Colorado’s Autumn Adventures: RV Trips To Enjoy the Cooler Weather
Few things can spar with the overwhelming, astonishing beauty of Colorado. The Centennial State is perhaps best known for its imposing mountains, quaint ski towns, and the Mile High City—and what better way to experience this state than in the comfort of your vehicle?
As the weather begins to cool this fall, spending long weekends embarking on Colorado RV trips is an unmatched way to make lifelong memories with the whole family. We’ve compiled a guide to the best RV trips in Colorado this autumn so you can fully embrace all this colorful state has to offer!
Best Fall Destinations in Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
We’ll begin our tour of the Rocky Mountain state down south in the tallest dunes in North America—the Great Sand Dunes. Though most visitors are familiar with the infamous art of sand sledding and sandboarding to be done in the dunes, this park is home to a wealth of diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, lakes, and tundras, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. While many visit during summer, autumn invites in cooler temperatures, golden aspen trees, and animals like elk and bighorn sheep, which avoid peak traffic seasons.
You’ll find no shortage of quality RV campgrounds in the surrounding area. Below are just a few of our favorites.
- Oasis Campground. This resort at the entrance to the dunes features a broad selection of campsites and RV hookups, in addition to sandboard and sled rentals, groceries, and other amenities.
- Zapata Falls Campground. If you’re hoping to take in the views of the San Luis Valley with its surrounding dunes and mountains, this campground offers a whole new perspective, along with a half-mile hike to the falls from which it gets its name.
Colorado Springs
Heading north from the dunes, experiencing fall in Colorado Springs is a must. Beyond the vibrant trees, local breweries, and family-friendly pumpkin patches, the geography here is a marvel. Explore the imposing peaks of the Garden of the Gods, hop on the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to climb the lone 14er in style, and head below the earth’s surface for a journey into the Cave of the Winds—which offers special spooky tours during October.
As Colorado Springs is a significant town on its own, you’ll have access to all the amenities you could need during your stay. Here are a few RV campgrounds we recommend:
- Golden Eagle Campground. A bit more secluded from the nearby downtown without being off the grid, this campground places you in the middle of nature, surrounded by wildlife and miles of hiking trails.
- Fountain Creek RV Park. For those preferring to be within walking distance of shopping and restaurants, this RV park is in the perfect location, and its owners are friendly and ready to help you navigate your Colorado Springs vacation.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
If you’d like to visit Colorado’s capital city while still staying in nature, camping in Red Rocks Park is the ideal solution. Attend a concert at the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre without needing to sit in the sweltering summer heat and do some hiking through the mountain park’s spectacular rock formations. If you head into Denver for a day, check out the annual Pumpkin Festival at the Denver Botanic Gardens and get in some early holiday shopping at 16th Street Mall.
While you cannot camp on-site at Red Rocks Park, several quality family parks for RV travel are nearby:
- Indian Paintbrush Campground. Not only is this well-maintained campground close to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, but campers can also easily access Bear Creek Lake Park for fishing, biking, and hiking.
- Chatfield State Park Campground. Though this campsite is about a half-hour drive from Red Rocks, the full-service amenities, including flush toilets, hot showers, and WiFi, make the distance well worth it.
Estes Park
As the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, quaint Estes Park is a can’t-miss autumn town for even the most seasoned Coloradans. Get into the Halloween spirit with a ghost tour of the one-and-only Stanley Hotel, take the perfect photograph at scenic Bear Lake, buy some kooky keepsakes in downtown Estes, and zip through the trees on the Mustang Mountain Coaster. You can also help usher in the fall by joining the annual Autumn Gold Festival, famous for its bratwursts, bands, and brews.
You’ll have more trouble deciding where you’d like to park than finding a place to stay. See below for a few of our Estes Park RV travel tips and suggestions:
- Manor RV Park. This fully equipped campground is only a five-minute drive from the Rockies and is right off the central Moraine Avenue, so you’ll have convenient access to everywhere you need.
- Hermit’s Hollow Campground. While this open-space park has limited amenities, you’ll be in the heart of a network of hiking and horseback riding trails, promising an outdoor adventure you wouldn’t get anywhere else.
Do you need additional guidance as you plan your upcoming RV trip? See our recent blog covering essential packing and maintenance tips for RV owners.
Secure Your Recreational Vehicle at the End of Your Trip at Honey Bee RV Storage
At the end of your Colorado RV expedition, finding a secure place to park your vehicle is paramount to helping make sure it’ll be in tiptop shape for your next trip. Honey Bee RV Storage is your ideal spot for a reliable parking space. Whether you’re looking for covered parking featuring electrical power or RV storage options with access to dump stations, our budget-friendly options help you clear some space out of your garage.
To get started, call or contact us today and discover Honey Bee RV Storage at a location near you!