Along the Colorado River corridor between Rifle and Glenwood Springs, glamping near New Castle, Colorado offers outdoor accommodations at elevations of 5,500 to 6,000 feet. The area experiences warm summer days with temperatures typically between 75-90°F and cool evenings that drop to the 50s. Camping options range from riverside sites where railroad and highway noise can be amplified by canyon acoustics to higher elevation forest locations with more moderate temperatures.
What to do
Fishing at Rifle Gap Reservoir: Located 15 miles north of New Castle, Rifle Gap State Park provides shoreline access for anglers. "The sites were clean and well kept. There is not much for shade," notes Sarah Y. at Rifle Gap State Park Campground. The reservoir is stocked with trout, and fishing licenses are required.
Paddle sports on Sylvan Lake: About 30 miles east of New Castle, this 42-acre mountain lake offers non-motorized boating options. "There is a multitude of activities you can partake in. Besides camping, Sylvan lake offers excellent fishing for trout, Stand up Paddle Boarding and Canoeing; Both which can be rented there," says Anthony P. at Sylvan Lake Campground.
Biking the river corridor: The paved bike path along the Colorado River connects several camping areas and extends to nearby towns. "The bike trail is right outside the camp ground. We rode it from Aspen down valley and right back to our campsite," explains Patrick J. at Glenwood Canyon Resort.
What campers like
River proximity: Many campsites sit directly on the Colorado River or Elk Creek. At Elk Creek Campground, Jan M. observes, "Rarely can you find a full hookup site in a natural setting along a roaring creek. The park has a variety of accommodations with full hookup sites, a 'tent' section with electricity (lovely for small RVs as well) and log cabins."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain well-serviced restrooms and shower facilities. "Excellent experience! The staff was incredibly kind and friendly. The showers and toilets were clean," reports Michal J. at Rifle Gap State Park Campground.
Year-round options: Some glamping sites operate throughout winter. "After spending three nights in forest service campgrounds, we landed here, lucky to find a place with availability on a weekend in September," shares Lee D. at Glenwood Canyon Resort. The resort offers year-round accommodations including riverside sites that provide "the soothing white noise of the river putting us to sleep each night."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most structured camping areas fill quickly during summer months. "We needed a last minute place to stay and went here. Honestly the people and the camp host were amazing!" says Vanessa C. about Rifle Gap.
Noise considerations: Highway and railroad proximity affects some sites. "This place is EXPENSIVE. It is not worth the nightly rate. You are paying for the proximity to town and if you reserved a waterfront site, the view," Jason F. notes about Glenwood Canyon Resort.
Weather preparation: Evenings cool significantly even in summer. "At 8,500 ft the weather can change fast so be prepared especially with rain gear and warm close," advises Fain H. about Carbondale-Crystal River KOA.
Insect awareness: Some riverside locations have significant mosquito populations. "However the mosquitoes were many. We are tent campers and found it impossible to be outside the tent without a lot of serious bug spray on," Martha explains about Elk Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Look for campgrounds with water features for children. "The splash pad, park, pool, hot tub and shower facility were all new and super clean. Wonderful facilities all around," reports Jennifer H. at Glenwood Springs West/Colorado River KOA.
Cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort while maintaining outdoor access. "The Hideout is a place you should check out. Our site was one of four that was right on the creek running through the property," shares Greg P.
Food planning: Limited grocery options exist near some campgrounds. "After a long, long day of driving, this was a true treat to pull into. As soon as we set up we ventured off to 'duck island' after crossing their little bridge over the Colorado," describes Debbie S. about Glenwood Springs West KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site sizes: Many campgrounds have tight spacing for larger units. "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. Thankfully no one was next to us, so we could get creative with parking it," cautions Melody C. about Glenwood Canyon Resort.
Power considerations: Some parks have restrictions on electrical usage. "My least favorite part about this place is that they strictly forbid EV charging. Why? If I'm in a big camper with two a/c running plus big TV, fridge, etc then I'm pulling just as much power as my EV charger would," notes Pete H. at Glenwood Springs West KOA.
Site selection for views: Request specific sites for best experiences. "The views of the reservoir are very nice. Would stay again," comments Doug W. at Rifle Gap State Park.
