Best Campgrounds near Del Norte, CO
Del Norte, Colorado sits at the gateway to public lands featuring both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities. The Rio Grande runs through town, with Woods & River RV Park providing riverfront sites that accommodate tents and RVs with full hookups, showers, and laundry facilities. Several miles north of town, Natural Arch and Ventana Arch dispersed sites offer primitive camping on Bureau of Land Management property. Del Norte City Park provides basic overnight parking for RVs with a dump station and drinking water. Penitente Canyon Recreation Area, located northeast of Del Norte, features established camping with vault toilets but limited amenities.
Road conditions vary significantly when accessing dispersed sites in the region. The dirt roads leading to Natural Arch require careful driving, with some visitors noting it takes "about an hour to find an established site" due to rough terrain. Most dispersed areas have no facilities, so campers must pack in water and pack out waste. Del Norte's location at approximately 7,900 feet elevation means cool nights even in summer months. Overnight parking at Del Norte City Park is limited to one night maximum and accommodates up to five vehicles. Many visitors appreciate the area's solitude, with one camper describing Natural Arch as "the quietest place I've been. No insects, no wind, no birds.. just you and the milky way!"
The Rio Grande corridor provides some of the most popular camping experiences in the area. Woods & River RV Park campers frequently mention the peaceful riverside setting, with one visitor noting "river spots are nice" with "the Rio Grande River at your door step." Dispersed sites farther from town offer exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. The region's volcanic geology creates unique camping backdrops, particularly around Penitente Canyon where climbers often camp. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, which are commonly seen in the evenings around campgrounds. Despite limited amenities at many sites, campers consistently rate their experiences highly, appreciating the region's natural beauty, mountain views, and peace and quiet.












