The RV parks in Nederland, Colorado sit at an elevation of 8,228 feet in the Rocky Mountains, creating challenging conditions for larger vehicles on mountain roads. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing from October through May, with Nederland receiving an average of 140 inches of snow annually. Cell service becomes increasingly unreliable as you travel west of Golden toward the higher elevations.
What to do
Creek activities: At Clear Creek RV Park in Golden, the adjacent waterway offers recreation right from your campsite. "Fishing, Tubing, Paths & Parks - there is so much to do at this location; aside from the sectioned off RV area, there are lots of paths and locals parks to adventure around. Tubing & swimming in the creek is wonderful especially in summertime," notes one visitor.
Mountain biking trails: The trail systems near Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney connect to larger greenway networks. "It does have easy access to Prospect Park and a series of greenways that are virtually endless. You can easily bike to 3 small lakes or take a longer bike ride to other larger parks," explains a camper who appreciated the extensive network.
Winter recreation: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, some rv parks near Nederland remain open year-round. "This is an older park that is staying open during the 2021 winter season for the first time," reports a camper at Manor RV Park, noting the proximity to cold-weather activities in Rocky Mountain National Park just 2 miles away.
What campers like
Convenience to breweries: Nederland and surrounding towns offer multiple craft beer options within walking distance of rv campgrounds. "Great spot in the heart of Golden... within immediate walking distance to multiple breweries and restaurants, and extremely accessible to the mountains," mentions one visitor about Clear Creek RV Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region's campgrounds often feature wildlife sightings right on property. "Two bull elk were hanging out at our site one day... the big herd was just down the street... there was also a mule deer herd with a big buck hanging out just down the street," reports a camper staying at Manor RV Park during autumn.
Recreation amenities: Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain in Granby offers extensive on-site activities. "Arcade, restaurant, mini bowling alley (free), playground, dog parks, pool, hiking trails both paved and unpaved, and a general store," lists one reviewer who appreciated having entertainment options without leaving the campground.
What you should know
Road conditions: Mountain access requires preparation, especially for larger rigs. One visitor to Peak to Peak RV Park in Nederland notes the facility is "Kind of a weird 'campground'. Never actually saw or met the owner/grounds keeper/anyone but reserved online... Only has 50 amp plugs."
Variable site conditions: Not all sites are created equal, even within the same park. "Sites 8 & 9 are extremely unlevel, but the other sites are pretty fine," reports a visitor about their extended stay at a Golden RV park.
Noise considerations: Some parks experience noise from surrounding roads or businesses. "The highway is busy and noisy. The bars across the road are noisy with loud music now and promises to get louder as time goes by," warns one Dakota Ridge visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Choose parks with kid activities: Look for campgrounds with built-in entertainment. "This place has everything! Bowling, an amazing pool and hot tubs, super clean facilities, full hookups... really, there's so much to do especially for families," writes a reviewer about Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain.
Consider playground access: Some rv parks offer dedicated children's areas. "The kids loved mini golf and the pool. I appreciated the pull through-site and proximity to activities," shares a family that stayed at Spruce Lake RV Park in Estes Park.
Check family-friendly policies: Not all parks welcome young campers equally. "The park has a pool and hot tub. The play set for kids is small. The bathrooms are very clean," notes one reviewer about a Golden-area campground, suggesting families check facility details before booking.
Tips from RVers
Water pressure variations: Mountain water systems can fluctuate significantly. "Be sure to have a water pressure regulator or you'll come back to a flooded RV," warns a visitor at Riverview RV Park.
Sewer connection placement: Hookup locations vary between parks and can create challenges. "The sewer is 6 inches above grade and slinky support wasn't tall enough. You might be lifting your hose to assist emptying," notes one RVer describing their experience.
Internet reliability: Connectivity varies greatly between parks. "The wifi was pretty good" reports one Manor RV Park visitor, while another notes "Wifi is snail pace. We couldn't keep anything logged in" at a different location, suggesting travelers bring their own hotspots if connectivity is important.