Glamping options in Mesa Lakes, Colorado elevate the camping experience with upgraded accommodations and unique outdoor settings. Located along the high-altitude Grand Mesa at approximately 10,000 feet elevation, the area experiences cool summer temperatures and significant temperature drops at night, even in peak season. Several campgrounds offer cabin accommodations for visitors seeking more comfort than traditional tent camping.
What to do
River access exploration: Pioneer Campground at Vega State Park connects visitors to reservoir activities with easy water access. According to one camper, "A trail will take you from the cabins to the visitor center. While other areas of the park were not full during our stay, I imagine that at the peak of summer the boating and RVing is plenty."
Hiking nearby trails: Ward Lake Campground on Grand Mesa offers multiple trail options including the scenic Ward Lake Trail. One visitor notes, "We found Ward Lake Trail and hiked all the way to the other side of the lake, which was beautiful! The trail was amazing, the trees were great and it made for a very scenic trail."
Wine tasting: Palisade Basecamp RV Resort provides access to nearby wineries. As one guest explained, "The best part: Colterris winery is right next door to walk to." Another camper mentioned, "Great find... vineyards all around, a local brewery, tent sites on the Colorado River. The winery next door (colterris) is awesome. Small family owned great atmosphere."
Winter camping: Some campgrounds in the area remain open during colder months. According to a winter visitor at Palisade Basecamp, "Stopped here for the night before skiing at PowderHorn. Campground was easy to find, clean and quite. There is a portapotty at the entrance of the tent sites but a shower/bath house in the main are which is just a short walk."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Ward Lake Campground receives high marks for maintenance. A camper noted, "The restrooms were immaculate! Some of the cleanest pit toilets we've seen. No oder and very clean. The whole campground was really clean in fact."
Shade availability: The Grand Mesa area offers varied sun exposure options. One camper at Ward Lake shared, "Our site was a bit less shaded, which we chose because we were expecting it to be chilly. There were some great shaded spots also but we were looking for sun."
Space between sites: Many campers appreciate the layout at North Rim Campground near Black Canyon. "Lots of spots, but very spread out and quiet. There are toilets in the center, water available, and a short hike to the rangers," explains one visitor.
Seasonal produce: Camping near orchards and farms provides fresh food options. A visitor to Big B's Delicious Orchards reported, "We got some fresh fruit and processed items to bring along with us (the peaches were amazing!)."
What you should know
Weather variability: The mountain climate means rapid weather changes. One camper at Ward Lake noted, "It's been a while, but we cannot wait to go back. Just gorgeous area!! Be prepared to put a cover on your tent as intermittent thunderstorms come up out of no where."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies throughout the region. A camper at North Rim Campground reported, "There is (limited) WiFi at the ranger station but zero service anywhere in the park or campground, so plan ahead."
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites fill quickly. "I arrived right at 1 to make sure I could get a spot the Friday of Father's Day weekend. By 5:30, all the spots were full and were full earlier the following night, so be sure to arrive early," warns a North Rim visitor.
Tent pad variations: Some campgrounds have uneven tent sites. A visitor to Palisade Basecamp observed, "All of the tent pads seem to be at a pretty wicked slope, including ours. Really great spot but prepare to roll."
Tips for camping with families
Outdoor gathering areas: Rifle Gap State Park provides space for family activities. "The sites are well spaced but since it's wide open, not a lot of privacy. The view of the reservoir is very nice," notes a camper.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature recreation areas for children. A visitor to Pioneer Campground mentioned the "playground and visitor center connected by walking trails."
Educational opportunities: Multiple locations offer learning experiences. A camper at Big B's Delicious Orchards shared, "Not wilderness camping by any means, but a fun stop for a road trip for sure! Big B's has a full restaurant, lots of cider varieties on tap and to go. Live music some nights."
Kid-friendly activities: Natural features create entertainment options. One camper at Big B's enthusiastically reported, "Our kids aged 8 and 11 absolutely loved the big tree swings."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Uncompaghre River Resort receives praise for RV-friendly pads. A visitor stated, "The spots are level concrete pad with full hook up. Most spots have shade and space between on the outer ring is about 10 feet each side."
Accessibility features: Pioneer Campground offers disability-friendly options. According to a review, "The cabins have nice sidewalk paths from the parking lot."
Electric hookups: Some glamping sites in the area provide power. A visitor to Palisade Basecamp noted, "The camp sites are close together but have good trees and even plugs!"
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts RV camping differently. One RVer shared about Rifle Gap State Park, "We store our pop-up in Rifle as it has a better winter climate. We grabbed the camper and headed up to Rifle Gap to break her in for the season."
