Todd M.
Guide
GuideLake Hasty Campground — John Martin Reservoir State Park
Big Rig Friendly and Clean
Easy in and out. Big pull through sites. Clean. Year round water/sewer/electric. Cell coverage one bar for Verizon and one to two bars AT&T
Best RV Parks & Resorts near La Junta, CO
La Junta KOA operates year-round with drive-in sites for motorhomes and travel trailers. The park provides full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections, along with a sanitary dump station. "Very well taken-care-of campsite. Tons of spots for RV's, with hookups," reported one visitor who appreciated the amenities and strong WiFi connection. Nearby, Mapes Lakeview RV Campground offers 19 sites with electric hookups, including both 30-amp and 50-amp service for larger rigs. Sportsman's RV Park & Horse Motel in Lamar, approximately 30 miles east, features big-rig friendly sites with full hookups and can accommodate larger motorhomes with ample pull-through access.
Throughout the region, most RV parks maintain gravel sites rather than concrete pads, with varying degrees of levelness. Cell service quality fluctuates between providers, with visitors reporting 1-2 bars of LTE coverage at certain locations. State park camping at John Martin Reservoir provides electric-only sites at Lake Hasty Campground with a multi-lane dump station, though several reviews note the station lacks water for tank flushing. Pets are permitted at most facilities, though rules vary by location. During summer months, shade becomes a premium commodity in this high plains environment, with Lake Hasty offering the most tree cover. The Silos in Wiley RV Park provides 20 sites with electric, water, and sewer connections but limited amenities compared to commercial parks.
Best RV Sites Near La Junta, Colorado (14)
1. Mapes Lakeview RV Campground
1 ReviewHasty, CO33 miles+1 (719) 691-1856$29 / night
"It was nice to be able to shower and get a quiet night to relax and sleep in. Check out is at 12 so that’s always nice as well!"
3. La Junta KOA
9 ReviewsSwink, CO3 milesWebsite+1 (719) 384-9580"I'm not sure what you'd do for more than a day in La Junta, but this was a great overnight spot for us in late September. (Old Bent's Fort is worth the side trip)."
"Tent sites have a designated tent spot, fire pit, table, and even a sink. The office store has anything you need, but there’s also a Walmart right around the corner."
4. Lakeview Campground
Be the first to review!Hasty, CO33 miles+1 (719) 776-98115. The Silos in Wiley RV Park
Be the first to review!Lamar, CO47 miles+1 (719) 257-3207$50 - $550 / night
6. Comanche National Grassland Withers Canyon Trailhead Campground
5 ReviewsLa Junta, CO22 milesWebsite+1 (719) 384-2181"We boondocked with the kiddos in a travel trailer. Saw two other cars, two people, and one other campsite was occupied."
"Only 3 dedicated camping spots, with a fire pit. Bugs were bad when we went, LOTS of gnats. But it was quiet and peaceful, beautiful weather too. Lots of exploring opportunities and hiking."
7. Sportsman's RV Park & Horse Motel
1 ReviewLamar, CO50 milesWebsite+1 (719) 336-3623"Was a great family friendly environment and pet friendly... Would recommend them without hesitation... I look forward to camping there more in the future myself..."
8. Rocky Ford Campsite
4 ReviewsSwink, CO7 miles9. Melon Valley State Wildlife Area
6 ReviewsSwink, CO13 miles"There isn't much level ground, but if you're able to park close to the river and parallel to it, you'll be ok. "
"Last minute ditch effort to find a spot after driving 21 hours. Nice and quiet from any traffic and perfect breeze from the river. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise."
10. Lake Henry
10 ReviewsSwink, CO21 milesWebsite+1 (719) 267-5235"There are flies, atvs and trucks that drive around the lake, and cows. If you can deal with those things then this is a great spot!"
"it’s a pretty lovely spot, quiet and peaceful. there are a lot of bugs however so be ready for that! otherwise really loved it!"
Recent RV Camping Photos near La Junta, CO
19 Photos of 14 La Junta Campgrounds
RV Park Reviews near La Junta, CO
84 Reviews of 14 La Junta Campgrounds
- Fred G.
ScoutSportsman's RV Park & Horse Motel
Last minute
We were traveling through and needed a place to crash for the night so we decided to stop in for the night... Was a great family friendly environment and pet friendly... Would recommend them without hesitation... I look forward to camping there more in the future myself...
