Dispersed camping opportunities surround Ophir, Colorado, a small mountain community positioned at 9,600 feet elevation in the San Juan Mountains. Summers bring daytime temperatures in the 70s, while winter brings heavy snowfall and limited access. The Ophir Valley features dense pine forests interspersed with aspen groves that transition through vibrant color changes during autumn months.
What to do
Fishing access: 4 miles from town. The Dolores River near Priest Gulch Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities. "There is fishing in the park, free plentiful firewood-peaceful and quiet even though it is a busy place," notes one camper, while another caught "a 5 lb cutthroat last week, browns, rainbows, fishing is good."
Hot springs relaxation: short walk available. When staying at Westerly RV Park, campers can easily access thermal waters. "Right across the road from formerly called Trimble hot springs," mentions one reviewer, making it convenient to soak after mountain adventures.
Hiking directly from campgrounds. Several RV sites near Ophir, Colorado connect to trail systems. At 4J+1+1 RV Park, "the perimeter trail actually has an access point at the park," and there's a "river walk into town" from Ouray Riverside Resort that leads "to the hot springs and town."
What campers like
Onsite amenities: free services. Stoner RV Resort stands out for its generous offerings. "Free barbecue with utensils and propane, fire pits with free wood! Yes, free wood!" writes one camper. Others appreciate "free laundry facilities, movies on a big screen (popcorn included)" and "free shore power, even at the tent sites."
Dog-friendly features: dedicated areas. Pet owners appreciate thoughtful accommodations at Alpen Rose RV Park. "There is a very nice dog run and exercise area," reports one camper, while another highlights the "2 acres dog park" and "dog bathing station" that make traveling with pets easier.
River proximity: sound benefits. Many campers value waterfront sites around Ophir. "Our site is next to the river so we've got the sounds of the river and Mountain Views on all sides," notes one guest at 4J+1+1 RV Park. At Priest Gulch, tent sites are positioned "right next to the river" with T4 specifically "tucked away perfectly in the trees, on the bank of the Dolores river."
What you should know
Elevation considerations: winter disconnects. At 9,600 feet, Ophir's high altitude affects camping conditions. Near Silver Summit RV Park, "10k elevation, rough park" conditions can create challenges with "high winds, dust devils." Another camper notes winter camping requires "disconnecting water at night to prevent their water pipes from freezing and bursting."
Site spacing variations. RV parks around Ophir range from spacious to compact. One camper at Westerly RV Park observed "The spots inside the circle drive seemed much more packed in than the spots on the outside," while another noted "campers stacked on top of each other." At Priest Gulch, "RV spaces are quite close together, but there are no generators and the camp strictly enforced quiet hours."
Off-road vehicle policies. Local regulations affect ATV use. A reviewer notes that as of 2022, "the town does not allow ohv's in town," which influenced their decision to "stay elsewhere due to the towns views on ohv's." Silver Summit has many visitors focused on "the off roading thing" with "constant OHV engine from RV renters."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: central locations. 4J+1+1 RV Park offers "clean bathrooms, free showers, playground, and beautiful creek side camping." Families appreciate the convenient layout where "there is a road that goes through the grounds and it says 14 mph but some people go faster, watch your kids and animals."
Entertainment options: onsite activities. Several campgrounds provide organized events. Stoner RV Resort offers "a band play one day and a solo guitarist another," and Alpen Rose hosts "fun activities, like trivia nights and dog parades! They even have prizes!"
Recreation infrastructure: multiple options. Facilities include "volleyball, tetherball" at Alpen Rose, and at Stoner RV Resort, "a basketball court. Lots of toys for the kids and adults to play with." Campers highlight "a large grassy area in the center for kids to play" that contrasts with typical RV parks that "feel like parking lots."
Tips from RVers
Level considerations: bring equipment. Many RV sites near Ophir, Colorado require leveling gear. One RVer at Westerly RV Park warned about "pedestals with faulty wiring. Fried my $300 surge protector," while a camper at Silver Summit mentioned sites are "on gravel and not flat. My front wheels were 14" off the ground."
Electrical concerns: verify service. Campgrounds sometimes have electrical limitations. One camper found "we were in a 30 amp and asked to be changed" after booking "a year in advance for a 50 amp site." Others experienced "sketchy" internet that "is not the park's problem" and noted most parks have "no cable or TV."
Winter accessibility: limited options. While summer offers numerous camping options, winter severely restricts RV camping. Red Mountain RV Park Ouray provides off-season options as one camper noted: "After three nights in the mountains I needed to recharge batteries and clean up and do laundry and this place while expensive is located beautifully just outside of Ouray Colorado surrounded by beautiful mountains."
