the dunes gets very hot, but due to fall’s cool weather, hiking the sand dunes becomes much more approachable and enjoyable.
With a name like Aspenglen, this campground in Rocky Mountain National Park is sure to boast views of changing aspen leaves during the autumn months. This campsite, located in one of Colorado’s most popular parks, has 52 sites for both tents and RVs. If you’re looking for a secluded spot to pitch your tent, Aspenglen even offers walk-in tent sites. There is no way you will miss the changing fall foliage when you visit this campground during fall. The campground is near the Lawn Lake trailhead, which is a great hike to view fall color.
Due to its proximity to Denver, Chatfield State Park is a popular destination for fall camping. Since Chatfield is at a lower elevation, view the best of fall colors in October here. Chatfield has 197 sites, so you’re sure to get a spot during a weekend in the fall. This state park is perfect for RVs year round, since 120 of the 197 sites include full hook-ups for RVs. No matter what site you end up with at Chatfield State Park, it will be within walking distance to the lake. This is a great camping spot for fall foliage if you’re located in the Front Range of Colorado.
