The listings are updated by city, map and the Colorado interactive camping map that includes Wal-marts, rest areas, truck stops and more.

This adds Colorado to the list of recently verified and expanded states here at AllStays to include much of the western United States. My next two major updates and expansions will be Oregon and Washington.

Heading South in Colorado

Colorado travelers, often so wrapped up in the mountains, never even think to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park, which has the biggest sand dunes on the continent. The area encompasses various climates, including forest, tundra, and wetlands, so one can expect a ton of biodiversity. Creeks, streams, and mountain lakes provide scenic backdrops and swimming opportunities. See the peeled trees that Native Americans used for food and medicine while you are in the park as well. This is one destination that has something for everyone.

For a sighting you will not likely forget, visit the sculptured house in Golden. The house, designed by Charles Deaton, was used in the 1973 film, ’Sleeper.’ It features unique wall curving, an interesting in-house elevator called the “orgasmatron,” watermelon seed chairs, and panoramic views. Film fans, architecture buffs, and people intrigued by oddities will fall in love with this home.

If one wishes to revisit an interesting time in American History, one should stop by the Alfred Packer Massacre site (near Lake City) and grave (in Littleton). Alfred Packer was a prospector who was accused of murdering and eating his fellows when they became snowbound in the Rockies. After lengthy trials, sentence overturns, and a media circus, Packer received 40 years for manslaughter, which was the longest sentence in the United States at the time. Later forensic investigations proved that at least part of Packer’s self defense story was true. Visiting his grave and the massacre site will give you an interesting glance at controversial piece of history.

Colorado has much to offer guests; mountains, rivers, national parks, and more are available for tourist pleasure. Hiking in the sand dunes and learning about historic tragedies are two different activities that will amuse and educate. See film history while simultaneously witnessing architectural masterwork. Only in Colorado will you have these opportunities.