The Best RV Parks and Campgrounds in Western Colorado
The Best RV Parks and Campgrounds in Western Colorado
Reserve a Campground in Western Colorado
Western Colorado is often referred to as the “Western Slope” because of its location. It is called this simply because it lies west of the Continental Divide. The state of Colorado has 64 counties with a multitude of different topography, but this particular area has its own variety of climates ranging from desert to mountain.
The Western Colorado counties includes Delta, Dolores, Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Gunnison, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mesa, Moffat, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, San Juan, San Miguel, and Summit counties, but also includes portions of Archuleta, Mineral, and Saguache counties. This may come as a surprise to many, but the Western Slope of Colorado is known best for its vineyards. Palisade is famous for its wines and the world-renown Palisade peaches. These varying climate zones also offer a vast array of recreational opportunities like biking, hiking, rock climbing and some of the best skiing in Colorado – if not the world – is found in Western Colorado. In the western part of the state you’ll find premium skiing resorts like Aspen, Snowmass, Telluride and Vail. And, the Western Slope area reaches as far east as the popular Summit County. Here you’ll find the Breckenridge Ski Resort and an entire town chocked full of shops, restaurants and bars and although they aren’t really “west”, they are considered to be part of Western Colorado since they are technically west of the Continental Divide.
Although Western Colorado only has 10% of the state’s population, it accounts for more than 38% of the state’s land, making it a paradise for people looking to get away and enjoy what nature has to offer. It is said that the Western Slope of Colorado is the only place in the state where “the quiet enjoyment of nature is a right, not a privilege!”
Things to Do in Western Colorado
In sharp contrast with the eastern part of the state, sparsely populated Western Colorado is quite different than the more cosmopolitan eastern section. Hot springs, rolling green grasslands, steep-sided cliffs, red rock outcroppings and mountain lakes are just a few of the outdoor attractions that Western Colorado has in store for you. The lower portion of the western side of the state is known as the Gunnison Valley. This area has a rich history that dates back millions of years with prehistoric petroglyphs and dinosaur fossils to explore, but also offers a myriad of diverse cultural activities including its many art galleries, film festivals and western-style rodeos. Palisade is home to over two dozen local wineries and tasting rooms. Western Colorado also has literally thousands of lakes and rivers surrounded by acres and acres of aspen tree forests. In fact, the Western Slope has over 70% of the state’s water. You can hike to the waterfalls at Rifle Falls State Park and you can also visit the world’s largest flat-topped mountain, known as the Grand Mesa in Western Colorado.
The largest city in Western Colorado is Grand Junction. Here you will find a small-town college vibe and students from Colorado Mesa University enjoying the downtown area with its shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars or floating the river in giant tubes. Winter sports enthusiasts flock to the Western Slope’s ski resorts small and large; areas like Powderhorn, Copper Mountain, Telluride, Vail and Beaver Creek, to name just a few.
How to Get to Western Colorado
Western Slope cities are separated from what is termed the “Front Range.” Colorado’s Front Range is defined as areas of the state located east of the Continental Divide. Approximately 60 miles west of Denver, the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel carries travelers on the east / west Interstate 70 under the Continental Divide to the Western Slope. Highway 50 holds another option to reach the cities you’ll find in western Colorado. And, Highway 40 will get you there as well, but you’ll be traveling over Rabbit Ears Pass and the dreaded Berthoud Pass; two mountain passes that may not always be recommended for winter driving and towing.
There is an abundance of lodging opportunities you can take advantage of when exploring the western part of Colorado, but camping is an extremely popular way to take in all that this nature-filled area offers, especially in the warmer months. Be sure to come ready for anything regardless of the season that you choose to travel to Western Colorado as it’s not all that unusual to get a little snow storm even on the Fourth of July and “traditional seasons” are not to be relied on.
As we mentioned previously, the counties of Western Colorado have about 70% of the state’s total water resources, so aquatic activities are abundant in this part of the state. Along with the ski areas that we have also spoken about, there are many national forests located in Western Colorado. Of the state’s 11 national forests, the Western Slope is home to the White River National Forest, the Gunnison National Forest, Uncompahgre National Forest, the Grand Mesa National Forest and the San Juan National Forest. And, as you can imagine, there are many camping opportunities on either public land or at independent campgrounds throughout Western Colorado.
