RV camping near Allenspark, Colorado centers around options within a 20-mile radius spanning the front range to Estes Park corridor. Situated at 8,500 feet elevation, the area experiences wide temperature variations between day and night even during summer months. Most campgrounds in this region close by mid-October due to early mountain snowfall and freezing overnight temperatures that affect water systems.
What to do
Trail access to Wild Basin area: Located approximately 15 minutes from Paradise on the River, where "this RV park is great. We were apprehensive staying here because it exceeded our budget (by a lot). But once we pulled in, we knew it was worth the money. The campground sits right on the river and is tucked away from the road."
Explore Granby Lake: About 40 minutes northwest of Allenspark, Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain offers "amazing pool! Bowling alley, arcade, restaurant, bars (yes more than one!) they had live music, they have fishing, and dog parks, bike rentals, daily trash pick up from your campsite, firewood delivery, play grounds, golf carts."
Wildlife viewing: Fall season brings elk rutting activity to meadow areas around Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort, where campers report, "Elk occasionally pass thru the front area which was really cool! There is also a little area next to the RV park where I think they park stored vehicles and it's a great place to walk. It's dirt, but about the size of a track."
What campers like
Mountain views: Several campgrounds offer unobstructed views. At Spruce Lake RV Park, "Prime location to both RMNP and Estes Park. Great WiFi. Extra clean facilities. Great Mountain views. Great amenities like wifi, pool, pond etc. Good Sam or military rates. Full hookups."
River access: Sites along the Big Thompson River provide nature sounds and fishing opportunities. One reviewer at Riverview RV Park & Campground noted, "Beautiful river going beside many of the sites. Newer bathrooms. Huge park with playground for kids. Our site was very wide and open, but we might just have been lucky. Most are tree covered sites and not packed in."
Cell service reliability: Working remote campers report variable connectivity, but some campgrounds maintain strong service. "WIFI/ CELL SERVICE= provided, but not reliable. We used our AT&T hotspot the entire time bc we work remote. Cell service was 4 bars and worked fine in the entire campground."
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Most RV parks near Allenspark feature relatively close sites. "Sites are a bit tight with sewer running into your neighbors sites. Sewer is placed poorly (uphill and far away from sewer tanks) with water and sewer lines running over each other."
Winter utility concerns: For off-season camping at Manor RV Park, "This is an older park that is staying open during the 2021 winter season for the first time. It is your typical RV Park with as many sites as possible packed in. But there is grass between each site, a concrete patio and gravel level sites."
Reservation timing: Book at least 6-8 months in advance for summer weekends. "We called ahead to reserve a site for the night. Arrived after the office had closed. Had a back-in full-hookups site that backed up to the walking path/sidewalk beside the river. Our site was long enough to stay hooked up."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play equipment for children, though quality varies widely. "The kids will be entertained here, and it's a short drive to Rocky Mountain National park. Only a few negatives...the play set for kids is small. The bathrooms are very clean."
Recreational amenities: Some resorts offer extra activities beyond standard camping. "Kids loved mini golf and the pool. I appreciated the pull through-site and proximity to activities. If you want to feel "remote," maybe look at one of the other campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park or other sites nearby."
Weather preparation: Mountain conditions change rapidly year-round. "We had a great stay at a tent site here. Our site was number 8, had a tree, and was by the bathrooms. The bathrooms were clean, and had a nice shower as well. Everyone was friendly, the staff and the other people staying there."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many sites require adjustments for proper setup. At Loveland RV Resort, "Paved roads with gravel sites with grass on both sides of site. You even put your trash by the road near your site and they come pick it up multiple times a day."
Utility placement: Water and sewer connections are often inconveniently positioned. "The water pressure could be a lot better. The restrooms are dated. The shower took a while to heat up and the room was a little chilly."
Big rig navigation: Interior roads vary in width and turning radius. "We called ahead to confirm that our friends' tent setup was permitted and were told it was fine. Spots are a little close, beautiful area w/lots of Hiking, biking, walking trails."
