Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

DENVER- Camping in Colorado offers scenic views, solitude and escape. Joining in the Great American Campout June 27 to Sept. 7 means raising funds for wildlife too. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, charged with perpetuating the wildlife resources of the state, also provides a variety of places to enjoy camping whether it is a first-time experience or one of many this year at Colorado State Parks.

"Colorado's 42 state parks are as diverse as the state itself, and offer something for everyone," said CPW's Assistant Director Gary Thorson. "Your parks are here for you to enjoy the outdoors and offer amazing places to camp, view wildlife, hike, bike, boat, swim and fish."

CPW and the National Wildlife Federation, which is sponsoring the 11th Great American Campout, encourage people to camp close to home or far, with all the gear to make it home, or with just the bare necessities.

Colorado's state parks manage more than 4,000 campsites throughout the state with everything from backcountry sites for those who desire seclusion to full-hookup sites with individual pressurized water, sewer and electrical connections. CPW's Park Finder can help get you started. Read about activities and parks with a variety of camping options here. Make a reservation here.

It is well documented that no matter what your preferred outdoor activitity, the body, mind and spirit benefit. Research says creating a lasting connection to nature and wildlife makes a happier, healthier family too.

NWF's Great American Campout intends to get everyone to make the pledge to camp this year and raise funds for wildlife, with the help of top supporters who, with every pledge made, will donate $1 up to $100,000 for ongoing efforts to protect the great outdoors, wildlife and its habitat across the country.

"The Great American Campout is a great way to get into nature while also 'camping for a cause'. By registering your camping event, Coloradans support the National Wildlife Federation's protection of our iconic wildlife while enjoying the things they love best," said Brian Kurzel, NWF's regional executive director. "So set up a tent at a nearby state park or in your backyard, and help wildlife stay wild."

CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 42 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife