RV parks near Gardner, Colorado offer distinct overnight options across the San Luis Valley and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Most area campgrounds are situated at elevations between 7,500-8,000 feet, where summer daytime temperatures typically reach 75-85°F with cooler nights around 45-55°F. Several parks maintain operational status during winter months despite occasional heavy snowfall, though mountain access roads may close temporarily.
What to do
Hot springs soaking: Sand Dunes Recreation in Hooper features natural hot spring pools with admission discounts for campers. "The pools are artesian hot springs. The pools are extremely kid friendly, and there are greenhouses with 21+ soaking and bar," notes one visitor about this facility near Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Great Sand Dunes exploration: Sand Dunes Recreation provides a convenient base for dunes adventures with sandboard rentals available. "We stayed for one night in late June. The hot pool was a welcome destination after an afternoon of sliding down sand dunes and hiking back up," reports one camper. Another adds: "Nice spot to go visit dunes national park."
Royal Gorge region: Mountain View RV Resort offers access to Canon City attractions. "Great location for the Royal Gorge Region. We stopped here for two days and stayed 4 weeks," reports one visitor who found the area compelling enough to extend their stay significantly.
What campers like
Mountain views: Aspen Acres Campground provides scenic forest surroundings at higher elevations. "The mountains tower over us. The drive out was wonderful and the road is excellent... even pulling a 42' RV!" A different camper notes: "Big bonuses: the colors of the aspens were changing and there are plenty right in the campground!"
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies attract astronomy enthusiasts to several campgrounds in the region. One Aspen Acres visitor explains they enjoyed "the spectacular night sky. No city lights meant for a lovely starry evening."
Clean facilities: Haggards RV Campground maintains well-kept amenities according to visitors. "The place was super clean, very charming, and with much attention to detail," reports one reviewer. Another mentioned: "Nancy's attention to detail was evident in the way she decorated the bathhouse to create a more personal, at-home feel."
What you should know
Water quality varies: Several campgrounds have mineral-rich water systems with distinct characteristics. "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 one camper at Sand Dunes Recreation.
Train noise: Some RV parks near Alamosa experience railroad disturbances. One Cool Sunshine RV Park visitor notes: "Nice people, nice place, very clean. Only issues are the active train tracks right next to the park and the narrow spaces."
GPS navigation challenges: Circle the Wagons RV Park warns about navigation issues. "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. Their website does contain a warning about the GPS problem, so pay attention," cautions one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Campgrounds with on-site activities appeal to families with children. At Sand Dunes Recreation, one visitor reports: "They have a shop that sells items needed like bathing suits and sunscreen and treats and they also rent out toys and such."
Playground facilities: Several parks offer dedicated play areas for children. At Aspen Acres Campground, "They have a lot of things to do for the kids in the camp store/facility."
Wildlife viewing: Stonewall Lodge & RV Park provides opportunities to observe local animals. "Deer walking thru the campground at dusk was a neat site," mentions one visitor. Another notes they "Even got a dusk field trip to see the wildlife."
Tips from RVers
Hookup specifications: RV parks in the region offer various electrical service options. Haggards RV Campground accommodates larger vehicles: "My grandson and I stayed there in June for 4 days in a 34ft travel trailer in a pull thru long enough not to have to unhook."
Connectivity considerations: Internet access varies significantly between parks. One visitor to Haggards RV notes: "Data: T-mobile 5G: lacking, ATT: not so hot, Verizon: great, Visible: pretty good, Cricket: ok for voice."
Seasonal operations: Many parks adjust operating hours throughout the year. Circle the Wagons RV Park maintains a limited schedule from "May 1 to mid Oct" according to their listing information.
