RV campgrounds near Chromo, Colorado sit approximately 30 miles from Pagosa Springs at elevations ranging from 7,000-8,000 feet. The area experiences warm summer days with temperatures in the 70s-80s and cool nights that can drop into the 40s even in July and August. Seasonal operations vary widely, with several campgrounds closing from November through April due to winter conditions.
What to do
Fishing access: Campers at The Last Resort RV Park & Campground can enjoy riverside fishing spots along the Blanco River. "This year, we saw a lot of Canada geese and there are also chickens and ducks. We really love watching the many hummingbirds and hanging out by the river. Lots of campers like to fish or float down the river on inner tubes," noted one visitor.
Historic train viewing: RV parks near Rio Chama RV Park offer unique opportunities to watch steam locomotives. "The Cumbres & Toltec steam train goes by the campground twice a day at the trestle. The Rio Chama flows along the edge of the campground," according to a camper. The steam train operates seasonally from May through October.
Trail access: Several campgrounds in the region provide direct hiking trails or proximity to wilderness areas. "We took e-bikes around safely. Huge gorgeous cottonwood trees," mentioned a visitor to Rio Chama RV Park. Most trails remain open from late May through early October, depending on weather conditions.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate thoughtfully spaced accommodations at certain properties. At The Last Resort RV Park & Campground, "The tent sites are separated from the RV sites in a forested area along the river. We shared a campsite on the river that had lots of trees and plenty of room for two tents and a canopy. Several other tent sites are carved out of the brush along the river."
Wildlife viewing: Many RV campgrounds near Chromo offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Blue Spruce RV Park & Cabins, campers report regular deer sightings: "We enjoyed waking up in the morning to see 6 deer grazing outside my window."
River sounds: Properties situated along waterways provide natural ambiance. "The sound of the river is soothing and there was very little sound from the road," noted a camper at The Last Resort. Most riverside sites fill quickly during summer weekends and typically require reservations at least 2-3 weeks in advance.
What you should know
Cell coverage limitations: Despite advertised WiFi, cellular reception varies significantly between campgrounds. At Pagosa Springs RV Park & Cabins, "We found this place traveling through. We didn't have reservations on a holiday weekend but the staff helped us out. They have a general store and a coffee shop. Hot showers, and clean restrooms. No cell signal and the WiFi is poor - that is the only downside."
Shower availability: Some RV parks in the Chromo area have limited bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms are not ADA accessible nor for anyone who struggles with stairs," noted a visitor to Blue Spruce RV Park. Some facilities close overnight according to office hours.
Insect considerations: Riverside camping locations often experience higher mosquito activity. "I'm new to camping but there was a ton of mosquitoes I think because it's right by a river," reported a Rio Chama camper. Most campgrounds do not provide insect control measures, so visitors should bring appropriate repellents.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Several RV parks offer family-friendly recreational amenities. The Last Resort features "two playgrounds and plenty of activities for kids - horse shoes, volleyball, tether ball, etc. They have a nice 4th of July celebration, potluck dinners and camp fires."
Animal interactions: Pagosa Pines RV Park (formerly Cool Pines) offers wildlife viewing opportunities for children. One camper noted, "I loved waking up in the morning to see 6 deer grazing outside my window." Some campgrounds feature farm animals for viewing, with safety rules posted.
Swimming options: Certain campgrounds provide water recreation for families. "You can rent paddle boats, swim & fish in it if you want. There is a nice walking path around it & the river that you can also park near," mentioned a visitor to Pagosa Riverside Campground.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds in the region require additional equipment for comfortable setup. "Sites weren't level," noted one camper about an RV park, suggesting that leveling blocks are recommended standard equipment for camping near Chromo.
Mountain road navigation: Accessing RV campgrounds often involves driving mountain roads with significant elevation changes. Some properties have entrance challenges, as one visitor to Pagosa Pines RV Park noted, "My only complaint was with the entry... It, like many places in Pagosa Springs, was full of potholes, giving my trailer a good bit of bounce coming and going."
Seasonal considerations: Most RV facilities in the region operate only during warmer months. "We got a great spot by the little lake on the property... Very quiet at night & during the day other campers kids were having a blast," reported a visitor to Pagosa Riverside Campground, which operates from April through November.
