RV camping near Antonito, Colorado offers access to high-elevation sites typically at 8,000+ feet. The region's summer season runs from May through mid-October with temperatures cooling significantly after sunset, often dropping 30+ degrees from daytime highs. Many campgrounds in the area provide river access, with the Rio Chama and Rio Grande offering fishing opportunities during seasonal stays.
What to do
Fishing the Rio Chama: Access prime fishing spots from Sky Mountain Resort RV Park in Chama, where "each site is spacious with plenty of room to move around" and the grounds are "nestled in a grove of Cottonwood and Spruce trees next to Rio Chama" according to camper Kathy C.
Soak in natural hot springs: Visit Sand Dunes Recreation in Hooper where "you'll want to stay an extra day" with "discounts for the hotsprings when you camp" as noted by Eli M. The facility includes "a large outdoor pool and a couple of smaller pools" with a special "Greenhouse pool [that] is 21+ for an additional $3."
Explore hiking trails: Stay at Woods & River RV Park in Del Norte where guests enjoy "plenty of trails to walk the dogs" and the campground features "beautiful trees in the fall and great sidewalk that loops around and down by the river" according to reviewer ammon L.
What campers like
River sounds for sleeping: Campers appreciate riverside accommodations where you can "watch a skyful of stars and then fall asleep to the sound of the river" at Woods & River RV Park, which features "grassy opening a stone's throw away from a bend in the Rio Grande" according to Suzi F.
Wildlife viewing: At Roadrunner RV Resort in Red River, campers enjoy how "deer come in every night" and the park is "tucked in a canyon with a stream running through it" as described by Pamela R., who noted the park "feels like it's deep in nature."
Clean facilities: Cool Sunshine RV Park in Alamosa earns praise for being "a very clean spot with multiple amenities. They even have an exercise room, grill area, dog area, nice covered patio areas for chillin'" according to Teressa J., who called it "brand spanking new!!"
What you should know
Train noise impacts: Several campgrounds in the area sit near active rail lines. Cool Sunshine RV Park has "active train tracks right next to the park" making it "nice except for the trains" according to Michael M. Similarly, Rio Chama RV Park in Chama is near tracks where "the train whistle is deafening and will rattle your teeth."
Weather variations: High-elevation camping means significant temperature swings. At Canon Bonito RV & Fisherman's Club, camper Joseph W. experienced "pleasant days 76° and cool night 56°" at "an altitude of 8100 feet."
Cell service quality: Connectivity varies by location with Taos Monte Bello RV Park offering "wifi [that] was better than average the entire time, it was a little spotty at times but we were consistently able to stream and upload large videos without fail" according to kristin S.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly pool options: Sand Dunes Recreation offers specialized swimming areas where "the pools are extremely kid friendly, and there are greenhouses with 21+ soaking and bar" as noted by Elizabeth H., who added "we get a weekend away for about 80 bucks for two nights and swimming, and we can bring our kids and dog."
Playground amenities: Woods & River RV Park features a "fun kids area with playground and treehouse with zip line" making it "great place to stay: pretty & kid friendly" according to ammon L.
Budget-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with included amenities like Sand Dunes Recreation where "camping is 20 bucks a night and you get half off camping when you camp here" making it affordable for families.
Tips from RVers
Level sites for big rigs: Rio Chama RV Park in Chama provides "full bathroom & laundry facilities" with "mostly RV sites, some tent sites" that are "beautiful well maintained campgrounds" according to Joan S., who noted it's "probably one of the best in New Mexico."
Water system considerations: Watch for unusual water systems, especially at natural hot spring locations. At Sand Dunes Recreation, "if you have an rv and hook up to the water, it is fed from the hot springs so the water is always very warm" which meant one camper "didn't get to test out our hot water heater at this location!"
Gate systems and access: Several parks offer security features like Monte Bello which is "gated with a passcode which offers nice assurance" while Cool Sunshine RV Park uses a "gate coded bathroom and showers" system where the staff provides "our welcome packet taped to office door with all others info about park."
