One of my favorite things to do when I am out camping and enjoying the great out of doors is fishing. There’s nothing quite like some fresh fish when you are out camping. A nice hot, healthy meal is the perfect thing when camping.

Even if you do not like to eat fish when you are camping the sport of fishing is a lot of fun and something the entire family can be a part of. Whether you are fishing from a boat, on shore, or working your way down a river it a great way to enjoy what nature has to offer.

Increase your chances by checking the Colorado fish stocking report. These are the places that have been stocked within the last week from the date of the report. Whether you are out camping or you live by one of these locations you can increase your fish catching luck if you fish recently stocked lakes and streams.

Here are the areas in Colorado that have recently stocked fish.

In this table below you will find a list of the lakes and other bodies of water in Colorado that were stocked with fish in the last week from the date above. Depending on the time of the year and the temperatures of each region will determine if these areas will be stocked or not. The fish that are stocked will also very depending on the location and the temperatures of the water. Here is a short list of the fish that are most commonly stocked in Colorado.

• Rainbow Trout – Rainbows can be found in most mountain lakes and streams, as well as many plains reservoirs.
• Saugeye – This hybrid of walleye and sauger has been stocked into reservoirs throughout the eastern plains of Colorado since the 1980s.
• Channel Catfish – Channel cats are native to eastern Colorado and have been stocked in warmer rivers and reservoirs throughout the state.
• Smallmouth Bass – Introduced to Colorado in 1951, small-mouth have been stocked in warm- and cool-water reservoirs and lakes in many parts of the state.

Colorado Areas Stocked With Fish

The table below identifies where catch-able trout (approximately 10″) were recently stocked at the time of this report.

The best of luck to all those Colorado campers heading out there to fish. Remember, catch and release is the way to go! Make sure you take a camera, a ruler, and a scale with you so you can document your catch then release it back into the water as soon as possible. This is the only way to preserve the waters for others that we have all come to love.

The post Colorado Fish Stocking Report for 5-21-2013 appeared first on Camp Out Colorado.

Kick off the summer paddling season this Memorial Day weekend with an exciting interactive river festival in Buena Vista and the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area . Whether you are a newby to the sport of kayaking or one of the most seasoned paddlers, this action packed weekend has something for you. The four-day festival will feature river competitions, multi-sport races, free demonstrations, educational seminars, live music and tons of fun for the whole family. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chaffee Country. Check out this video for an overview of past highlights and visit the Colorado Kayak Supply Paddlefest Home page for more information on this year’s event.

This is a great time to go camping and kick of the season’s activities. There are a few campgrounds that might make good places to camp while you are enjoying the Paddlefest. Reserve a campsite at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Ohaver Lake Campground, or Monarch Park Campground.

The post Go Camping for Colorado Kayak Supply’s Paddlefest appeared first on Camp Out Colorado.

One of my favorite things to do when I am out camping and enjoying the great out of doors is fishing. There’s nothing quite like some fresh fish when you are out camping. A nice hot, healthy meal is the perfect thing when camping.

Even if you do not like to eat fish when you are camping the sport of fishing is a lot of fun and something the entire family can be a part of. Whether you are fishing from a boat, on shore, or working your way down a river it a great way to enjoy what nature has to offer.

Increase your chances by checking the Colorado fish stocking report. These are the places that have been stocked within the last week from the date of the report. Whether you are out camping or you live by one of these locations you can increase your fish catching luck if you fish recently stocked lakes and streams.

Here are the areas in Colorado that have recently stocked fish.

In this table below you will find a list of the lakes and other bodies of water in Colorado that were stocked with fish in the last week from the date above. Depending on the time of the year and the temperatures of each region will determine if these areas will be stocked or not. The fish that are stocked will also very depending on the location and the temperatures of the water. Here is a short list of the fish that are most commonly stocked in Colorado.

• Rainbow Trout – Rainbows can be found in most mountain lakes and streams, as well as many plains reservoirs.
• Saugeye – This hybrid of walleye and sauger has been stocked into reservoirs throughout the eastern plains of Colorado since the 1980s.
• Channel Catfish – Channel cats are native to eastern Colorado and have been stocked in warmer rivers and reservoirs throughout the state.
• Smallmouth Bass – Introduced to Colorado in 1951, small-mouth have been stocked in warm- and cool-water reservoirs and lakes in many parts of the state.

Colorado Areas Stocked With Fish

The table below identifies where catch-able trout (approximately 10″) were recently stocked at the time of this report.

