The ski resorts are in full-swing, the holiday parties have ended, and you’re stocking up on hot cocoa. You’re probably not in summer camping mode right now, but for many established campgrounds in Colorado, reservation windows are already open.

A hammock and activity pop up makes a campsite fun and relaxing for everyone! Photo: Heather Balogh Rochfort

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we earn from qualifying purchases.

That’s right! You can start booking campgrounds as far as six months in advance for many places around the state. And because more and more people are interested in camping, it’s wise to book your favorite reservation-only spots as soon as you can.

We get it. It’s hard to plan so far ahead, especially when kids’ needs are ever-changing and the world feels so unpredictable. Yet, the peace of mind of having a few fun outdoor adventures already on the books can be a welcome reminder once summer comes, when school’s out and you’re scrambling for fun family activities in nature.

The following campgrounds are all open for reservations, and some opened as early as mid-December! As you are planning, think about what dates you’d like to camp, then count backward six months - especially if you want weekend dates. For example, availability for camping on July 14, 2023 opened for reservations at 8am MST on January 14, 2023. Not quite in the 6 month range? Set a couple of reminders on your phone so you can jump on right when they open. Making plans that far in advance can be tough, but come summer, it’s always worth it to have fun plans and a guaranteed spot already booked!

Here are five Colorado campgrounds to book now that are great for families:

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Just 45 minutes from Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a lovely place for an easy getaway from Denver or Boulder. There are two main campgrounds — Aspen Meadows Campground and Reverend’s Ridge Campground. Aspen Meadows is more tent-friendly, while Reverend’s Ridge has plenty of campsites with electric hookups. For those interested in hiking to a backcountry spot, Golden Gate Canyon State Park has 20 tent sites and four shelters all within a 1- to 3-mile hike. Keep an eye out for moose! This campground is open year-round.

Click here to reserve your campsite at Golden Gate Canyon State Park!

Wellington Lake Campground

Wellington Lake is a lovely spot for camping with the family. With a lake perfect for swimming, wakeless-boating, and fishing, your kids will have a great time splashing, SUPing and building sand castles at this campground. Just south of Bailey, there is great mountain biking nearby and options for hiking to a waterfall or the more strenuous summit of Castle Mountain. Reservations begin six months in advance of your desired date. Wellington Lake is open for camping year-round.

Click here to book your campsite at Wellington Lake!

First time camping with a baby? Click here to learn more!

Mueller State Park

Mueller State Park is only 45 minutes from Colorado Springs and affords beautiful views of Pikes Peak and great amenities like a camper services building with showers, laundry, modern restrooms, and a playground. There are 136 campsites each with a picnic table and fire ring, and many are available year-round. The best walk-in tent sites are in Prospector Ridge (sites 55-66) and Turkey Meadow (sites 100-109) Campgrounds. Bring the kiddos’ bikes because there are plenty of paved roads for riding.

Click here to book your campsite at Mueller State Park!

Playing games at the campsite — A new T-ball set makes a great campsite activity! Photo: Amanda Baseler

Staunton State Park Campground

All the sites at Staunton State Park are walk-in sites, so you’ll be parking your car in the lot and hoofing it to your spot. This lovely state park offers year-round camping that’s especially great for big kids who can help carry gear from the car to the campground. It’s a little more effort, but the payoff is great for a bit more peace and privacy—especially for outdoorsy parents missing their backcountry days. Staunton State Park has excellent hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as family-friendly fishing in Davis ponds, which are stocked with Rainbow Trout each month May through September.

Click here to book your campsite at Staunton State Park Campground!

Pawnee National Grassland, Crow Valley Campground

It’s not often you think to head east when looking for outdoor adventure, but camping in Pawnee National Grassland is a fun choice for camping with kids. Camping on the eastern plains is a totally different experience from camping in the mountains. This campground is flat, friendly, and home to more than 200 species of birds as well as nature trails and ancient farming equipment to explore. You can camp here between April 2 and September 18, 2023.

Click here to book your campsite at Crow Valley Campground!

Wherever you choose to go camping, be sure to follow Leave No Trace principals for keeping the outdoors clean and safe for all to enjoy. Plan ahead, be open-minded, and bring plenty of snacks, and you’re sure to have an adventure to remember.

Psst - Looking for more camping ideas? Check out Monica’s most recent book, “Best Tent Camping: Colorado: Your Car-Camping Guide to Scenic Beauty, the Sounds of Nature, and an Escape from Civilization” full of 50 of the best car camping spots in Colorado!