North of Rocky Mountain National Park, Gould sits at 8,913 feet elevation in Colorado's North Park region. The area experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and mild summers with temperatures rarely exceeding 80°F. Many RV parks near Gould operate only during summer months, with most closing between late September and mid-October due to early mountain snowfall.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several campgrounds provide direct river access for anglers. At Paradise on the River in Estes Park, campers can fish the Big Thompson River right from their site. One visitor noted, "Each site has a deck over the river. Can't beat the sound of water rushing."
Wildlife viewing: The mountains surrounding Gould offer exceptional wildlife watching opportunities. At Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort, one camper reported, "Elk occasionally pass thru the front area which was really cool! There is also a little area next to the RV park where I think they park stored vehicles and it's a great place to walk."
Winter activities: Some campgrounds stay open during colder months, providing access to winter sports. According to a camper at Red Mountain RV Park in Kremmling, "Perfect location if want to hit up winter Park resorts and arapahoe basin, keystone, or breck!! You can take 40 to winter Park in about 50 minutes."
What campers like
Creek and river sites: Waterfront camping spots rank highly among visitors to Gould-area RV parks. At Manor RV Park, a camper shared, "We got site 37 right along the fast moving creek. Amazing views in 360 degrees of the mountains. Was able to get this site last minute."
Mountain views: The panoramic vistas attract many RVers to this region. A visitor to Elk Meadows Lodge commented, "Beautiful view. Pretty expensive for a BARE minimum tent site. But facilities are well kept and convenient."
Proximity to national park: Many campers value being close to Rocky Mountain National Park. One Manor RV Park visitor stated, "RMNP, Beaver Meadows entrance is only 2 miles. There is a bathhouse with showers and a 2nd bathhouse without showers. Water, electricity and sewer is at each site."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most RV parks in the Gould area shut down for winter. A visitor to Spruce Lake RV Park 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."
Space limitations: Many RV parks have tight spacing between sites. A Red Mountain RV Park camper warned, "Spaces are tight for most part, try to get a end spot if possible. Showers and bathrooms are great and clean."
Advanced reservations required: During peak season (June-August), campgrounds fill quickly. A visitor to Elk Meadows Lodge shared, "We got into Estes Park on a Friday night with plans to stay elsewhere but those fell through. Luckily, Elk Meadow Lodge and RV Park had spots open for us!"
Tips for camping with families
Resort-style amenities: Some RV parks near Gould offer extensive facilities for children. At Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain in Granby, a camper enthusiastically reported, "This place has everything! Bowling, an amazing pool and hot tubs, super clean facilities, full hookups, rent an airstream or chuckwagon for the weekend, stay in a tiny home - really, there's so much to do especially for families."
Kid-friendly activities: Organized events keep younger campers entertained. Another Sun Outdoors visitor shared, "Kids enjoyed activities - popsicle eating contest, t-shirt tie dye, and donut decorating. They also loved the clean and well-lit basketball courts."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas. A Riverview RV Park visitor mentioned, "Huge park with playground for kids. Our site was very wide and open, but we might just have been lucky. Most are tree covered sites and not packed in."
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Some parks have unusual utility setups. A Manor RV Park visitor noted, "Spaces are a bit tight—with sewer running into your neighbors sites. Sewer is placed poorly (uphill and far away from sewer tanks) with water and sewer lines running over each other."
Site selection strategy: Securing a preferred spot requires planning. At Spruce Lake RV Park, a visitor recommended, "If you want to feel 'remote,' maybe look at one of the other campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park or other sites nearby. This campground is convenient, clean, and well-maintained but very crowded."
Weather considerations: Mountain conditions can change rapidly. One camper at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain observed, "It can be suddenly and very windy here, so most campers did not use awnings."
