Nucla, Colorado sits at 5,800 feet elevation in the high desert of western Colorado. The area receives approximately 11 inches of rain annually, creating a rugged landscape where juniper and pinyon pine forests dominate the terrain. Most campgrounds near Nucla remain open from mid-May through October when temperatures range from 45°F overnight to 85°F during summer days.
What to do
Fishing access: 30 yards from campsites at Uncompaghre River Resort, where the river flows cold even in hot weather. As one camper noted, "The Uncompaghre River was about 30 yards behind the camp site - a short walk through the tall tree line... the lake level is still low" though still accessible for fishing.
Mountain biking: Trail network starting directly from Buckeye Reservoir. "The area also has a good mountain bike trail that us adults enjoyed. The Mtn bike ride starts and ends from the campground, taking you across the border into Utah and then swings back towards CO on a ridge that offers an incredible panorama of the lake and red rock cliffs," according to a visitor at Buckeye Reservoir.
Wildlife viewing: Mountain sheep frequently visit the Box Elder campground area. "A gaggle of mountain sheep hang around the boat launch area," reports one camper. The canyon setting provides natural habitat for various wildlife species in an "astoundingly gorgeous" setting.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Box Elder offers natural separation between camping areas. A camper noted "Trees between sites provide privacy" making it feel more secluded despite being an established campground.
Clean facilities: Dakota Terraces Campground at Ridgway State Park maintains excellent standards. "Clean bathrooms, great hiking trails, beautiful views," reports a visitor who stayed at site 021. Another mentioned, "Clean restrooms and showers. We spent a lot of time in Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton so we did not take advantage of the park."
Water recreation options: Multiple water activities available at Ridgway State Park. "Nice waters @ the nearby reservoir. Enjoy!" shares one visitor. Another camper described it as having "access to kayak, paddle board, and boat rentals" available for visitors staying at the campground.
What you should know
RV age restrictions apply: Uncompaghre River Resort operates as a 50+ community. A visitor confirmed: "This is a 50+ community - for the first time I was really glad I was in my fifties. Host are great and very accommodating. Just ask and they will help you."
Road conditions vary: Several campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. At Box Elder, "The road is smooth until the boat launch then rutted but no prob with an AWD SUV." Another visitor advised, "To drive up the road along the river you do need a high-clearance 4x4 (or awd if you know what you're doing)."
Temperatures fluctuate significantly: The high elevation causes dramatic temperature changes. "It got insanely cold overnight and really made us cut our stay short. We really couldn't imagine another night in the cold," reported a camper at Buckeye. Another noted, "This is high desert so it does get hot during the day and cold at night."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Some area campgrounds offer play equipment. "Elk appears to have a play set," noted a visitor to Ridgway State Park, making it more suitable for families with young children.
Reserve group sites for larger gatherings: Buckeye Recreation Area accommodates large family groups. "We went to Buckeye with six families and somewhere between 10 and 12 kids to celebrate one of the kiddo's 7th birthday. We camped at the group site, which was a big enough place for all of us," shared one visitor.
Consider glamping options near Nucla: For families wanting comfort, luxury tent accommodations provide easier camping. "Camp V offers several types of dwellings for you to choose from," including options better suited for families with small children who need more amenities than traditional camping provides.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookups: Riverbend RV Park & Cabins offers reliable power connections. "The park's owners are exceptional; everything they do is done for the benefit of their guests. A few examples include oversized RV sites, WiFi, and they even love dogs because they have an off-lease dog park," reports a satisfied RVer.
Level sites are available: Ridgway State Park provides accommodating spots for larger rigs. "Each site gave privacy with nature in between. The WiFi tower was right in the campground so WiFi was screaming," mentioned one RVer who tested their "maiden working on the road trip at this spectacular state park."
Seasonal considerations: Many RV parks operate seasonally. Cedar Creek RV Park provides year-round access in town, with one visitor noting, "Nice park. Wifi and T-Mobile service are good. Park is clean and front desk people are friendly and helpful. All spots are on gravel, but there is a large pet yard as well as a grassy area."
