The Climax, Colorado region sits at elevations between 8,000-10,000 feet, creating unique conditions for RV camping. Summer temperatures typically range from 40-75°F with afternoon thunderstorms common. Winter brings heavy snowfall, with many campgrounds operating seasonally from May through October. Most campsites near Climax require advanced preparation for altitude effects on both people and vehicles.
What to do
Gold panning opportunities: At Middlefork RV Resort in Fairplay, visitors can try their hand at recreational gold panning right on the property. "This place has on-site gold panning! I cant give this place much praise but the gold panning did it for me!" notes camper Kurtis S.
Mountain biking access: Many campgrounds provide direct access to trail systems. Sugar Loafin' Campground positions campers near Leadville's extensive trail network. "Tucked up on the edge of the woods this little gem is only 3 miles from Leadville. The outer edge sites are far better for views and space," reports Kurt K.
Hot springs proximity: Several RV parks offer convenient access to regional hot springs. The Valley Mobile RV Park in Buena Vista positions visitors near multiple soaking options. "The host, Margaret and her husband and few others working very hard to maintains this campsite... hot springs, rafting, nearby, my favorites is cottonwood lake!" states camper Zu Y.
What campers like
River access: Some campgrounds feature direct river frontage. River Dance RV Resort provides easy access to water recreation. "Kids loved playing frisbee in the field and swimming in the river. Just had some construction and sewers aren't hooked up at sites but there is a dump station," shares Kristen.
Year-round operation: Several RV parks near Climax maintain winter operations. Tiger Run RV Resort stays open through ski season. "We stayed in March for some spring skiing. Not only was it one of few if not the only park open during the winter months but is located right in between Breckenridge, Keystone and A Basin," explains camper Allyse.
Clean facilities: Modern bathroom facilities rank high among camper priorities. At Idaho Springs RV Resort, "Facilities are clean and the showers are nice and large with plenty of room to shower and get dressed," according to James L.
What you should know
Altitude considerations: Camping at high elevations requires specific preparations. Red Mountain RV Park in Kremmling sits at a slightly lower elevation than other options. "Perfect location if want to hit up winter Park resorts and arapahoe basin, keystone, or breck!! You can take 40 to winter Park in about 50 minutes," explains Tommy H.
Limited availability: During peak season (July-August), reservations become essential at most RV parks. "We weren't planning on staying in Fairplay, but it was getting late so we tried Middlefork RV Park. The sites are all gravel, ours was nice and level. You can get either full hookups or water/electric only," notes Shelby S.
Variable site quality: Site conditions vary significantly between and within campgrounds. "Looking for a Summit County RV park, there is no better. We stayed in March for some spring skiing. Clean, friendly park with nice bathrooms and lots of family friendly amenities," writes Allyse about Tiger Run.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's play areas. Sugar Loafin' Campground provides family amenities though some reviewers note maintenance issues. "Very convenient to trails. The kids play area needed attention. The restrooms were very clean. Helpful staff lead us to our spot and helped us park," reports Sarah J.
Ice cream socials: Some campgrounds organize regular social activities. "A bonus is that they offer an all you can eat ice cream buffet every evening. We would stay again if we had similar needs," shares Matthew G. about Sugar Loafin' Campground.
Field spaces: Open areas for recreation appear in several campground reviews. "My partner a I stayed at Sugar Loafin' a handful of times this summer and always had a good experience. They have a cute shop and good deals. Very close to leadville and turquoise lake. Our pups loved it here too!" notes Katie H.
Tips from RVers
Winter RV considerations: RV camping during cold months requires additional preparation. Mt. Princeton RV Park in Buena Vista offers year-round camping. "Very friendly staff & clean park. We stayed here 5 nights Sun-Fri while doing work/school and enjoyed exploring Buena Vista in the evenings! The showers were pay showers but we never used them. Laundry facilities were VERY nice," explains Kevin G.
Leveling challenges: Many mountain RV sites require leveling equipment. "We were in their standard sites, which are pretty close to your neighbor... typical of RV park. They did have premium sites which were more spacious. Gravel and dirt everywhere. The sites were mostly level, though there was clearly a grade from the first site to the last," notes Kevin G. about Mt. Princeton RV Park.
Hookup variability: Available connections differ between parks. Middlefork RV Resort provides multiple options. "Simple and clean. Everything you need. Friendly staff and campers. Close to so much cool stuff!" states Tony T.
