Stayed at the KOA Rushmore on an impromptu trip to Mt. Rushmore with my girlfriend. This was our first experience with a KOA and we were impressed. Glamping is not a term I use often, if ever, but I can safely use it to describe this experience. The visitor center sells handcrafted soaps, anything remotely associated with camping and has a solid beer selection. Prefer wine with your camping? There's a wine shop, next to the fudge shop…. next to the laundromat…

Plenty of things to do for kids as well, lots of playgrounds and basketball courts. Don't expect privacy or solitude but if you're looking to camp near Mt. Rushmore and want a few amenities, try it out.

Three dollar pancake breakfasts to help after the one-dollar shots in the Mountain Pub the night before. For the rock climbers out there… just up the road towards Mt. Rushmore, there is a scenic pulloff near a lake with some fun bouldering.

The camp sites near the top of Longs Peak in the Boulderfield are worth the long hike (6 miles up steep terrain). Falling asleep underneath a crystal clear sky filled with stars; then waking up to a sun peeking over the mountain range is inspiring. Bring a good sleeping bag and a tent you trust in high winds, as the wind will howl and shake your tent all night. Rent a bear canister from the Estes Park Mountain Store right outside of town, cheap ($3) and necessary. Bring a portable water filter, there will be mountain streams running all around you. There are two privies near the camp sites. Book in advance to ensure your place in the Boulderfield, reservations are often made months before. Watch the skies for bad weather, don't feed the marmots, and enjoy your adventure on Longs Peak Boulderfield!