TL;DR: Explore Colorado's diverse landscapes and RV-friendly state parks. From water sports at Navajo to winter activities at Eleven Mile, adventure awaits at Arkansas Headwaters, Mueller, and Cherry Creek. Don't miss the beauty of Colorado's year-round natural wonders!
Colorado is home to so many different landscapes and extensive natural beauty. Over one-third of the state is owned publicly, and this includes lands such as national parks, national and state forests, national monuments, state parks and more. While its four national parks may typically receive more attention, Colorado’s state parks are equally spectacular. Filled with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, water sports, and so much more, Colorado’s forty-two state parks offer something for everyone in a variety of unique environments that are beautiful year-round. Since most Colorado state parks have campgrounds for RVs, these make for the perfect location for your next RV vacation. Follow along to read about five of the most popular parks for RVers.
1. Navajo State Park
Located along the southern Colorado-New Mexico border, Navajo State Park is an ideal destination for those who love water sports. The fifteen thousand acre Navajo Reservoir is the highlight of the park, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The reservoir has two marinas for those who plan to bring their boat along. Around the lake and on the surrounding state park lands, visitors can find hiking and biking trails, picnicking areas, OHV riding trails, and several areas for winter sports, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
RV Camping at Navajo State Park
For RVers, there are several excellent campgrounds, most of which are located directly on the lake. Carracas Campground features sites with electrical hookups, while Rosa Campground has thirty-five full hookups sites including water, sewer and electrical hookups. Each can accommodate RVs up to fifty-five feet in length. Tiffany Campground has dry camping only for smaller RVs up to twenty-five feet, and there are several cabins on the lake for those who prefer to glamp. .
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2. Eleven Mile State Park
About fifty miles west of Colorado Springs, you will find Eleven Mile State Park outside of Lake George, Colorado. The park’s Elevenmile Reservoir creates opportunities for plenty of recreational activities. The most popular of these are hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, birding, and picnicking. For those who love winter, there is also plenty to do here once the snowy season begins. This includes ice fishing, ice skating, winter camping, and ice boating.
RV Camping at Eleven Mile State Park
If you are visiting in your RV, you will find several excellent campgrounds to choose from. Rocky Ridge offers electrical hookups, while Witchers Cove and North Shore offer convenient access to the lake. Several other campgrounds are more primitive and secluded, offering a more peaceful environment. Make your Eleven Mile State Park Camping Reservations here.
3. Arkansas Headwaters State Park
Just outside of the small town of Salida, you will find Arkansas Headwaters State Park. This state park follows 152 miles of the Arkansas Headwaters, as it winds past several small towns and many picturesque views of the Rockies. The river is the main feature of the park, and white water rafting and boating are quite popular here. For beginners and intermediates, there are several well-established companies that will guide you on river adventures if you are so inclined. The area is also well-known for its rock climbing, gold panning, hiking, biking, fishing, and other activities.
RV Camping in Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Along the river’s edge, there are seven primitive campgrounds for RVs up to forty-two feet. None of these campgrounds offer hook-ups, but they are open for year-round enjoyment. Each is located along a different point of the river, so be sure to research which is best for you before booking your stay. Learn more about the camping area here.
4. Mueller State Park
About thirty miles west of Colorado Springs lies the popular Mueller State Park. Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular activities here. At different times throughout the year, visitors can see black bears, hawks, mule deer, and elk, as well as many different species of birds. With a series of mountainous peaks in the distance, many photographers tend to frequent this park. It is open year round for mountain biking, geocaching, hiking, hunting and camping. In the winter, Mueller State Park becomes a popular area for cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
RV Camping in Mueller State Park
There are 110 campsites with electrical hookups in the park’s campground. The campground also has a dump station and potable water available. In the fall and winter, the campground is still open, but only thirty-two sites are available. The dump station remains open, but only one potable water spigot stays on. If you plan to camp, book ahead because the sites fill up quickly. Book your Mueller State Park Campsite here.
5. Cherry Creek State Park
Cherry Creek State Park lies almost in Denver’s backyard and offers so many amazing things to see and enjoy. The park is situated around an 800-acre reservoir, complete with rolling hills and mountainscapes in the distance. The lake offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, boating, sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, and fishing. The trails surrounding the lake offer thirty-five miles of hiking and biking opportunities. With close proximity to Denver, there is also plenty to do outside the park, making this location ideal for Denver natives or those looking to see both the city and its surrounding natural beauty.
RV Camping at Cherry Creek State Park
Camping at Cherry Creek is by reservation only, and the sites tend to fill up very quickly. The campground offers full hook-ups sites, with 20 amp, 30 amp, and 50 amp electric available. One loop of sites is available to campers year-round, but the dump station closed for the winter season. Showers, laundry facilities, and bathrooms are also open year-round. Make your reservations for campsites at Cherry Creek State Park here.
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Camping in Colorado State Parks
Which Colorado state parks are best for RV camping?
Colorado has plenty of RV-friendly state parks, but Navajo State Park, Eleven Mile State Park, Arkansas Headwaters State Park, Mueller State Park, and Cherry Creek State Park are five great options. Depending on the park, RVers can enjoy everything from lakeside camping and water sports to hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and winter recreation.
Do Colorado state parks have RV hookups?
Hookup availability varies by park and campground. Navajo State Park offers sites ranging from dry camping to full hookups, while Mueller State Park has campsites with electrical hookups. Arkansas Headwaters State Park offers a more primitive camping experience without hookups, so check the amenities at your chosen campground before your trip.
Can you RV camp in Colorado state parks year-round?
Several Colorado state parks offer year-round camping, including Arkansas Headwaters, Mueller, and Cherry Creek, although the number of available campsites and amenities may change during the winter. If you're planning an off-season trip, check current campground availability and seasonal services before arriving.
Why Colorado's State Parks are Great for RV Camping
Colorado’s state parks are just as spectacular as its national parks. They are open year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of activities across the four seasons. With campgrounds located conveniently within each park’s boundaries, these parks are an RVers ideal vacation destination. They offer just as much spectacular nature and wildlife viewing as Colorado's national parks, without as much competition for camping reservations.
Love Colorado's state parks? You'll love them even more in the autumn season, when the aspens and the lower foliage change to hues of golden yellow and orange. Check out the video below filmed by our owner for more fall Colorado fun. If you're looking for Harvest Host locations, find all RV camping in Colorado we have to offer.
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