RV parks near Drake, Colorado provide convenient access to Rocky Mountain National Park with sites suitable for various types of recreational vehicles. Most campgrounds in this area sit between 6,000-7,500 feet elevation, requiring proper acclimation for visitors. Winter operation is limited, with several parks closing between October and May due to mountain weather conditions.
What to do
Fishing access nearby: Riverview RV Park & Campground offers direct access to the Big Thompson River. "I enjoyed seeing the kids playing in the playground and riding around the park on their bikes. Nearly every day a deer would come munch on the greenery right behind our rig," notes one visitor who spent a week at the park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds in the area report regular wildlife sightings. At Manor RV Park, visitors frequently encounter local fauna. "Mule deer met us when we arrived," reports one camper, while another mentioned, "There are lots of pull thru sites. Our site #62 was a back-in so the big windshield of our Class A had an amazing view of mountains."
Mini golf and recreational facilities: Spruce Lake RV Park offers additional activities beyond standard camping. "The campground has a pool, hot tub, office with some supplies, full hookups, spacious sites, playground, fishing pond, laundromat, and a modest mini golf course," reports one visitor. The park sits between Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
What campers like
Riverside camping locations: Many RV parks feature sites directly on the Big Thompson River. Paradise on the River receives consistent praise for its waterfront positioning. "This RV park is great. We were apprehensive staying here because it exceeded our budget (by a lot). But once we pulled in, we knew it was worth the money. The campground sits right on the river and is tucked away from the road," reports one visitor.
Mountain views from sites: Several parks position sites to maximize mountain vistas. "RMNP, Beaver Meadows entrance is only 2 miles. There is a bathhouse with showers and a 2nd bathhouse without showers," notes a visitor at Manor RV Park, adding, "Our site #62 was a back-in so the big windshield of our Class A had an amazing view of mountains."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high among visitor priorities. One camper at Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort noted, "Facilities were very nice and clean. Hot tub and pool were wonderful for days after hikes. They had live music and drinks on the weekends, plus free pancakes in the morning on Sunday!"
What you should know
Seasonal closures affect availability: Several campgrounds operate only during warmer months. Spruce Lake RV Park typically operates from May 1 to September 30. One visitor noted: "We called to see about getting last minute site, but they were closed for the season. We rode by. It is min. from RMNP and Estes Park."
Site spacing varies significantly: Parks differ in how closely they position camping units. At Loveland RV Resort, a visitor observed, "We stayed in Site 122 for two nights. Staff is very friendly! Golf cart assistance to our site. Clean grounds. They even have trash pickup from your RV site daily. Clean pool. Only negative is that we were extremely close to our neighbors."
Reservation policies can be strict: Cancellation terms vary by location. One visitor to Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort reported, "We payed a 234 dollar deposit for a four night stay but had to cancel two months in advance and lost the deposit." Most parks require advance booking during peak summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas: Several RV parks cater to families with designated recreation spaces. At Riverview RV Park & Campground, a visitor shared, "My wife and I spent a week here. We enjoyed seeing the kids playing in the playground and riding around the park on their bikes."
Check for scheduled activities: Some parks organize regular events for guests. As one camper at Loveland RV Resort noted, "They also have an art night, and a farmers market and other weekly meetups here. Very Nice community and I feel very safe."
Consider campgrounds with water features: Parks near water provide additional recreation options. At Horsetooth Inn & RV Park, a visitor commented, "Nice park! It offers boating, Paddle boarding, swimming, and much more. It's super groused most summer and springtime. Fall offers a more quite experience."
Tips from RVers
Check water pressure before setup: Pressure can vary significantly between parks. One camper at Manor RV Park mentioned, "The water pressure could be a lot better. The restrooms are dated. The shower took a while to heat up and the room was a little chilly."
Consider premium sites for more space: Basic sites at many parks position RVs quite close together. A visitor at Loveland RV Resort shared, "We only stayed one night while traveling through Colorado. It was convenient and easy. The grounds were nice and clean, very pretty, they had good amenities. We stayed in a premium pull through because the basic pull through were soooo close together."
Pack leveling blocks: Not all sites provide perfectly level parking pads. One visitor at Spruce Lake RV Park noted, "Sites are level and graveled. The pool is decently sized and the hot tub is fairly new. Mini golf is fun but is a little run down."
