Survive - Colorado - page 769

Some of the best camping areas are on public lands (national forests, state and national parks…), including Bureau of
Land Management (BLM; 303-239-3600; www.co.blm.gov ) lands. Free dispersed camping (meaning you can
camp almost anywhere) is permitted in many public backcountry areas. Sometimes you can camp along a dirt road, es-
pecially in BLM and national forest areas. In other places, you can backpack your gear into a cleared campsite.
Information and maps are available from ranger stations or BLM offices, and may be posted along the road into the
campsite. Sometimes, a free camping permit is required, particularly in national parks.

WASTE & FACILITIES
When camping in an undeveloped area choose a site at least 200ft from water and wash up at camp, not in the stream,
using biodegradable soap. Dig a 6in-deep hole to use as a latrine and cover and camouflage it well when leaving the site.
Burn toilet paper, unless fires are prohibited. Carry out all trash.
Use a portable charcoal grill or camping stove; don't build new fires. If there already is a fire ring, use only dead and
downed wood or wood you have carried in yourself. Make sure to leave the campsite as you found it.
Developed areas usually have toilets, drinking water, fire pits (or charcoal grills) and picnic benches. Some don't have
drinking water, and some turn the water off out of season. It's always a good idea to take a few gallons of water when
camping. These basic campgrounds usually cost about $13 to $18 a night. Some areas have showers or RV hookups and
often cost $22 to $34.

RESERVATIONS
National forest and BLM campgrounds are usually less developed, while national park and state park campgrounds are
more likely to have greater amenities. The less-developed sites are often on a 'first-come, first-served' basis, so arrive
early, preferably during the week, as sites fill up fast on Friday and weekends. More-developed areas may accept or re-
quire reservations.

PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS
Private campgrounds are usually close to towns or nearby. Most are designed for RVs but tents can usually be erected.
Camp fees are higher than for public campgrounds. Fees are usually quoted for two people per site, with additional fees
for extra people (about $6 per person). Some places charge just per vehicle. Facilities can include hot showers, coin
laundry, swimming pool, full RV hookups, a games area, a playground and a convenience store.

ONLINE RESOURCES
Camping USA ( www.camping-usa.com ) A great resource with more than 12,000 campgrounds in its database, includ-
ing RV parks, private campgrounds, BLM areas and state and national parks.

Kampgrounds of America (KOA; 888-562-0000; www.koa.com ; depending on hookups $22-36) A vast national
network of private campgrounds. You can purchase the annual directory of KOA campgrounds at any KOA, or by call-
ing.

Recreation.gov ( 877-444-6777, 518-885-3639; www.recreation.gov ) Organizes reservations for campsites on fed-

eral land.

Dude Ranches
Most visitors to dude ranches today are city-slickers looking for an escape from a fast-paced, high-tech world.
Dude ranches date back to the late 19th century. These days you can find anything from a working-ranch experience
(smelly chores and 5am wake-up calls included) to a Western Club Med. Typical week-long visits run from $250 to
$600 per person per day, including accommodations, meals, activities and equipment.