Colorado Camping Tips

Let us give you some camping tips to keep your Colorado camping experience fun. Although there is nothing more memorable then trying to cook eggs and bacon without a spatula or putting up a tent in the dark without a flash light. These are just a few of the things we have done that we will always remember and laugh about (mostly). By sharing our experiences I hope we can help make your camping memories pleasurable.


Things to check before you leave on your Colorado camping trip:

Cooking utensils - It's easy (for me) to forget to pack cooking utensils. Review your menu (don't have a menu? See the next tip) and go through your cooking gear to make sure you have everything you need for preparing those gourmet feasts. Eggs don't cook well on a stick!

Plan a meal menu - Planning a menu for meals ahead of time will really make your camping excursion more fun. Food is an important part of camping (at least for me). When kids and adults get hungry they may have a tendency to get cranky. Having a plan in place will keep things running smoothly and tummies happy. Keep the menu simple. Letting your kids cook hot dogs on a stick over the camp fire will provide great entertainment and a meal. Bring extra hot dogs to replace those lost in the fire. You will make great memories that your kids won't forget.

Flash lights - Does everyone in your group have a flashlight? Kids love flash lights! They feel more secure in a new place when it's dark and they have control over the light. Nothing like a good flash light when you're making a rest room trip at 2 am (strange how the bears hiding in bushes always seem to dissappear when light is shined on them).

Batteries - Now that you have the flash lights how are the batteries? Replace batteries in all your battery operated equipment before you leave. Also take some fresh batteries with you. Isn't it easier on everyone to put another set of batteries in little Billy's flash light then to have him express his unhappiness?

Campsite Reservation - Did you reserve a campsite? Summer camping in Colorado is very popular. It's best to reserve a camp site before you leave then try to find one. It will cost you a little more, but it is worth it. Print out your online receipt or write down your phone reservation information and take it with you. It may solve some misunderstandings at the camp site.

Utility Water - Many camping locations do NOT have water or water that is safe to drink. Take at least 1 gal of water for each person per day of camping for clean up, dishes, bathing etc. Take additional water for drinking! A family of four should take along at least 8 gals of water for 2 days of camping.

Drinking Water - Colorado has a semi-arid climate. That means you need to hydrate often! Take water with you when hiking etc. If you're not used to this climate take it slow for the first few days. Altitude sickness is a common occurrence when over exercising at high altitudes.

Tarp & rope - Take a 10' x 12' tarp and 50 ft of 1/4' rope with you. It can have many uses. If you're tent camping put it under your tent to help keep you dry. If you're in a sunny spot Hang it from your tent (or camper) to trees or posts near by and use it for shade. This works good for rain, too. We have done this often!

Propane bottles - Do you have stoves or lanterns that use propane? Check your bottles to make sure they are full. I have had lots of propane bottles with me on trips, but they were empty!

Ice - Did you get the ice? No problem forgetting the ice if you are camping near a town, but if you're roughing it out away from it all your drinks will be warm.

Sporting goods - Where are the fishing poles!?! Don't forget the little (and big) boy's toys. Speaking of fishing, do you have the bait?

Binoculars - Don't forget to take them along! Binoculars are great for watching the wildlife in Colorado. If you have don't a pair watch for sales. They don't have to be expensive to be fun.

Pet food - Are you taking Spot? He'll really love you when you have to feed him your hamburger because his dog food is at home. Don't forget his water, pets can dehydrate too!



What to wear Colorado camping:

Colorado can have some drastic temperature changes. In mid summer daytime temperatures can range from 60 to 100 degrees in the mountains. Evenings can be 45 to 60 degrees.

Be prepared for snow and cooler temperatures in early spring and late fall. Notice the white in the background of this picture? It’s Memorial Day and this is snow!

Layer your clothes that way you can take layers off when it warms up and put back on when it cools down. You may do this numerous times during the day, no kidding! When my kids got the pants that had legs that zipped off to make shorts, I thought they were the silliest thing. After summer camping trips now I think they are great for summer wear in the mountains.

If you are going to do any hiking bring along some comfortable, well fitting boots. If it's hot outside you can still wear shorts (this is acceptable fashion in the mountains). Flip flops don't work well for hiking (save them for the pool)! Good ankle support is important and will help keep you from injury on rough and rocky trails.

I look goofy in a hat, but I wear one anyway when in the mountains. Keeping the sun off your head when it's hot can really help! When it's cold you will stay warmer. If you see a big guy that looks goofy in a hat at your camping site, say "hi" it's probably me!

Wear sunscreen in the summer and winter in the mountains. Don't forget that you're closer to the sun and the atmosphere is much thinner (breath shallow! We all have to share those two molecules of air!) so it is easy to sunburn.

Still want more information? Check out Camping Basics at Live Healthy Guide.




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