Nothing beats the fresh mountain air, crackling campfires, and starlit skies of Colorado—especially when you’re sharing it all with family. But let’s be honest: camping with kids (or even just a larger group) takes a bit of planning to make it fun, stress-free, and memorable for everyone. At JAX Outdoor Gear, we’re here to help you prep like a pro. Here are our top tips, a gear checklist, and some favorite family-friendly camping spots in Colorado.
🛶 Top Tips for Family Camping Success
1. Plan Ahead
Start with a reservation at a kid-friendly campground. Sites with restrooms, nearby hiking trails, and lakes for swimming or fishing tend to be family favorites. Look for places with activities like ranger-led programs, canoe rentals, or nature centers.
2. Do a Backyard Trial Run
Especially helpful for first-timers or younger kids. Set up the tent in your yard and spend the night outside to get a feel for sleeping bags, routines, and gear needs.
3. Pack with Purpose
Organization is everything. Use labeled bins or duffels for kitchen items, clothes, and toiletries. Let each kid have their own daypack for snacks, water, and treasures they find on the trail.
4. Keep Meals Simple
Prep and pack meals that are easy to cook over a fire or camp stove. Think Mountain House freeze-dried meals(lightweight and tasty), foil packet dinners, and s’mores kits.
5. Bring Entertainment
Pack games, books, and outdoor toys. Think card games, nature bingo, a frisbee, or a bug-catching kit.
🎒 Family Camping Gear Checklist (All Available at JAX Outdoor Gear!)
🏕️ Great Family-Friendly Campgrounds in Colorado
1. Golden Gate Canyon State Park (Near Golden, CO)
Just 30 minutes from Denver, this park has car camping, cabins, and great hiking trails. Aspens, wildlife, and well-maintained campsites make it a family hit.
2. Moraine Park Campground (Rocky Mountain National Park)
Wide open meadows perfect for wildlife viewing and nearby trailheads for all ability levels. Advance reservations are required, and it’s a classic Colorado camping experience.
3. State Forest State Park (Near Walden, CO)
Known for its moose sightings and variety of camping styles—tents, RVs, and yurts. Great for fishing, hiking, and paddleboarding.
4. Ridgway State Park (Southwest CO)
A beautiful lake, mountain views, and kid-friendly amenities like a swim beach and playground. It’s a bit of a drive, but totally worth it.
5. Horsetooth Reservoir (Fort Collins, CO)
Close to town and stocked with activities—boating, kayaking, hiking, and cliff jumping for the adventurous. A great option for weekend getaways.
🏞️ Make Memories, Not Mishaps
A successful family camping trip comes down to preparation—and the right gear makes all the difference. Stop by JAX Outdoor Gear for everything you need: from Gregory backpacks and NEMO tents to Mountain House meals and kid-sized sleeping bags. Our staff knows Colorado camping and is ready to help you gear up for the best trip ever.