Did you know that you can experience some of America’s most breathtaking landscapes just a stone’s throw away from Denver? Whether you’re an intrepid adventurer or a weekend wanderer, the Centennial State has something for everyone.
As John Muir once said, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” So, pack your bags, rent an RV in Denver, fuel it up, and get ready to discover the top five national parks near Denver, where towering dunes, majestic mountains, and awe-inspiring wilderness await. Your next great adventure starts now!
Overview of National Parks Near Denver
Denver’s strategic location offers easy access to various national parks with distinct landscapes and attractions. Whether you’re looking for alpine adventures, desert escapades, or historical explorations, these parks have it all. They preserve vital habitats and offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Distance from Denver: ~1.5 hours
Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit destination, offering some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the country. Picture jagged peaks piercing the sky, alpine lakes shimmering like a jewel box, and wildlife that seems to have walked straight out of a nature documentary. This park is a haven for adventure lovers and families alike.
RV Friendly Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park
- Trail Ridge Road: This road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., offers breathtaking views of the Rockies. It’s a must-drive route with numerous scenic overlooks and pullouts.
- Bear Lake: A popular destination within the park, Bear Lake offers easy access to stunning alpine scenery. It’s an excellent spot for a leisurely walk or a starting point for more challenging hikes.
- Wildlife Watching: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and moose. Early morning and late evening are the best times for sightings.
RV Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park offers several RV camping options. Here are some of the key sites:
Aspenglen Campground: Located near the Fall River entrance, offering 54 sites with a mix of tent and RV spots. Some sites have electric hookups.
Glacier Basin Campground: Near Estes Park, with 150 sites, a mix of tent and RV spots, some with electric hookups.
Moraine Park Campground: This campground features 244 sites, with a few offering electric hookups. It is located in a scenic valley near the Big Thompson River.
Note: Moraine Park Campground is a popular RV camping site in Rocky Mountain National Park, but it is closed for the year for major rehabilitation projects.
Timber Creek Campground: This campground is located on the west side of the park and has 98 sites. It does not have electric hookups but is accessible to RVs.
Moraine Park Campground is a popular RV camping site in Rocky Mountain National Park but is closed for the year for major rehabilitation projects.
Planning Your Visit
Plan to arrive early, especially during the summer months, to secure a good campsite. Trail Ridge Road is seasonal, so check its status if you plan to drive it. Pack layers as the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Note: If you’re planning your visit between May 24 and mid-October, remember that Rocky Mountain National Park will implement a timed entry permit reservation system during specific hours. Read more about Rocky Mountain Park’s timed entry before you plan your visit.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Distance from Denver: ~4 hours
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is like stepping into a dreamscape set against the backdrop of the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This unique park offers a desert landscape like no other.
Did you know this national park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America? The impressive Star Dune stands at a towering 750 feet from its base to its crest. Another remarkable dune, known as High Dune, rises 699 feet from its base, but because it starts on higher ground, its crest is actually higher above sea level than that of Star Dune.
RV Friendly Guide to Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Dune Climbing: The main attraction is climbing the dunes. The tallest dune, Star Dune, offers a challenging but rewarding climb.
- Medano Creek: In the spring and early summer, Medano Creek flows at the base of the dunes, providing a perfect spot for splashing and cooling off.
- Sandboarding and Sledding: Rent sandboards or sleds for an exhilarating ride down the dunes.
RV Camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Piñon Flats Campground: This campground has 88 sites, suitable for RVs up to 35 feet. It offers beautiful views of the dunes and mountains, making it an ideal base for exploring the park.
Planning Your Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit when Medano Creek flows. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect against the sun. The sand can get very hot in the summer, so plan your dune activities for the early morning or late afternoon.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Distance from Denver: ~5 hours
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its sheer, dramatic cliffs and narrow canyon. This park offers a sense of solitude and rugged beauty.
