The Grand Mesa region near Austin, Colorado sits at elevations between 4,500 and 10,000 feet, creating varied camping conditions throughout the year. Seasonal temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, with summer highs in the 90s and winter lows well below freezing. Winter camping is available at select locations like Palisade Basecamp RV Resort, which remains open year-round with heated facilities.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Grand Mesa offers numerous fishing spots, particularly at Cottonwood Lake Campground where visitors note the excellent conditions. "Great fishing access good for kayak/small boats. Many other lakes in the area," reports Nancy, who enjoyed the waters despite occasional rain.
Hiking through orchard country: The area features trails suitable for various skill levels. At Riverbend RV Park & Cabins, campers appreciate the riverside location. "There is a nice trail along the river to stretch your legs," notes Daniel S., highlighting the accessible nature walks available nearby.
Visit Black Canyon National Park: The dramatic canyon formations are within driving distance of most local glamping locations. A visitor at North Rim Campground shared, "There is a nice hike from the campground to the visitor center and around down a little ways into a canyon," making it convenient for exploring this natural wonder.
Attend seasonal festivals: The agricultural area hosts various events throughout the year. At The Campground at Big B's Delicious Orchards, guests can experience "special events on the property such as festivals, concerts, etc. It's rather fun," according to Kim L., though some note increased pricing during these popular times.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Unlike some crowded campgrounds, certain locations offer more secluded options. Jon H. appreciated North Rim Campground, noting "camp sites are much bigger and way more shade here. Not near as much traffic either," providing a quieter alternative to the busier South Rim area.
Clean, modern facilities: Many glamping options close to Austin, Colorado feature well-maintained amenities. At Valley Sunset RV Ranch, a visitor mentioned it was "walking distance to a few restaurants. WiFi, 3 bars on sprint, 3 bars on Verizon. Propane fill up on site, full hook ups with cable," making it convenient for those seeking more connected experiences.
Riverside settings: Several campgrounds offer direct water access. One camper at Palisade Basecamp RV Resort enthused about "stellar amenities, electricity at every pad, great showers, easy and very close river access," highlighting the water-based recreation opportunities.
Food and drink options: The region's agricultural heritage provides unique camping experiences with on-site dining. Laura S. found Big B's Delicious Orchards offered "a full restaurant (the chili cheese fries were amazing), lots of cider varieties on tap and to go. Live music some nights," creating a distinctive glamping experience beyond just accommodation.
What you should know
Seasonal closures affect access: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Ward Lake Campground is typically open "May to October," with most similar high-elevation sites closing during winter months due to snow conditions.
Reservation timing matters: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. At North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Jordan L. advises, "I arrived right at 1 to make sure I could get a spot the Friday of Father's Day weekend. By 5:30, all the spots were full," highlighting the importance of early arrival for first-come, first-served sites.
Road conditions vary significantly: Remote glamping locations may require appropriate vehicles. Jordan noted the North Rim Campground "is down a long dirt road, it was well maintained but be prepared to be in a remote location," which could impact accessibility for some vehicles.
Age restrictions at some properties: Certain RV parks and glamping resorts maintain adult-focused environments. At Uncompaghre River Resort, Gordon D. observed it's "a 50+ community - for the first time I was really glad I was in my fifties," indicating that families with children should verify policies before booking.
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparedness: The mountains create variable conditions year-round. At Ward Lake Campground, Peter H. recommends: "Be prepared to put a cover on your tent as intermittent thunderstorms come up out of nowhere," which is especially important when camping with children.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Cedar Creek RV Park features "a large pet yard as well as a grassy area with a large play structure for the kids," according to Kathy J., making it more suitable for family glamping trips.
Tree swing entertainment: Natural play features appeal to children at certain locations. Greg noted at Big B's Delicious Orchards that "our kids aged 8 and 11 absolutely loved the big tree swings," providing simple but engaging recreation for young campers.
Site selection for families: Choose locations based on specific family needs. For those glamping with children, Tiffany H. suggests arriving early at Cottonwood Lake: "I cannot stress this enough, get there early if going on a weekend! We arrived at 2:30 and got one of the last spots," which is crucial for securing appropriate family sites.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pad availability: Level sites with durable surfaces benefit larger rigs. Lisa A. appreciated Riverbend RV Park's "level concrete pad with full hook up. Most spots have shade and space between on the outer ring is about 10 feet each side," making positioning easier for RVs.
Hookup variations: Different parks offer varying levels of service. At Valley Sunset RV Ranch, Dan C. found "full hook ups with cable" alongside other amenities, though noted the proximity to "railroad track. Didn't hear train at night," which could be a consideration for light sleepers.
Check dirt road access: Glamping sites near Austin often require navigating unpaved roads. Hannah R. discovered at Cottonwood Lake Campground that "you may need a car that has AWD if you're going up the hill to more dispersed spots as we had difficult in our smaller car," which applies equally to RVs and larger vehicles.
RV site spacing: Site dimensions and privacy vary significantly between parks. At Cedar Creek RV Park, some reviewers found spaces tight, with M.D. noting it "seemed 5 ft from next RV. No room for tow behind," suggesting larger rigs should confirm specific site dimensions before booking.
