RV camping near Granite, Colorado offers varied options ranging from riverfront sites to mountain-adjacent RV parks above 8,000 feet elevation. While summer temperatures typically peak in the 70s, evening temperatures at higher elevations often drop below 40°F even in July and August. Most campgrounds close seasonally from November through April, though a few provide year-round access with limited winter amenities.
What to Do
Trout fishing access: The Arkansas River provides excellent fishing opportunities adjacent to Wilderness Expeditions RV Park in nearby Salida. "Very nice shady spots along an Arkansas river off chute creek," notes one camper, making it convenient for anglers who want direct water access.
Gold panning activities: Try your hand at recreational gold panning at Middlefork RV Resort where on-site panning attracts visitors. "Listen this place isn't awesome. It doesn't do much well. This place has on site gold panning! I cant give this place much praise but the gold panning did it for me!" explains one enthusiastic visitor.
Mountain exploration: Use Fairplay as a base for exploring the South Park region. A camper at Middlefork notes, "We loved the town of Fairplay which has some nice restaurants, ice cream shop, and a coffee shop and much more. We were there when Fairplay had it's Living History event in town and really enjoyed that."
What Campers Like
Shade coverage: Many campers appreciate the tree coverage at Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins in Poncha Springs. "This park is nestled in a beautiful section of forest with a pond on site. Great walking around the park for our pups, reliable hook ups, clean facilites, and very friendly staff," writes one reviewer.
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower facilities receive positive mentions at Sugar Loafin' RV/Campground & Cabins near Leadville. "The bathrooms are clean, have private showers, well lit at night and surprisingly modern. It's very quiet here at night with some traffic sounds during the day," notes a camper.
River sounds: Sites backing to waterways provide natural white noise that masks road sounds. According to one visitor at Salida RV Resort, "I stayed on one of the river front spots, nice hearing the river rush by...I do believe mosquitoes would be an issue if it's not too windy, but that should be expected near water."
What You Should Know
Weather preparation: Mountain campgrounds experience rapid temperature changes and precipitation even in summer. At Sugar Loafin', one camper reported, "Early season means snow is guaranteed. Great site! They helped us refill propane and guided us to our specific site...Woke up to 4" of snow overnight (it was 50 the night prior)."
Campground navigation: Some RV parks have challenging entrances. As one camper at Middlefork RV Resort noted, "We struggled at first with how to get into the actual campground (there is a small road off the parking lot for the stores there that leads down into it)." Similarly, at Wilderness Expeditions, visitors mention the park is "down in a small valley so you don't hear the road noise."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the Granite area operate only during warmer months. Mountain Time RV Park operates from May through October while Monarch Spur RV Park runs May 1 to November 1, requiring advance planning for off-season visits.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly amenities: Some parks offer dedicated recreation areas and activities. Monarch Spur RV Park & Campground received praise from one family stating, "It has everything. Full hookups to tent camping. They have a nice camp store, WiFi that works, golf cart rental, a playground, kids games, a community area (even host occasional concerts) fishing, and a river running through."
Laundry facilities: For extended family stays, on-site laundry becomes important. One visitor to Mt. Princeton RV Park mentioned, "Laundry facilities were VERY nice and our clothes came out clean and smelling good," which can be crucial during longer family trips.
Weather adaptability: Prepare for quick weather changes that may impact activities. One camper at Sugar Loafin' noted, "We were only able to stay two nights or of the five I reserved. Being from Alabama, I couldn't handle the snow in June while in a tent."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: While many parks offer generally level sites, topography varies. At Middlefork RV Resort, a reviewer noted, "The sites are all gravel, ours was nice and level. You can get either full hookups or water/electric only."
Size considerations: Some parks have limited space between sites. A visitor at Tiger Run RV Resort near Breckenridge commented, "Let's be clear - this is not camping. This is renting a driveway with access to power, water, sewer, internet, and cable. It is EXPENSIVE. It's also the only place near Breckenridge that offers all of these amenities."
Winter operations: Snow removal can affect access. One camper at Middlefork RV Resort shared, "It snowed the night we were there and they had cleared by 6 am," indicating some parks maintain winter operations with prompt snow clearing.
