Recreational vehicle sites near Hotchkiss, Colorado provide convenient access to the North Fork Valley, situated at 5,400 feet elevation between the West Elk Mountains and Grand Mesa. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-90°F with cooler nights even during peak season. Winter camping options generally require self-contained units as water systems at most campgrounds are winterized from November through April.
What to do
Fishing access: 2 miles from Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins in Gunnison lets you cast for trout in nearby waters. "Located just 2 miles north of downtown Gunnison, just before the Gunnison River," offering easy river access for anglers.
Black Canyon exploration: 20 minutes from Montrose RV options. "This was a very convenient jumping off point to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison," notes one traveler about KOA Montrose RV Resort. The south rim provides the most accessible viewpoints and hiking opportunities.
Scenic drives: Multiple routes accessible from Hotchkiss area. "Good base camp to go explore lake Isabel and crested butte and black canyon," writes a visitor about Mountain Time RV Park. The West Elk Loop Scenic Byway passes directly through Hotchkiss, offering mountain views and wildlife spotting opportunities year-round.
What campers like
Level sites with mature trees: Many campers appreciate the ample shade at RV parks in the region. One visitor to Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins reported it's "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."
River views: Select campgrounds offer water proximity. A camper at Four Seasons River Inn & RV Park shared, "Great place! Super clean and plenty of space in between trailers. Great access to the river fir fishing!" River sites often book first during summer months.
Affordability: Budget-friendly options available. "The rates were super affordable too! We only needed electric hook up for our RV and it is small and even though all their RV sites were booked up they let us stay in a tenting spot for cheap with an electric box," noted a visitor to Mountain Time RV Park.
What you should know
Seasonal tree conditions: Be aware of natural elements. At Mountain Time RV Park, one camper observed, "IF anyone in your party has seasonal allergies of any kind I would STEER CLEAR of this park...the park is full of Cottonwood trees and over the 4th of July they were shedding their cotton and it was everywhere. It honestly looked like it had snowed."
Reservation requirements: Book well ahead for peak times. From late May through September, most established campgrounds fill quickly. "We were able to get a site here on short notice over Fourth of July weekend," reported a fortunate visitor to Four Seasons River Inn & RV Park.
Internet connectivity: Varies significantly by location. "We have the best internet in the area!!" claims Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins. Other parks have limited service - "The campground's internet service is next to nothing, unless you're inside one of their office buildings," reports a camper at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with pools. A guest at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch shared, "We had such a relaxing stay! One of the major highlights for us was the amazing pool setup—both indoor and outdoor pools were clean, well-maintained, and perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring."
Kid-friendly fishing: Designated ponds for young anglers. "This is also a fishing pond for kids under 12. They can keep 2 fish," notes a visitor to Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch. Several campgrounds maintain stocked ponds specifically for children's fishing activities.
Recreation amenities: Check for on-site activities. "There is so much to do on the ranch such as swim in the pools, play games, horseback ride, etc.," writes a camper about Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch. On-site recreational options keep children entertained during downtime between area explorations.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Check space requirements before booking. A camper at Cedar Creek RV Park noted, "Tight spot and dusty but staff nice. Was relatively quiet, but seemed 5 ft from next rv. No room for tow behind." Many parks have variable site sizes with limited space for larger rigs.
Seasonal road closures: Plan travel routes carefully. "Very passable KOA. Friendly staff, the woman at the desk helped explain the bizarre road closure schedule during weekday hours on US-50 btw Montrose and Gunnison (what a mess)," reports a visitor at KOA Montrose RV Resort. Highway construction often affects travel times during summer months.
Surface conditions: Sites vary between grass, gravel, and concrete. "We had a nice site within eyeshot of the river. There's trees across the property and sites are spaced nicely," mentions a camper at Four Seasons River Inn & RV Park. Surface materials affect leveling requirements and seasonal mud conditions.
