View Full Version : RV Guys, help a newb out - Good camp spots
glocktoberfest
06-19-2019, 10:51
I just got a RV (trailer) and was wondering if anybody could recommend some places to use it. I'm interested in both the hookup parks as well as boondocking.
Thanks guys.
YouTube is showing me ads for River run RV Resort in Granby, CO. Seems timely.
I spent most of my time on the 285, 24, 126, 67 loop. There are a lot of places both national forest access and camping sites; the farther from Denver you get, the better it gets. It's crowded now...weekends are a mess. You can use the Colorado Parks and Wildlife camping sites to get started...a lot of that requires reservations awhile in advance. https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/camping.aspx. I always took trails back to secluded camping spots that had a good shooting area, but a lot of those are shut down now...part of the roadless crap. I spent a lot time just exploring on that loop in my Jeep finding places that I wanted to camp. The Buena Vista area is awesome, and there is a lot to do there. The Chaffee County range is a great place to visit.
When you camp, what activities do you want to do?
Martinjmpr
06-19-2019, 12:23
We have been RV campers since 2012. Don't really like "RV parks" or commercial resorts and prefer National Forest and State parks. However, for most of them the reservation window is 180 days and they get fully booked within a day or two after the reservation window opens, at least for the ones along the I-70 and US-285 corridor.
Use Recreation.gov to search for Federal sites (both National Forest, National Park and other Federal campgrounds) and for state, use the state park web site (google it.) Keep in mind that since 2018 you have to have a Customer ID (CID) number to reserve state park campgrounds, even if you are booking through a 3rd party site like ReserveAmerica.com.
There are a few "gems" out there if you are willing to go off the beaten path and/or drive a little. Anything close to Denver or I-70 will likely be booked solid and crowded during Summer.
There are also a lot of places you can 'boondock" with an RV (i.e. "dispersed camping" in the Forest or BLM land.) For those, you want to try and get there early to get a good site since it's all first come/first served.
BushMasterBoy
06-19-2019, 12:33
How big is the RV? Cache Creek west of Granite in Chafee County. Pan for gold, stay there for two weeks free. No facilities as it is wilderness camping.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=BvtbzK2uNmY
glocktoberfest
06-19-2019, 12:49
when with family in the RV, probably hiking/biking.
When you camp, what activities do you want to do?
glocktoberfest
06-19-2019, 12:52
it's a 22 footer. just enough for my small family. This place sounds interesting. i'll have to check it out.
How big is the RV? Cache Creek west of Granite in Chafee County. Pan for gold, stay there for two weeks free. No facilities as it is wilderness camping.
My kids are little, so we like full service parks. Fun Valley in South Fork is pretty neat if you like to fish. The Rio Grand runs right through it.
ruthabagah
06-19-2019, 19:35
I just got a RV (trailer) and was wondering if anybody could recommend some places to use it. I'm interested in both the hookup parks as well as boondocking.
Thanks guys.
buena vista koa. its the best commercial one out there. search for white star camping ground, near twin lakes.
glocktoberfest
06-19-2019, 21:46
24/7 Walmarts
i'm afraid i'll fall asleep and everything worth more than 5 bucks on the outside will be stripped off the rv.
spqrzilla
06-19-2019, 22:31
My favorite campground is in Redstone on the highway 133 south of Carbondale. Its on the Crystal river which I like to fish. There is a lot of undeveloped national forest and BLM land west of Craig that is open to camping just north of the Yampa.
And I like camping along the eastern edge of the Flattops Wilderness. You can access some good sites off of Derby Loop on Derby Mesa, just northwest of Burns off the Colorado River.
BushMasterBoy
06-19-2019, 23:50
I have stayed at a few of these around Aspen. Nice and cool in the summer. Big plus is close to Aspen and Snowmass for restaurants and sometimes free shows. Down side is it can get really cold at night, but you can see the stars like no place else!
https://rootsrated.com/stories/5-top-spots-car-camping-around-aspen
glocktoberfest
06-20-2019, 05:34
looks like i'm out of luck for trying to find a spot for 4th of july weekend. Do any of you guys have recommendations for something off the beaten path where a tow behind can make it?
eddiememphis
06-20-2019, 18:13
Get some National Forest Maps and spread 'em out. Look at all the roads you can explore. Teach you kids to read maps and have them pick out places to stay.
National Forests are your land. You can stay there for free, you just have to move every fourteen days.
The farther you drive from Denver and the Springs, the easier it is to find a spot.
The 4th is tough. It's like deciding to go to a bar on New Year's Eve.
Flat Tops or Grand Mesa may be an option. Both have lakes and trails and free camping and are trailer friendly.
Remember!!! Use your transmission to keep your speed down when coming back to town.
Get in the right lane, put it in second and don't ride your brakes.
BushMasterBoy
06-20-2019, 19:50
Google Earth the area you want to stay at.
glocktoberfest
06-20-2019, 20:42
Thanks Eddie. I'll give this a shot.
Get some National Forest Maps and spread 'em out. Look at all the roads you can explore. Teach you kids to read maps and have them pick out places to stay.
National Forests are your land. You can stay there for free, you just have to move every fourteen days.
The farther you drive from Denver and the Springs, the easier it is to find a spot.
The 4th is tough. It's like deciding to go to a bar on New Year's Eve.
Flat Tops or Grand Mesa may be an option. Both have lakes and trails and free camping and are trailer friendly.
Remember!!! Use your transmission to keep your speed down when coming back to town.
Get in the right lane, put it in second and don't ride your brakes.
Fentonite
06-20-2019, 21:49
Due to some career changes, I just sold my prized little Class B, after completely restoring it, but before using it much. While saddened by the sale, I am somewhat heartened by the enthusiasm of the couple who bought it. I think it will be well used, and I feel good about the quality of vehicle I sold them. Too bad I didn’t get to explore all the places I planned. I will live vicariously through your future posts :)
It used to be...
My folks used to talk about the Army Corps of Engineers had a bunch camp sites. They said whenever the built something the would put it a camping site/area. They always had water and usually other stuff. They had pictures from camping areas that were almost empty on holidays.
This was 20 years ago so who knows if this is still an option. I have no idea where to find information.
Happy hunting.
glocktoberfest
06-21-2019, 08:14
my current plan is to find somebody that owns land and wouldn't mind a paid "squatter" on their land. i'll keep you guys in the loop.
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