There’s nothing quite like opening the flap of your tent in the morning to the view of a lake, watching the rising sun’s warm glow dance across the water that reflects Colorado’s mountain majesty.

Yes, in setting a course for a camping trip this summer, we’re thinking about lakes. We’re thinking about these:

Chicago Lakes

The proximity to Interstate 70 and Denver means you’re likely to find plenty of day trippers along the trail to this pair of lakes tucked back in wilderness. From the Echo Lake trailhead beside the road up Mount Blue Sky, plenty might venture in and out — but it’s well worth staying in for the night.

The best camping is around lower Chicago Lake. The upper lake is above treeline and exposed. Remember Forest Service rules about camping at least 100 feet from water and trails.

Grand Mesa

For its claim as the world’s largest flattop mountain, it’s surprising how underappreciated the Grand Mesa can seem along the paved, scenic byway touring it between Cedaredge and I-70. Even more surprising: The mountain we see from afar in western Colorado is home to hundreds of lakes.

Island Lake, Little Bear, Ward Lake, Crag Crest and Jumbo campgrounds are some to consider, all close to shores. You can also rent cabins from outfitters on the mountain, including Grand Mesa Lodge and Thunder Mountain Lodge.

Red Feather Lakes

You don’t hear much talk about Red Feather Lakes among Denver and Colorado Springs folks. But northern Coloradans have long flocked to the quaint hamlet situated amid fishing holes and rocky hills.

Dowdy Lake, Bellaire Lake and West Lake are a few of the popular campgrounds. For a little more family comfort and spoils, check out the Alpine Lodge at Red Feather Lakes and Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch.

Ridgway State Park

The southwest Colorado park reported a staggering year-to-year increase in visitation in 2023: an estimated 614,359 people, up 48%. A spokesman cited “multiple factors,” including a “better and longer boating season” thanks to a more generous runoff.

The love is understandable. The big lake is framed by those beautiful San Juan Mountains. It’s conveniently located off the highway between Ridgway and Ouray. That accessibility is another plus, as are the yurts that can be booked along with tent and RV sites.

Trappers Lake

This year marks the 60th-year anniversary of the Wilderness Act, which protected places “where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” Those words are said to be inspired by Arthur Carhart’s reflections on a place in Colorado: Trappers Lake.

It’s as good a year as any to journey to the lake deep in Flat Tops Wilderness. You’ll want to consult directions outlined by a Forest Service webpage, which also details five campgrounds nearby. Another option: cabins of Trappers Lake Lodge.

Trinidad Lake State Park

The old mining town by Colorado’s southern border is steadily marketing itself as a recreation hub with the ongoing development of its iconic backdrop, Fishers Peak. A long trail to the summit is finally open (upper part closed for raptor nesting March 15 through July).

The state park on the other side of Interstate 25 offers a perfect basecamp. Don’t delay on a camping reservation; while not nearly as busy as Lake Pueblo up the highway, Trinidad Lake is beloved by boaters and anglers.

Twin Lakes Recreation Area

It’s a Colorado favorite for good reason. For its array of nearby activities on foot, bike, boat and ATV. And for the scenery of some of the state’s biggest mountains between Buena Vista and Leadville.

The reputation means campgrounds fill fast, especially Lakeview and White Star campgrounds, which require reservations. Others are first-come, first-served.

Willow Lake

Perched near 11,500 feet in Rio Grande National Forest, many pass this waterfall-fed lake en route to the 14,000-foot summits of Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak. Others stay put, perfectly content amid the woods and melody of that cascade.

The trailhead is reached off a rough road rising from the funky, little town of Crestone. Be prepared for a steep, switchbacking hike covering about 5 miles — with views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and San Luis Valley all the way.