The area surrounding Powderhorn, Colorado sits at elevations between 7,000-8,000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than lower-lying regions. Most campgrounds near Powderhorn experience cold nights even in summer, with temperatures often dropping into the 40s after sunset. Seasonal closures are common from late October through April due to heavy snowfall and freezing conditions.
What to do
Hiking from campgrounds: At Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch, trails are accessible directly from the property. "I took my mountain bike on a longer dirt road some take an ATVs back to a small lake but not being used to 7,000 feet I was sucking air but got to some great views without having to drive anywhere," reports one camper at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch.
Stargazing opportunities: The area's limited light pollution makes for exceptional night sky viewing. "We have a back-in site and love the dark nights to star gaze," notes a visitor to Blue Mesa. Mountain Time RV Park provides similar conditions for astronomy enthusiasts, with minimal ambient light affecting visibility.
Reservoir activities: Blue Mesa Reservoir offers fishing, boating and swimming within short driving distance. A visitor at Elk Creek Campground recommends "driving into one of the more private beach areas like bay of chickens for the day" to avoid crowds and enjoy better shoreline access.
What campers like
Indoor amenities for weather days: When mountain weather turns unpredictable, having indoor options matters. "One of the major highlights for us was the amazing pool setup—both indoor and outdoor pools were clean, well-maintained, and perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring," notes a visitor to Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch.
Riverside locations: Campers consistently praise waterfront sites in the area. At 4J + 1+ 1 RV Park, "our site is next to the river so we've got the sounds of the river and Mountain Views on all sides. Can't beat it. Plus the office staff is friendly and welcoming, the bathrooms are clean."
Natural shade coverage: Unlike some exposed high-elevation sites, Mountain Time RV Park offers substantial tree coverage. "For a private RV campground, it's great. Sites are larger than many campgrounds. Most sites are shaded.... a real treat in this area," notes one camper who appreciated the natural cooling.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically by carrier and location. A Blue Mesa camper warns, "There is no Cellular service at this Campground. They have Wi-Fi, but I cannot attest to its strength or reliability; I use Starlink." Plan accordingly by downloading maps offline before arrival.
Seasonal adjustments: Most recreation options wind down earlier than visitors expect. "Outdoor closes and activities die down after beginning of September," notes a camper at Blue Mesa. Area campgrounds start reducing services by mid-September.
Laundry considerations: Facilities often require quarters with no change machines available. At Black Canyon RV Park & Campground, "Be sure to bring quarters for the laundry, there is no quarter machine and since the staff can be difficult to locate I didn't have an opportunity to ask if they have any to exchange."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly fishing spots: Several campgrounds offer stocked ponds for young anglers. "There is a lake for kids to fish in!" notes a visitor to Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch, highlighting this controlled environment for beginning fishers.
Recreation alternatives: When the weather doesn't cooperate, indoor options help. "There is so much to do on the ranch such as swim in the pools, play games, horseback ride, etc. The bathrooms and showers were clean and nice," shares a family who stayed at Blue Mesa.
Playground assessments: Quality varies widely between campgrounds. A camper at Gunnison Lakeside Resort observed that "Playground was a little older, but the kiddos liked it. Their little store had everything that you may have forgotten at home."
Tips from RVers
Elevation awareness: The thin air affects both people and vehicles. A camper at Mountain Time RV Park warns, "Class A's have no issues backing into spots. 50-30-15 Amp, Sewer and Water at the majority of the spots. Some need a wedge level to bring your rig closer to level."
Site selection strategy: At popular RV parks Powderhorn Colorado visitors recommend calling ahead for specific placement requests. At Ouray Riverside Resort, "the outer side of the 'trees loop' is very close to the highway and we had lots of car noise, but again, plenty of positives that offset this."
Highway construction impacts: Major roadwork affects travel routes for larger rigs. "Montrose is an hour away. However, Hwy 50 is down to one lane once in the morning and once in the evening due to bridge repairs. You cannot pull a trailer across the bridge at any times. Towing, you are required to use County Road 26 detour."
