The Vail Valley region around Avon sits at approximately 7,400 feet elevation, with camping areas ranging from 8,000 to over 10,000 feet in the surrounding mountains. Summer temperatures typically range from 40°F at night to 80°F during day, while fall brings freezing nights by September. The area offers both developed campgrounds with amenities and dispersed sites along forest roads where campers can find more seclusion.
What to do
Hiking at Gold Park Campground: Located about 30-40 minutes outside Minturn, this campground serves as a gateway to numerous high-alpine trails. "Gold Park is a great place to stay if you want trails and high alpine lakes at your fingertips. We stayed here so we could hike Fancy Lake and the Missouri Lakes, both of which are less than 5 miles away," notes a camper at Gold Park Campground.
Fishing in Turquoise Lake: For anglers seeking alpine fishing, this lake offers excellent trout opportunities. "The lake recently stocked with trout, caught 2 salmon in the runoffs," reports a visitor at Baby Doe Campground. The campground sits at 10,200 feet elevation, providing access to both fishing and hiking.
Paddleboarding on Green Mountain Reservoir: When water levels are good, this reservoir offers calm waters for paddling sports. "Located right next to the water with a very friendly host. Clean facilities and virtually zero shade," according to a camper at Cow Creek South, noting the reservoir's accessibility for water activities.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds in the region offer well-spaced sites. At Halfmoon Campground, a reviewer noted, "The campground has seven sites fairly spread out from one another. Got there around 5pm on a Friday (9/9) and there was no one else there. Very peaceful, secluded, great fire pit, decent bathroom."
Proximity to towns: Some campgrounds combine wilderness settings with convenient access to supplies. "It was only five minutes drive away from walmart, whole foods, starbucks, natural grocers, and lots of gas stations," mentions a camper at Peak One Campground, highlighting the benefit of camping near amenities.
Wildlife viewing: The national forest around Avon provides opportunities to spot various wildlife. A Gold Park Campground visitor cautions, "Bring bug spray!! Notch Mountain Creek runs straight though the grounds and is a mosquito haven," reminding campers that wildlife includes insects too.
What you should know
Weather fluctuations: The high elevation means rapid weather changes. At Baby Doe Campground, a reviewer advises, "Be sure to bring warm clothes for nights because it gets chilly at night. Has vault toilets, potable water, and fairly level sites."
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require driving on unpaved forest roads. "The road was dirt, bumpy, rocky and has several low dips that would definitely fill after rains, but it was totally passable in my low-clearance 2WD old pickup," explains a visitor to Halfmoon Campground about access conditions.
Limited availability: Reservations are essential for glamping close to Avon, Colorado during peak season. "Book in advance, sites get locked in 6 months in advance, for good reason!" warns a camper at Baby Doe Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Choose lake-adjacent sites: Water features keep children entertained. "We camped under the pine trees beside the lake with beautiful views of Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert to the south over turquoise water," shares a family at Baby Doe Campground, highlighting the family-friendly setting.
Look for established campgrounds: Facilities make family camping easier. At Sylvan Lake Campground, a visitor noted, "This park has so much character that it should have its own tv show. There are conservation areas, trails galore, historical buildings, and a beautiful lake that is surrounded with alpine forests."
Check campground noise policies: Some enforce strict quiet hours for family-friendly atmosphere. "The hosts had our whole family on edge once quiet time started for 3 nights in a row," mentioned one camper, indicating the seriousness of noise rules at some locations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: For optimal comfort, research specific sites. A reviewer at Camp Hale Memorial advised, "We stayed in site #17, a nice spot for our trailer with solar panels, but it might be rather exposed if you don't have some kind of shade. Other spots perfect for our trailer with views are: sites 11 (near toilets), 14 and 15."
Solar power works well: The abundant sunshine in Colorado supports alternative power. "Our battery on our trailer did fine and was at 100% when we departed with our solar panels," reports an RVer at Camp Hale Memorial, confirming the viability of solar power for glamping around Avon.
Limited hookup options: Most glamping sites near Avon offer partial or no hookups. "No water or electricity as this is a campground," notes a Camp Hale visitor, reminding RVers to arrive prepared for more primitive conditions than full-service RV parks.
