RV camping near Laporte, Colorado offers access to Rocky Mountain National Park and neighboring Estes Park from locations along the Big Thompson River. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 5,000-7,500 feet with considerable temperature drops after sunset even during summer months. Dirt and gravel sites predominate throughout the area, creating dusty conditions during dry periods that can affect equipment.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Riverview RV Park & Campground provides frequent wildlife encounters right within the campground. "My wife and I spent a week here... Nearly every day a deer would come munch on the greenery right behind our rig," reports one camper who appreciated the natural surroundings.
Horseback riding access: Equestrian activities are available within 20 minutes of most camping areas. "Colorado Cabin Escape & RV Park is an open area with good views and also had some horse petting time," notes one visitor who enjoyed the animal interactions at this smaller facility.
River activities: Fishing and water recreation are easily accessible from riverfront sites. "We had a great time at this campground. We spent 4 days in a spot right next to the river. Really enjoyed the river, dog park, live music on sat. night and laundry," shares a camper at Riverview about the recreational options.
What campers like
Mountain views: Manor RV Park offers excellent vistas of the surrounding peaks. "Our site #62 was a back-in so the big windshield of our Class A had an amazing view of mountains. RMNP, Beaver Meadows entrance is only 2 miles," reports a satisfied visitor noting the prime location.
Entertainment options: Some parks provide social activities beyond typical camping. "They have an art night, and a farmers market and other weekly meetups here. Very Nice community and I feel very safe," mentions a guest at Loveland RV Resort, highlighting the community atmosphere.
Riverside sites: Campsites along water features rate consistently higher in reviews. "We got site 37 right along the fast moving creek. Amazing views in 360 degrees of the mountains," shares a Manor RV Park visitor who appreciated the prime waterfront location.
What you should know
Winter operations: Seasonal availability varies significantly between campgrounds. "This is an older park that is staying open during the 2021 winter season for the first time," notes a Manor RV Park visitor, indicating the limited cold weather camping options in the area.
Site conditions: Expect basic amenities with variable maintenance. "I think more attention could be paid to mowing the weeds of campsites between users. The laundry facilities were underwhelming as well; there were two broken washing machines while I was there," explains a Spruce Lake RV Park reviewer about facility upkeep.
Wildlife precautions: Large animals frequent the campgrounds year-round. "Lock your vehicle doors at night or you may find them pulled open by hungry bears looking for treats," warns a Spruce Lake camper about necessary safety measures when camping in this wildlife-rich area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Resort offers family-friendly amenities beyond standard sites. "The lodge had a band on weekend and there is a big dog run and activities," notes one camper about the entertainment options available.
Budget considerations: Pricing varies significantly between parks with similar amenities. "This place is expensive ($440 a week) but very nice and it let me in with my older rig on the spot," explains a Loveland RV Resort visitor, highlighting both cost and acceptance policies.
Kid-friendly activities: Several parks offer recreational options beyond hiking. "Kids loved mini golf and the pool. I appreciated the pull through-site and proximity to activities," shares a Spruce Lake visitor regarding the family amenities available during summer season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choosing the right site can significantly impact your experience. "We stayed in a premium pull through because the basic pull through were soooo close together," advises an RVer at Loveland RV Resort who prioritized space over cost.
RV size considerations: Not all parks accommodate larger vehicles equally. "Wide roads and turns; easy to navigate throughout the campground; quiet; picnic table; spacious, no shade, needed levels on one side of our RV," details a Terry Bison Ranch visitor about the physical layout considerations for larger rigs.
Hookup logistics: Utility placement can create challenges at some sites. "Sewer is placed poorly (uphill and far away from sewer tanks) with water and sewer lines running over each other," cautions a Manor RV Park visitor about potential setup difficulties.
