Whether you want to explore a national park or a ballpark, these Waypointers have some suggestions. They're also helping to build Military Waypoint, the new online travel community exclusively for service members, veterans and their families.

Share your own explorations and see what others are posting at MilitaryWaypoint.com.

One Waypointer knows where to find free campsites near Fort Collins, Colorado.

Photo Credit: Aleksandrs Nehajenko/Waypoint

Secluded Camping Near Fort Collins
Pingree Park Road, Colorado

You have no experience but always wanted to camp in the wild, in non-traditional campgrounds with nobody around? I think this is a safe way to go since there is no hiking required and you always have access to your car if you need to, because all the camping spots are off the quiet dirt road. There is also no charge so it's completely FREE. I brought my own firewood but there is also plenty of dry wood around for your bonfire. It can be fun and exciting wandering around in the darkness and trying to find wood.

You can also add a little hike and walk down to Pennock Creek. The distance and level of difficulty will depend on the camp site you choose.

So if you want to explore your wild side, check out these campsites and go for a night or two for an adventure.

Directions:
About 45 miles/1:30 hour drive from Fort Collins, Colorado.

Once you turn on to Pingree Park Road (E65) toward CSU Mountain Campus, just go down the road for about 8-13 miles and there will be lots of camping spots along the road. Find your favorite one and enjoy.

— Aleksandrs Nehajenko, Military Times contributor

This Waypointer suggests staying in cabins at Pine Haven Resort while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.

Photo Credit: Vanessa Velazquez/Waypoint

A Slice Of Rocky Heaven
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Cabin in the woods? Yes please! There is nothing like escaping into nature and enjoying the great outdoors. Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect place to do just that & the Pine Haven Resort cabins are a great place to call home while visiting. This small village of cabins is tucked in the pine forest just outside of the park and provides hiking trails that lead to a beautiful view of the Rockies.

Once you enter Rocky Mountain National Park, the views are stunning and the wildlife is plentiful. If visiting in spring many, trails may be covered with snow and closed to traffic. Most trails are open during the summer months but begin to close again in the fall. No matter when you go, you are bound to be blown away by the beauty of the mountains and the forest.

During our visit, the main trails were closed so we were directed to Bear Lake. We visited in early spring so the trail was covered with snow — luckily it was still hikable. This trail is a must, especially if you are from Texas, like me, and always want to see snow! The lake view is breathtaking so be sure to add it to your to-do lists while you're in the park. Lastly, don't forget about the wildlife! Keep your cameras handy because you're likely to see a pack of caribou, or even a bear!

Aside from the amazing views and stunning landscapes, Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful escape into nature. Whether you enjoy it with friends and family or visit alone on a journey of self discovery, it's definitely a special place to experience the beauty of nature.

— Vanessa Velazquez, Military Times contributor

Catch the Rockies game on July 10 for Military Appreciation Day.

Photo Credit: Marla Keown/Waypoint

Scoring The Best Eats At Coors Field
Coors Field, Colorado

Baseball is a feast for the senses. The smell of freshly-cut grass, the crunch of shells under your feet, the cracks of bats hitting balls into the stands: It's what baseball fans look forward to every spring.

But once inside the park it's all those tasty treats that really bring you home. After working here for more than a year and talking to plenty of Coors Field regulars, I've found the very best spots to hit a food-finder's homerun:

Famous Dave's in Left Field (Section149): Fans seem to love the ribs from here, but one of my insiders can't bring himself to break away from the chopped pork sammy. Make sure to get Devil's Spit Sauce on top and a side of beans. And don't even think about leaving Dave's without a serving of chocolate-covered bacon for dessert.

Wazee Market by Third Base (Section 137): Don't let the pizza stands around the park fool you – nothing beats the upgraded pizzas offered at Wazee. And you can hit up the full-service bar just one section away while you wait for your personal-size pizza.

The Smokehouse at the Sandlot by Right Field (Section 112): Not only does Smokehouse have the best nacho meat in the stadium, it's also ponied up to Blue Moon Brewing Co., which is always key to enjoying a baseball game.

Mezzanine Level in Right Field (behind the top of Sections 204 and 205): If speed is a priority, the mezzanine level has the shortest lines and offers all sorts of ballpark foodie fare as well as a new addition of a taco cart thanks to Rio on the Rocks.

Military Rockies fans should mark their calendars for July 10, which is Military Appreciation Day. Anyone with an active military or veteran ID can get in the park for free on the 10th, and friends and family members can join for $14. If you get in line early enough you'll score a free purple-camouflaged water bottle to take home.

Ticket tips: 

  • Looking for cheap seats? Ask for the Rockpile section and bring a cushion to sit on. Tickets generally range from $4-$7 depending on the game day.
  • Show your active military ID for five dollars off tickets over $20 and one dollar off tickets under $20.

— Marla Keown, Military Times contributor

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