Locating a Spot for Your Campervan in Colorado
In Colorado, camping enthusiasts have a variety of legal options for overnight parking their camper vans, ranging from established campgrounds and RV parks to dispersed camping on public lands.
Legal options for overnight parking a camper van in Colorado include:
- Established campgrounds and RV parks with designated camper van or RV sites that often offer amenities such as hookups, restrooms, and trash facilities. These are the safest and most common legal overnight parking spots.
- Dispersed camping (boondocking) on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Forest Service, or other government agencies. These sites typically do not offer hookups or amenities but allow free or very low-cost camping with stay limits (usually up to 14 days). Permits may be required in some areas, and camping must be away from developed areas and roads.
- Certain city parks or county parks may allow overnight RV parking with restrictions, but this varies by locality, so checking municipal rules is essential.
However, overnight parking in non-designated areas, including public streets or private property without permission, is often illegal or restricted. For example, Telluride’s Town Park Campground explicitly forbids RV or camper van parking outside designated sites and prohibits idling or wood fires. Long-term living in a camper van outside of designated campgrounds is often regulated or banned by local ordinances across many states, including Colorado in some municipalities, so enforcement can vary.
Best Colorado campgrounds that accommodate RVs and camper vans include:
- Bright Star Campground – Highly rated and offers amenities suitable for RVs and camper vans.
- The High Desert Ranch Colorado – Another well-reviewed camping option with RV hookups suitable for camper vans or small RVs.
- Historic Ranch at Mt. Princeton – Popular for its scenic views and camper van accommodations with available hookups.
Additional widely recognized RV-friendly campgrounds in Colorado often provide full or partial hookups, restrooms, and are located near outdoor recreation. Many Colorado State Parks and National Forest campgrounds accommodate RVs and camper vans with varying levels of amenities.
In summary, the options for legal and convenient overnight parking of camper vans in Colorado balance between established campgrounds and dispersed camping on public lands. It is essential to research specific campground rules and local ordinances for the area you intend to visit to ensure a smooth camping experience.
- For a road trip in Colorado, consider overnight parking at established campgrounds or RV parks, which offer designated camper van sites and amenities such as hookups, restrooms, and trash facilities.
- Dispersed camping on public lands, managed by government agencies like the BLM or National Forest Service, can provide free or low-cost camping, but permits may be required, and camping should be away from roads and developed areas.
- When traveling, research best campgrounds that accommodate RVs and camper vans, such as Bright Star Campground, The High Desert Ranch Colorado, and Historic Ranch at Mt. Princeton, to ensure a smooth camping experience.
