Camping by the season
Think camping is only for the summer? Think again! There are great places to go in all four seasons and we have all the ideas and places to check out for each time of year.
Spring (Mar-May)
Spring skiing and hot springs in the Rocky Mountains
Prime camping in the Desert Southwest
Enjoy those days getting longer
Summer(Jun-Aug)
Peak camping season
Cool off in the higher elevations
Perfect time for exploring 4x4 roads in the mountains
Fall (Sept-Nov)
Our favorite camping season
Peak fall colors are in late Sept/early Oct
Head to desert for warmer temps in late fall
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Enjoy the perks of going off-season
Chase the sun in the Desert Southwest
Chase the powder in the Rocky Mountains
Spring: ~ March - May
🏔️Rocky Mountain Region🏔️
Best for:
Spring Skiing and exploring lower mountain elevations
Where to go
Head to smaller ski areas like Monarch Ski area
Salida and nearby hotsprings
Get a little desert vibe in Grand Junction and see the epic Colorado National Monument
Things to know:
Colorado is known for year-round sunshine, but be prepared for changing temperatures and always pack layers. Due to snow, 4x4 roads, high mountain passes and many campgrounds are closed until late May, June or sometimes into early July.
Want to learn about SKI CAMPING, we show you all about it HERE.
🌵Desert Southwest Region🌵
Best for:
Thawing out in the desert sun
Where to go:
Things to know:
North Rim of the Grand Canyon doesn’t open until mid-May. The Narrows hike in Zion National Park sometimes closes in the Spring when the water level is too high. For more seclusion, explore Capitol Reef's Cathedral Valley or the Maze District of Canyonlands—less popular but just as stunning.
Summer: ~ June - AugUST
🏔️Rocky Mountain Region🏔️
Best for:
Overlanding and van camping in the mountains. Escape the heat and cool off in the higher elevations. Enjoy those long summer nights!
Where to go:
All of the popular rocky mountain spots in Colorado and Wyoming!
High mountain passes
Things to know:
This the peak camping season so expect to see some crowds out there, particularly at the more popular destinations. Find some peace and quite dispersed camping in the more remote areas. Also know that some campgrounds don’t open until mid-June.
Colorado’s best summer camping is above 9,000 feet, but the air is thin! Take a day to acclimate before big hikes and hydrate constantly.
🌵Desert Southwest Region🌵
Best for:
Sunburns and hot camping.
Where to go
Things to know:
This is not our recommended time to travel in the desert but if you are heading out there, the suggestions above are at higher elevation and will be a little cooler. Explore before 10 AM or after 6 PM, and never underestimate the need for water—carry at least a gallon per person per day.
Come play in the Rocky Mountains instead!
Fall: ~ SeptEMBER - NovEMBER
🏔️Rocky Mountain Region🏔️
Best for:
Fall colors and mild weather
Where to go:
All of the popular spots in Colorado!
Crested Butte and Telluride are particularly known for the fall colors
High mountain passes
Things to know:
This is our favorite time to camp in the Rocky Mountain region. The weather is nice, the crowds are gone and the colors are popping. For the best fall colors, go late Sept/early Oct. You can expect some frosty mornings by the end of September and occasional snow by October so bring those extra layers. Once into mid-October, start heading more to the desert (see below)
🌵Desert Southwest Region🌵
Best for:
Extending the camping season and staying warm. This is our favorite time to camp in the desert.
Where to go
Things to know:
Early September can be hot in the desert but temps get nice after that. This is a great time to visit the more popular National Parks. For Moab, October is perfect, but by late November, expect chilly nights (~30°F) and shorter days. Bring layers!
Winter: ~ December - February
🏔️Rocky Mountain Region
Best for:
Chasing the powder on a budget
Where to go:
Take your pick of ski area and go where the snow is
We like the smaller resorts for ski camping
Things to know:
Winter camping is incredible if you have the right gear—heated camper vans make it easy. But after a frigid night, nothing beats a hot soak at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs or Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat.
We have put together a Ski Camping Guide detailing all the places where you can camp, find hot springs and more near the ski areas.
🌵Desert Southwest Region
Best for:
Off-season camping in sunny mild temps. Maybe even catch a little snow in places that don’t usually see the white stuff.
Where to go
Things to know:
Generally the winters in the desert are pretty mild but it’s possible to see freezing temps so having a heated camper is ideal. Head to those popular National Parks to enjoy them crowd-free! If you want guaranteed sun & warmth, stick to Death Valley, Joshua Tree, or the southernmost parts of Arizona.
Each season offers something special, and with the right preparation and mindset, every camping trip can become a memorable adventure. From the vibrant blooms of spring to the pristine beauty of winter, we’ve got you covered with expert tips, detailed guides, and all the resources you need to experience the best of camping, no matter the time of year.
So, what are you waiting for?
Pack your bag, grab your Camper, and get ready for the ADVENTURE of a lifetime!