Below, we will tell you about some of them and divide them by the counties which they are located.
RV Parks and Campgrounds in Mesa County, Colorado
Mesa County is located approximately 250 miles west of Denver. It is comprised of the Western Colorado cities of Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, Clifton, Mesa, Whitewater, Molina, Mack, Loma, Gateway, Redlands, Collbran, DeBeque and Orchard Mesa. Although this is an incomplete listing of cities within Mesa County, the entire county has only about 155,000 people living in it. The county encompasses 3,341 square miles and about 73% of it is controlled by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
RV Parks and Campgrounds in Fruita, CO - Book Now
James M Robb-Colorado River State Park – Fruita Section, CO - 361 32 Rd, Clifton, CO 81520
You can fish, have a picnic, watch the wildlife and enjoy the scenery all from the James M Robb - Colorado River State Park Campground. This facility has 63 campsites for you to choose from. There are 22 sites with full hookups, 22 electric sites and 13 tent sites plus a group camping area. Coin operated showers and laundry facility are available on site. Visitor center, dump station, camper services building and ranger station are located in the park, as well. This park has 890 acres divided into five different sections, each having access to the river.
Monument RV Resort - 607 CO-340, Fruita, CO 81521
From 95 foot pull thru sites to tent sites, this RV resort has a variety of camping options. The Monument RV Resort is the closest full-service RV park to the Colorado National Monument and located directly across the street from James R. Robb State Park and its Colorado River access. Walk from your campsite to 16 different eateries. A short drive will get you to shopping, festivals, museums and seasonal farmer’s markets plus the Adobe Creek National Golf Course is nearby also. This golf course offers 27 holes of golf on three separate nine-hole courses.
RV Parks and Campgrounds in Grand Junction, CO - Book Now
Grand Junction KOA, CO - 2819 Highway 50, Grand Junction CO 81503
A family owned and operated campground, this park has a swimming pool, outdoor movie theater, playground, mini golf, a game room with ping pong, billiards and air hockey…more than enough to keep everyone in the family entertained. Pedal carts and bikes available, too! Choose from standard or deluxe RV sites, cabins and tent camping sites. All sites come with WiFi and cable. There is also a laundry and a unique gift store on-site for your convenience. Here you can also purchase firewood and propane. This campground can host RVs with a 80 foot maximum length.
RV Parks and Campgrounds Near Grand Junction, CO
Highline Lake State Park – 1800 11.8 Road, Loma, CO 81524 - Book Now
This campground is open year-round and can be reserved for up to six months in advance. A true oasis in the desert, it’s a great place to base camp and explore the Grand Junction area and all its various attractions. There are three walk-in tent-only sites available but you may set up tents anywhere on the grassy area behind the campsites. RVs are not allowed on the grass. This campground welcomes anglers, campers, families and groups. Birders will love this location; the Audubon Society designated Highline Lake State Park as an important bird area with thousands of bird species migrating through this area. Hot showers and laundry facilities are located in the camper services building and the dump station, water spigots and dumpsters are available all 12 months during the year. Winter campers will find the mild climate generally gets relatively little snow.
James M Robb-Colorado River State Park – Island Acres Section, CO - 1055 I-70, Palisade, CO 81526
This is another one of the “sections” of James M Robb-Colorado River State Park that we spoke of previously. Island Acres is found on the eastern side of the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park and provides a choice of full hook-ups, electric hook-ups or walk-in tent sites and is just five miles east of Palisade, Colorado. This Park features three fishing lakes, a swimming hole, and a spectacular surrounding backdrop of the Debeque Canyon walls.. The James M. Robb Colorado River State Park is known as being a peaceful and beautiful location with lots of spacious, level sites.
RV Parks and Campgrounds in Moffat County, Colorado
Moffat County is the second largest county in Colorado with 4751 square miles of area but a population of only 13,000. The county is known for being the home to portions of the Dinosaur National Monument. There are over 1,500 dinosaur fossils exposed on the cliff face in the exhibit hall, although these are primarily on the Utah side of the 210,844 acres that comprise this monument.