The best of luck to all those Colorado campers heading out there to fish. Remember, catch and release is the way to go! Make sure you take a camera, a ruler, and a scale with you so you can document your catch then release it back into the water as soon as possible. This is the only way to preserve the waters for others that we have all come to love.

The post Colorado Fish Stocking Report for 5-14-2013 appeared first on Camp Out Colorado.

Attention hikers, rock climbers, mountain bikers, fishermen and all around outdoor enthusiasts, be one of the first to visitors to explore Colorado’s newest state park . During this exciting grand opening weekend, you can hike to view the magnificent Elk Falls and Staunton Rocks and relax afterwards while listening to live music and poetry readings. Adventurous youngsters can give the kids climbing wall or mountain biking course a try, while the artistic and inquisitive can opt for face painting, craft activities and environmental talks and demonstrations. Some activities, such as the history and wildflower walks and talks, require pre-registration. Please contact staunton.park@state.co.us to reserve your spot. Event parking is available at the Mountain View RTD lot and Elk Creek Elementary School. Free shuttle buses will run between the park and these locations.

With all of the stories and talk of the Sequester and how it is cutting back on State and National Parks it is great to see stories like this where they are actually opening up new State Parks. If you get a chance I would definitely suggest getting out there to enjoy this grand opening of Staunton State Park. It is just outside of Denver and should be easy to get to.

The post Staunton State Park Grand Opening appeared first on Camp Out Colorado.

May 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m is the Family Fishing Festival

Bring the whole family out for a day of fishing fun at Lake Pueblo State Park . Beginners and experts of all ages are welcome to attend. The Visitor Center will feature activity tables for the kids, while stations set throughout the park will be equipped with staff to teach vital fishing skills through hands-on activities. Some lucky attendees may even walk away with a free fishing pole! Begin your day at the Visitor Center, where maps of the stations will be available. Make sure to pack plenty of snacks and a picnic lunch, sunscreen and bug spray.

Better yet, reserve a campsite at Lake Pueblo State Park and make it a fun family weekend of camping and fishing!

If you are serious about catching some fish make sure to fish up until 2pm, according to our Best Times to Fish, this should be a minor feeding period.

The post Family Fishing Festival at Lake Pueblo State Park appeared first on Camp Out Colorado.

Remember to bring your camera’s and binoculars to capture the beautiful birds in the area.

The post Bird Watching at Castlewood Canyon for Bluebirds appeared first on Camp Out Colorado.

Join members of the Western Colorado Astronomy Club for an evening of star gazing, planet viewing and exploring the wonders of the nighttime sky at Highline Lake State Park . This evening’s program will focus on the viewing of the planet Jupiter and the Beehive Cluster, a bright triangular shaped star cluster that can sometimes be seen by the naked eye in dark skies.

Club members will bring telescopes to share, as well as a wealth of astronomical information. Make sure to bring bug spray, a chair and your imagination! Meet at the east side of the park in the lot near the vault building across from the park Visitor Center.

The post Springtime Stargazing at Highline Lake State Park appeared first on Camp Out Colorado.

One of my favorite things to do when I am out camping and enjoying the great out of doors is fishing. There’s nothing quite like some fresh fish when you are out camping. A nice hot, healthy meal is the perfect thing when camping.

Even if you do not like to eat fish when you are camping the sport of fishing is a lot of fun and something the entire family can be a part of. Whether you are fishing from a boat, on shore, or working your way down a river it a great way to enjoy what nature has to offer.

Increase your chances by checking the Colorado fish stocking report. These are the places that have been stocked within the last week from the date of the report. Whether you are out camping or you live by one of these locations you can increase your fish catching luck if you fish recently stocked lakes and streams.

Here are the areas in Colorado that have recently stocked fish.

In this table below you will find a list of the lakes and other bodies of water in Colorado that were stocked with fish in the last week from the date above. Depending on the time of the year and the temperatures of each region will determine if these areas will be stocked or not. The fish that are stocked will also very depending on the location and the temperatures of the water. Here is a short list of the fish that are most commonly stocked in Colorado.

• Rainbow Trout – Rainbows can be found in most mountain lakes and streams, as well as many plains reservoirs.
• Saugeye – This hybrid of walleye and sauger has been stocked into reservoirs throughout the eastern plains of Colorado since the 1980s.
• Channel Catfish – Channel cats are native to eastern Colorado and have been stocked in warmer rivers and reservoirs throughout the state.
• Smallmouth Bass – Introduced to Colorado in 1951, small-mouth have been stocked in warm- and cool-water reservoirs and lakes in many parts of the state.

