Rocky Mountain National Park
My family has recently discovered camping as a summer activity. At first I was reluctant… tent, bugs, dirt, and a 9 month old baby did not seem like a good time, BUT I couldn’t say no to my 11 year old. I have taken many family trips, but this one takes the cake on preparation and effort. Equipment needs to be purchased (not cheap), reservations need to be made several weeks before you go, and a menu needs to be planned. All this being said… this trip brings us together in ways that our other trips don’t. We are stuck together without TV, Electronics, Movies, etc. We have nature, campfires, card games, hikes, streams, tents, animals, and each other to enjoy.
The Rocky Mountain National Park is one of a kind. The campgrounds are clean and beautiful, and the hiking trails are well marked and lead to sites that only exist in movies. Our favorite campground is AspenGlen Campround. The rangers are especially helpful and the views of the mountains and rock formations are amazing. My preferred length of time is 2 nights, it is just enough time for 2 night campfires, a good hike, and some time to relax at camp.
My kids have been to many places including Disneyland and Hawaii, but there is something very special about leaving the world behind, sleeping in a tent with your parents, and enjoying all that God has made. So yes, we have gone for 3 years now and we are already planning next year, and I am doing it with a smile!
Helpful Planning Tips
- Reservations can be made 6 months in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 or Online. Be warned: The online reservation system is rather difficult to use. Sometimes it will claim that it is booked when it is not, so when in doubt call.
- List of Personal Items needed for the campout
- List of Items needed in a Day Pack for Hiking
- List of Items needed for preparing food
- Sample Easy Menu for a 2 night campout
- Dutch Oven Cooking can be especially fun to try. Check out Byron’s Dutch Oven Recipe’s for tips on making easy and fun Dutch Oven meals.
Personal Items needed for a Campout
| Sleeping Bag | Pillow | Air Matteress & Pump |
| Flashlight & Lantern | Tent & Rubber Mallott | Ground Cloth |
| Dust Pan | Sun Hat | Beenie Hat (for night) |
| Toiletries | Hiking Footwear | Clothes for 2 days |
| Card Games | Book |
Items needed in a Day Pack for Hiking
| Hiking Backpack | First Aid Kit | Compass |
| Whistles | Binoculars | Extra Socks |
| Emergency Poncho | Emergency Blanket | Bug Spray |
| Sunscreen | Water Bottles | Camera |
| Lunch | Trail Mix | Lip Balm |
Items needed for preparing food
| Stove/Fuel | Spatula | Bowls, Plates, Cups & Silverware |
| Frying Pan | Dutch Oven | Pot |
| Matches | Wood & Briquettes | Paper Towels |
| Wash & Drying Cloths | Dish Soap | Roasting Sticks |
| Stirring Spoon | Table Cloth & Duct Tape | Can Opener |
| Table if not provided by campground | 5 Garbage Bags | Hot Pads |
| Knives | Bowls for Mixing | Tongs for picking up briquettes if you are trying Dutch Oven Cooking |
| Cooler & Ice |
Sample Menu for Easy Cooking for a 2 Night Campout
This menu will not require all that I have on the list of items needed for preparing food, so if you go this easy, you can leave some of it at home!
| First Night | First Breakfast | Lunch | Second Night | Last Breakfast |
| Hamburgers & S’mores | Breakfast Burritos that are made at home and wrapped in aluminum foil ready to put over the fire in order to warm up | Sandwiches & Chips | Chili & Hot Dogs & Easy Dump Peach Cobbler | Oatmeal & Hot Chocolate |
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- Rocky Mountain National Park
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- Dream Lake at Rocky Mountain National Park
