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5 Colorado State Parks with Accommodations for Big Families

    There are more than 40 state parks in Colorado with more than 500 miles of trails and 4,000 campsites.  All of them can be enjoyed with an annual state park pass for $70 or a daily visitation fee. We found five parks with accommodations for big families so you can fully enjoy the beauty of Colorado.

    SYLVAN LAKE STATE PARK


    Year-round, Sylvan Lake is a break from the daily grind. It’s home away from home. Spring, summer, and fall are all about fishing, hiking, nature study, boating (non-motorized or electric trolling motors, only), and picnicking.  Winter’s blanket of snow provides snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and access to snowmobile trails.

    Eight camper cabins sleep up to 6 people and are approximately 260 square feet. Cabins have no electricity, no kitchen, outdoor vault toilets, drinking water from a nearby hydrant. Bring sleeping bags as linens are not provided. Access to the camper services building with flush toilets and coin showers mid-May through mid-October.

    Large Cabin #1 is a one three-bedroom cabin that sleeps up to 12 people with a full kitchen, fully furnished living/dining area, and a bathroom with a shower. This cabin is approximately 2000 square feet. Two-night minimum.

    STATE FOREST STATE PARK

    The ultimate in rugged Colorado, State Forest State Park offers visitors 71,000 acres of forest, jagged peaks, alpine lakes, wildlife and miles of trails.  The park stretches along the west side of the Medicine Bow Mountains and into the north end of the Never Summer Range.

    The park has four camper cabins with a maximum occupancy of 6 and two large cabins with maximum occupancy ranging from 15-21. The cabins are charming but basic, equipped with wood-burning or propane stove, wooden table, benches, and bunk beds with mattresses.  Outside there are fire grills and picnic tables.  There is no electricity, running water, blankets or bedding.

    Also available are seven yurts and two huts offering the backcountry enthusiast a secure, secluded shelter for families of 7 and up to 12.

     

    NAVAJO STATE PARK

    Navajo State Park is Colorado’s Answer to Lake Powell. Navajo Reservoir Extends for 20 miles South into New Mexico. The park has three two-bedroom log homes that are fully furnished with many of the conveniences of home, including restrooms with showers, kitchen utensils, refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave. Visitors should bring personal items, pillows, and linens or sleeping bags, and towels.

    MUELLER STATE PARK

    A popular watchable wildlife area, Mueller is home to abundant wildlife including elk, black bear, hawks, and mule deer. The park has 2 cabins that can sleep 6 and 8.


    Spruce CabinPerfect for a family vacation or weekend getaway, with three bedrooms and one bathroom, the Spruce offers spaciousness for all ages. With a two-level design, the lower-level walkout retreat provides privacy or playtime. Whether hiking the trails or enjoying the park on snowshoes, the comforts of home await you at the Spruce! The maximum occupancy is 6 persons of any age. This cabin’s upper level is wheelchair accessible. View the Spruce Cabin floor plan.

    Ponderosa Cabin – Large enough to accommodate small groups or special family gatherings, the Ponderosa has over 1600 square feet. Amenities include wood floors, gas fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, four beautifully appointed bedrooms, and the convenience of two modern bathrooms. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the large covered deck overlooking Pikes Peak. Perfectly designed for outdoor entertaining, the gas grill and outdoor furnishings make this modern retreat a perfect vacation destination! This cabin is wheelchair accessible. Maximum of 8 persons of any age. View the Ponderosa Cabin floor plan.

    GOLDEN GATE CANYON STATE PARK

    Only 30 miles from Denver, Golden Gate Canyon has more than 12,000 acres of dense forest, rocky peaks, and aspen-rimmed meadows laced with miles of trails awaiting the hiker, horseback rider, mountain biker, and winter sports enthusiast.

    On-site accommodations include five rustic cabins that can sleep six.  Two yurts accommodate a maximum of six people. You’ll want to bring sleeping bags as no linens are provided.  Drinking water during the summer months is available near the cabins. Weather permitting, restrooms with flush toilets and coin-operated showers are available.

    Harmsen Ranch Guest House

    This beautiful four-bedroom, two-bathroom guest house offers a  full kitchen, linen service, and gas fireplaces. Harmsen Ranch can accommodate a maximum of 8 guests.  Along with the guest house, you can also rent two electrical RV sites which are located near the barn.  A horse corral is also available for equestrian guests. Pets are not permitted inside or outside the Harmsen Ranch.

    Works Ranch Cabin and Group Camping Area


    A secluded cabin and group camping area that can house up to 30. With an outdoor eating area, fire pits, and grills, this is a perfect site for family groups or friends. Pets are not permitted inside or outside the Works Ranch.

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    Theresa Jorgensen

    Theresa Jorgensen

    Theresa Jorgensen is a mother to four children including twins. She recognized the necessity for a comprehensive resource of hotels that cater to big families with rooms and suites for 5, 6, 7, or 8 people in a single room while traveling with her own family. In 2008, she established SixSuitcaseTravel to compile a database of such hotels. Over time, the website has grown to include travel advice, itineraries, road trip suggestions, national park guides, and more. Theresa takes pleasure in assisting other big families in creating unforgettable travel experiences.