The Glenwood Springs area sits at approximately 5,761 feet elevation where the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers meet, creating a diverse landscape for outdoor recreation. Camping options range from primitive sites at higher elevations in White River National Forest to developed facilities along the Colorado River. Winter temperatures can drop below 20°F while summer days typically reach 80-90°F with afternoon thunderstorms common from July through September.
What to do
Explore the caves at Rifle Falls State Park: Visitors can explore limestone caves behind the 70-foot triple waterfall. "The hike to the falls is short from the day use area. It is amazing!!! The hike also has some great caves and allows you to go up and look down on the falls," notes Billie B. at Rifle Falls State Park Campground.
Bike the Glenwood Canyon Trail: Access this paved path directly from Glenwood Canyon Resort. "The bike path is right out the front. We rode it from Aspen down valley and right back to our campsite. A feature we really liked," shares Patrick J. from Glenwood Canyon Resort.
Fish in mountain streams: Four Mile Road Dispersed camping areas provide access to small creeks ideal for fishing. "Beautiful location. Quick drive from Glenwood. Beautiful location," reports Dietmar G., who found secluded fishing spots near camp.
Paddle the Colorado River: Arrange rafting trips or rent equipment near campgrounds. "Falling asleep to the sound of the Colorado River literally 3 feet away is just wonderful, well worth the $54/night for a tent site," says Kevin A. who enjoyed river access at Glenwood Canyon Resort.
What campers like
Quiet riverside locations: Campsites alongside creeks offer natural white noise and cooling. "The sites were beautiful and well separated. Would highly recommend," notes Matt C. about Four Mile Road Dispersed camping areas, where sites are spread apart with creek access.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses. "The bathrooms and showers were clean. The camp host was super nice and had some firewood on site for way cheaper than in town," reports Sam W. who stayed at Rifle Gap State Park.
Proximity to attractions: Campgrounds provide convenient access to regional highlights. "This campground is right on the reservoir. Lots of spots to park a kayak near your camp sites," adds Sam W., noting the convenience of direct water access at Rifle Gap.
Diverse accommodation options: From primitive sites to cabins, options exist for all camping styles. "Every kind of accommodation possible: (resort) cabins, cottages, glamping campsites, individual and group tent sites, and RV sites," explains Lee D. about the variety at Glenwood Canyon Resort.
What you should know
Elevation changes affect temperature: Higher sites on Four Mile Road can get cold even in summer. "The road was easy no need for high clearance or 4wheel drive. Heavy wildlife area, had a fox come right up to my car as I was making coffee," explains Matthew V., who encountered wildlife and temperature shifts at Deep Creek Campground.
Seasonal mosquitoes: Some creek-side sites experience heavy insect activity. "Warning about mosquitoes near the springs/stream though. They are brutal if the spring is flowing. Consider finding a place where the ground is very dry," advises Nicholas K. about Coffee Pot Spring areas.
Limited services: Many free dispersed sites lack basic amenities. "There are no facilities ie: Toilets, power, water or fire pits," notes Matthew V. about Four Mile Road Dispersed camping.
Reservation requirements: Popular spots fill quickly during peak season (June-August). "We spent a night here and were very pleasantly surprised by the facilities and the warm welcome from the staff. The campsites are small in size, but very clean," reports Steve G. at Elk Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Wheelbarrow access at Rifle Falls: The walk-in sites offer transport assistance for gear. "We camped in the walk in sites and it was so handy because they provide wheelbarrows to haul your stuff into the sites (which wasn't far)," shares Hilary B., adding, "Be sure to explore the caves by the water fall the kiddos loved it."
Water features for kids: Many sites offer creek or lake access for play. "A kid's paradise... Gorgeous falls, caves, a nice little river. Fun for kids, can get crowded," notes Mikaela R. at Rifle Falls State Park.
Splash pads and pools: Some developed campgrounds offer water recreation facilities. "The splash pad, park, pool, hot tub and shower facility were all new and super clean. Wonderful facilities all around," says Jennifer H. about amenities at the KOA Campground.
Kitchen facilities: Communal cooking areas help with family meals. "They also have a kitchen area with microwave, filtered water and a sink for dishes, which was really convenient," mentions Rae M. at Ami's Acres Campground.
Tips from RVers
Challenging back-in sites: Some campgrounds have tight or sloped parking. "We have a 42' fifth wheel, and while we got it backed in perfectly, we didn't have any room for our truck. Thankfully no one was next to us, so we could get creative with parking it," explains Melody C. about Hideout Cabins and Campground.
Level concrete pads: Some sites offer premium parking surfaces. "We camped right on the lake, with a concrete pad, picnic table and the bathhouse was close by," notes Justin R. at Rifle Gap State Park.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have mineral-heavy water. "Lovely Campground; Water Tastes Awful... Bring your own drinking water. We filled our water bottles at the park," advises Makena R. about local water quality.
Dispersed options for larger rigs: Four Mile Road accommodates bigger vehicles further up. "You have to go a long way up and down Country Road 117 before you start seeing campsites. The road became pretty rough for my AWD Ford Transit," notes VanRumschpringa V. about accessing dispersed sites.
