Colorado Campground Reviews

Rocky Mountain National Park

Varain State Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain Park visitors can find something to see and do year round. Start your visit by stopping by one of the four Visitor's centers. Winter and spring look pretty much the same with the chance of snow and few visitors. It is a fine place to take your boy scout troop to practice building snow caves or take the family snow shoeing. Quaking aspen leaves and rutting elk highlight the fall.

Summer is where the action is in Rocky Mt National Park. Hike through the park to see abundant wildlife, alpine wildflowers and spectacular Rocky Mountain peaks. Be sure to pick up the schedule of ranger talks and walks when you come into the park. Both kids and adults enjoy these. Check out the Artists-In-Residence program includes not only beautiful art to look at, but artists workshops for all ages, in the park.

There are five campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park.

The following campgrounds do not take take reservations. Additionally, you can backpack throughout the park with a permit.

• Aspenglen Campground
• Longs Peak Campground
• Timber Creek Campground

All of the campgrounds are above 7000 feet at least. They are generously spaced and usually wooded. They are near creeks or lakes and hiking trails.

Varain State Park (Formally Borbour Ponds)

Varain State Park is east of Longmont, next to Highway 25. This campground is all about the fishing. I am sure there are other nice things to do, but when I was there everyone one was fishing. The campsites are very close together and offer no shade.

The ponds offer bluegill, crappie, large mouth bass, pumpkinseed, perch, catfish and rainbow trout. Trout fishing is excellent during the spring and fall. When they are biting, the park is a great place to teach children how to fish. Check with the Colorado Division of Wildlife for fishing information, including how to get a fishing licence.