Del Norte, Colorado sits at an elevation of 7,874 feet in the San Luis Valley, surrounded by the Rio Grande National Forest and San Juan Mountains. Tent campers and RVers visit this mountain town from May through October when temperatures remain mild during the day but often drop below freezing at night. The Rio Grande River flows through the area, providing riverside camping opportunities.
What to do
Fishing access: Woods & River RV Park offers direct access to the Rio Grande River. One camper noted, "The river spots are nice. Water and power but there is a dump station. Rio Grand River at your door step" at Woods & River RV Park.
Hiking nearby: Several rv parks Del Norte, Colorado serve as bases for exploring local trails. "There is a basketball court, coin operated showers and laundry, water hook ups, and electric hookups" at Sand Dunes Recreation, making it a comfortable base for day hikes.
Swimming options: Sand Dunes Recreation features natural hot springs pools. A visitor mentioned, "The Hot springs consist of a large outdoor pool and a couple of smaller pools. It's $15 to soak or half price if you camp there. The Greenhouse pool is 21+ for an additional $3."
ATV trails: South Fork area campgrounds provide access to off-road vehicle routes. "They also have great trails close that you can drive to via atv or ohv's" according to a camper at South Fork Lodge & RV Park.
What campers like
River proximity: Campers appreciate riverside sites at rv campgrounds near Del Norte. "River spots are nice... Very relaxing Staff is friendly and helpful" as one Woods & River RV Park visitor mentioned.
Mountain views: The surrounding landscape draws visitors to RV parks. At Grandview Cabins and RV, campers enjoy the "Nice campground and super hosts! RV park is well maintained with big areas for dogs to play."
Kid-friendly amenities: Family facilities receive positive mentions. "Nice clean campground. Had full hookups, paid $55/night... Fun kids area with playground and treehouse with zip line," reported a Woods & River RV Park guest.
Pet accommodations: Many RV parks welcome dogs with designated areas. "The RV park is extremely quiet and pet friendly. We extremely enjoyed our three day stay," noted a Grandview Cabins and RV visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most Del Norte RV parks close for winter. Ute Bluff Lodge operates "May 1 - Oct 31" according to their listing information.
Elevation effects: The high elevation means significant temperature swings between day and night, even in summer.
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience railway disruptions. A camper at Cool Sunshine RV Park in nearby Alamosa warned, "Come prepared, it is in the middle of downtown so a lot of traffic noise of loud cars racing down the road and it is right next to the railroad tracks. The train whistle is deafening and will rattle your teeth."
Utility considerations: Hot water systems can be affected by natural springs. One camper observed at Sand Dunes Recreation, "One funny thing is if you have an rv and hook up to the water, it is fed from the hot springs so the water is always very warm."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Woods & River RV Park includes playground facilities. A camper noted, "Fun kids area with playground and treehouse with zip line. Office was accommodating and let us arrival after posted hours with an easy phone call."
Swimming options: Sand Dunes Recreation offers family swimming facilities. "The pools are extremely kid friendly, and there are greenhouses with 21+ soaking and bar," mentioned one visitor.
Cabin alternatives: For families without camping gear, Chinook Cabins & RV Park provides accommodations. "We have stayed here on a few occasions and have loved it every time. The cabins are nice but definitely not luxurious. Kids can ride bikes around the property. There is a basketball hoop and tether ball."
Weather preparation: Families should prepare for afternoon storms common in the mountains during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV site proximity varies between parks. A Cool Sunshine RV Park visitor noted, "Sites are very close to eachother. WiFi was not super reliable."
Cell coverage: Mobile service varies throughout the area. At Grandview Cabins and RV, one camper mentioned, "ATT Cell phone coverage sporadic."
Hookup locations: Some parks have unusual utility placement. At Woods & River RV Park, a camper observed, "Hookups are new but all seem to be placed too far up which requires you to pull your trailer to the end of the site to align hookups; otherwise you will need to run lengths of sewer and electric to connect."
Reservation timing: Many RV parks Del Norte and surrounding areas require advance booking during peak months from June through September.
