This year, don't leave your camping plans to the last minute or you might not find a spot.
In late December, Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced that all campsites in the state park system are now available by reservation only. This was the final step in a process that the CPW started over the past couple of years. A few parks were moved to reservation-only camping in 2018, and last year, 17 more parks were added to the list. Now, all 41 parks will require reservations, and anyone caught camping without a reservation could be fined and moved from the spot.
"Starting in 2020, it will be easier than ever for visitors to reserve a campsite, cabin, yurt, picnic area, or other facilities at Colorado’s 41 state parks," CPW said in a statement.
The reservation system was implemented in an effort to eliminate problems that came with the prior first-come, first-serve system. With the new system, campers can reserve their spots from six months in advance to the day they are planning on camping. Managers of parks that already participate in the new system have reported more campers and less conflict and traffic.
"Colorado's state parks manage more than 4,000 campsites throughout the state. We have everything from backcountry sites for those who desire seclusion to full-hookup sites with individual pressurized water, sewer, and electrical connections," said CPW, encouraging people to get reservations in early to ensure they have a spot.
Reservations can be made at any time online at www.CPWshop.com/campinghome.page or by calling 1-(800)-244-5613.
Have you used the CPW reservation system? Are there any tips you can provide to make the process easy? Let us know in the comments.
