The Rocky Mountain foothills near Hygiene, Colorado sit at elevations between 5,000-6,000 feet, creating distinct camping microclimates that transition between plains and mountains. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing while summer days reach the 80s with afternoon thunderstorms common from July through early September. Most campgrounds in this region require reservations 6 months in advance for prime summer weekends.
What to do
Hiking at Hermit Park: Trails range from easy walks to challenging climbs with significant wildlife viewing opportunities. "Kruger Rock Trailhead is inside the campground, and it is a nice hike with an amazing view of the Rockies and Estes at the top. Bring your crayons - there are two trailmarkers on the trail that you can do rubbings of," notes a camper at Hermits Hollow Campground.
Fishing access: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for anglers. At South Shore Campground at Carter Lake, "You can fish from shore. We took the 3 mile hike behind campground which is beautiful but rocky - wear shoes that can withstand rocks. Must return the same way so 6 miles total," advises a visitor who stayed in spring.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide peak animal sightings near most campsites. "We enjoyed seeing the kids playing in the playground and riding around the park on their bikes. Nearly every day a deer would come munch on the greenery right behind our rig," reports a reviewer at Riverview RV Park & Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campgrounds vary widely in spacing and vegetation barriers. At Glacier Basin Campground, "We had a beautiful view from A-24 and was convenient to the restroom. Short walk to wood/ice house (on sale from 5-8pm). Much larger than Aspenglen and sites are pretty close together, but we enjoyed our neighbors!"
Wildlife encounters: Local campsites regularly report safe animal sightings. "Wildlife is very abundant. Bear Lake and Fern Lake are amazing hikes for the fam," shares a visitor to Glacier Basin Campground. Others mention seeing "deer and wild turkeys" throughout the camping areas.
Access to water recreation: Several campgrounds provide direct lake or river access. At Eagle Campground at Carter Lake, a visitor reports, "This was our first time to Carter Lake. We really enjoyed the area. This particular campground was clean and the camp hosts were great. The campground itself is not technically on the lake but still has access to the marina."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most sites book up months ahead during peak season. "We stayed here for a week. The weather and views were absolutely amazing!" shares one Glacier Basin camper, though availability is extremely limited without planning ahead.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. At Estes Park KOA, which runs May 1 to October 15, a visitor noted, "The staff were extremely helpful and welcoming. We didn't feel the 'Oh, God... another tourist' vibes we got from basically everyone else in Colorado."
Campfire restrictions: Fire bans frequently impact the area, especially in dry summer months. "County was in a burn ban so no fires or charcoal grills allowed. Lake had some weird rules. You have to buy a county park pass when making reservation," warns a camper at Carter Lake.
Cost considerations: Most sites require both campsite fees plus daily entrance fees. "Sites average prices, but they add an entrance fee to the park for each day on top of the fee," explains a Hermit Park visitor who recommends budgeting for these additional costs.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer organized recreation programs. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, "The facility offered tons of activities for the kids and they wore themselves out daily to the point of falling asleep while eating dinner. They made lots of friends and proclaimed it the best part (Well, tied with Legoland) of our 18 day trip."
Yurt camping near Hygiene, Colorado: Families seeking shelter beyond tents have options. In Golden Gate Canyon's Reverend's Ridge Campground, "I've stayed here twice; once via tenting and another with a yurt full of fun people. Both stays were wonderful. The facilities are clean, convenient and easily accessible."
Safety precautions: Wildlife requires proper food storage. "The park provides every spot with a table, fire ring and bear box. The bear box is for more than just food. If you have anything that smells good, the animals (not just bears) WILL try to get into your vehicle to steal it," advises a Hermit Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain that requires preparation. At Eagle Campground, a visitor with a large rig notes, "Site is serene and a bit tight. One side is trees and spacious camps, the other is the parking lot and bath house but still has a view so it doesn't bother me. 34 ft 5th on a slope was tight and will not pull through due to trees."
Hookup availability: Electric sites are more common than full-service options. "Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs. Mostly level, fire rings, and very large metal picnic tables," reports a camper at Reverend's Ridge Campground.
Campground access: Some roads present challenges for larger vehicles. "The roads and campsites are dirt, and a little messy after a rain storm," notes a reviewer from Riverview RV Park, while others mention tight turns and steep grades at certain campgrounds that limit accessibility for large RVs.
