Customer Reviews

Foghorn Outdoors: Colorado Camping

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

We were excited to purchase this book with the scenic rating system. What we didn't realize (and are perhaps still unclear on) was that the rating on the beauty of a campsite was based on the other campsites in the general area. For instance, Eleven Mile was rated a "9" and we consider it a "4" at best. What a disappointment. No trees, no shade, parched (except for the reservoir), no privacy. Yuck! But, then again, maybe it was the prettiest in the area. Aspen Glen was another disappointment although not as significant. It is rated a "9" also, but much prettier although it is right on a major road and not much privacy. Some pretty trees, but hardly a "9" but a whole lot closer to a "9" in our eyes than Elevenmile was. Don't get lured in by her idea of beauty. But, I will say this.....the information in the book is accurate and that means a lot. The directions can't be beat. Maybe when a very high or a very low score is given....a bit more of a description about why might prove beneficial.

I used this book on my honeymoon, while camping all over Colorado. Since then I've bought three as gifts for friends. I liked the detailed descriptions of the campsites and found them to be accurate and complete.

Another reviewer commented on the poor rating system which was based on scenic beauty- we agree: we found some sites she rated highly as totally undistiguished, while others that were just OK by her had wonderful mountains, lakes, views, etc.

Our biggest complaint was that it is not complete. Two wonderful campgrounds that we found, Town Park at Telluride and Red Rocks (maybe it was Red Canyon) north of Canyon City were not even mentioned in her book.

The Telluride campground was fabulous- if we had relied on this book alone we would have missed the highlight of our vacation.

I've used and loved this book for years, but mine is falling apart -- and I've noticed that some of the information is out of date (for example, the author says that Mueller State Park has 90 camping sites, but in fact there are over 120 now). I noticed the publish date was 1998 and decided to order a new, presumably updated copy -- but it looks like it's still the 1998 version. Other guidebooks update fairly frequently, even yearly ("The Colorado Guide," for example). Please, publisher, update this book!

Meanwhile, I don't always agree with the author's rating system, but I like HAVING a rating system. We each have our own favorite amenities, whether it is beautiful views, electric hookups or lots of privacy. Maybe in an updated version, the author will have changed her mind about some of her "9's" and "10's"!