An "iffy" weather forecast and destination uncertainties delayed the launch of this weekend's camping trip. At the last minute though, I decided to take a chance on a new destination. So at noon on Saturday, I threw a few items in an overnight bag and grabbed what was handy in the refrigerator for a hastily planned solo trip to the Northeast Plains of Colorado to
Jackson Lake State Park. Two and a half hours later I was setting up camp at a quiet site overlooking the 2500 acre reservoir. It turned out to be a very pleasant and warm weekend, and a worthwhile trip, even though it was very short, lasting just a little more than 24-hours, roundtrip.
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| Panorama of Jackson Lake |
Jackson Lake State Park has several adjacent campgrounds hugging the shoreline with over 200 sites. Even with the nice weather, this early in the season the campground was practically vacant and some services, like the marina store, were not yet open. I opted to camp at the far end Northview Campground for a more secluded, quiet, and relatively elevated location. There are 10 sites at Northview, and I had the whole campground to myself and a nice view overlooking the lake and the rest of the park. Other campgrounds at the park are little lower and closer to the lake's edge and have more options for shade.
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| View from the Northview campsite #237 |
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| Still trying my hand at night-time photography |
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| Stark but beautiful April Camping |
Although not as scenic as mountain campgrounds, Jackson Lake State Park is not too far off the beaten path making it a convenient "in-between" location if your travels take you through N.E. Colorado (I-76 or Hwy 34). This campground is a great destination if you enjoy boating, fishing,
lake swimming, and OHV sports. There are also opportunities for wild
life photography and short hikes. The climate here can be hot and dry in the summer. One placard I read in the park's visitor center boasted that the park's average July temperature and precipitation are hotter and drier than Tucson, Arizona. Might want to make sure your camper's A/C is working if you visit in the middle of summer.
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| Campsite #237 at Northview |
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| Probably a good fishing hole! |
An "iffy" weather forecast and destination uncertainties delayed the launch of this weekend's camping trip. At the last minute though, I decided to take a chance on a new destination. So at noon on Saturday, I threw a few items in an overnight bag and grabbed what was handy in the refrigerator for a hastily planned solo trip to the Northeast Plains of Colorado to Jackson Lake State Park. Two and a half hours later I was setting up camp at a quiet site overlooking the 2500 acre reservoir. It turned out to be a very pleasant and warm weekend, and a worthwhile trip, even though it was very short, lasting just a little more than 24-hours, roundtrip.
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