RV campgrounds around Lyons, Colorado accommodate travelers exploring the Front Range wilderness just 60 miles northwest of Denver at elevations ranging from 5,300-5,700 feet. Most parks in this area remain open year-round despite seasonal temperature variations that can drop below freezing in winter months and exceed 90°F during summer afternoons.
What to do
Tubing and fishing: The Big Thompson River flows through Riverview RV Park & Campground offering water activities during summer months. "I enjoyed this campground because it is quiet and you can have the rushing river behind you... It is close enough to the city of Loveland where you can access stores," notes a visitor who appreciated the riverside location.
Wildlife viewing: RV parks north of Estes Park provide opportunities for animal encounters without driving into busier park areas. At Elk Meadows Lodge, "You will probably see or hear elk," according to one camper, while another noted, "Nearly every day a deer would come munch on the greenery right behind our rig" at Riverview RV Park.
Cycling and walking paths: Golden's Clear Creek RV Park connects to extensive trail systems. "Along a gorgeous walking path to the mountains, within immediate walking distance to multiple breweries and restaurants, and extremely accessible to the mountains," reports a reviewer who enjoyed the convenient access.
What campers like
Proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park: Spruce Lake RV Park provides direct access to national park adventures. "The selling point of this campground is location. It's as close to Rocky Mountain National Park as you can get without actually camping on NPS property," explains one visitor who appreciated the convenience.
River access: Water features rank highly in visitor feedback. One camper at Paradise on the River mentioned the park "has super clean restroom and showers, laundry facilities, and it's set beside a peaceful river," making it a relaxing basecamp between adventures.
Community activities: Seasonal events enhance the camping experience at many parks. Loveland RV Resort offers organized social opportunities as one visitor noted, "They also have an art night, and a farmers market and other weekly meetups here. Very nice community and I feel very safe."
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Many RV parks in the area feature tightly arranged sites. At Dakota Ridge RV Park, a visitor observed, "Sites are not necessarily level & certainly aren't spacious," while another mentioned, "You do have to squeeze into your site but they help you back-in and pull out when you are ready to go" at Paradise on the River.
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects sound levels at several locations. "The highway is busy and noisy. The bars across the road are noisy with loud music," noted one Dakota Ridge RV Park visitor, while another mentioned, "Colfax Road is extremely busy & unfortunately loud."
Fee structures: Additional charges beyond base rates are common. One visitor at Loveland RV Resort reported, "They have a sizable $20 dump fee, I found this to be quite high, especially considering there is a free dump station only a few miles up the way at another facility."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer dedicated play areas. Manor RV Park received positive feedback from families: "My wife and I spent a week here. We enjoyed seeing the kids playing in the playground and riding around the park on their bikes."
Outdoor recreation options: Water features provide natural entertainment. "We enjoyed the river, dog park, live music on Saturday night and laundry," shared a Riverview RV Park visitor, highlighting amenities beyond standard camping facilities.
Bathroom facilities: Clean facilities matter for family comfort. A visitor at Clear Creek RV Park mentioned, "They have extremely clean bath houses cleaned daily and coin-op laundry," while another noted Spruce Lake's "extra clean facilities" that enhance the family camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Prepare for uneven sites at some locations. One camper at Horsetooth Inn & RV Park described the terrain as a "gravel lot with full hook ups," while another at Manor RV Park mentioned their "site was not level."
Sewer connection placement: Check hookup locations before parking. A Manor RV Park visitor noted, "Sewer is placed poorly (uphill and far away from sewer tanks) with water and sewer lines running over each other," indicating the need for extended hoses and careful positioning.
Connectivity considerations: Internet and cell service vary widely. At Elk Meadow Lodge, one RVer reported "WiFi was pretty consistent with ATT & Verizon phone service," while another at Riverview RV Park warned that "free WiFi is worse than dialup, and was told it wasn't worth paying for the premium because it wasn't much better."
