ESSENTIAL RV COLORADO:
10 UNFORGETTABLE DESTINATIONS IN THE CENTENNIAL STATE
by Meggen Taylor
ESSENTIAL RV COLORADO:
10 UNFORGETTABLE DESTINATIONS IN THE CENTENNIAL STATE
by Meggen Taylor
Colorado is home to some of the most diverse landscapes in America—ideal for road trippers to explore. The Rocky Mountain state’s majestic scenery spans historic sites, sun-kissed prairies and high plains, the rugged peaks of the Rockies, deserts, rambling rivers and red-rock canyons. There is truly something for everyone all year round.
Since there is so much to do in Colorado, we thought we would simplify your trip planning by rounding up ten of the best RV destinations—all you have to do is pack your rig and start exploring.
GLENWOOD CANYON RESORT
With the Colorado River running right through the property, the Glenwood Canyon Resort offers a front-row view of spectacular Glenwood Canyon. While the resort is just two miles east of Glenwood Springs (where you can shop, dine, visit spas or grab groceries), you will feel like you are in a world all of your own.
Whether you have a camper, fifth wheel, Class A RV or toy hauler, Glenwood Canyon Resort can accommodate you and your guests. Small RVs are able to set up shop right on the banks of the Colorado River while Big Rig RVs have sites with water, electric, and sewer with breathtaking views of the canyon and its towering walls the rise hundreds of feet into the Colorado sky.
Both sites are close to the No Name Bar & Grill, close to the resort’s zipline and high ropes adventure course, steps from Glenwood Canon’s recreational trails where you can walk or ride your bike, and minutes from the world-famous Glenwood Hot Spring Pool and the Hanging Lake Trail.
DAKOTA TERRACE CAMPGROUND AT RIDGWAY STATE PARK
Located in Ouray County, Ridgway State Park epitomizes the classic mountain forest, peaks, and ponds that you would find on a Colorado postcard. Nearby Dakota Terrace Campground is one of the only campgrounds in Ridgway that stays open all year round and offers electric and water, picnic areas, and showers and restrooms. (No sewer, although there is a dump station at the entrance to the campground.) If you are looking for expansive mountain views, sites 1 to 79 will be sure to deliver, and all guests enjoy walking distance to the reservoir and the swimming beach.
Visitors can indulge in fly fishing, ice climbing, hiking, and driving an hour to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park as well as the famed Telluride Ski Resort. For those looking to tap into some of the state’s rich mining history you can drive to Silverton to visit the museum, take a mining tour into the past and much more.
SNOWY PEAKS RV PARK IN BUENA VISTA
Buena Vista translates to “good view” and the views from Snowy Peaks RV Park will not disappoint. The campground is nestled in the foothills of the Collegiate Peaks of the Rocky Mountains (Colorado’s highest mountain range) and adjacent to the spectacular scenery of the upper Arkansas River where guests can whitewater raft, kayak, boat and fish.
Snowy Peaks offers guests both luxury and standard sites with full utility hookups, free cable, free Wi-Fi, patios, gas grills, a fire ring and personal lawns. The Park also offers guests private showers, a general store and an amenity-packed clubhouse with a full kitchen. Well-mannered dogs are also welcome.
For those seeking adventure, you can hike along miles of trails in the Collegiate Peaks or even attempt one of Colorado’s 14ers. You can whitewater raft down the Arkansas River or explore miles of mountain bike trails that cater to all levels of riders from beginners to experts. For those seeking less strenuous adventures the town of Buena Vista offers top-notch fishing, snowshoeing and dining.
ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND & RV RESORT
Located in Grand Lake, west of Rocky Mountain National Park, is Elk Creek Campground & RV Resort—a full-service resort that offers unprecedented seclusion. Each site is separated by green spaces, including grass and trees, that insulate RVers from neighbors as well as the rest of the world. The resort also offers incredibly clean restrooms and showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, “Honeywagon” service for on-site dumping, a playground, an arcade, a general store and abundant wildlife nearby. While the sites are relatively level with gravel and dirt, the resort is located on a hillside with breathtaking views. Pets are welcome but, to ensure that all guests are safe and have an enjoyable stay, the resort suggests reading their pet policies.
Guests can fish in the pond, play in the creek or visit Grand Lake with its wide array of activities—from shopping , theater, tennis, horseback riding, boating, hiking, museums, hot springs, and more.
MONUMENT RV RESORT IN FRUITA
For those looking for a high desert RVing experience, journey over the Rocky Mountains to Monument RV Resort in Fruita, Colorado, a full-service RV park complete with full hookups, restrooms and showers, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, a pool and a hot tub.
Guests can explore nearby Colorado National Monument to discover canyons, monoliths and stunning wind-carved landscapes that look like they are from another world. For those seeking a more athletic or thrill-seeking experience, you can bike (or drive) along Rim Rock Drive or kayak down the Colorado River.
Shoppers and those looking to eat out can explore nearby Grand Junction and the town’s western charm. If you are traveling with kids you can visit the Dinosaur Journey Museum in the Museum of Western Colorado to see some of the dinosaurs that roamed western Colorado and North America millions of years ago.
