Full hookup RV camping near Highlands Ranch offers convenient access to both mountain and city attractions. Several RV parks near Highlands Ranch, CO sit at elevations between 5,300-7,500 feet, creating distinct seasonal temperature variations. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night even when daytime highs reach the 50s, affecting water and sewer operations at some facilities.
What to do
Explore creek trails: Clear Creek RV Park in Golden backs up to walking paths along the water. "Along a gorgeous walking path to the mountains, within immediate walking distance to multiple breweries and restaurants, and extremely accessible to the mountains," notes Janine R. The location puts you minutes from hiking options.
Visit urban parks: The Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney in Wheat Ridge connects to greenways and small lakes. "Located right behind it is a large green belt with ponds, a park, biking and walking path as well as Clear Creek," explains a reviewer. Multiple local parks within walking distance offer alternatives to mountain drives.
Access mountain towns: Diamond Campground & RV Park in Woodland Park provides a 30-minute drive from Colorado Springs with higher-elevation camping. "This location was perfect for exploring the area. It is very close to downtown Woodland Park and many attractions," writes Cheryl W. The campground sits at a higher elevation with cooler summer temperatures.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Diamond Campground offers regular wildlife encounters. "Deer wander through the campground throughout the day," explains Cheryl W. Another camper notes, "Beautiful rv camp. We have uninvited frnds, deers all over!"
Urban convenience: Pikes Peak RV Park provides walkable access to nearby attractions. "This park is nestled in cottonwoods and willows of Fountain Creek nearly in downtown Manitou Springs. It is walkable to the Manitou historic and tourist district and to Garden of the Gods Park," writes one reviewer. The park offers a stream-side setting despite urban location.
Public transit options: Multiple RV parks connect to local transportation. At Pikes Peak RV Park, "Another nice feature is the free shuttle for Manitou has a bus stop along the road just outside the entry." Similarly, Prospect/Applewood RV Resort offers bus service: "the bus to Union Station leaves every hour just outside the campground - so with an easy 30 min trip, you are in the center of Denver!"
What you should know
Site spacing varies: Many RV parks feature tight spacing between sites. At Garden of the Gods RV Resort, one camper noted, "I paid $63/night for a Deluxe Plus Back-In spot. I was given D18 which was not only incredibly narrow, but very difficult to get into." Another added, "Spots are a little close, beautiful area w/lots of Hiking, biking, walking trails."
Leveling requirements: Some parks have uneven terrain requiring equipment. At Clear Creek RV Park, a camper warned, "Sites 8 & 9 are extremely unlevel, but the other sites are pretty fine." Similarly, at Diamond Campground, "Sites are not level, bring proper equipment for leveling."
Shared utilities: Water hookups may be shared between sites at some parks. One camper reported at Garden of the Gods RV Resort: "After getting setup I found out that I'd need to climb up the short retaining wall into my neighbors site to hookup our water hose. The spigot was shared between our sites."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer play areas for children. At Dakota Ridge RV Park, one camper mentioned, "The play set for kids is small. The bathrooms are very clean." Other nearby parks feature larger playground facilities within walking distance.
Bathing facilities: Shower and restroom quality varies widely between parks. Clear Creek RV Park maintains "extremely clean bath houses cleaned daily" according to reviews. One camper at Prospect/Applewood noted, "Bathroom and shower were private with a personal key - pure luxury! And everything was very nice and clean."
Swimming options: Seasonal pools operate at select facilities. At Dakota Ridge RV Park, "The campground has a pool and hot tub," notes a reviewer. Pool availability typically runs May through September, with specific dates varying by location and weather conditions.
Tips from RVers
Budget considerations: Price variations between parks can be substantial. One camper noted, "I think if we return to Colorado Springs, we could find better," regarding the value at Pikes Peak RV Park. Another called Applewood/Prospect RV Resort "a little expensive but one cost covers everything."
Noise factors: Road and neighboring business noise affects several parks. At Dakota Ridge, a camper reported, "The highway is busy and noisy. The bars across the road are noisy with loud music." At Applewood/Prospect, "The front of the park faces a very loud biker bar across the street and the backside which we stayed on butts up to some shop with loud tools/machines."
Cellular coverage: Internet access reliability varies by location. Jason F. reported at Dakota Ridge, "Cell Service: 3 bars of 5Ge on AT&T. My personal hotspot worked great here. WiFi: Slow, but strong signal and definitely usable for light web browsing. Google speed test showed 2Mbps down, 0.40Mbps up." Connectivity generally decreases at higher-elevation parks west of Golden.
