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Camper Van Rentals in Colorado: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Welcome to the majestic state of Colorado, where the open road calls and adventure awaits! Renting a camper van is the perfect way to explore this stunning region, offering the freedom to roam and the comfort of a home on wheels. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time camper, this guide will take you through some of the most popular road trip destinations, recommend top RV parks, and highlight the many benefits of traveling in a camper van. So, buckle up and let's hit the road!

Popular Road Trip Destinations

Rocky Mountain National Park

First on our list is the iconic Rocky Mountain National Park. With over 300 miles of hiking trails, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking mountain views, this park is a must-visit. From the towering Longs Peak to the serene Bear Lake, every corner of this park offers a new adventure. Don’t forget to drive along the Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in North America, for a scenic view that will leave you in awe.

Garden of the Gods

Next, we have the Garden of the Gods, located in Colorado Springs. This natural wonder features towering sandstone formations that seem to defy gravity. The park offers a range of activities from hiking and rock climbing to guided tours and educational programs. It's a perfect spot for a day trip in your camper van, with plenty of parking and picnic areas to enjoy.

Pikes Peak

Just a short drive from Garden of the Gods is Pikes Peak, known as “America’s Mountain.” This 14,115-foot peak is one of Colorado’s most famous landmarks. You can drive to the summit on the Pikes Peak Highway, or for the more adventurous, hike the Barr Trail. Either way, the views from the top are nothing short of spectacular.

Mesa Verde National Park

Traveling southwest, we reach Mesa Verde National Park, home to the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans. Explore the well-preserved ruins of Cliff Palace and Balcony House, and imagine what life was like over 700 years ago. The park also offers beautiful hiking trails and panoramic vistas of the surrounding canyons.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Last but certainly not least is the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Here, you’ll find the tallest sand dunes in North America, perfect for sandboarding or simply marveling at their sheer size. The park’s diverse landscape also includes grasslands, wetlands, and alpine forests, making it a unique destination for your camper van adventure.

Best RV Campgrounds in Colorado

To make your road trip even more enjoyable, we’ve handpicked some of the best RV parks in Colorado. These parks offer excellent facilities and are ideally located for exploring the state’s top attractions.

Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Resort

Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Resort offers a scenic and historic outdoor experience with views of Rocky Mountain National Park, located just outside its entrance and a mile from Estes Park. The 30-acre resort features 169 full-service RV sites, cabins, authentic teepees, and tent sites, alongside amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, bathhouses, laundry facilities, and various recreational activities. Guests can enjoy live entertainment on weekends, a free shuttle to Estes Park, and local attractions such as hiking, rafting, golfing, and wildlife tours. The resort's proximity to the charming village of Estes Park provides additional dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.

Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains

Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains, located in Granby, Colorado, offers a luxurious RV camping experience with year-round access and a range of activities. Guests can enjoy kayaking, fly fishing, skiing, yoga, and mini-bowling, as well as amenities like a pool, hot tubs, and dining options. The resort is near top ski resorts like Winter Park and Granby Ranch, providing both winter and summer adventure opportunities. It also features event spaces for weddings and reunions, golf cart rentals, gem mining, and live music, ensuring a fun and relaxing stay for all ages.

Carbondale/Crystal River KOA Holiday

Carbondale/Crystal River KOA Holiday is an intimate Rocky Mountain campground located along the Crystal River, offering 13 log cabins, 24 RV sites, and 15 tent sites. Situated six miles from Carbondale and close to Glenwood Springs and Aspen, guests can enjoy stunning views of Mount Sopris and various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and rafting. The campground features amenities including Wi-Fi, a seasonal pool, a pavilion, bike rentals, and a dog park. It serves as a great base for exploring Colorado's western slope, with nearby attractions like hot springs, historic towns, and wineries.

Ouray RV Park & Cabins

Often referred to as the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray Riverside Resort in Ouray, Colorado, offers a variety of accommodations, including riverfront deluxe cabins, rustic pet-friendly cabins, and spacious RV sites with full hookups, all set against the stunning backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. The resort provides easy access to downtown Ouray and its hot springs, along with amenities like a pool, hot tub, bike rentals, and fire rings. Guests can enjoy adventures with Jeep rentals to explore hidden waterfalls and rugged trails, and savor delicious meals at The Smokehouse. Additionally, the resort features a laundromat with 24/7 access through membership, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable stay.

Alpen Rose RV Park

Alpen Rose RV Park, located in the tranquil Animas River Valley just five miles from downtown Durango, Colorado, offers stunning mountain views and easy access to local attractions like the Durango & Silverton Train and Mesa Verde National Park. Open year-round, the park provides 100 full hookup sites with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a convenience store, propane, a swimming pool, spotless restrooms, and a large laundry room. Pet-friendly features include a self-serve dog wash, pet playground, and pet walking service. Additional activities like pickleball, e-bike rentals, and stand-up paddleboard rentals ensure a fun and relaxing stay for all guests.

