Where to Park a Recreational Vehicle in Colorado
Overnight Parking and Long-Term Camping Options for Camper Vans in Colorado
Colorado offers a variety of legal options for overnight parking and long-term camping for camper van owners. Here's a breakdown of the best choices:
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest dispersed camping: These public lands allow "boondocking" or dispersed camping, often without hookups or amenities. Stay limits are usually up to 14 days, and free permits may be required. This option provides a genuine outdoor experience and access to scenic areas near popular recreation sites.
- State Trust Lands and National Parks campgrounds: These offer established camping areas, sometimes with amenities, where overnight parking is legal with applicable permits or fees.
- City and county parks with overnight camping permissions: Some local parks may allow overnight stays, though this varies by town or city within Colorado and often requires prior permission or permits.
- Private property with permission: Parking overnight on private property where the owner consents is always legal.
- Designated RV rest stops or truck stops: These can be used for overnight parking.
- Official campgrounds in state or federal parks: These offer a more structured camping experience, with costs ranging from $5-45 per night and accommodating up to 50-foot RVs.
- Upscale camping experiences: Options like Monument Lake Resort in quiet southern Colorado, costing $21-45 per night and accommodating up to 50-foot RVs, are available for those seeking a more luxurious camping experience.
- Renting a campsite: This is a legal option for overnight parking, with average costs of $20-40 per night.
- Public lands that allow free overnight parking for RVs: These can be found, though regulations can change, so it's important to check with each site to ensure it still offers free camping before planning a trip.
- Big box stores like Walmart, Cracker Barrel, and Cabela's: These offer free overnight parking for a single night.
When choosing a location for overnight parking or longer-term camping, always review regulations and ask for permission to park. Some cities in Colorado enforce strict no-camping rules and prohibit overnight parking on city streets or in public lots, so staying within designated campgrounds or dispersed BLM and National Forest sites is usually safest to avoid fines or legal issues. It's also recommended to check specific city or county ordinances before parking overnight to comply with local laws.
- Embarking on a road trip through Colorado, consider the diverse camping options available for camper van owners.
- For a camping lifestyle immersed in nature, you might opt for dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest land.
- To balance travel comfort with exploration,private RV resorts like Monument Lake Resort offer an upscale camping experience along the journey.