RV Parks and Campgrounds Near Dinosaur National Park
Backcountry Campsites on Ward Family Ranchette / Dinosaur National Monument 1, Colorado – Camping & Campgrounds – US-40, Dinosaur, CO 81610
This pet friendly, 5 acre property is located at the corner of the historic K Ranch at the front of the Dinosaur National Monument. The campground is suited for both tent and RV camping and there is year-round access off of Highway 40. On-site amenities include cell coverage, trash, toilet and there are solar generators available for rental.
RV Parks and Campgrounds in Garfield County, Colorado
Named for a former U.S. President, Garfield County in Western Colorado is home to approximately 62,000 people. Glenwood Springs is the county seat and the county’s largest town.
RV Parks and Campgrounds Near Carbondale, CO - Book Now
Carbondale / Crystal River KOA, CO RV Parks and Campgrounds – 7202 Highway 133, Carbondale, CO 81623
The Crystal River KOA in Carbondale, Colorado has 24 RV sites, 15 tent sites and 13 old-west themed log cabins for your overnight stay. Located just six miles from the town of Carbondale, it is under 20 miles to Glenwood Springs and their famous therapeutic hot springs and just 35 miles from the glitzy, sophisticated resort town of Aspen. Enjoy hiking, hunting, whitewater rafting, horses, jeep tours, golf and fly-fishing. Be sure and check out quaint little Redstone, Colorado and its famous castle. RVs under 110 foot lenth are welcome.. So beautiful, you won’t ever want to leave!
RV Parks and Campgrounds Near Glenwood Springs, CO - Book Now
Glenwood Springs West / Colorado River KOA, CO - 629 River Frontage Road
Silt CO 81652
Sitting only 17 miles west of Glenwood Springs and located on the Colorado River, this KOA campground lies adjacent to the town of Silt. Here you will find RV sites, cabins, teepees and tent sites available for rent. There is a convenience store, lounge, library, playground, heated pool, laundry, hot tub, sauna and showers with changing rooms, along with on-site boat launch and dump station. Whether you’re wanting a deluxe pull thru site or an economical back-in site, the Glenwood Springs West / Colorado River KOA can accommodate you. They can host RVs up to a maximum length of 95 foot.
RV Parks and Campgrounds in Delta County, Colorado
Delta County has only 31,196 residents as of the 2020 Census. Cities that are in the county include Delta, Cedaredge, Crawford, Orchard City, Hotchkiss and Paonia.
Next Time Around Campsite, CO – Orchard City, Colorado
Located just 90 minutes from Telluride and less than an hour from Palisade, Colorado, this semi-secluded campgrounds has plenty of nearby activities to keep restless campers busy. When you stay on this privately owned 8.5 acres (it has its own stream!) and they will provide you the necessary amenities to off-grid camp so that you don’t have to pack and drag your gear along. Just bring your bedding, flashlights and toilet paper then just sit back and make some memories. There are nearby wineries, a drive-in theater and multiple places to eat. Parking on site. Pet friendly.
Valley Sunset RV Ranch RV Parks and Campgrounds - 1675 CO-92, Delta, CO 81416
A family-owned RV park, Valley Sunset RV Ranch offers camp spots with full utilities. There are also tent sites and two cabins that you can rent. Unwind in the outdoor pool or game room. Wednesday nights are Texas Hold’em time! Propane, ice and snacks are sold on-site for your convenience.
Crawford State Park, CO RV Parks and Campgrounds - 40468 CO-92, Crawford, CO 81415
This is a retreat that jet skiers, boaters, sailors and water skiers will enjoy in the summer but where the biggest interest is from anglers because of the the perch, pike, bass and crappie fishing fround at Crawford State Park. Scuba diving and swimming is also permitted in the designated swim area. Crawford State Park is close to the Black Canyon and the Blue Mesa Reservoir, so there is always a lot to do but don’t forget that the winter months offer snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling and ice fishing, too!
RV Parks and Campgrounds in Gunnison County, Colorado - Book Now
Gunnison County is home to cities like Marble, Crested Butte and, of course, its namesake, Gunnison Colorado. In this county you’ll find a national forest, a national recreational area, fishing, museums, ghosts town, mill and jaw-dropping scenery.
