Nathrop, Colorado sits at an elevation of 7,878 feet in the Arkansas River Valley between the Sawatch Range and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks, the area experiences cool, dry summers with temperatures averaging 75-80°F during daytime and dipping to 45-50°F at night. RV campers will find most campgrounds in the region have gravel sites requiring leveling blocks due to the mountainous terrain.
What to do
Hot springs access: Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is just 5 miles from Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park, providing a relaxing destination after hiking days. "We returned later in the fall to take in the scenery and had a nice spot on the creek. Added bonus... it's close to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs!! Camping and hot springs....ahhhhh," notes a visitor about the convenient location.
Fishing opportunities: Arkansas River and connected waterways offer brown and rainbow trout fishing at multiple rv campgrounds near Nathrop, Colorado. At Monarch Spur RV Park & Campground, "It is right on the S. Arkansas, which has browns and rainbows for skilled and licensed anglers," according to a camper who enjoyed the convenient water access.
Mountain exploration: Historic ghost towns and hiking trails surround the camping areas. One camper at Chalk Creek Campground mentioned, "We drove up to St. Elmo which is a gorgeous drive to the mountains. Again, not enough time in this area in two days." Most trailheads are within a 30-minute drive from the campgrounds, making day trips convenient.
What campers like
Riverfront sites: Many campers praise the creekside locations available at rv parks near Nathrop. A Wilderness Expeditions RV Park visitor explains, "We were lucky enough to get a spot to park our 27ft trailer parallel to the creek - so we have a perfectly private front yard with a view. You can still hear the main road at times, but we have great wifi connection with our set up."
Mountain views: The backdrop of mountain peaks creates a scenic camping environment throughout the area. At Salida RV Resort, "Very clean, large level spots with gravel and plenty of room in between RVs. Great location, close to Salida and hiking & biking trails. Directly on the Arkansas River -- river view spots are very nice and all spots have a view of the mountains."
Proximity to attractions: The central location allows easy access to multiple outdoor activities. A Bighorn Park camper shared, "We spotted big horn sheep on the cliff behind us! The park also had a live singer entertain one night!" Most campgrounds are within 15-20 minutes of major outdoor recreation areas.
What you should know
Elevation effects: At nearly 8,000 feet elevation, nights get cold and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer months. A camper at Monarch Spur RV Park & Campground noted, "High altitude means cool to cold nights. Gorgeous area and park!" Pack warm sleeping gear even in summer.
Road noise considerations: Many campgrounds sit close to highways, creating ambient noise during daytime hours. At Chalk Creek Campground, one reviewer warned, "That spot sits at the bottom of the hill right below 285 and the traffic noise was significant all day long, especially on the weekends." Request sites furthest from roadways when possible.
Limited availability: The small number of campgrounds means summer weekends fill quickly. Sangre Vista RV Sites has just two spaces total, making advance planning crucial during peak season. Most campgrounds recommend reservations at least 3-4 months ahead for summer stays.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Monarch Spur RV Park, a family noted, "It has everything. Full hookups to tent camping. Full hookup sites are a bit tight but fine. It's at over 8000 feet and the views are amazing. They have a nice camp store, WiFi that works, golf cart rental, a playground, kids games, a community area."
Creek activities: Children can enjoy shallow creek wading and exploration at riverside campgrounds. "The water is warm because it is below mt princeton hot springs," mentions one Chalk Creek Campground reviewer, making it more comfortable for kids to play in.
Educational opportunities: Mining history and gold panning can entertain children while teaching local history. At Middlefork RV Resort, a visitor highlighted, "This place has on site gold panning! I cant give this place much praise but the gold panning did it for me!" Many local attractions offer junior ranger programs or interactive exhibits within 30 minutes of most campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Many RV spots in the area accommodate larger rigs but have width limitations. A Mt. Princeton RV Park & Cabins visitor explained, "The sites were mostly level, though there was clearly a grade from the first site to the last, and there was a bit of grade front to back on our site." Bring leveling blocks regardless of campground choice.
Hookup variations: Full hookup availability differs across rv campgrounds in Nathrop, CO and surrounding areas. At Wilderness Expeditions RV Park, "Helpful hosts, hookups available, a great place to camp peacefully yet still be right near the amenities of Salida." Request specific site amenities when booking.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate seasonally with limited winter availability. Valley Mobile RV Park operates from "April 1 to October," while Chalk Creek Campground extends slightly longer from "March 1 to January 1." Only Mt. Princeton RV Park & Cabins explicitly lists year-round operation for winter camping needs.
