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9 Best National & State Parks To RV in Colorado

Updated: Sep 20, 2023

Enjoy the best of what Colorado has to offer, plan your RV trip today. Here is a list of the best parks in Colorado to help you out.

National parks in colorado

Colorado Springs RV Parks is the second-largest city in the state. The area is home to more than 50 family-friendly attractions, which are sure to keep vacationers of all stripes occupied, as they're close to big city amenities and restaurants.


The perfect time to visit Colorado is in the fall when the brilliant yellow aspens are abundant. Winter is a season not to be missed because the snow seems to fall just long enough to be beautiful but not overstay it's welcome. Must-see events include the mild summers and wildflower-welcoming springs. The upside is whenever you choose to visit, you'll be in Colorado at the perfect time of year.


Here are some of the top places to visit in Colorado. The list does not end here there is so many options for you and the whole family!



estes park

The town of Estes Park is in northern Colorado. It is a base for the Rocky Mountain National Park, home to animals such as bears and wolves. The park's Trail Ridge Road leads past craggy peaks, forests, and tundra. The wilderness areas of Roosevelt National Forest are near. The summit of Prospect Mountain is reached by the Estes Park Aerial Tramway.


Rocky mountain national park

There are over 400 square miles of mountain views and hikes in the park. The park is great for Colorado RV trips with children. There is a 1-mile walk beside the Colorado River on the western side of the park, with great views of the Never Summer Mountains. Animals and birds can be seen in the area. You can see what life was like for a person in the harsh mountains at the Hiwan Homestead Museum. Hikers and backpackers can choose from an array of treks, including the 14er, Longs Peak. Longs is one of the most accessible mountains to climb for non-locals, as there are 53 of them over 14,000 feet tall.


Garden of the gods

Visit the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center and see one of the most photographed views in all of Colorado. The iconic red rock formations seem to rise up from out of nowhere, creating dramatic views against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. The whole family will have a great time looking at the names of each of the more famous formations and seeing if they can find them (the Kissing Camels are obvious, but the Sleeping Giant is a little harder to make out). The park features easy walking trails and is stroller and wheelchair friendly, but there are options for those who want a more extreme visit as well.


Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in southern Colorado. It’s known for huge dunes like the towering Star Dune, and for the seasonal Medano Creek and beach created at the base of the dunes. The backcountry Medano Pass Primitive Road winds through a canyon toward the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Trails lead to forests, wetlands and alpine lakes like Medano Lake, which is home to trout and tundra wildlife.


Sand-boarding, sledding, and skiing are permitted anywhere on the dune-field away from vegetated areas. From the main Dunes Parking Area, it's a minimum 0.7 mile (1km) hike to get to the small or medium-sized slopes; the top of the first high ridge is 1.25 miles. Smaller slopes at the base are fine for young children, while teens and adults may prefer longer slopes near the top of the first high ridge of dunes.


Ridgeway state park

Ridgway State Park is a year-round family camping destination. The 1,000-acre reservoir provides fishing and boating opportunities in the summer months, and campers also enjoy hiking, biking, and birdwatching. The yurts at Ridgway are a favorite for winter adventurers, keeping it comfortable with room for six, heat, electricity, and a microwave.


Roosevelt National Forest

If you're looking for a cool, mid-summer escape to the high country and access to some of the best fishing, hiking, and four-wheeling in the country, then this is definitely the place. Middle Saint Vrain Creek runs alongside the shaded campsites and through historical Allens park a short drive away. Rocky Mountain National Park is only 25 miles from the campground. Be prepared, amenities are limited; there are no hook-ups, dump stations, or showers, and there is no electricity.


Lake Pueblo State Park

With its vast stretches of water and 60 miles of shoreline, Lake Pueblo is a scenic spot for all kinds of recreation, whether you're into jet skiing or hiking. The steady breeze along the lake is ideal for a day of sailing or windsurfing, and anglers will find plenty of trout and bass to reel in. Mountain bike or walk through the park's extensive network of trails, where you'll see 200-year-old juniper trees, wildflower-covered hills and an array of wildlife, such as beavers, snapping turtles and burrowing owls.


Rifle falls state park

Named after its cascading waterfalls, Rifle Falls State Park is a picturesque escape, featuring limestone caves, easy hiking trails and accessible fishing areas along East Rifle Creek. Enjoy an alfresco lunch at one of the 10 picnic sites, which are all close to the falls and surrounded by lush foliage. Rifle Falls State Park Campground has 13 drive-in RV sites, which include electrical outlets, picnic tables, fire rings and shared water hydrants.


Pagosa springs

Flanked by two national forests, Pagosa Springs has a quaint, small-town feel with plenty to offer in terms of outdoor pursuits. Explore the backcountry trails of the San Juan Mountains, discover one of the area's roaring waterfalls, browse charming boutiques and museums in downtown Pagosa Springs, or unwind in the therapeutic heat of the natural hot springs. Sportsman's Campground is located 20 miles northwest of Pagosa Springs and offers 32 full hook-up RV sites, with perks like a fire pit, Wi-Fi, TV channels, laundry facilities and a playground.


More More More!

Check out some other wonderful places Colorado has to offer! Colorado is a magical place year-round and there is always something new to see or try!





2 comments

2 Comments


scollins970
Jul 29, 2021

Just FYI--there are no wolves in Estes Park at the current time. Colorado is planning on re-introducing wolves in the next couple of years, but it has not happened yet. There are a few that have migrated into Jackson County (Walden area) from Yellowstone, but that is not near Estes Park.

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Latch.it
Latch.it
Aug 04, 2021
Replying to

Hello S Collins! Thank you for letting us know! Wolves are absolutely amazing and we look forward to their re-introducing 😊

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