What to Pack for a Road Trip in a Campervan

Now that you’ve planned your ultimate Colorado road trip, it’s time to pack for your adventure! Packing smart is essential to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Make sure to cross-check the comprehensive list below with what your host provides to avoid overpacking. Be advised that some of these items may not apply to you depending on your itinerary. 

Essential Documents and Navigation

• Permits and Licenses: Ensure you have all necessary permits and licenses for camping and activities.

• Identification: Driver’s license, insurance, and registration.

• Compass and Map of Area: Reliable navigation tools, especially in remote areas.

• Travel Itinerary: Including reservations and contact information.

General Safety and First Aid

• First Aid Kit: A well-stocked kit for minor injuries and emergencies.

• Emergency Contact Information: Important phone numbers and addresses.

• Bear Spray: Important for safety in bear country.

• Flashlight and Extra Batteries: Essential for nighttime visibility.

• Fire Extinguisher: Safety first for your campervan.

Comfort and Convenience

• Sleeping Bags and Blankets: Ensure a cozy night’s sleep.

• Pillows: For added comfort.

• Camping Chairs: Comfortable seating around the campfire.

• Quick-Dry Towel: Handy for drying off after water activities or showers.

• Venture Wipes: Convenient for freshening up on the go.

• Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your trip.

Clothing and Personal Items

• Weather and Activity-Appropriate Clothing: Layers, wool socks, dri-fit clothes, and swimming attire for all conditions.

• Hat with a Brim: Protect yourself from the sun.

• Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from glare.

• Lip Balm: Prevent chapped lips, especially in dry or windy conditions.

• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

• Bug Spray: Keep insects at bay.

• Personal Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and hand sanitizer.

Kitchen and Food Supplies

• Portable Cooler: Keep your food and drinks fresh.

• Cooking Utensils and Equipment: Pans, pots, spatula, and cutlery.

• Reusable Plates and Cups: Eco-friendly dining options.

• Camping Stove and Fuel: For cooking delicious meals outside your rig.

• Portable Grill: Perfect for BBQ nights under the stars.

• Trash Bags: Keep your campsite clean and pack out what you pack in.

• Quick and Filling Healthy Snacks: Keep energy levels up with nutritious snacks.

• Condiments and Spices: For flavoring your meals.

• Water Cleaning Method: A portable water filter or purification tablets.

• Firewood and Fire Starters: For warmth and cooking (check local regulations).

Recreational Gear

• High Quality Backpack: A sturdy pack for hiking and day trips.

• Hiking Boots: Durable and comfortable footwear for trail adventures.

• Hiking Sticks: Provide support and stability on uneven terrain.

• Binoculars: For bird watching and enjoying distant views.

• Kayak/Canoe/SUP/Surf Board: Depending on your water activity preferences.

• Rock Climbing Gear: For those looking to scale some rocks.

• Fishing Gear: Enjoy some angling in Idaho’s pristine waters.

• Motorized Toys: ATVs or dirt bikes for off-road excitement.

• Life Jackets: Necessary for water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.

• Helmets: Essential for biking, climbing, and other adventurous activities.

• Books or Games: Entertainment for downtime.

• Camera: Capture memories of your amazing road trip.

Technology and Connectivity

• Solar Charger: Keep your devices powered up using the sun.

• Portable Power Bank: Backup power for your electronics.

• Mobile Hotspot: Stay connected in remote areas.

• GPS Device: In case your phone loses signal.

Miscellaneous

• Swiss Army Knife: A versatile tool for various tasks.

• Notebook and Pen: For journaling or note-taking.

• Repair Kit: Basic tools and supplies for minor fixes.

• Dry Bags: Keep your belongings dry during water activities.

Note: When packing your food, we highly recommend packing dry goods to save space for items that need to be chilled. Most campervan rentals will have a built-in refrigerator, but space will be limited. Great dry-good examples include cereal, oatmeal, protein bars, trail mix, bread, pasta, chips, and canned goods. For an additional fee, your host may even be willing to accept a grocery delivery order (Instacart, UberEats, AmazonFresh, etc.) in advance of your trip and pre-load your food in the vehicle!

Campervan Rentals Near Me

Ready to embark on your Colorado adventure? We offer camper van rentals in Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Lakewood, and all major surrounding cities. Our fleet includes a variety of options to suit your needs, from one-way rentals and delivery services to pet-friendly and festival-friendly vans. We even offer unlimited mileage and luxury options to ensure your trip is as comfortable as possible.

Book your camper van today and start planning your dream road trip through Colorado. With so many incredible destinations and the freedom of the open road, the adventure of a lifetime awaits!