Overview
Campion is a small unincorporated community in Larimer County, Colorado, situated on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountain foothills at roughly 40.35°N, 105.08°W. With a population of under 2,000, it sits just south of Loveland and north of the Boulder metro corridor, placing it within easy reach of some of Colorado's most celebrated natural landscapes.
The community is largely residential and is perhaps best known locally as the home of Campion Academy, a Seventh-day Adventist boarding school that has been part of the area's identity for over a century. There is no traditional downtown or commercial district; travelers typically use Campion as a quiet, low-key base from which to explore the broader Northern Front Range region.
The surrounding area offers a compelling mix of mountain scenery, wildlife watching, and outdoor recreation. Residents and visitors benefit from proximity to the Big Thompson River corridor, Rocky Mountain National Park to the west, and the city of Loveland's amenities just minutes away.
Before You Go
Campion itself has very limited visitor infrastructure — no dedicated visitor center, and few businesses within the community boundaries. Plan your lodging, dining, and provisioning from nearby Loveland (approximately 5–10 minutes by car) or Longmont to the south.
Visa information: Campion is in the United States. Entry requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for current rules applicable to your passport.
Weather to expect:
- Spring (March–May): Variable, with late snowstorms possible into April; temperatures climb through May.
- Summer (June–August): Warm and dry with afternoon thunderstorms common, especially at higher elevations nearby.
- Fall (September–October): Clear skies, cooler nights, and vivid foliage in the canyons.
- Winter (November–February): Cold with periodic snowfall; roads to the mountains can require 4WD or chains.
If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park during summer, note that timed-entry permits are sometimes required — verify current reservation requirements on the park's official site before you go.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest major airport is Denver International Airport (DEN), located roughly 60–70 miles southeast of Campion. Fort Collins–Loveland Municipal Airport (FNL) is closer and handles some regional and charter traffic; verify current service before booking.
By Car
Campion is accessed via U.S. Highway 34 and nearby U.S. Highway 287, both of which connect to Interstate 25. From I-25, take the Loveland exits and head west — Campion lies along the US-34 corridor heading toward the Big Thompson Canyon. A personal vehicle is strongly recommended, as public transit in the area is limited.
By Bus
The Bustang intercity bus service operated by the Colorado Department of Transportation serves the Front Range corridor including Loveland. Check bustangonboard.com for current schedules and stops. Local fixed-route transit within Loveland is operated by COLT (City of Loveland Transit); verify whether any routes serve the Campion vicinity.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essentially required to get around Campion and the surrounding area. Road infrastructure is good, but there are no rideshare pickup hotspots, no taxi stands, and bicycle infrastructure between communities is limited.
For day trips to Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park entrance is roughly 25–30 miles west via US-34 through the Big Thompson Canyon), note that the canyon road is a two-lane highway that can experience heavy summer traffic and is occasionally closed due to weather, flooding, or rockfall — check CDOT's CoTrip website for current road conditions before heading out.
Things to See & Do
Big Thompson Canyon
The canyon begins just west of Campion along US-34 and offers dramatic scenery, fishing access to the Big Thompson River, and several pullouts for photography. The river is a recognized trout fishery — a Colorado fishing license is required; verify current regulations with Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Among the most visited national parks in the country, RMNP is approximately 25–30 miles from Campion. It offers hiking ranging from easy valley-floor walks to strenuous summit climbs, wildlife viewing (elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep), and scenic drives including Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Entry fees apply; verify current rates and any permit requirements at nps.gov/romo.
Loveland, Colorado
The adjacent city of Loveland offers cultural amenities including the Loveland Museum (local history and rotating art exhibitions), a sculpture-rich downtown, and an established arts community. Confirm opening hours directly with individual venues.
Boyd Lake State Park
Located north of Loveland, Boyd Lake is a popular reservoir for boating, swimming, and camping during summer months. Colorado State Parks passes or day-use fees apply — verify current rates at cpw.state.co.us.
Carter Lake
A Larimer County reservoir southwest of the area that offers fishing, sailing, and shoreline trails. Conditions and access fees should be confirmed with Larimer County.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants or cafes within Campion's immediate community boundaries that can be confirmed. All dining is found in nearby Loveland, which has a broad range of options from casual diners and breweries to sit-down restaurants reflecting Colorado's growing food scene.
Loveland has an active craft brewing culture consistent with broader Colorado trends. Visitors interested in local breweries should research current operating establishments in Loveland before their trip, as the brewery landscape changes frequently.
For grocery shopping and provisioning, Loveland has multiple full-service supermarkets within a short drive. If you are self-catering or camping in the area, stocking up in Loveland before heading into the canyon is advisable, as options thin out quickly along US-34.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In an emergency, dial 911. Larimer County Sheriff's Office serves unincorporated areas including Campion. The nearest full-service hospital is McKee Medical Center in Loveland — verify the current address and services locally or via their official website.
Connectivity
Cellular service is generally available in Campion and Loveland but degrades significantly inside the Big Thompson Canyon and in higher mountain terrain. Download offline maps before heading into canyon or park areas.
Altitude
Campion sits at roughly 4,900–5,000 feet above sea level. Visitors from lower elevations may notice mild altitude effects (headaches, fatigue, faster dehydration). Stay well hydrated and allow a day to acclimatize before strenuous hikes, especially if planning to visit higher elevations in RMNP.
Wildfire Awareness
Larimer County and the surrounding region have experienced significant wildfires in recent years, including the 2020 East Troublesome and Cameron Peak fires. Check current fire restrictions with the U.S. Forest Service and Colorado State before camping or using any open flame outdoors.
Safety
Campion is a quiet residential community with no particular safety concerns for travelers. Standard precautions apply: secure valuables in your vehicle out of sight (vehicle break-ins occur in trailhead parking areas throughout the region), and be aware of wildlife when hiking — black bears and mountain lions are present in the area.
Weather can change rapidly in the mountains. Even on summer days, temperatures at higher elevations can drop sharply and afternoon thunderstorms can bring lightning. Check forecasts before hiking and turn back from exposed ridges if storms approach.
Flash flooding is a documented hazard in the Big Thompson Canyon — a catastrophic flood occurred there in 1976. Pay close attention to weather upstream and any alerts issued by Larimer County Emergency Management if you are in or near the canyon during heavy rain events.
