Discovering a Spot to Motorhome Park in Colorado: A Guide
In the beautiful state of Colorado, there are numerous options for camper van owners seeking a place to park or camp overnight. Here's a breakdown of some of the most popular choices:
Designated Campgrounds
Colorado is home to many family-friendly campgrounds, such as the Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park KOA Holiday near Estes Park, which accommodates RVs up to 38 feet and offers amenities close to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Public Lands
Overnight camper van parking can also be found on public lands, including Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest Service areas. These spots usually offer a true backcountry experience, with free camping for up to 14 days, but typically require adherence to specific regulations such as obtaining permits and stay limits. Notable areas for dispersed camping include Clear Creek Canyon, Sawmill Creek Campground, Trout Creek Recreation Area, Halfmoon Creek Road, and Browns Canyon National Monument.
State and National Parks
State and national parks in Colorado also provide camping options for camper vans. For instance, Chatfield State Park, just outside the metropolitan area of Denver, costs $36-41 per night and accommodates up to 60-foot RVs. Zapata Falls Campground, near Great Sand Dunes National Park, offers sites for larger RVs and costs $5-45 per night. The Glacier Basin Campground, near Rocky Mountain National Park, accommodates RVs up to 35 feet long and costs $30-60 per night.
Private RV Parks
Private RV parks can be found throughout Colorado, offering a range of amenities. Monument Lake Resort, located in quiet southern Colorado, provides an upscale camping experience for $21-45 per night and accommodates RVs up to 50 feet long.
Temporary Residential Options
Living in a camper van as a permanent resident on your own land in most areas of Colorado isn't allowed. However, you can live in a camper on your property for a limited time each year, usually no more than 15-30 consecutive days. For longer-term living options, consider RV parks, with stays usually limited to six months, and some allowing up to a year.
Urban Overnight Parking
In cities and towns, overnight parking for camper vans can be found at big box stores like Walmart, Cracker Barrel, and Cabela's, as well as designated RV rest stops or truck stops. However, it's important to note that parking a camper van overnight on residential streets, roadways, or parks is illegal in Colorado.
Always remember to check local regulations regarding permits, maximum stay durations, and vehicle restrictions before overnight parking or camping in any area to ensure compliance and safety.
For those considering purchasing a camper van, our vehicles come equipped with features like queen size beds, propane stoves, foldaway tables and benches, refrigerators, sinks with water tanks, extra storage, and more, providing a comfortable home on the road.
- Embarking on a road trip in Colorado, consider exploring the Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park KOA Holiday campground, an ideal spot for camper van owners, offering facilities close to Rocky Mountain National Park and accommodating RVs up to 38 feet.
- To experience a backcountry adventure, consider dispersed camping on public lands such as Clear Creek Canyon, Sawmill Creek Campground, Trout Creek Recreation Area, Halfmoon Creek Road, or Browns Canyon National Monument, abiding by specific regulations.
- For city explorers, urban overnight parking can be found at big box stores like Walmart, Cracker Barrel, and Cabela's, as well as designated RV rest stops or truck stops, but remember that parking on residential streets, roadways, or parks is illegal.
- Upgrading to an electric vehicle for your road trip in Colorado might be an environmentally friendly choice, as many RV parks and campgrounds are adapting to digital infrastructure for electric vehicles, catering to an evolving travel lifestyle and home-and-garden trends.
