RV parks near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG provide access to over 1.5 million acres of diverse terrain, ranging from 5,500 to 13,000 feet in elevation. Mountain roads leading to campgrounds can be challenging, particularly during snow season from October through May. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing at night, while summer days typically reach 70-85°F with afternoon thunderstorms common.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Riverview RV Park & Campground, the Big Thompson River offers accessible fishing right from camp. "We spent 4 days in a spot right next to the river. Really enjoyed the river, dog park, live music on sat. night and laundry," notes one camper.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide the best chances to spot elk and deer. "We had Elk & deer in the campground which is nice to see," mentions a visitor at Spruce Lake RV Park. Pronghorn antelope can also be seen in open meadows across the region.
Winter activities: Some campgrounds remain open year-round, providing base camps for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Though summer brings peak crowds, winter camping offers solitude. "Even though they have done away with the General Store... I will choose to camp at other campgrounds in the area," wrote one camper about seasonal services.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Riverside spots are highly coveted for their ambiance. At Paradise on the River, "Each site has a deck over the river. Can't beat the sound of water rushing," according to one reviewer. These premium spots typically book months in advance.
Mountain views: The panoramic vistas are a major draw for visitors. At Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort, "Beautiful view. Pretty expensive for a BARE minimum tent site. But facilities are well kept and convenient," notes one camper. Morning fog often settles in valleys before burning off by mid-day.
Community activities: Some rv parks Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG organize social events. "They had an Ice cream social one day it was good," mentions a camper at Spruce Lake RV Park. At Loveland RV Resort, "They also have an art night, and a farmers market and other weekly meetups here," reports another visitor.
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Many campgrounds feature closely spaced sites. "The sites are very close to each other, but plenty of room for privacy," notes one reviewer at Riverview RV Park & Campground. This arrangement is typical of developed RV parks in the region.
Shower facilities: Quality and availability of showers differ between parks. "The shower took a while to heat up and the room was a little chilly," reported a visitor at Manor RV Park. Some parks offer limited shower facilities relative to their capacity.
Campfire restrictions: Fire bans are common during dry periods. "We were under a Red Flag Warning and a burn ban. During this high fire risk weather, there was a very large fire with sparks in the pit by the playground," reported one camper concerned about wildfire risk. Always check current fire restrictions before your visit.
Weather preparation: Afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently in summer months. "It can be suddenly and very windy here, so most campers did not use awnings," observed one guest. Secure loose items at your campsite, especially during afternoon hours.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. At Loveland RV Resort, "We stayed in Site 122 for two nights. Clean grounds. Clean pool. Dog Waste station with bags very convenient." The resort also features mini-golf and organized activities.
Tent camping options: For families seeking more affordable options than RV sites, some parks offer tent-specific areas. "We had a great stay at a tent site here. Our site was number 8, had a tree, and was by the bathrooms. The bathrooms were clean, and had a nice shower as well," reports a visitor to Elk Meadows Lodge.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for wildlife sightings with proper safety protocols. "Elk occasionally pass thru the front area which was really cool!" notes one camper. While exciting, maintain safe distances from all wildlife and never approach or feed animals.
Swimming options: Pools are available at select campgrounds. "Hot tub and pool were wonderful for days after hikes," mentions one visitor. Public swimming areas can also be found at nearby lakes and reservoirs during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: Some campgrounds have unusual utility configurations. At Manor RV Park, "Spaces are a bit tight—with sewer running into your neighbors sites. Sewer is placed poorly (uphill and far away from sewer tanks) with water and sewer lines running over each other." Bring extension hoses to accommodate various layouts.
Navigation challenges: Large RVs require careful driving on mountain roads. "Wide roads and turns; easy to navigate throughout the campground," notes a reviewer about Elk Meadows Lodge, though the roads leading to many campgrounds are more challenging.
Cell service and WiFi: Connectivity varies significantly by location. "Wifi is pretty darn good," reports one Manor RV Park visitor, while others mention spotty service. Cell boosters can help in remote areas, particularly in canyon locations.
Seasonal considerations: Tree sap can be problematic in some parks. "The trees drop a horrible yellow sap that was on EVERYTHING after only one night, our shoes, our floors, our dogs, our rig, our vehicles, it was a mess," warns a visitor to Loveland RV Resort. Consider using RV covers during heavy sap seasons.