RV Friendly Guide to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Scenic Drives: The South Rim Drive and East Portal Road offer stunning views of the canyon’s dramatic cliffs and deep, dark depths.
- Hiking: The park features a range of trails, from easy rim walks to challenging inner-canyon routes.
- Fishing: The Gunnison River, flowing through the canyon, is renowned for its excellent trout fishing.
RV Camping in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- South Rim Campground: The South Rim Campground is conveniently situated just one mile from the South Rim Visitor Center. You can make reservations on recreation.gov from mid-May to mid-October, with sites available on a first-come, first-served basis after that period. The campsites, partially shaded by Gambel oak and serviceberry bushes, are relatively close together. Only Loop B provides 20 and 30-amp electric hookups. Drinking water is available during the warmer months, but there are no showers, dish cleaning stations, or water for RV tanks.
- North Rim Campground: The North Rim campground, nestled among pinyon and juniper trees, offers 13 remote sites on a first-come, first-served basis. The final 7 miles of the North Rim Road and the campground road are unpaved, and services are quite limited.
To help preserve the vegetation and forest resources, please use the designated tent pads and refrain from tying, hanging, or attaching anything to the trees. The maximum combined length for RVs, cars, and trailers is 22 feet, and using generators is not allowed.
Planning Your Visit
Plan your visit during the spring or fall to avoid the summer heat. The South Rim Campground is open year-round, but the North Rim Campground is seasonal, so check availability before you visit. Bring binoculars for bird watching and a camera for capturing the stunning scenery.
Mesa Verde National Park
Distance from Denver: ~7 hours
Step back in time at Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, where ancient history comes alive. This UNESCO World Heritage site preserves the rich cultural heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people.
RV Friendly Guide to Mesa Verde National Park
- Cliff Palace: The largest and most famous cliff dwelling in North America. Guided tours provide insights into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans.
- Balcony House: An adventurous tour featuring ladders and tunnels.
- Petroglyph Point Trail: This trail offers views of petroglyphs and a glimpse into the region’s ancient art and culture.
RV Camping in Mesa Verde National Park
- Morefield Campground: With 267 sites, this campground offers full amenities, making it a comfortable base for exploring the park’s archaeological wonders.
Planning Your Visit
Summer is the best time to visit, but it’s also the busiest. Make reservations in advance, especially for guided tours of the cliff dwellings. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes to explore the ancient sites.
Arches National Park
Distance from Denver: ~6 hours
Arches National Park, located in Utah, is like stepping into a natural art gallery. Home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, this park offers surreal landscapes that captivate every visitor.
RV Friendly Guide to Arches National Park
- Delicate Arch: The park’s most iconic feature, perfect for photography and a moderate hike.
- Fiery Furnace: A maze of narrow canyons and rock formations, accessible via guided tours.
- Devils Garden: Offers a variety of trails showcasing numerous arches and dramatic landscapes.
RV Camping in Arches National Park
- Devils Garden Campground: This campground has 51 sites set among spectacular rock formations, making it an ideal spot for RV campers.
Planning Your Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit, offering mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be scorching, so plan your early morning or late afternoon hikes. Make campground reservations well in advance, as sites fill up quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions about National Parks Near Denver
Rocky Mountain National Park is the closest, approximately 1.5 hours from Denver. It’s an ideal destination for a quick getaway into stunning mountain landscapes.
Top activities include climbing the towering sand dunes, playing in Medano Creek, and sandboarding or sledding down the dunes.
The drive takes about 7 hours and covers around 380 miles. The most scenic route is via US-285 S and US-160 W, offering beautiful views of Colorado’s landscapes.
Essential items include plenty of water, sun protection, sturdy hiking boots, and warm clothing for cooler evenings. A good camera is also a must to capture the stunning vistas.
Are there guided tours available in Arches National Park?
Yes, guided tours are available, particularly in the Fiery Furnace area. These tours provide insights into the park’s unique geological features and history.
