suggestions: camping near Denver

[alex_n/a]

I am going camping in the next couple weeks and I have already tried searching for nice camp sites but nothing I have liked enough. I would like recommendations of where you have been not places you hope are good lol What I need is basic. Good scenic place for photography, so sunrise and sunset views. and no near traffic or other lights. I would rather see green grass and trees instead of yellow weeds and dead trees. A lake would be nice. Fire pit and lastly somewhere that my Explorer will make it to and back safely lol

oh and What should I bring?

this is what I'm currently taking

• water
• food
• snacks
• flash lights
• blankets pillows
• knife
• camera, extra batteries and memory card
• gps
• tunes
• battery charger for truck
• matches / charcoal or wood to burn a fire
• fire extinguisher
• whistles (safety)
• g/f

Thanks

[JmJasky2]

Just got back from Curecanti National Recreation Area. It's the area just east of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, but doesn't have an entrance fee. Camping at Elk Creek campground is 12 dollars a night and each site has a fire pit. You can get pretty nice sunsets over the reservoir.

Admittedly, it's a 4.5 hour drive outside of Denver, but it is a nice place to go if you are looking to get away from the city. And you'd have to do some searching (maps, online, etc) to find places to go hiking and find other photography spots.

Hopefully this thread yields many other great hiking spots. I'm still trying to find more places to go myself.

[Justin]

Golden Gate State park has some nice areas, but can be busy on weekends. How far are you going and are you willing to 4 wheel to get there? Also, are you OK with a campground, or are you looking for something more private? Finally, might want to add a tent to that list. Keeps GFs happy.

[alex_n/a]

Just got back from Curecanti National Recreation Area. It's the area just east of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, but doesn't have an entrance fee. Camping at Elk Creek campground is 12 dollars a night and each site has a fire pit. You can get pretty nice sunsets over the reservoir.

Admittedly, it's a 4.5 hour drive outside of Denver, but it is a nice place to go if you are looking to get away from the city. And you'd have to do some searching (maps, online, etc) to find places to go hiking and find other photography spots.

Hopefully this thread yields many other great hiking spots. I'm still trying to find more places to go myself.

sounds good except the 4.5 hour drive. This time I want to go somewhere near but in the future I would like to make it a short road trip and perhaps a 3 day weekend to explore more. Thankyou though. And yeah hopefully this thread gains some good info for others as well.

Golden Gate State park has some nice areas, but can be busy on weekends. How far are you going and are you willing to 4 wheel to get there? Also, are you OK with a campground, or are you looking for something more private? Finally, might want to add a tent to that list. Keeps GFs happy.

for now 1-2 hours outside denver will work and not really looking to 4 wheel there since I'm planning on staying in the truck. The g/f is scared of being attacked by bears and other small creaters lol (i did not mention a bear would have no problem getting inside the truck) that's why I didn't pack a tent. And yes campground is ok with me. I'll check golden gate state park. Thanks

[I`m Batman]

Lake McConaughy is seems to fit your requirements. I've been there a few years back. It was pretty nice. Check the water level before you go. Make sure it's not too low.

[alex_n/a]

Golden Gate State park has some nice areas, but can be busy on weekends. How far are you going and are you willing to 4 wheel to get there? Also, are you OK with a campground, or are you looking for something more private? Finally, might want to add a tent to that list. Keeps GFs happy.

Im going to state park this weekend, my concern is the website i found info on it says that fires are not permitted. It also said there were cabins available, have u ever stayed in them? Are they "safe" i dont want to get attacked by bears since ill have small childern with me.

Thanks in advance.

[Operator]

Curt Gowdy, just west of Cheyenne (sounds far, but it's only a 2hr drive from Denver). I've gone many times, and it's awesome hiking trails, a river, waterfall, lake, arguable the best mountain bike trails in the US. So worth your time, and also it's close to Vedauwoo (about 10-15mins) another top notch hiking spot. Look into it, like I said, I've camped there at least 4 times, and been back for day trips a couple more times.

[Operator]

Oh, and I just camped there last week with my wife and 4 kids, so it's family friendly (my one year old on my back in a hiking backpack not so friendly on the stamina).

[G-Man]

Heck yeah - another vote for Curt Gowdy. And, further west, the whole Medicine Bow range.

[alex_n/a]

can you light a fire? that's very important in my family... we need our meat grilled and our drinks cold lol

2 hours isn't too far. plus there will be about 6 guys in 2-3 vehicles so I'll probably just sleep the whole way there lol.

[Operator]

Yep, I think I've made a fire each time I've gone.