Gunnison, KOA, CO - 105 County Road 50, Gunnison CO 81230
100% grass-covered sites and its only eight miles from Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in Colorado. Fish, bike, hike, raft and shop, all within minutes of your site. The campground has its own stocked trout pond where you can catch-and-keep for a fee. 100 foot maximum pull thru length for RVs. Propane and firewood are available on- site.
Blue Mesa Outpost - 940 Cove Rd, Gunnison, CO 81230
Overlooking the largest body of water in the state, Blue Mesa Outpost offers RV sites with full hookups, fully furnished, modern cabins and primitive tent sites. Close to the Black Canyon, Gunnison National Park and the Dillon Pinnacles and the Curecanti Recreational Area the resorts sits on a bluff for spectacular views. The Lake Fork marina is about a mile away and has a boat launch, slip and boat rentals. Why limit your options? Blue Mesa Outpost is close to Gunnison, Crested Butte, Pitkin, Lake City and Montrose. Facilities include video gaming, free library, DVDs, fire rings and tables, playground and a game room with pool table. One RV and one car allowed in each RV site and overflow parking for visitors, boats, ATVs, etc. is available at no extra charge. Pets welcome with stipulations.
RV Parks and Campgrounds Near Gunnison, Colorado - Book Now
Firewood Campsite, CO - 8547-8651 Highway 149, Powderhorn, CO 81243
Bring your tent and camping gear to this privately owned land. Camp amongst the ponderosa pines in a valley that overlooks the West Elk Mountain and is within walking distance of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. Four wheel drive vehicles are not necessary but suggested since the campsite are only accessible from a dirt road. Bring a camp potty with you,too. Outdoor shower and soaking tub available for a fee. This campground is pet friendly.
RV Parks and Campgrounds in Montrose County, Colorado - Book Now
The city of Montrose and Olathe call Montrose County home. An hour south of Grand Junction, in this Western Colorado county you’ll find everything from restaurants and museums to breweries, outdoor recreation and breathtaking scenery like the type you’ll see at the Black Canyon National Park.
Aspen Leaf, Colorado – Camping & Campgrounds – Forest Road 406, Montrose, CO 81403
Located in the Uncompahgre National Forest and built in the 1930s as a home base for the Forest Service employees working in the area, Aspen Leaf is one of the three cabins that you can rent for your stay in Western Colorado. Hiking, mountain biking and off-road vehicle trails are popular activities here. The cabin sleeps 6 adults and has one bathroom/shower. It is a non-electric cabin so plan to bring battery or propane lanterns – no kerosene lanterns are allowed. Cleaning supplies and basic cooking / eating utensils are furnished. There is a propane stove and refrigerator for your convenience.
Open mid-June through mid-October.
Montrose / Black Canyon National Park KOA, CO - 200 N Cedar St, Montrose, CO 81401
A great base camp for your Western Colorado adventure. Close to the Black Canyon, Crested Butte, Durango, Ouray, Silverton and Telluride and located is also just blocks from downtown Montrose. Plan to play a round of golf, dine in a fine restaurant, hike on the many trails, fly fish in the rivers…the activities are endless. Offering big rig sites with a maximum pull thru length of 75 feet, camping cabins, deluxe cabins and tent sites. Hot tub and sauna. Dog park.
RV Parks and Campgrounds in Ouray County, Colorado - Book Now
Ouray, Colorado is known as the “Switzerland of America” because the town is surrounded by high mountain peaks and has a natural alpine environment. Once a thriving silver and gold mining town, the Ouray of today offers a quaint, mountain town feel and plenty of outdoor recreation. Ouray boasts a year-round hot springs pool that is open to the public. In the winter, Ouray is considered the ice-climbing capital of the U.S. The annual Ice Fest brings the world’s top ice climbers to town for competition and exhibitions.
Ouray KOA, CO - US Hwy 550 - CR23, Ouray CO 81427
Located next to the Uncompahgre River, the Ouray KOA sits at 7,250 feet in elevation. This KOA has accommodations for up to a 80 foot RV length. There is a snack bar, hot tub, yoga and exercise areas, sauna, pavilion, gift shop, camp store and playground. Nearby the campground you’ll find area attractions including golfing, fly-fishing, white water rafting, kayaking, biking and hiking. The on-site Creekside Café offers breakfast and you can also grab some Texas mesquite-style BBQ and live music - right on the creek! This is a feature three nights a week during the summer.
