Best Camping near Glenwood Springs, CO
Camping near Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is a fantastic destination for camping enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, this area offers a variety of campgrounds that cater to different preferences, from established sites with full amenities to more rustic, dispersed camping options. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors, enjoy some family time, or simply relax by a river, Glenwood Springs has something for everyone.
In this guide, we'll cover what you can do while camping near Glenwood Springs, what campers like and dislike about the area, essential things you should know, tips for camping with families, and advice from RVers. We'll also highlight specific campgrounds to help you plan your perfect camping trip.
What to do
Glenwood Springs is a hub for outdoor activities. From hiking and fishing to exploring waterfalls and hot springs, there's no shortage of things to do.
One popular activity is hiking to Hanging Lake, a stunning natural wonder. According to Lee D., "This campground is located right on I70 so you will definitely hear highway noise (and occasional train noise). The sites are stacked on a hillside and as would be expected in an RV park, there is little separation/privacy between sites."
Another must-visit spot is the Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Lisa D. recommends it, saying, "We took a day trip to the Iron Mountain Hot Springs (fun!) and to the Rifle River waterfalls (an easy little hike but WOW! Cool waterfalls and caves to explore!)."
For those who love water activities, the Colorado River offers excellent opportunities for rafting and fishing. Jennifer H. shares, "The splash pad, park, pool, hot tub, and shower facility were all new and super clean. Wonderful facilities all around."
What campers like
Campers appreciate the natural beauty and variety of campgrounds near Glenwood Springs. Many campgrounds offer stunning views, clean facilities, and friendly staff.
For instance, Rifle Gap State Park Campground is praised for its well-maintained facilities and beautiful scenery. Michal J. says, "Excellent experience! The staff was incredibly kind and friendly. Views are unreal and bonfires at night are next level."
Another favorite is Ami's Acres Campground. Paul B. notes, "Super friendly hosts and no problem finding a spot without reservation. Really close to the I-70 but still nice and quiet for the night."
Campers also love the Glenwood Springs West/Colorado River KOA. Dana M. mentions, "Spotless bathrooms and sites! We were only passing through and needed one night to stay. Arrived after office hours but late arrival registration was easy and we got a site no problem."
What you should know
While camping near Glenwood Springs is generally a positive experience, there are a few things you should be aware of.
Some campgrounds, like Rifle Gap State Park Campground, can be a bit pricey. Ben R. points out, "It was $28/night for the walk-in tent sites, which is a little outside of our budget but we decided to swing it because we wanted to shower. Turned out that the showers cost extra, so bring cash."
Noise can also be an issue at some campgrounds. Keewi W. mentions, "This is a great stop for a night. The campground is right on the river which is very nice but it's right on 70 so the road noise is pretty loud all night."
Additionally, some campgrounds have limited amenities. Clément S. notes about Rifle Falls State Park Campground, "Simple services if you use this campsite with an RV. No shower. 3 water spots reachable with a vehicle. No service with AT&T."
Tips for camping with families
Camping with family can be a rewarding experience, especially in a place as beautiful as Glenwood Springs. Here are some tips to make your family camping trip enjoyable.
Choose a campground with family-friendly amenities. Jeremy L. recommends Rifle Gap State Park Campground, saying, "This campground is great for a family site. Has a lake to swim/boat in as well as plenty of hiking trails around. Nice clean bathrooms with hot showers and flushable toilets."
Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. Jennifer H. shares, "The splash pad, park, pool, hot tub, and shower facility were all new and super clean. Wonderful facilities all around."
Consider the location and accessibility. Rachel H. found Four Mile Road Dispersed to be a perfect spot, saying, "We camped here for two nights. Its location was perfect for our next day Hanging Lake hike followed by a soak at Iron Mountain hot springs as both are less than an hour away from here."
Tips from RVers
RVers have specific needs and preferences when it comes to camping. Here are some tips from experienced RVers who have camped near Glenwood Springs.
Check the site layout and amenities. Carrie R. had some issues at Redstone White River National Forest, noting, "The hookups were all in the back corner of the site, which only reached one trailer in our site. We had no idea we would need double-length power and water to reach the 2nd trailer."
Be prepared for road conditions. Renee G. advises, "Definitely need 4WD to get here. The side roads that you need to take to reach the camp sites are not maintained."
Consider the noise level. Dominik mentions about Gypsum Campground, "Quick stop near I70. We arrived late at night, ~9pm, got probably last spot. A lot of space for a car and tent, very private areas. This campsite offers quite spectacular views in the morning compensate a bit noise from the road."
By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable camping experience near Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, the natural beauty and variety of activities make this area a top choice for campers.
