Memorial Weekend: Pop up camping

[davebks]

Hi, we are getting a new pop up. As a climber, skier, hiker, etc, I am new to family camping. we have two very young kids and want to take them camping.
Any suggestions for a good first outing with the pop up? An established campground is fine. I was thinking maybe grand mesa? fruita? Lower elevations because it will be early season.
It's very different planning with a family and not a backpack!

[Scott P]

I was thinking maybe grand mesa?

It has been a dry year, but Grand Mesa is usually buried under snow then. I have never seen it melt out that early, even in dry years.

[davebks]

Good point. I was wondering if it would be too high in elevation.

Any other thoughts are appreciated.

[Scott P]

Dinosaur National Monument is usually nice then (and most kids will enjoy seeing the dinosaur bones and dinosaur museum), but a lot of the campgrounds tend to be full because that's peak rafting season. There are plenty of non-official camping areas in the region. Irish Canyon is nice.

Fruita is nice too (lots of good kid friendly trails), but it can be hot then.

There is lots to see around Glenwood Springs (caves, hot springs, Hanging Lake, many other hikes which are usually snow free by then), which is another possibility.

[JQDivide]

Memorial Day weekend...
We usually camp in between BV and Salida... either dispersed or campground with our pop-up camper. (PM me for details if interested)
Weather is usually good and Salida usually has Bluegrass music that weekend.
So you have several options... day hikes to lakes or waterfalls, Salida Hot Springs, Salida music, Princeton Hot Springs, short drives, BV usually has something going on too.

Pop Up camper needs to have:
Solar shower
Baby wipes
Board games
Coloring books
Puzzle books
Reading books
Lawn games
Glow sticks
Get the kids their own flash lights/headlamps with extra batteries (don't bug them about turning them off)

JQ

[Mtnman200]

When my sons were 2 and 3 years old, we went on a trip in a borrowed popup camper to Castle Lakes Campground near Lake City, and they had a blast. http://castlelakes.tripod.com/

[climbnowworklater]

For Memorial Day the last 5 years, we've stayed in Round Mountain CG (Eleven-Mile Canyon/Lake George area). This campground is outside the canyon but close enough to fish, hike, or rock climb with a 10 minute drive. The campground is small at approximately 16 spaces but this is a perk. The specific sites are nicely spread out, there is no traffic, they are fairly priced, and the elevation/location is great.

Side note: If you know anyone in the market, we are selling our used 1999 Coleman pop-up.

[davebks]

that place sounds awesome.
heres my new issue... I searched and it seems like almost all the state parks are already sold out?!?
ugh, this is going to be harder than I thought. Perhaps the pop up is not worth it if we cant find campgrounds that have open spots.

[Mtnman200]

that place sounds awesome.
heres my new issue... I searched and it seems like almost all the state parks are already sold out?!?
ugh, this is going to be harder than I thought. Perhaps the pop up is not worth it if we cant find campgrounds that have open spots.

Castle Lakes is a privately-owned campground. You might see if they have sites available.

[t17anderson]

Camped at North Crestone Creek Campground last year over Memorial weekend. Gorgeous campground, wasn’t too crowded, and very good temps. Sand dunes were only about an hour away if I remember correctly & have a few climbs close by if you are able to sneak away.

[BillMiddlebrook]

Hi, we are getting a new pop up. As a climber, skier, hiker, etc, I am new to family camping. we have two very young kids and want to take them camping.
Any suggestions for a good first outing with the pop up? An established campground is fine. I was thinking maybe grand mesa? fruita? Lower elevations because it will be early season.
It's very different planning with a family and not a backpack!

We've used our popup in early season many times but keep the water system "winterized" until June, though.

In May, we've taken it to the Sand Dunes, Eleven Mile Reservoir (not much cover there), dispersed camping near Buena Vista/Salida, Fruita and a few other places.

BTW, we're getting a 27-foot trailer and will be selling our pop-up if you're still looking around. Our popup is a 2010 Starcraft 1224 that sleeps 8, has dinette slide-out, toilet and an inside shower. Yes, a shower.

[davebks]

that place sounds awesome.
heres my new issue... I searched and it seems like almost all the state parks are already sold out?!?
ugh, this is going to be harder than I thought. Perhaps the pop up is not worth it if we cant find campgrounds that have open spots.

Castle Lakes is a privately-owned campground. You might see if they have sites available.

Thanks, that site looks awesome but it's too far for this one. First time w the pop up and first time for our two little kids. I was thinking something more front range based.