Colorado Areas Stocked With Fish

The table below identifies where catch-able trout (approximately 10″) were recently stocked at the time of this report.

The best of luck to all those Colorado campers heading out there to fish. Remember, catch and release is the way to go! Make sure you take a camera, a ruler, and a scale with you so you can document your catch then release it back into the water as soon as possible. This is the only way to preserve the waters for others that we have all come to love.

The post Colorado Fish Stocking Report for 5-7-2013 appeared first on Camp Out Colorado.

Here are Camp Out Colorado’s Top 10 Camping Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day! These should be more than enough to cover all of those mothers who love to go camping out there.

Camping Sandals

Keen Arroyo II Sandals

It’s nice to have a pair of sandals that are more rugged, durable, and with more support for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. You need something more heavy duty than regular sandals but with the ease and coolness of sandals. They’re also easier to slip on and off than hiking boots for those late night trips!

The Keen Arroyo II sandals pair sandal ventilation with trail-shoe support and protection, making them a great choice for multisport adventures. Waterproof nubuck leather uppers form a flexible, durable, quick-drying, protective and supportive shell for your feet. Patented rubber toe protects feet from scuffs, bumps and uneven terrain. One-pull elastic drawcord laces secure uppers around instep; heel and tongue loops aid entry and exit. Tightening the laces draws in a webbing strap running through a heel counter in order to minimize heal slippage. Nylon mesh linings enhance comfort and control moisture. Removable dual-density EVA footbeds provide ample cushioning and arch support. EVA midsoles offer rich shock-absorption and padding; ESS nylon stability shanks offer torsional stability. Keen Arroyo II sandals feature nonmarking carbon rubber outsoles with deep lugs for exceptional durability and superb traction on loose dirt, scree or rock.

Camping Thermal Top

Terramar Long Underwear Top

Everyone wants to be warm when camping during those cool mountain nights. Check out this nice lightweight thermal top! It’s great for keeping warm and cozy!

A comfortable base layer for cool-weather activities like early-season hiking and biking, the Terramar HotTotties Silkweight 1.0 long underwear top offers luxurious softness and lightweight warmth. Soft, recycled polyester fabric moves moisture away from the skin and dries quickly, keeping you cool and comfortable even if you start to sweat. Fabric provides UPF 25 sun protection, shielding skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Antimicrobial finish helps keep odors at bay. Terramar HotTotties Silkweight 1.0 top uses flat-seam construction to reduce chafing and irritation.

Camping Thermal Bottom

Terramar Underwear Bottoms

If your top half is warm, your legs will get jealous! Try these great camping thermals to go with the Terramar top.

A comfortable base layer for cool-weather activities like early-season hiking and biking, the Terramar HotTotties Silkweight 1.0 long underwear top offers luxurious softness and lightweight warmth. Soft, recycled polyester fabric moves moisture away from the skin and dries quickly, keeping you cool and comfortable even if you start to sweat. Fabric provides UPF 25 sun protection, shielding skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Antimicrobial finish helps keep odors at bay. Terramar HotTotties Silkweight 1.0 top uses flat-seam construction to reduce chafing and irritation.

Camping Wildlife Binoculars

Nikon Action Zoom 7-15 x 35 Binoculars

Something that seems to be missing from many campers’ gear is a good set of binoculars. These are great for getting a better look at the wilderness around you. Give Mom the tools she needs to enjoy her camping trip, and keep an eye on everybody!

The Nikon Action Zoom 7-15 x 35 binoculars combine proven design features with a broad power range and an ergonomic design to maximize optical performance and comfort. Objective lens diameter of 35mm delivers excellent light transmission for dawn-to-dusk viewing. Lenses are multicoated with antireflective elements for excellent brightness, sharpness and resolution through the full power range. BaK4 high-index porro prisms provide a clear, crisp image. Easy zoom control makes power changes a snap; quick central focusing for convenience. Durable rubber armor provides shock resistance. The Nikon Action Zoom 7-15 x 35 binoculars feature rubber eyecups that can be folded back for use with eyeglasses.

Waterproof Camping Rain Jacket

Sierra Designs Hurricane Rain Jacket

It’s always a good idea to have a good lightweight ran jacket handy for those sudden mountain rainstorms.

