Cabin accommodations near New Castle sit at approximately 5,600 feet elevation along Colorado's Western Slope, providing access to both mountain landscapes and river corridors. The area experiences wide temperature fluctuations with summer highs in the 90s dropping to the 40s at night, particularly at higher elevations. Most facilities operate from April through October with limited winter availability.
What to do
River activities: Glenwood Canyon Resort offers direct access to the Colorado River for water activities. "We took advantage of Defiance Rafting on the property and had a rolling good time on the Colorado River," notes a visitor who stayed in the riverfront section.
Biking trails: Access the Glenwood Canyon bike trail that connects to town right from your campsite. "The trail east of the resort was still closed after the fire," reports one camper, but the western portion provides miles of paved riding. Carbondale-Crystal River KOA gets high marks for cycling access: "The bike trail is right outside the camp ground and you can ride to Aspen or Glenwood."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access, particularly those at higher elevations. At Sylvan Lake State Park, campers note "it's beautiful and you can always walk away with some fish." The lake has specific regulations and is known for trout.
What campers like
River proximity: Sites directly adjacent to flowing water receive consistent praise. "Falling asleep to the sound of the Colorado River literally 3 feet away is just wonderful," reports one Glenwood Canyon Resort visitor. Campers mention this feature makes higher site costs worthwhile.
Clean facilities: Elk Creek Campground receives positive feedback for maintenance standards: "The amenities are all old but clean and the people were friendly. Great place to be if you want to be near Glenwood or Rifle!" Shower facilities are particularly valued after outdoor activities.
Mountain views: The surrounding landscape provides scenic backdrops at many sites. "Sites 19 & 20 have a view of Mount Sopris," notes a Carbondale KOA visitor. This natural feature provides orientation and dramatic sunset viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Summer bookings fill rapidly at most cabin facilities. "I tried to get in here in 2021 and they are booked for the year. Call early or you won't get in," advises a camper about Carbondale-Crystal River KOA. Off-season availability improves significantly.
Space limitations: RV sites at several facilities present challenges for larger vehicles. "The RV sites are SMALL. We have a 42' fifth wheel, and while we got it backed in perfectly, we didn't have any room for our truck," cautions a Glenwood Canyon Resort visitor.
Ambient noise: Transportation corridors impact some campgrounds. "It's right on the highway so lots of road noise," mentions an Ami's Acres visitor. Train tracks also parallel the Colorado River, creating periodic disturbances: "The river noise was interrupted only by the occasional LOUD train on the other side of the river."
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: Pioneer Campground at Vega State Park provides lake-based recreation options. "Bug spray is necessary as mosquitos are pretty rampant in June-July," notes a visitor, suggesting preparation for water-adjacent camping.
Playground access: Several facilities maintain play structures for children. The Glenwood Springs West KOA features "a splash pad, park, pool, hot tub and shower facility were all new and super clean," according to a recent visitor, providing multiple entertainment options.
Wildlife viewing: Morning hours often present opportunities for wildlife observation. "Really cozy little campground, lots and lots of birds in the morning which our daughters enjoyed immensely," reports a family who stayed at Ami's Acres.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose carefully when booking RV sites. "We had a beautiful site backing up to the river with full hookups. The manager was very friendly and took us to our site," shares a Glenwood Springs West/Colorado River KOA visitor, highlighting the value of waterfront locations.
Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds present challenges for level parking. "The campground is built on the side of a mountain so the individual sites are tiered. I could see it making a few people nervous to back in but it's no big deal," explains an Ami's Acres visitor.
Utility restrictions: Some facilities have specific limitations. "My least favorite part about this place is that they strictly forbid EV charging," notes one KOA visitor, suggesting checking with management about power usage policies before booking.