OURAY RV PARK AND CABINS
Open year round and located a half mile from downtown Ouray is Ouray RV Park and Cabins—known as the “Switzerland of America” with quaint shops and restaurants and a short river walk to the town’s hot springs. Situated on 7.5 acres alongside the Uncompaghre River, the site is surrounded by breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains from every RV site with waterfalls close by.
The park’s amenities include a commercial laundromat, beautifully tiled showers, high-speed Wi-Fi, an onsite Café & Steakhouse, game room and more. Toy haulers, Jeep and ATV enthusiasts can enjoy wide-open spaces in partnership with Colorado West Jeeps and Tours, which offers special rates for registered guests, and park pickup service—including help getting your UTV to and from the trail. For convenience, the Ouray Hiking & Jeep Trails can be accessed right from the Park.
ARROWHEAD POINT RESORT
Located on the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway in Buena Vista, Colorado, Arrowhead Point Resort is a 23-acre property that houses an original bunkhouse, stable and tack room from the 1800s and is home to the original 1800s Pony Express and Stage Coach Stop.
The campground can accommodate the smallest to the largest RVs on the market (up to 60 feet) with plenty of room for slide outs. The newly upgraded RV sites have electric and sewer hookups with plenty of water, fire pits and picnic tables to make your stay even more enjoyable. Other amenities include a camp store, volleyball net, badminton, a horseshoe pit, a kids playground, laundry and restroom facilities, Wi-Fi, a dog kennel and boarding service (for an additional fee), activity booking services for rafting, horseback riding, and jeep and bike tours as well as an espresso bar.
TIGER RUN RESORT
Situated between the pristine Swan and Blue Rivers and sheltered by the majestic Ten Mile Mountain Range, Tiger Run Resort is Breckenridge, Colorado’s premier all-season resort that offers full-service RV sites.
The location provides year-round activities and sightseeing right outside your doorstep. Guests can visit neighboring historic towns and communities with top-notch dining and unique shopping experiences. There are also more than 60 miles of scenic trails and bike paths nearby stretching from Breckenridge to the famous Vail ski resort. If you like to fly fish you can test your skills in the crystal clear Gold Medal waters of both adjacent rivers. If you want to hit the slopes, you can ski at one of more than a half dozen world-famous ski areas in Summit County, most within 15 minutes of the resort.
Tiger Run Resort offers a variety of site types based on the size of your RV pad and your preference for individual site amenities and location within the park. All sites consist of a concrete pad, grassy area, picnic table, free Wi-Fi and cable service, full water hookups, sewer and 30/50 amp electric service with heated water risers so you can visit all year round. Resort amenities include a clubhouse with a pool, hot tubs, a fitness center, game room, locker rooms and laundry facilities.
GATEWAY RV PARK
Located in beautiful Carbondale, Colorado and nestled on the banks of the Roaring Fork River, Gateway RV Park offers the perfect seasonal sanctuary and location. The park, which is owned by the town of Carbondale, is located in the heart of the Central Rocky Mountains in the Roaring Fork Valley. Carbondale is also the “gateway” to one of the most scenic drives in all of Colorado, The West Elk Scenic & Historic Byway.
Gateway RV Park offers breathtaking views of Mount Sopris and is located just above The Bob Terrell State Wildlife Area, which provides an easily accessible boat ramp and offers access to the Gold medal Fishing Waters of the lower Roaring Fork River. The location is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Guests can engage in rafting, kayaking, hiking, road and mountain biking, climbing, fishing, and golf. Carbondale is home to both the Roaring Fork and Crystal Rivers, but is also a few minutes from the Colorado and Frying Pan Rivers, which are known for both their stunning scenery and amazing trout fishing. If that wasn’t enough, Gateway RV Park is alongside the paved Rio Grande Trail that stretches 44 miles from Aspen to Glenwood Springs and is perfect for jogging, roller blading and even cross country skiing in the winter.
There are some specific rules for RVs so, if this location piques your interest, you should read over the requirements.
THE VIEWS RV PARK & CAMPGROUND
Located in the southwest corner of Colorado, The Views RV Park & Campground provides the ideal location to see stunning views of vistas from four states—New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah.
Situated on 42 acres of new trails, the park sits directly across the entrance to the McPhee Reservoir where guests can fish, boat, kayak and paddleboard. The Views RV Park and Campground is the perfect base for hunting in the fall and for high mountain, desert and Mesa Verde adventures all year round.
The park offers large full hookup RV sites, a pavilion with BBQ grills, a newly remodeled bathhouse with showers in the lower loop of the property and free Wi-Fi.
No matter where you decide to visit while RVing through the Centennial State this year, there’s something for everyone all year round—stunning landscapes, adrenaline pumping adventure, family-friendly activities, historic towns and culture, and award-winning food and events. These must-visit RV parks and resorts will put you at the center of the action (or quiet) while offering the amenities and comforts of a hotel on the road. If you stay long enough, you’ll probably chock your wheels and you won’t want to leave.
When traveling, being well-rested is crucial to fully enjoying all the sights and activities. Be sure to read our article on the Best RV Mattress options of the year for a guide on upgrading your sleep on the road!