Camping near Hillside, Colorado offers access to the San Luis Valley with its unique position between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Arkansas River Valley. At 8,400 feet elevation, the area experiences cool summer nights with temperatures often dropping below 50°F even in July and August. Seasonal operations typically run April through October, with some facilities closing earlier depending on weather conditions.
What to do
Soak in natural hot springs pools: Valley View Hot Springs offers approximately 12 naturally fed pools at varying temperatures scattered across the property. One visitor noted, "The gem here is the wonderful landscape and the soaking pools throughout. I can't speak highly enough about the pools, the overall vibe and the expansive views."
Explore local hiking trails: Mueller State Park Campground provides direct access to numerous maintained trails with minimal crowds. A camper mentioned, "The trails were beautiful, well maintained, and not crowded at all. The end of the campground feeds into many trailheads, which are great for exploring."
Visit Royal Gorge Bridge: Located about 40 minutes from Hillside, this suspension bridge stands 956 feet above the Arkansas River. "Close to everything you need but you will feel away from it all," notes a visitor to Cutty's Resort, which serves as a convenient base for exploring regional attractions.
Experience stargazing opportunities: With minimal light pollution, the area offers exceptional night sky viewing. A visitor to Great Sand Dunes Oasis reported, "Great star gazing. The campground was clean and well maintained."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: While site layouts vary across campgrounds, some offer better separation than others. At Mueller State Park Campground, "Each campsite feels personal and is gorgeous. Bathrooms are never far, but the well-kept shower house might be a bit of a walk."
Water activities: The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area provides river access for fishing, rafting, and water play. A visitor to the Five Points Campground shared, "There is a tunnel from the campground to the river and lots of great information for kids and adults about the history of the area and the plants and animals."
Clean facilities: Despite their remote locations, many campgrounds maintain good standards. At Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA, guests appreciated that "the bathrooms were functional" and the "staff was friendly."
Multiple pool options: Joyful Journey Hot Springs features several soaking pools at different temperatures. A visitor reported, "A small hippy facility with rv spots, yurts, and lodge rooms. Includes breakfast and dinner, and access to several hot spring fed tubs, at several temps."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites require booking well in advance. At Valley View Hot Springs, "You need to reserve well in advance as the demand is much higher than the capacity."
Clothing-optional policies: Some hot springs permit or encourage nudity. A Valley View visitor advised, "This place is not for everyone. You need to be able to chill and relax and be cool with nudity."
Limited amenities at state park sites: Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area campgrounds typically offer basic facilities. "There is no place to dispose of trash... There are no hookups and no potable water at the campground, but there are vault toilets and a couple porta potties."
Weather considerations: Mountain weather can change rapidly. At Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge, visitors recommend bringing layers even in summer, as night temperatures drop significantly.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: Cutty's Resort offers extensive recreation options. "We had a great time. The pools on site were perfect for the kids. On site mini golf was a blast. The views in the campground were awesome."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide chances to see local animals. At Mueller State Park, "We saw some deer that came through our site. Just a real nice relaxing place!"
Educational opportunities: Some sites offer organized activities. At Cutty's Resort, "They had young staff that organized hands on crafts and science experiment classes for all the kids to participate in who were staying that weekend. One class was the kids making alka seltzer rockets."
Size considerations for tent sites: When glamping in Hillside, Colorado with larger families, check site dimensions. A reviewer noted about one campground, "The tent pads are pretty small though. They are great for 1-2 people, but we are a family traveling with pets, so we have a larger tent."
Tips from RVers
Unlevel sites: Prepare for potentially challenging parking. One Cutty's Resort visitor mentioned, "Our particular site was pretty unlevel but that's not the campground's fault."
Hookup availability: Electric-only sites are common at many campgrounds. A Valley View Hot Springs visitor noted, "Campsites with electric hook ups are limited. Bathrooms and showers are clean."
Road conditions: Access roads to glamping sites near Hillside can be rough. For Cutty's Resort, a camper warned, "Road into the campground was dirt and a bit washboard."
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations require planning. "If you're looking for shade—this place has trees galore—but that also means it gets chilly at night so be aware!"
