Camping in Colorado in September

[JCM]

 I'll be spending about a week in early Sept. touring Colorado, camping all the way.  I'll be starting in the SW part of the state,
and leaving through Kansas about 5 to 7 days later. Should I make reservations, or a camp-sites easy to find? I don't need much,
but a shower each night would be nice.

[Melcontent]

Hey, I considered posting the same questions.  I'll be passing through Colorado in a roundabout way the last week of August.  Leaving from N. CA the 24th.  I carry AAA Camp Books, but I'm not making any reservations.   I'm hoping I'll not regret it.  But hell, I don't know where I'll be on any given evening.  I'm not sure where I am right now.

[Thundergod]

Reservations are always recommended. You might luck out and be allowed a REAL campfire. We have been in a fireban for the past several
years due to the extensive drought.

Keep in mind the elevation change--It snowed in Leadville the other night....so I would be ready for anything. You will feel the change in the mountains in late August...by late september you are almost guaranteed snow in the high country.

Be ready for thick frost in September.

[Vstromper]

I did a one week camping trip in southwest Colorado last year durring the same week. We did not have reservations but did not need them. It can still be uncomfortably warm at lower elevations, we were the most comfortable between 7000ft and 9000ft but it was a little cool in the mornings. You'll probably get wet so be prepared fpr that. Some of the State Park Campgrounds are very nice and have showers. With school having started alot of the crowds are gone but they can still be busy.

Sunshine Campground out side of Telluride is nice but no shower
I forgot the name but the State Park outside of Ouray is nice also and has showers.

[XbbX]

I've moto-camped on Grand Mesa as late as September 22, it all depends on the weather forecast. The first 2 weeks of September should be ok. As far as I know there are some minor campfire restrictions at this time. Check here for the latest bans....

http://www.dola.state.co.us/dem/public_information/firebans/firebans.htm


I wouldn't worry about reservations unless your staying at a KOA.

Go for it!

[STArnie13]

As long as it is after Labor Day reservations shouldn't be needed-unless you want a certain spot.  Expect cool mornings at most any elevation.  It should be nice sitting around a camp fire at night if they are allowed.

[Putt]

Had snow in the mts around Leadville a couple weeks ago, sleet last Thursday... I just got back..
Snow on Mt. Evans Thursday...

Putt...

[XbbX]

we wanna see some ride reports!!!!