Dispersed camping options surround Alma, Colorado at elevations exceeding 10,000 feet in the Pike National Forest. Winter conditions can persist well into summer, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing at night even in July. Seasonal forest service roads typically open from late May through October, depending on snowpack and maintenance schedules.
What to do
Fishing at Turquoise Lake: Located near Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground, this area offers excellent fishing opportunities. "The lake is down this year and is quite," notes one camper, indicating water levels can vary seasonally.
Gold panning: Try your luck at Middlefork RV Resort where on-site gold panning attracts visitors. "This place has on-site gold panning! I cant give this place much praise but the gold panning did it for me!" shares a reviewer who appreciated this unique activity.
Historic exploration: Visit the South Park Living History event in Fairplay, accessible from local RV parks. "We were there when Fairplay had it's Living History event in town and really enjoyed that," writes a camper who stayed at Middlefork RV Resort.
Mountain trails: Access segments of the Colorado Trail directly from Tiger Run RV Resort. "Multiple segments of the Colorado trail are accessible right from the park," notes a visitor who appreciated the hiking convenience.
What campers like
Access to mountain towns: Campers value proximity to historic mining communities. "We loved the town of Fairplay which has some nice restaurants, ice cream shop, and a coffee shop and much more," writes a visitor at Middlefork RV Resort.
Clean facilities: RV parks in the area maintain quality bathrooms. "The bathrooms were very clean. Helpful staff lead us to our spot and helped us park," notes a camper at Sugar Loafin' RV/Campground & Cabins.
Creekside camping: Water features enhance camping experiences near Alma. "We had a spot right on the creek and it was beautiful," shares a visitor at Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park, appreciating the natural water feature.
Year-round accessibility: Some RV parks near Alma, Colorado remain open through winter. "This RV resort is a fantastic location & open year-round," reports a Tiger Run visitor, noting how this makes winter sports accessible.
What you should know
High elevation challenges: The Alma area sits above 10,000 feet, affecting vehicle performance. "This is at 9,000ft + so beware of altitude sickness. Cell reception is minimal," warns a camper at Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground.
Weather variability: Mountain weather changes rapidly in all seasons. "It snowed the night we were there and they had cleared by 6 am," reports a visitor at Middlefork RV Resort, highlighting staff responsiveness to weather events.
Site locations matter: Position within campgrounds significantly affects experience. "The Lower Level is our favorite with loads more trees," recommends a visitor to Chalk Creek Campground, suggesting specific areas within parks.
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly, especially in summer. "Get there early on a Friday to get a spot with a view of the lake and mountains!" advises a Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground visitor about securing prime locations.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Mt. Princeton RV Park & Cabins provides easy access to regional attractions. "We stayed here 5 nights Sun-Fri while doing work/school and enjoyed exploring Buena Vista in the evenings!" shares a family, noting the balance between responsibilities and recreation.
Playground considerations: Some campgrounds have play areas for children. "The kids play area needed attention," notes a Sugar Loafin' camper, suggesting families should verify playground conditions before booking.
Fishing opportunities: Kids enjoy fishing at stocked ponds. "Small catch and release trout pond on site," mentions a Middlefork RV Resort visitor, highlighting an activity suitable for children.
Movie nights: Community activities occur at some rv parks near Alma, Colorado. "There are tennis/pickleball courts and a community fire pit in the center of the resort that hosted movie night during our stay," shares a Tiger Run visitor, describing family-friendly evening entertainment.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV sites vary in grading throughout the region. "The sites were mostly level, though there was clearly a grade from the first site to the last, and there was a bit of grade front to back on our site," notes a visitor at Mt. Princeton RV Park & Cabins.
Winter camping preparation: For cold-weather camping, ensure your RV is properly equipped. "Super nice park with great amenities, especially when your RV is winterized. Two indoor hot tubs and a pool, private showers & changing rooms, and laundry," reports a Tiger Run visitor, highlighting facility benefits during cold seasons.
Tricky access roads: Some RV parks have challenging entrances. "Besides struggling at first with how to get into the actual campground (there is a small road off the parking lot for the stores there that leads down into it) we absolutely loved it!" cautions a Middlefork RV Resort visitor about navigation challenges.
Site selection strategy: RV spots vary significantly within the same park. "Spaces are tight though," warns a Chalk Creek Campground visitor, suggesting larger rigs book carefully.