- LLynnGuide
La Junta KOA
An easy overnight spot
I'm not sure what you'd do for more than a day in La Junta, but this was a great overnight spot for us in late September. (Old Bent's Fort is worth the side trip). Not crowded and restrooms were clean. Nice pull through sites, cute older playground, and a pool if you're in season. Late arrival instructions were obviously posted.
Ray & Terri F.
LegendLake Hasty Campground — John Martin Reservoir State Park
Nice State Park CG just below the John Martin Reservoir Dam
We have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 55 for 2 days in mid June. The pull-through sites are very roomy, lots of open space and fairly level. This is a fairly large CG and there were only a few other campers here mid-week. The road leading to the CG is a little bumpy, but not too bad. The gravel roads within the CG are filled with fairly significant pot holes that must be maneuvered around and there are a few low branches that need to be trimmed. The men’s showers were rust stained, but otherwise fairly clean, but my wife said there was hair on the floor and walls of the women’s showers. The showers are coin operated and mine was amply hot, but the water heater kept shutting off every 45 seconds or so. Turning the faucet off and back to hot would start it again. My wife said hers didn’t shut off, but only got warm. Water spigots available around the CG, but the one nearest us was out of service. AT&T coverage was decent, with 1-2 Bars of LTE service and speeds up to about 3.5 MB/s. We had a clear view of the southern and northern sky, so we were able to get DISH coverage on all three western satellites at our site and Starlink had speed up to 5 MB/s.
Judy B.GuideLake Hasty Campground — John Martin Reservoir State Park
Popular state park in SE Colorado
John Martin Reservoir is huge and is a big draw for fishermen and boaters. There is some camping above the dam which is very basic and the main campground is located on Hasty Lake in a stand of Cottonwood trees. As you enter the Hasty location there is a dump station ahead on the left just after the turn into the campground. The first camping sites are on the right and shade is limited to metal pergolas. Continuing into the park you pass the bathroom with laundry and showers and take any of several loops to access your campsite. These are mainly under a dense cottonwood canopy. There are a few sites right on the shoreline of Hasty lake, which are quite popular and have great views across the small lake.
There is cellphone service, I don't recall if there is wood for sale, but campers did have fires. Sites have fire rings picnic tables. If you drive out of the park past the dump station and follow the road you arrive at a swimming beach and kayak launch area. The area is home to many birds including hawks, herons, and pelicans.
Donna H.
RangerLake Hasty Campground — John Martin Reservoir State Park
Sleeping by the Dam
It's hard to give this place the credit it deserves when you come off of a mountain over 10,000 feet!!! Sites 1-20 something are up next to the dam and levee. Site 9 is the farthest from the road that separates this section from the bigger portion of the campground. There is only electricity at these sites with community water. There are restrooms (that we didn't use) and garbage containers scattered throughout. This park's saving grace is the lake and the abundant wildlife... mostly birds, but beaver and skunks were seen! Roads are paved, sites are rock with little cabana-type shelters, a picnic table and fire ring. Sites 1-20 something have scattered small trees... site 9 probably had the largest... a young cottonwood. The largest section of Hasty campsites are well treed, some at water's edge. If you're going to stay longer than 1 night, especially during the summer, try to reserve in the big section with trees! It's a popular, year-round park with fishing on Hasty Lake and boating on the reservoir side!
Andrew J.GuideComanche National Grassland Withers Canyon Trailhead Campground
Off the beaten path and beautiful.
We boondocked with the kiddos in a travel trailer. Saw two other cars, two people, and one other campsite was occupied. There are 4 numbered campsites, and an overfill pull off with a fire ring just before the campground on the left that may or may not supposed to be there. April weather is great, we came here for some reprieve from our mountain winter and were not disappointed. Even in April, bring plenty of water, it’s easy to dehydrate here. The canyons and rock formations are beautiful. Campsite 1 has great rocks right behind it, fun for the kids to play on but more exposed to winds. Campsite two is better for tent camping and has a cool sand pit. Campsite 3 is flat and great for a trailer or RV, and right by the toilet (where we stayed), and campsite 4 is a short walk to some fun terrain.
- DDavid R.Scout
Lake Hasty Campground — John Martin Reservoir State Park
Clean and Well Maintained Campground
Spent the night in early March 2023 on our way back to Colorado from picking up our new Casita travel trailer in Texas. Only four sites were occupied on the evening that we stayed there. The trees were leafless and the grass was that lovely winter brown color, but we loved the solitude and peacefulness of a nearly empty campground.
