Early Season Camping in Colorado
Spring weather is always wild in Colorado. Being stuck inside all winter and during the pandemic has everyone itching to get outside. Luckily, there are plenty of great spots for early season camping and spots are less crowded. We consider early season camping as anytime before Memorial Day weekend. Some spots have more snow than others, but as temperatures continue to warm up, the high-country snow begins to melt and more camping spots open up. To help you get outside, we rent campervans and 4x4 overland vehicles suited for the Colorado mountains
The author and his scout exploring near Buena Vista in May
Where to Camp?
One of the greatest positives to early season camping are the reduced crowds where you can soak up the spectacular views and enjoy the trails in peace. You’ll find plenty of early-season spots, but here are some of our favorites:
Great Sand Dunes: Some spots require reservations, like the Piñon Flats campground. However, you can reach dispersed sites in the Sand Dunes with a 4x4.
Mesa Verde National Park: Mesa Verde is an American national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Montezuma County, Colorado.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: This area gets hot later in the summer, so early season camping is ideal here. Black Canyon surrounds part of a deep, steep-walled gorge carved through Precambrian rock by the Gunnison River.
Salida/Buena Vista: This area offers plenty of dispersed options or campgrounds. You’ll see stunning views of the snowy Collegiate Range.
Fruita has some great spots for early season camping. Fruita is a Western Slope town located west of Grand Junction, Colorado, and offers some spectacular trails and camping. Nearby Colorado National Monument offers some great spots as well. Colorado National Monument is a National Park Service unit near the city of Grand Junction, Colorado. Sheer-walled canyons cut deep into sandstone and other rock formations.
Rocky Mountain National Park: RMNP is less busy, but hikes can be snowy. Trail Ridge Road generally doesn’t open until the end of May or June. Keep RMNP in mind for campervan trips.
Hank the 4Runner coming to the end of the road during the spring thaw
Great National Sand Dunes with Medano Creek running in the May
Helpful Early Season Camping Tips
We’ve enjoyed early-season camping over the years, so we compiled our top TAC tips to help on your adventure.
Pack plenty of warm clothes in case a rogue snow storm hits. You never know with spring weather! Also pack layers because temperatures vary. It’s always smart to toss in the Warm Sleeping Package as well!
Bring the rain boots in case things are a little wet or muddy.
Some 4x4 trails are open, but others remain closed. If there is a gate across the road, that means it is still closed for the season. We can help you determine which trails might be open!
Campervans can be nice when the weather is looking less than ideal as they give you more space to hang out inside. Our vans have heaters too!
Some campgrounds will still be closed but others are first come first serve. However, this is ideal because some of the very popular spots that need reservations later generally have availability now (like RMNP).
Roll with it! Conditions can be unpredictable, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning snow-capped scenery and fewer people in the parks.
As always, if you have any questions about your next adventure or want some help planning, we’re available! We have plenty of vehicles and equipment for your next camping trip.