Colorado's 2026 Drought and Wildfire Season: What Campers Should Know
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If you’re planning a Colorado camping trip this summer, it’s worth knowing the state is dealing with some of its most severe drought and wildfire conditions on record. Several regions are seeing average temperatures and low stream flows beyond anything previously recorded, and the list of affected public lands has been growing through the season.
What's Actually Being Affected
The Gold Mountain fire specifically has led to ongoing closures across public lands in parts of the state, including trailheads, fishing access points, campgrounds, and local rivers and creeks. Areas like the Cimarron State Wildlife Area and portions of federal land in the Gunnison region have seen closures tied directly to fire activity and drought conditions.
This isn’t isolated to one fire or one region — officials have described it as a genuinely widespread, evolving situation across Colorado this season, with new closures added as conditions change.
What This Means for Your Trip
This is a real “know before you go” summer in Colorado. Water activities in particular are affected by low stream flows, not just fire-related closures, so even areas that aren’t formally closed may not offer the experience you’re expecting. Before finalizing any Colorado trip this season, it’s worth checking current conditions for your specific destination rather than assuming last year’s trip report still applies.
Still Planning a Colorado Trip?
If you’re looking for a solid starting point while conditions keep shifting, our Colorado picks are a good place to check availability and current status directly with each property.
Source: Colorado Sun.