A Guide to RV Camping in Colorado
Colorado is an extremely scenic state with a highly varied climate and landscape. While it’s most often associated with the snow capped Rocky Mountains, Colorado is also home to sweeping river valleys, wide open plains, and shimmering stretches of desert. Add to this the fact that Colorado averages around 300 days of sun per year, and you’ve got a great recipe for fun on your next vacation.
RV camping in Colorado is a great way to spend a few days, weeks…or months. RV campgrounds in Colorado are plentiful, and located both close to the action and in more remote, peaceful settings. Because of the state’s sprawling beauty, you’ll be spoiled for choice when deciding where to stay. So if you’re RV camping in Colorado, you may be best served by identifying a few areas and spending some time in each one. It’s possible to start your vacation breathing in chilly mountain air and end it waterskiing across a glimmering lake – that’s just the sort of versatility that Colorado offers!
The Best Time of Year to Go RV Camping in Colorado
While there are advantages to each time of year, RV camping in Colorado is generally best suited for June through mid-September. This will ensure you experience warmer weather. In higher elevations, the snow can start to fly by the middle of September. Having said this, camping in an RV affords you more protection from the elements than tent camping – some people love to visit in early October when most campgrounds are a bit quieter. Similarly, a visit in late May can put you on the edge of the offseason when it might be easier to secure a highly sought-after camping spot.
Things to know about RV Campgrounds in Colorado
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Book as Soon as You Can
Colorado is a very popular camping destination, and sites often fill up quickly. If you’re interested in camping during a summertime weekend or holiday period, it’s particularly important that you try to book your dates well in advance. ReserveAmerica offers a huge inventory of accommodations.
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Be Prepared for Dynamic Weather Conditions
Areas in Colorado can experience very high and very low temperatures within a short period of time, and even snow during the summer. Bring a variety of layers with you, as you may begin the morning bundled up in a sweater and then be in shorts by early afternoon.
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Respect Firewood PoliciesMany RV campgrounds in Colorado request that you don’t bring in firewood from out of state and instead purchase local firewood near where you’re staying. This is because foreign firewood can introduce harmful insects and diseases to the local environment. Additionally, many campgrounds forbid campers from cutting down or gathering firewood within the park – so be sure to follow the local regulations.
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Bring Sunscreen and Bug Repellant
While there may be fewer bugs at high elevation, there’s a decent chance you will still encounter mosquitos in many places, particularly if you’re staying near a body of water. And of course, Colorado’s sunny weather means you’ll want to make sure you don’t overdo it on the Vitamin D.
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Familiarize Yourself with Park Amenities
Some RV parks offer a broad array of amenities, while others are less robust. Additionally, amenities may differ from one campsite to the next at the same campground. For instance, some sites at a campground may offer full hookup (fresh water, electricity, and sewer) while others just offer electricity.
Our Pick for Top Colorado RV Parks to Consider
Here are some of our favorite RV campgrounds in Colorado.
Glenwood Canyon Resort
Located in Glenwood Canyon right along the Colorado River, Glenwood Canyon Resort is a beautiful destination that has something for everyone. This resort has its own Adventure Center located on site, where guests can get setup for whitewater rafting, kayaking, fly fishing, and more. The Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trails also runs right next to the resort, offering convenient access to hiking, biking, and picnic areas. Guests can also enjoy a relaxing soak nearby in either the Iron Mountain Hot Springs or the Glenwood Hot Springs Pools.
Glenwood Canyon Resort accommodates RVs of all sizes and offers a variety of sites with full or partial hookups. The resort is pet friendly and includes a dump station, WiFi, boat ramp, laundry, and gift shop.
Valley Mobile RV Park
Valley Mobile RV Park is located 2 miles outside the town of Buena Vista and offers beautiful mountain views. The RV spaces here are of ample size – and most camping sites also have shade trees to provide a respite from the famous Colorado sun.
Looking to enjoy the great outdoors? The local four wheeling trails, mineral hot springs and fishing will keep you happy. Plus, Valley RV Park is just a few miles from the Arkansas River and Buena Vista Whitewater Park. Whether you’re an avid whitewater rafting enthusiast or getting your feet wet for the first time, the Buena Vista area provides an opportunity for gentle rapids, advanced rafting, and everything in between.
Amenities here include electrical hookups, showers, free wifi, and onsite laundry. Pets are also allowed, although with some restrictions – so it may be best to check in advance about your particular furry friend. The park has a range of pricing options, with longer stays resulting in a lower per-day rate.
Lone Duck Campground
Nestled at the base of Pikes Peak just outside of Colorado Springs, Lone Duck Campground is an ideal homebase for families looking to explore the beauty of the Colorado Rockies. Pikes Peak Highway, Garden of the Gods, and Cave of the Winds are all located just a short drive from the park, along with Mueller State Park and Rampart Reservoir. Whether it’s hiking, biking, swimming, boating, or fishing—there’s no shortage of nearby activities to take in the surrounding natural beauty.
Lone Duck is a family-owned campground and is open May through September. They offer full hookup, water/electric, and pull-through RV sites that each have their own fire pit and picnic table. Guests can also enjoy a heated pool, fishing pond, and arcade located in the park.
It’s Time to Plan Your Trip!
Ready to watch the sun rise over the Rockies? Then we’re here to help you book your trip. ReserveAmerica is your hub for researching and reserving your dream campsite – and we can even assist you with additional details, such as renting an RV or getting reimbursed for bad weather. Colorado campgrounds fill up fast, so don’t delay!