Lightweight and easy to pack, the wind- and waterproof Sierra Designs women’s Hurricane rain jacket keeps you dry in sudden rain showers around town or in the backcountry. Ripstop nylon features a solvent-free, waterproof breathable coating; polyurethane finish reduces interior condensation. Full, PVC-free seam taping ensures complete protection. Double stormflaps surround full-length front zipper; underarm zippers allow airflow as you warm up. Helmet-compatible hood. Drawcord hem and adjustable cuffs seal out the elements. Sierra Designs Hurricane jacket includes a stuff sack for packing.

Water Bottle for Camping

REI Nalgene Narrow-Mouth Loop-Top Water Bottle

Water, water, water, and water! It’s so important to stay hydrated when you’re camping. It is way too easy to get dehydrated. The mothers in your life will not want to go anywhere without a handy and attractive water bottle!

Add color to your water breaks! The 16 fl. oz. REI Nalgene Narrow-Mouth Loop-Top water bottle features tough Tritan™ plastic in attractive translucent colors. Made of Eastman Tritan copolyester, the bottle is completely BPA-free and is dishwasher safe (top rack only). Tritan copolyester provides excellent impact resistance and is suitable for both warm and cold beverages. Easy-pour narrow mouth is also easy to drink from. Loop-top cap stays attached to bottle so it won’t get lost. REI Nalgene Narrow-Mouth Loop-Top water bottle is marked with milliliters and fluid ounces for easy measurement.   

Backpack for Camping and Hiking

It might seem strange but a good quality backpack can mean the difference between a good and a bad trip. Get your mother a great backpack this Mother’s Day, and she will enjoy her time outdoors so much more.

Women’s Deuter Traveller 55+10 SL Backpack

The Deuter Traveller 55 + 10 SL is a comfortable-carrying travel pack with enough space for all items you might need for a long-distance trip. Fit in spontaneous purchases with its expandable volume. Roomy companion unites excellent features with a modern design and a practical detachable daypack; the Traveller 55+ 10 SL pack is built specifically for women. Shoulder strap turns the pack into a practical shoulder bag; shoulder strap can be removed and stashed away. Clamshell main compartment reveals entire contents; expandable bellows allow 10 extra liters of space. Concealable backpack system zips away for airline transport or duffel/shoulder carrying. Side compression straps reduce pack volume and improve load stability; attach extra gear here as well. Internal organizer compartments keep the contents organized and safely in place. Padded grab handles guarantee convenient and easy transport via the top or side. Zippered bottom compartment keeps dirty clothes or wet shoes separate. Variquick shoulder harness/back system lets you adjust torso length from 13.5 – 20 in. Contoured and padded air-mesh shoulder straps and breathable foam back provide a comfortable carry; sternum strap secures pack in place. Hollow-core aluminum X-frame offers torsional rigidity, flexibility for body movement and effective weight transfer. Deuter Traveller 55 + 10 SL is hydration system compatible; holds up to a 2 liter reservoir, sold separately. Removable daypack is perfect for day excursions; front zip stash pocket and stretch mesh side pockets hold water bottle or quick-access items. SL carry system is slightly shorter than Deuter’s standard-size packs; consequently this model is not only an ideal choice for women, but for male users with short backs.

Camp in Comfort with the Camping Chair

GCI Outdoor Wilderness Recliner Chair

Give her all the comfort she deserves this Mother’s Day with this reclining wilderness camping chair.

Arm yourself with comfort by including the GCI Wilderness Recliner™ chair in your camping arsenal. Folds and transports easily with the patented Auto-Fold system that lets you sling it over your shoulder or carry it backpack-style. Single buckle adjustment allows unlimited lounging positions, making it easy to find your comfort zone. Padded seat and lumbar support let you recline in absolute comfort. Side beverage holder keeps a cold drink within reach at all times. Storage pouch by foot of recliner can stow your sunglasses, cell phone and wallet.

Camping and Hiking GPS

Many campers love to hike. Well, let your mother go hiking in style and with some extra piece of mind with this GPS set. It comes with everything you will need to get going… except batteries of course!

