skyl4rk said:From Louisiana, you might want to head for the Sante Fe, NM area. It is a good place to spend a few weeks to get used to elevation. After your altitude headache goes away, move to Colorado.
I have gotten a headache and flu like symptoms every time I went to Sante Fe, and it is only about 7,000 feet.
Get used to 7,000 feet before you head for 10,000 feet in Colorado.
This is damn good advice. I thought I was immune to it since I've traveled thru the mountains my entire life and camped at 10,000 feet many times, but I had some altitude symptoms a couple of years ago at 9000 feet in Wyoming.
As for recommendations for the OP, I really like Carson National Forest in Northern New Mexico, near Angel Fire and Eagle Nest, New Mexico. Dispersed camping for 14 days, coolish even in mid-summer, and a couple of quaint little tourist towns in the vicinity, and its not crowded in the summer. Plus, for $225 a non-resident can buy a one-year Annual Camping Permit and stay for free (no hookups) all year long (meaning camp for 14 days then leave the park for 7 days) at any of the New Mexico State Parks. Water is available in most parks, and electricity (if needed) is $4 per day.
Last June and July, daytime temps were mild, and evenings were pleasantly cool. There were fire restrictions in effect, so we could not have campfires...check the restrictions anywhere you camp if you want a campfire.
The local fire crew even gave us a tour of one of the rigs...everyone was friendly.