RV parks near Jefferson, Colorado offer year-round camping at elevations ranging from 7,500 to 9,500 feet. The South Park basin experiences temperature extremes, with summer daytime temperatures averaging 70-80°F and winter lows regularly reaching below zero. Most parks require reservations 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends when temperatures are mild and hiking conditions optimal.
What to do
Fishing at smaller lakes: Within 10 miles of Jefferson, several lakes provide trout fishing opportunities. According to one visitor at Middlefork RV Resort, "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."
Gold panning: Try your luck at stream-fed ponds where gold particles can be found. "This place has on site gold panning! I cant give this place much praise but the gold panning did it for me!" noted a camper at Middlefork RV Resort.
Mountain biking: The region offers technical trails with elevation gains of 500-1,500 feet. Visitors at Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney appreciate that it has "easy access to Prospect Park and a series of greenways that are virtually endless. You can easily bike to 3 small lakes or take a longer bike ride to other larger parks."
What campers like
Direct mountain access: Multiple campgrounds provide immediate trail access. As one camper at Tiger Run RV Resort noted, "Multiple segments of the Colorado trail are accessible right from the park."
Year-round camping options: Several parks remain open through winter for cold-weather activities. "This RV resort is a fantastic location & open year-round. The park is clean and has lots of shade," reports a visitor at Tiger Run RV Resort. Another adds it's "Located right in between Breckenridge, Keystone and A Basin. Vail is even less than an hour."
Wildlife viewing: Many parks have resident deer and small mammals. "Wildlife right outside our door every morning," noted a visitor at Diamond Campground & RV Park. Another camper mentioned, "Deer wander through the campground throughout the day."
What you should know
Variable site conditions: Levelness varies significantly between parks and individual sites. A camper at Dakota Ridge RV Park observed, "Sites are not necessarily level & certainly aren't spacious. Grass is pretty sad or nonexistent except right at the office."
Seasonal crowds: Summer weekends see maximum capacity at most parks. "Between May and September, campground availability becomes limited without advance reservations," according to local reports.
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects some parks. "The highway is busy and noisy. The bars across the road are noisy with loud music now and promises to get louder as time goes by," reported one Dakota Ridge camper. At other parks, visitor reports mention "a very loud biker bar across the street."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly amenities: Several parks have designated pet areas, but rules vary. One camper at Dakota Ridge warned, "Portable dog pens are not allowed. Tethering is not allowed... At this park they can only be on a 6 ft leash attached to a human. They have a dog 'area' instead of a fenced dog park where they can play a little."
Playground access: Some parks feature children's play areas. "The campground has a pool and hot tub. The play set for kids is small. The bathrooms are very clean," noted a family at Dakota Ridge.
Recreation facilities: Parks with additional amenities charge premium rates. At Clear Creek RV Park, "Fishing, Tubing, Paths & Parks - There is so much to do at this location; aside from the sectioned off RV area, there are lots of paths and locals parks to adventure around. Tubing & swimming in the creek is wonderful especially in summertime."
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Many parks have tight entrances and narrow interior roads. "Must be an experienced driver to navigate the tight lots and roads," advised one RVer about Clear Creek RV Park.
Water pressure variations: Bring regulators for high-pressure hookups. One camper at Applewood RV Resort warned, "Be sure to have a water pressure regulator or you'll come back to a flooded RV."
Dump station logistics: Some parks have above-grade sewer connections requiring special equipment. "The sewer is 6 inches above grade and slinky support wasn't tall enough. You might be lifting your hose to assist emptying," noted an RVer at Applewood RV Resort.
