Call it the wisdom of crowds.

In Colorado’s state parks, 12 locations dominate when it comes to camping – packing enough attractions to draw visitors by the thousands.

While those seeking tranquility might want to look elsewhere, a glance at the state’s 12 most camped parks shows a dizzying variety of pursuits, from fishing in bountiful alpine lakes to archery parks to strolls with the family on sun-dappled trails.

And with a variety of campsites available – from those with RV parking and utility hookups to walk-up sites off the beaten path – visitors largely can shape the tone and tenor of their weekend or holiday retreat.

Often, as in the case of Cheyenne Mountain State Park in Colorado Springs, state parks offer destinations that lie just beyond a city’s borders, granting visitors access to urban pleasures, too – sightseeing and the chance to grab a meal or catch a movie.

But it’s as likely that once you arrive, you won’t want to leave.

While sitting around a campfire listening to the crackles and pops, you’ll notice that time begins to slow. Away from work, away from the cellphone and the computer, time crawls, and you’ll find that a little vacation with the moon and stars is exactly what you needed.

Read on for a taste of what Colorado has to offer across the state.

12. Cheyenne Mountain: 12,476 camping passes sold in 2013; 576-2016

With 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, an archery range and a spacious and comfortable visitor center, it’s little wonder this 2,701-acre park at Colorado Springs’ doorstep made the cut as one of the state’s most camped parks. There are 51 full-service campsites and 10 walk-ins, all in the shadow of Cheyenne Mountain. Seek out the visitor center’s stone fireplace to shake off the chill.

11. Steamboat Lake: 16,924 camping passes sold in 2013; 970-879-7019

Hahns Peak forms the dramatic backdrop for this 1,053-acre lake and park that offers family fishing, boating, trail access, camping and picnicking. ?????Steamboat Lake offers both nonelectric and electric campsites for RVs or tents – 188 campsites in all. Campers can choose sweeping views or a shaded spot under aspen or evergreen trees. Some sites are near the shoreline. Reservations are encouraged from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

10. Jackson Lake: 17,413 camping passes sold in 2013; 970-645-2551

Catching fish for dinner here is a distinct possibility: 1.3 million saugeye fry fish were brought into the lake, along with 4,400 rainbow trout. Most of the 260 campsites have electric hookups, but if you want to tent without electricity, that is possible too. Jackson Lake is a shade over two hours from Colorado Springs and near the town of Fort Morgan.

9. Boyd Lake: 17,879 passes sold in 2013; 970-669-1739

With 1,700 surface acres of water, Boyd Lake State Park is a popular destination among those who want to spend a day out on the water. The park has events most weekends aimed at teaching kids about fishing, stargazing and the great outdoors in general. After the kids have learned about stargazing, you can gaze together in one of the 148 sites that can accommodate large vehicles.

8. Mueller: 22,961 passes sold in 2013; 687-2366

If a short drive to a park is something that sounds more appealing to you, take the 30-minute drive to Mueller State Park. Although there isn’t a lake to swim or boat in, there are still plenty of activities that will make your vacation memorable. Enjoy hiking the 55 miles of trails and then lie down on a real bed in any of the cabins that are available.

7. St. Vrain: 24,543 passes sold in 2013; 303-485-0186

Almost a straight shot north and near Longmont is St. Vrain State Park. Sporting more than 600 acres of land, the park is perfect for a family and friends getaway that will not overwhelm you with the size. Gasoline-powered engines are not allowed on the water, so a completely tranquil setting is waiting.

6. Golden Gate Canyon: 25,634 passes sold in 2013; 303-582-3707

With year-round access to yurts, cabins and houses, it’s never been easier to get away from the hectic work or school life. The park, located in Golden, has no cell or Internet service, so your party will know the serenity of being off the grid. While you’re away from the real world, be sure to try your hand fishing at any spot in the park that was stocked with fish on the first of May.

5. Eleven Mile: 25,667 passes sold in 2013; 748-3401

Touted as one of the best reservoirs in Colorado to fish, and about an hour away from Colorado Springs, is Eleven Mile State Park. The park offers boating and birding as well as biking, hiking and camping. Eleven Mile also has flushing toilets and coin-operated showers, and even a place to do laundry so that the family is able to enjoy a prolonged stay.

4. Lake Pueblo: 27,466 passes sold in 2013; 561-9320

Boasting nearly 10,000 acres of land and more than 4,600 acres of surface water, Lake Pueblo is one of the most popular destinations in Colorado. It is strongly recommended to reserve one of the 400 campsites on Lake Pueblo, as it fills up quickly over the summer and holiday weekends.

3. Ridgway: 30,858 passes sold in 2013; 970-626-5822

Out west, and an hour away from Grand Junction, is Ridgway State Park. At the end of April, 2,000 catchable rainbow trout were brought to the reservoir, and fishermen of all types are catching them well. Whether fishing on a boat or casting from the shores with flies and lures, the fish being caught are in the 8- to 14-inch range.

2. Cherry Creek: 36,365 passes sold in 2013; 303-690-1166

If Chatfield (see below) is overcrowded, or doesn’t feel right, the trip to Aurora was not in vain. Twenty minutes from Chatfield lies Cherry Creek State Park, which offers biking, boating, fishing and even the chance to spot birds of prey. More than 100 sites on the campground have been renovated, with basic tent sites and hook-ups for the RV.

1. Chatfield: 37,098 passes sold in 2013; 303-791-7275

Chatfield State Park in Littleton offers visitors almost everything they could need for an unforgettable outdoors experience. With boat rentals, a floating restaurant and camping, Chatfield was the most visited Colorado state park in 2013. If you’re the type who tolerates the outdoors but must have the ability to flush a toilet and take a hot shower, Chatfield is for you.

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FOUR-PART SERIES

In Monday’s Gazette: With online resources and upgraded equipment, camping isn’t a difficult venture.

In Tuesday’s Gazette: Five things you might be worried about when it comes to camping, and ways to cope.

In Wednesday’s Gazette: You’ll need to eat at the campsite, so here are tips for making a tasty burger.

Thursday: In Colorado’s state parks, 12 sites dominate when it comes to drawing campers.