by Sara A Broers

Created on: August 15, 2008

Roosevelt National Forest is home to several campgrounds within the Boulder, Colorado area. Not only does this campground align with Boulder, Colorado, but it is also a great location for campers that enjoy the Estes Park, Colorado area. Olive Ridge Campground is located one mile North of Allenspark, Colorado, on Highway 72. For those that enjoy the outdoors and want a location that provides choices in adventure, this campground is for you. At 8,350 feet there are numerous hiking trails that leave near the campground that allow you to see the forest from a different point of view. On another note, remember that at 8,350 feet, your evenings will be cool. Be sure to pack a sweater or jacket with a nice warm pair of socks.

Their are 56 camping sites within this campground with almost half of the sites available on a reservation basis throughout the summer months. If you do not have reservations, the remaining sites are based on a first come, first served basis. Tent and trailer pads, drinking water, vault toilets, and picnic tables are a few of the amenities which make up Olive Ridge Campground. This is not a campground for someone looking for a hot shower facility or flush toilets. This is truly a campground for those that are looking for an outdoor experience. Be it in a trailer or tent, this beautiful campground will give you and your family and opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors in Colorado. There is no electricity or water hook-ups at any of the camp sites.

For those that want to adventure to Rocky Mountain National Park, the drive is only about 20 minutes. If the rain sets in during an afternoon and you are looking for something different to do, head to Estes Park for an evening meal at one of the local restaurants. Rain is usually a daily occurrence in the mountains, but usually does not last more than a couple hours.

There is a playground for children and during the summer months the amphitheater provides a great venue for programs for the family. For the avid fisherman, there are numerous streams and lakes within 10 miles for great trout fishing in Colorado. Olive Ridge Campground is for those that are looking for a unique, quiet camping experience. This campground is in bear country, therefore; if you are tent camping you will want to be sure to have a bear proof container for your food. While camping in a national forest, this is a great time to practice leave no trace principles.

If you have a trailer more than 30 feet long, this is not a campground for you. The sites are not large and the roads are gravel and narrow. By using some good judgment, your camping experience at Olive Ridge Campground will be a positive one. For less than $20 a night, the camp site cannot be beat. The mountains are awesome and will leave you with a new appreciation of God's country within the great state of Colorado.

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