The San Luis Valley surrounds Blanca, Colorado, with the town sitting at 7,756 feet elevation where Highway 160 meets Highway 150. Summer temperatures range from 45-80°F with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Winter camping requires preparation for overnight lows that regularly drop below freezing from October through April.
What to do
Fishing access: Woods & River RV Park offers direct access to the Rio Grande River for trout fishing. "The fishing was awesome. The Rio Grande flows by and so do the trout. When we were there, fishing was free every 1st weekend of the month," notes one camper who enjoyed the riverside setting.
Hot springs soaking: Sand Dunes Recreation features natural artesian hot springs with multiple pools. "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," explains a visitor who appreciates the adults-only option.
Wildlife viewing: Evening hours provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Stonewall Lodge & RV Park, campers mention that "deer walking thru the campground at dusk was a neat site." The open spaces around most rv parks near Blanca allow for regular wildlife sightings, especially during early morning and evening hours.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cool Sunshine RV Park in Alamosa receives consistent praise for maintenance. "This place is clean. Lots of extras here. Green grass and leveled parking. Bathroom was good the shower was hot," reports one reviewer about the 25-minute drive from Blanca.
Mountain views: The surrounding Sangre de Cristo mountains provide scenic backdrops from most camping areas. One camper at My Place noted the "great views of the Rockies, right from your tent or RV," highlighting the visual appeal that draws visitors to Blanca area campgrounds.
River sounds: Several campgrounds feature water features that enhance the camping experience. At Woods & River RV Park, visitors appreciate how you can "watch a skyful of stars and then fall asleep to the sound of the river." The natural white noise helps mask any highway sounds that might reach campsites.
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near several RV parks in the region. At Cool Sunshine RV Park, a camper reported "the active train tracks right next to the park" as an issue, while another noted "the train whistle is deafening and will rattle your teeth. 5 trains came by the one night, one as late as 10 pm."
Site spacing concerns: Many RV parks in the Blanca area feature compact layouts. At Circle the Wagons RV Park, visitors report that "some of the sites were close and a tight squeeze to back into," a common theme across several facilities in the region.
GPS navigation issues: Some campgrounds have access challenges. One RVer at Circle the Wagons warned, "GPS won't get you here because 2nd Street is bisected by a creek with no bridge. I had to back my trailer a couple of blocks." Always verify directions directly with the campground before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for parks with dedicated play areas. Woods & River RV Park features a "fun kids area with playground and treehouse with zip line," making it suitable for families with children needing activity options.
Swimming options: During summer months, swimming provides relief from heat. "Easy pull in spots for your RV and campers. Well maintained bathrooms and facilities to use after a sandy day at the dunes," notes a visitor about Great Sand Dunes Oasis, adding that "sand boards are available to hire."
Budget considerations: Many parks offer weekly discounts for extended stays. At Gears RV Park and Cafe, visitors appreciate the "full hook up that's affordable" with one camper describing it as a "terrific little cafe with great food and clean bathrooms."
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: At some RV parks near Blanca, Colorado, utility connections may be placed in unusual locations. A reviewer at Woods & River RV Park observed that "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."
Water temperature variations: The natural hot springs feed water systems at some parks. "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. Didn't get to test out our hot water heater at this location!" explains a camper at Sand Dunes Recreation.
Cell service quality: Most RV parks in the area maintain adequate connectivity. Cool Sunshine RV Park visitors report "our cell for AtT internet data was strong enough for working and streaming," an important consideration for remote workers or those needing reliable communications while traveling.
