Glamping opportunities abound near Coalmont, Colorado, situated in North Park at 8,000 feet elevation where alpine meadows meet mountain terrain. The region experiences dramatic temperature shifts even in summer months, with overnight lows frequently dropping below 40°F regardless of season. Several campgrounds maintain glamping structures that remain operational even during winter months when snow accumulates across the high country landscape.
What to Do
**Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes within State Forest State Park offer fishing from shore or small craft. "The lakes are very pretty, and are a short walk from the campground. The trails around the lakes were nice to walk around," notes a camper from Ranger Lakes Campground.
**Wildlife viewing: Moose sightings occur frequently throughout the region. "Small campground next to three lakes. One lake has dried up. Beautiful Gould, CO. We also boondock camp in this area as well. Don't miss Lake Agnes. It's at the top of a mountain," writes a visitor to Ranger Lakes.
**Winter activities: Several campgrounds maintain heated structures for cold-weather stays. "We stayed in cabin #3 and it was an awesome experience! We had room enough for 4 people and 3 dogs and didn't feel like we were on top of each other. The gas stove kept us nice and toasty all night long!" reports a winter visitor at North Michigan Campground.
What Campers Like
**Mountain vistas: Many sites offer direct views of surrounding peaks. "Our site had a very nice elevated western view. The sites had ample room and firewood. The mule deer were nightly visitors during our two night stay," notes a camper at Dutch Hill Campground in Steamboat Lake State Park.
**Secluded camping spots: The Crags Campground provides primitive sites with privacy. "Awesome camp site, great staff, beautiful right on the river, fresh water. Very dog friendly and well maintained tent sites!" shares one visitor to The Crags Campground at State Forest State Park.
**Lake access: Several sites offer direct water access for paddling. "We were able to paddle board and fish right from our campsite, and had a wonderful fresh trout dinner," reports a camper from North Michigan Campground about their lakeside experience.
What You Should Know
**Primitive facilities: Many sites have basic amenities. "No RVs or trailers allowed or able to make it up the narrow one lane access road, which made it nice and quiet for tent camping. Fire grills and picnic tables provided, but no designated tent pads, no bear boxes, no electricity, and only a tough to use hand pump for water in the center of the campground," notes a camper at The Crags.
**Reservation requirements: Most glamping structures require advance booking. "State Forest State Park is enormous, but we were in a small campground with only five sites—four on them are right on the water (and one is reserved for those needing an accessible site)," reports a North Michigan visitor.
**Weather variability: Prepare for sudden weather shifts. "We were there in late June and we saw about 6 inches of snow overnight. It was cold!" warns a visitor to North Park Campground.
Tips for Camping with Families
**Kid-friendly amenities: Several parks offer specific children's activities. "There's a wonderful petting zoo area, playground, basketball courts and much more. They offer all sorts of activities such as horseback riding, ice cream social, chuckwagon breakfast, square dancing, cowboy church," explains a camper at Winding River Resort.
**Water activities: Many lakes permit non-motorized craft. "Half of the upper loop sites have a lake and mountain view. Plenty space between sites for privacy too," shares a visitor to Pearl Lake State Park where paddle boarding is popular.
**Wildlife education: Take advantage of visitor centers. "We packed up early and arrived at the Moose Visitors Center when they opened. The visitors center was educational and interesting, and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable and answered all of our questions," reports a North Michigan visitor.
Tips from RVers
**Limited hookup availability: Not all sites offer full services. "This campground is part of State Forest State Park but used to be a KOA. As we understood (from talking with the park rangers), the State Park bought the rundown KOA and is doing repairs as they can," explains a North Park Campground visitor.
**Site selection matters: Choose sites with appropriate sun/shade. "The sites are on top of each other and the beetle kill of the pines have made this a bit barren looking. Campsite can get loud with lots of family stuff going on," cautions a Dutch Hill visitor.
**Access considerations: Some roads require proper vehicles. "Make sure you fill your tank at the maintenance center 6 miles up the road. Would stay again!" advises a Ranger Lakes visitor regarding water availability for RVs.
