Seasonal campgrounds in the Coaldale area offer alternatives to larger RV parks from spring through fall. At 8,000+ feet elevation, the Arkansas River valley experiences temperature drops at night even during summer months. Local camping options range from riverside sites with mountain views to resort-style facilities with extensive recreation amenities.
What to do
Fishing access spots: Several campgrounds offer direct river access for anglers. At Bighorn Park Campground and RV Resort, guests can watch for wildlife while fishing. "We spotted big horn sheep on the cliff behind us," noted one visitor. The park occasionally features live entertainment as well.
Hot springs relaxation: Sand Dunes Recreation provides natural hot spring pools with multiple temperature options. "The pools are artesian hot springs. The pools are extremely kid friendly, and there are greenhouses with 21+ soaking and bar," explains one regular visitor. The facility includes both family-friendly swimming areas and adult-specific soaking sections.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campers report regular wildlife sightings from their sites. At Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort, "Each afternoon the park was visited by multiple deer and turkey," according to one reviewer. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best viewing times.
What campers like
Riverside sites: The sound of running water adds to the camping experience at several parks. At Wilderness Expeditions RV Park, "We were lucky enough to get a spot to park our 27ft trailer parallel to the creek - so we have a perfectly private front yard with a view." Riverside sites tend to fill quickly during peak season.
Mountain views: The regional terrain provides scenic backdrops at most campgrounds. At Salida RV Resort, "Very clean, large level spots with gravel and plenty of room in between RVs. Great location, close to Salida and hiking & biking trails. Directly on the Arkansas River -- river view spots are very nice and all spots have a view of the mountains."
Recreation amenities: Beyond camping basics, some facilities offer extensive on-site activities. Royal Gorge RV Resort features "the view from the hot tub was amazing! The fire pits on the patio were cozy and inviting." Many campgrounds provide extras ranging from game rooms to outdoor recreation spaces.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. At Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort, "There is no cell service for AT&T or T-Mobile, but you are able to do wifi calling with their WiFi and we streamed a movie one night." Many parks offer WiFi as an alternative to spotty cellular coverage.
Road noise considerations: Highway proximity affects sound levels at some campgrounds. Bighorn Park sits "right on Hwy 50 which means easy access, but also lots of road noise," according to camper reports. Request sites farther from highways when making reservations if quiet is a priority.
Altitude effects: The high elevation impacts both weather and physical comfort. Monarch Spur RV Park sits at over 8,000 feet where "High altitude means cool to cold nights." Visitors should prepare for significant temperature drops after sunset even during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Some parks offer specific family-oriented features. At Royal Gorge RV Resort & Cabins, "The playground was very kid friendly and the giant jumping pillow was super fun!" These recreational additions keep children entertained between off-site adventures.
Budget-friendly options: Sand Dunes Recreation provides cost-effective family accommodations. "Camping is 20 bucks a night and you get half off camping when you camp here... We get a weekend away for about 80 bucks for two nights and swimming, and we can bring our kids and dog."
Nature learning opportunities: Wildlife viewings create educational moments. Wilderness Expeditions provides "fantastic little campground right on the Arkansas river," where children can observe riparian ecosystems up close while still being near town amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Different site configurations suit various RV types. At Monarch Spur RV Park & Campground, the "site was incredibly long but a bit skinny but did the trick. You can hear the river running almost everywhere in the park." Requesting specific site types based on your rig dimensions improves camping comfort.
Accessibility considerations: Mountain terrain creates navigation challenges for larger vehicles. "Navigation to some parks involves mountain roads with elevation changes," so checking routes beforehand prevents difficult driving situations. Several parks accommodate large rigs despite the mountainous location.
Seasonal planning: Weather influences operation schedules. Many rv parks near Coaldale, Colorado maintain limited seasonal schedules. Monarch Spur operates "from May 1 to November 1" while other Coaldale area RV parks operate year-round. Advance reservations become essential during the compressed summer/fall tourist season.