Amphitheater (Co), Colorado – Camping & Campgrounds - Ouray, CO 81427
Located above the town of Ouray, the “amphitheater” for which this campground is named was formed by the explosion of a volcano. This campsite is best suited for tents and smaller RVs and trailers. Maximum length cannot exceed 35 feet. Vault toilets and drinking water is available for your convenience. This campground has two ADA campsites.
RV Parks and Campgrounds near Ouray County, Colorado
Ridgway State Park, CO - 28555 Highway 550, Ridgway, CO 81432
This campground is close to everything good that Ouray County has to offer. Only 21 miles southeast of Montrose and 14 miles northeast of Ouray, Ridgway State Park is situated about 300 miles southwest of Denver and the front range. Offering universally accessible recreation areas with activities centered around a five mile long reservoir, this state park has picnic and playground areas, trails galore and diverse wildlife for year round outdoor enthusiasts. There is a sandy beach and beach house, too! There are 283 campsites; plenty of room for your trailer, camper, motor home or tent. This part has ADA access and offers pop and candy machines, fishing licenses, firewood, a dump station, general store, boat ramp and buoy/slip rentals. Three yurts are also available for rental.
RV Parks and Campgrounds in Eagle County, Colorado - Book Now
Eagle County Colorado has a number of towns to explore. There is Eagle, Avon, Gypsum, Edwards and the most-famous Eagle County town – Vail. But don’t be confused…there is also the town of EagleVail. This is not the town of Eagle nor the town of Vail, but its own community of around 4000 people.
RV Parks and Campgrounds near Vail, Colorado
Sylvan Lake State Park, CO - 10200 Brush Creek Rd, Eagle, CO 81631 - Book Now
Sylvan Lake State Park, CO - 10200 Brush Creek Rd, Eagle, CO 81631
An outdoor haven in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Sylvan Lake is surrounded by the White River National Forest. There are 44 campsites to accommodate tents, RVs and trailers, plus 9 cabins and 3 yurts are available for overnight stays, as well. 34 sites in the Elk Run Campground have views of water. 10 sites in the Fisherman’s Paradise Campground offer pull thru and back in sites near the lake. The park has a boat launch ramp, camper services building, dump station, group campground, interpretive programs, showers, visitor center and ranger station. Hunting, horse riding, hiking, fishing, biking, photography, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, wildlife watching…phew! too many activities to list. Firewood is available on site.
RV Parks and Campgrounds Near Paonia State Park, CO
Bassam Guard Station, Colorado – Camping & Campgrounds - 10556 LA-20, Hartsel, CO 80449
Stay in an original 1911 forest guard log cabin at 9,700 feet! This remote 14x16 foot back country cabin will provide guests a full sized bed, table with two chairs, a propane stove for cooking and a wood burning stove for heat. Cabin sleeps two but there is room for an additional six people to camp outside in tents or a camper. Horses welcome, with stipulations. There is a hand pump for water. You can collect your own wood for campfires. Enjoy hunting, horseback riding, boating, fishing and biking. Located near the Browns Canyon National Monument. Motorized vehicles – including bikes – are not allowed but OHV riding can be done on designated roads and trails.. Take a day trip to St. Elmo and visit the historic buildings that remain from the glory days – including the old saloon, or head to the Arkansas River for rafting, fishing and kayaking.
Surrounded by the White River National Forest this setting offers a great spot for camping, picnicking, hiking and photography. Choose from 44 campsites – 34 with views of the lake or creek. Nine sites include pull through or back in accommodations. There are also nine cabins and three yurts available for rental for overnight stays. Tents, trailers and RVs welcome. There are no individual hookups. Flush toilets and coin showers are available in the summer months. Drinking water and vault toilets are available all year. There is a dump station on site for your convenience. They have a boat launch ramp and visitor center, too. In the winter you can cross country ski, snowmobile, snow fishing and snow shoe. Summer offers hiking, fishing, picnicking and boating. A group campground is also available.
These are just a few of the counties and attractions of Western Colorado and the camping opportunities that you’ll find in the area. So if you’re looking for your next adventure, perhaps you should heed the advice from by-gone days and “head west, young (or old) man (or woman)!”