This past weekend we took a little road trip to visit Steamboat Springs. Next summer the Kulow family will be hosting the Banyan Tree Family Reunion. Since we were chosen to host last summer I have been researching different locations. It was nice to begin the process of actually visiting places. A few years ago we drove through Steamboat Springs and I fell in love with it. I kind of have had my heart set on hosting the reunion there since the very beginning. Wanting to give a few places a try we started out this past weekend in Steamboat Springs.
The drive into Steamboat Springs was beautiful, green rolling hills and large pasture lands. There is definitely something in me that loves the simplicity of the open pasture lands. Outside of Kremmling was this small abandoned little town, I had the hubby pull over so I could snap some pictures… the area was for sale, oh did that get my mind turning and churning! 
Once we got into Steamboat Springs we headed directly to the ski resort area, yes, we know that it is summer! The area was still booming with activity. The gondolas were taking mountain bikers and their bikes to the top of the mountain for a true adventure. In the center there was plenty to do! The boys shed their shoes immediately and jumped into the man made stream and splashed and played. There were adirondack chairs lining the area beckoning to be sat in. 
After some splashing and playing we headed towards main street. The shop lined streets were bustling with people. People coming and going, enjoying their days. We grabbed some lunch at one of the best barbecue places I have ever eaten at. Oh, my oh, my, Steamboat Smokehouse, you have set the bar rather high! My mouth is watering just thinking about the food now.
Our first campground stop was at Steamboat Campground. Just a few minutes outside of main street it was the likely first stop. We entered the campground and were greeted by a playground, a pool and a little shop. Oh yeah, and a bus stop… you can take the free bus to and from campground to town. The north side of the Yampa River has 79 RV sites, the south side of the river has the remaining sites for tent camping. There are bathrooms around the camp ground, however the only showers are located on the RV side of the campground attached to the main office/store. The bathrooms were clean and the showers were free. There were five showers in both the men and women’s bathrooms. The cabins are single standing, there were some on both sides of the river. Being that the campground is right off of the main highway there was a little road noise in the first few RV sites. On the south side of the river you cannot really hear the sound of the road over the sound of the river. There is plenty of large trees for shade and there is grassy areas as well.
The Yampa River meanders through the campground. The river sides don’t really have sand, for the most part it is rocks. Access to the river from the campground is through campsites 133 through 135. There is no real easy access or space to gather at the river edge. While we were there visiting we saw a few young guys with their poles in the water and were catching small fish. We also saw some kids swimming up the river.
Next we headed to Yampa River State Park. Let me simply say that between the forty minute drive west outside of town, no shade trees, and dirt campground. I didn’t even bother taking pictures. About thirty minutes to the camp ground from Steamboat Springs I had marked this campground securely off of the possibility list. If out of town/seclusion is what you are looking for, than have it… for what I had in mind for the reunion spot this was not going to work!
We headed back into town again and decided to try another campground. Although while we were driving there we just had to stop and snap a picture of the beautiful moon rising over the ski slopes! Man, was it is sight to behold!
The last stop of the campgrounds that met our requirements brought us to Stagecoach State Campground. This campground is about twenty minutes east of Steamboat Springs. As you begin to head of out town there is a strip of the highway that boasts about six chain hotels and two local hotels, lending itself to those that are not up to camping. The camp sites are spread out with 92 total sites. Of those 92 sites 65 of them do have electrical to them. There is only one shower house, which is at the marina store. There are five showers in both the men and women’s bathrooms. The bathrooms and shower areas were very clean. Showers are quarters, $1 for 4 minutes.
This campground is on the Stagecoach Reservoir. Just below the marina store is a beach area which has a swimming area, beach volleyball and plenty of space for horseshoes.
As you can see, we have many options! By the end of the day I was feeling like I had made my mind up… hubby had to remind me we have the whole state still to explore! I am eager to share our next adventure with you as we search for the best place to host the 2014 Banyan Tree Family Reunion here in Colorado!
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