As the tourism epicenter of the country’s most-visited national forest, Summit County’s Dillon Ranger District offers a menu of world-class recreation activities. 

But a trip to this High Country haven doesn’t have to just be for die-hard wilderness enthusiasts. Local experts say, with the right level of planning and an open mind, the county can make for the perfect overnight destination for families looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors. 

“I think the Dillon Ranger District is maybe the best option for families because we have just a suite of different recreation opportunities,” said Dan Morris, a recreation staff officer for Dillon Ranger District. 

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From hiking and biking to fishing and boating, “there’s so many different things that you can do and experience here in Summit County” for summer-time recreationalists, Morris added. 

Finding a campsite

To have a low-stress, high-reward experience, start by planning ahead. One of the first actions should be to reserve a campsite. 

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The Dillon Ranger District offers 14 developed campgrounds, some of which are busier than others. Popular sites like the Prospector Campground boast over 100 camping spots near the Dillon Reservoir. Others like Cataract Creek, located in the county’s north end, are smaller and offer a more remote feel. 

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Each site will also differ in amenities, such as access to drinking water or fire grates for cooking, as well as nightly fees. Information for each site, including how to make a reservation, can be found on the ranger district’s website at TinyURL.com/DillonRangerDistrict.

Morris recommends making a reservation ahead of time, adding that while it may be possible to snag a site on short notice, it’s always best to “make your plans as soon as possible.” Sites may book up sooner for peak summer times such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends, Morris added. 

While campsites often book up quickly, some campgrounds in Summit County offer first-come, first-served reservations, allowing people to snag a site if other campgrounds are fully booked. Some of those campgrounds include Pine Cove near Frisco, Cataract Creek and McDonald Flats near Heeney, and Lowry near Keystone.

Free car camping in the form of dispersed camping is also an option, though these sites offer little to no amenities and tend to be found in more remote areas with rough roads and more strict regulations. Numbered signs designate official dispersed camping spots, while occupying a space without a number is prohibited. More information on dispersed camping sites can be found online at TinyURL.com/USFSDispersedCamping.

For more information on trails, visit SummitDaily.com/trailguide.

Having some fun

Once camping arrangements have been secured, it’s time to start thinking about activities. 

The ranger district offers no shortage of information on all there is to do in Summit County, and visitors can find pamphlets and speak with district officials in person at the ranger district’s main office, located at 680 Blue River Parkway in Silverthorne. 

Visitors can also turn to local guide operations for a more tailored experience. Colorado Adventure Guides, headquartered in Silverthorne, is one of the organizations providing access to a number of family-friendly activities, be it stand-up paddleboarding or rock climbing, led by experienced outdoor aficionados. 

“It’s a nice little hub here in Summit County where there’s lots of different options for different activities that can suit lots of different families within reasonable proximity,” said Justin Ibarra, director of operations and lead guide for Colorado Adventure Guides. 

The county’s compact nature puts overnight campers in close reach to numerous trailheads, bike paths and water recreation opportunities. The concentration of neighboring towns also provides travelers with peace of mind that, should they need something from the outside world, nothing is too far away.

It’s one reason why Ibarra recommends packing lightly for a trip and only bringing the essentials. For families, this will also help make the drive itself more enjoyable. 

“Try and get yourself a good list on everything,” Ibarra said, “and that way you have something to go off of when you’re packing the car.”

Making a meal

When it comes to food, Ibarra suggests hearty meals that are easy to cook for groups, such as pancakes for breakfast and pasta for dinner. Lunch could be on the lighter side, like a prepackaged wrap or granola bars. 

For cooking on the fire, many stores with camping sections sell griddles, irons and other cooking accessories, and there’s nothing better than a campfire stew, instructions for which can be easily found by a quick Google search.

One option that brings a lot of versatility to a campsite smorgasbord are “iron pies,” also known as “pudgie pies.” Using a special griddle that’s sold at most camping sections, campers can choose toppings to place between two pieces of buttered bread to make grilled-cheese-esque creations. Whether it’s marshmallow fluff and strawberries or a savory pizza pocket, the options are endless to have some over-the-fire culinary fun.

Being aware of wildlife is also important, and food should be stored safely in secured place or bear canister, always following regulations for any given area.

Other tips

Other overnight essentials include ample water, hiking gear — such as comfortable but effective footwear — and tent equipment.

“As we in Colorado know, the weather can change drastically in just a matter of minutes,” Ibarra said, adding that thunder and rain are not uncommon occurrences during summer afternoons. 

Having a rainfly for your tent and dressing in layers of clothing for warm or cool weather will help make sure families are prepared no matter the conditions, Ibarra said. 

Despite being a sought-out destination that services more than 8 million visitors every year, the 300,000 acres that make up the Dillon Ranger District continue to offer an escape from more urban environments. Whether it’s feeling an adrenaline rush rafting down the Blue River or lounging on the beach at the Frisco Bay Marina, there’s something for all families to enjoy seemingly around every corner. 

“A lot of people coming in are coming from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities and more populated areas,” Ibarra said. “It’s just a great way to get out of it and tune out of cell phones that people have become accustomed to and experience the beauty that Colorado has to offer.”

This story previously published in the summer 2024 edition of Explore Summit County magazine. Read the full publication online at SummitDaily.com/magazines/exploresummit.