Garmin eTrex 30 Topo GPS Bundle

The Garmin eTrex 30 Topo GPS bundle combines the user-friendly eTrex 30 with TOPO U.S. 100K mapping, 1-year BirdsEye subscription and a handy carrying case. With a 3-axis compass, full-color display and geocaching, the compact Garmin eTrex 30 offers a fun and easy GPS experience for outdoor enthusiasts. TOPO U.S. 100K mapping and a built-in worldwide basemap with shaded relief that helps you navigate with ease. 1-year subscription to BirdsEye Satellite Imagery adds a high-resolution satellite view. 3-axis, tilt-compensated electronic compass shows your heading even when you’re standing still and holding the unit upright or at an angle. Features a 2.2 in., 65k color display that can be viewed in bright sunlight. WAAS-enabled receiver locates your position quickly and maintains reception under heavy cover. Compatibility with Russian Glonass system allows about 20% faster and more reliable satellite acquisition, helpful in challenging spots such as deep canyons or tall buildings. Allows wireless unit-to-unit transfer of routes, tracks, waypoints and geocaches; works with Montana-series, Oregon-series, Dakota 20, GPSMAP 62S, 62ST, 78S and 78SC devices. 1.7 gigabytes of memory make it easy to add maps; choose from Garmin TOPO U.S. 24k maps, BlueChart® g2 marine maps and City Navigator® road maps (sold separately). Altimeter tracks changes in barometric pressure to pinpoint your altitude while you’re on the trail. Supports geocaching GPX files for downloading geocache locations and details straight to the unit using the high-speed USB connection. Stores and displays geocache location, terrain, difficulty, hints and descriptions—no more manually entering coordinates or toting around paper printouts! MicroSD™ card slot for storing additional data. Operational buttons are located along the sides of the device for easy 1-hand operation.

 Camping Games Set

Seattle Sports TerraFun 3-in-1 Game Pack is perfect for Camping

What can take the fun right out of a great day of camping? Bad weather of course! Get your mom this three in one game set and she can have fun in good weather or bad. What brings people together more than playing a few friendly games with one another? This game set is light, can survive rough weather, and can easily be packed and used just about anywhere.

This Seattle Sports TerraFun 3-in-1 game pack makes it easy to bring chess, checkers and backgammon virtually anywhere your adventures take you, all in 1 compact and ultralight package. Durable and fast-drying game “board” features a chess/checkers layout on one side and backgammon on the other; multipurpose game pieces are printed with chess ranks on 1 side. Seattle Sports TerraFun 3-in-1 game pack comes in a handy zippered storage pouch.  

I hope this Top 10 Camping Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day from Camp Out Colorado has helped you find the perfect and unique gift for the Mother’s in your life. They may not be the most typical Mother’s Day gift ideas, but any mother that enjoys the outdoors is sure to enjoy these. Most of all though, these things only help to facilitate what the real gift to mom is, time enjoying each other when out camping in the great out of doors.

The post Top 10 Camping Gift Ideas For Mother’s Day appeared first on Camp Out Colorado.

One of my favorite things to do when I am out camping and enjoying the great out of doors is fishing. There’s nothing quite like some fresh fish when you are out camping. A nice hot, healthy meal is the perfect thing when camping.

Even if you do not like to eat fish when you are camping the sport of fishing is a lot of fun and something the entire family can be a part of. Whether you are fishing from a boat, on shore, or working your way down a river it a great way to enjoy what nature has to offer.

Increase your chances by checking the Colorado fish stocking report. These are the places that have been stocked within the last week from the date of the report. Whether you are out camping or you live by one of these locations you can increase your fish catching luck if you fish recently stocked lakes and streams.

Here are the areas in Colorado that have recently stocked fish.

In this table below you will find a list of the lakes and other bodies of water in Colorado that were stocked with fish in the last week from the date above. Depending on the time of the year and the temperatures of each region will determine if these areas will be stocked or not. The fish that are stocked will also very depending on the location and the temperatures of the water. Here is a short list of the fish that are most commonly stocked in Colorado.

• Rainbow Trout – Rainbows can be found in most mountain lakes and streams, as well as many plains reservoirs.
• Saugeye – This hybrid of walleye and sauger has been stocked into reservoirs throughout the eastern plains of Colorado since the 1980s.
• Channel Catfish – Channel cats are native to eastern Colorado and have been stocked in warmer rivers and reservoirs throughout the state.
• Smallmouth Bass – Introduced to Colorado in 1951, small-mouth have been stocked in warm- and cool-water reservoirs and lakes in many parts of the state.

Colorado Areas Stocked With Fish

The table below identifies where catch-able trout (approximately 10″) were recently stocked at the time of this report.

The best of luck to all those Colorado campers heading out there to fish. Remember, catch and release is the way to go! Make sure you take a camera, a ruler, and a scale with you so you can document your catch then release it back into the water as soon as possible. This is the only way to preserve the waters for others that we have all come to love.

The post Colorado Fish Stocking Report for 5-1-2013 appeared first on Camp Out Colorado.