Sierra Y.GuideLake Henry
Great spot to boondock
There are flies, atvs and trucks that drive around the lake, and cows. If you can deal with those things then this is a great spot! I was left alone, few other campers here and there but we all had plenty of space. I stayed 14 days and would stay again. Some towns nearby too. Gas is really close. The Loves in La Junta is tiny.
Guide to La Junta
The Arkansas River Valley region near La Junta sits at an elevation of around 4,060 feet, featuring a semi-arid climate with hot summers reaching into the 90s and cold winters. Camping opportunities range from riverside spots along the Arkansas River to dispersed areas in the Comanche National Grassland where cell service can be limited to 1-2 bars even with major carriers.
What to do
Dinosaur track viewing: The Picket Wire Canyonlands trail near Comanche National Grassland Withers Canyon Trailhead Campground offers access to North America's largest dinosaur track site. "The hike down the canyon was difficult but it was definitely worth it to see the dinosaur tracks. Be careful of the extreme heat and lack of shade," notes camper Miles W.
Stargazing: Lake Henry provides excellent night sky viewing away from city lights. "There's not much here… just some dirt, a bit of water, and big sky. The sunset was AMAZING! And you can see mountains in the distance," shares Gee B., highlighting the minimal light pollution in this rural area.
Historical exploration: Visit Old Bent's Fort while staying at nearby campgrounds. A camper at La Junta KOA mentioned, "Old Bent's Fort is worth the side trip. Not crowded and restrooms were clean. Nice pull through sites, cute older playground, and a pool if you're in season."
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Several camping areas offer economical alternatives to hotels. One La Junta KOA visitor explained, "This site was a terrific break from camping on the road without paying for a cheap, terrible motel. All for $40 (tent site)! Very happy with our stay."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the region provide adequate spacing. At Comanche National Grassland, Andrew J. reports, "We boondocked with the kiddos in a travel trailer. Saw two other cars, two people, and one other campsite was occupied. There are 4 numbered campsites."
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards vary but some sites excel. "The vault toilet was the cleanest I have ever encountered," notes Vanessa M. about Withers Canyon facilities, while La Junta KOA receives praise for practical amenities: "The wifi is strong, the laundry is cheap, and the toilet paper is soft."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer months bring extreme heat to the area. "I wouldn't come here in the summer but I would recommend it to a friend for a late spring trip," advises Miles W. about Comanche National Grassland. Similarly, campers at Melon Valley State Wildlife Area appreciate the "perfect breeze from the river" that helps moderate temperatures.
Insect activity: Bugs can be prevalent at water-adjacent campsites. Multiple Lake Henry reviews mention this challenge: "it's a pretty lovely spot, quiet and peaceful. there are a lot of bugs however so be ready for that!" warns Ildiko F.
Wildlife awareness: Animal encounters are possible. At Melon Valley, one camper reported, "Saw some tracks, bear maybe? Kept the doors locked," suggesting prudent caution when camping in this area.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: When camping with children, choose sites with natural play features. At Comanche National Grassland, Andrew J. shares, "Campsite 1 has great rocks right behind it, fun for the kids to play on but more exposed to winds. Campsite two is better for tent camping and has a cool sand pit."
Seasonal timing: Plan family trips during moderate weather seasons. "April weather is great, we came here for some reprieve from our mountain winter and were not disappointed. Even in April, bring plenty of water, it's easy to dehydrate here," advises a Comanche National Grassland camper.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer amenities specifically for children. A visitor at Lake Henry stayed "with my pups for three days. The lake is really pretty - it makes the bugs worth it," suggesting the lakeside activities compensate for minor inconveniences when camping with children or pets.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: RV sites near La Junta, Colorado often feature uneven terrain. Linda C. at Melon Valley notes the area is "Not suitable for large rigs due to unlevel ground and very sharp approach from the east," while another camper advises, "if you're able to park close to the river and parallel to it, you'll be ok."
Site selection for rig size: At Comanche National Grassland, "Campsite 3 is flat and great for a trailer or RV, and right by the toilet," according to Andrew J., making it preferable for those with larger vehicles among the four available sites.
Overnight vs. extended stays: Sportsman's RV Park & Horse Motel in Lamar provides convenient overnight accommodations. "We were traveling through and needed a place to crash for the night so we decided to stop in... Was a great family friendly environment and pet friendly," reports Fred G., making it suitable for short stops when traveling through the area.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near La Junta, CO is Mapes Lakeview RV Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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