Maybell serves as a gateway to numerous outdoor destinations including Sandwash Basin, Irish Canyon, Browns Park, and Dinosaur National Monument. Located along Highway 40 in northwestern Colorado, this small community experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the population nearly tripling during hunting season. RV camping near Maybell offers travelers a convenient stopover point in a region characterized by wide-open spaces and limited services.
What to do
Wild horse viewing in Sand Wash Basin: From Maybell Park, visitors can explore Sand Wash Basin where wild horses roam freely. As one camper noted: "We used it as a jumping off spot to tour the Sand Wash Basin and it was fine in that regard."
Fishing opportunities: Freeman Reservoir Campground offers excellent fishing with non-motorized watercraft access. "My brother caught a 16" rainbow which provided supper one night," reports one visitor to the region. Another camper mentioned: "With hiking, biking, and fishing, you could spend some time here!"
River activities: Yampa River Headquarters Campground provides access to the Yampa River. "We were close to the boat ramp so it was an easy walk down to the river," explains one camper. The park also features "a bike/walking trail of about 1.1 miles through the trees and near the river."
What campers like
Natural surroundings: River Camp RV Park in Meeker offers a peaceful environment. As one reviewer shared: "Easy access and right on the river. Full hookups. Only wish they had full bathroom and laundry. Otherwise excellent spot."
Spacious sites: The campsites at many local parks provide ample room. At Trail and Hitch in Meeker, "All RV sites have a fire ring and a picnic table." River Camp RV Park offers "good space between sites, some are quite remote from others."
Clean facilities: "Clean bathrooms. Showers were more of a 2.5/5. Not super clean and water smelled rusty. Water from sink was fine though," notes a recent visitor to Maybell Park. At Yampa River Headquarters Campground, guests appreciate that "The grounds are well cared for and sights are nicely spaced."
What you should know
Cell service variability: Beyond the poor Verizon service mentioned in existing descriptions, T-Mobile offers an alternative in some locations. At Maybell Park, "WiFi at the kiosk, but it does not reach many of the campsites well."
Weather considerations: The region experiences extreme conditions. At Wilderness Rendezvous RV Park (now Trail and Hitch), one camper experienced "low about 12° also got hit with 40-60 mile an hour winds - Strongest I've experienced in six years traveling in this RV."
Limited services: Beyond Craig and Steamboat Springs, facilities are sparse. "Only one store/gas station in town and no restaurant," notes a Maybell visitor. Nearby Meeker offers more services, with campers noting "Meeker is one of my favorite towns in Colorado. Everyone is too nice there!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Wilderness Rendezvous RV Park offers "Playground is nice," according to a reviewer who also mentioned the "Amazing and gorgeous view." This provides entertainment options for children.
Insect preparation: Be ready for insects, particularly at riverside campgrounds. At Yampa River Headquarters Campground, "be ready the mosquitos are fierce. There are also small black bugs that seem to out also."
Educational opportunities: Freeman Reservoir Campground provides nature observation possibilities. "We even got pictures of a couple beavers," notes one visitor. Another mentioned it as "a great family place" with "lots of trees and a bunch of wild flowers."
Tips from RVers
Big rig accessibility: Several parks accommodate larger RVs. Trail and Hitch RV Park features full hookup sites suitable for big rigs, though specific site dimensions aren't provided in reviews.
Leveling considerations: At River Camp RV Park, "Roads and lots were gravel but well maintained. Sites are packed rock and pretty level." However, at another nearby park, a visitor noted: "Less expensive spots are not level so I chose the more expensive option."
Shower facilities: Shower quality varies significantly across the region. At Yampa River Headquarters Campground, one camper complained: "It always bothers me when I have to pay quarters for a four minute shower." Check each park's specific shower policies and costs before arrival.
