Rangely, Colorado sits at approximately 5,300 feet elevation in northwest Colorado's high desert terrain. The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, with summer highs often reaching 90°F while dropping to the 50s overnight. Winter camping options are limited as most RV facilities near Rangely close seasonally, typically operating from April through November.
What to do
Explore Dinosaur National Monument: Located about 20 miles west of Rangely, this national monument offers impressive fossil displays and scenic drives. A visitor at Green River Campground noted, "There is a nice easy-moderate trail along the river from Loop A of the campground" with "lots of cottonwood trees changing color" during fall months.
River activities: The White River runs through the Rangely area, offering fishing and water recreation. At River Camp RV Park, campers appreciate being "right on the river. Full hookups. Only wish they had full bathroom and laundry. Otherwise excellent spot."
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location provides minimal light pollution for astronomy enthusiasts. One camper at Green River Campground described it as a "Beautiful dark sky area and the stars at night are awesome. At night you can hear the Green River-which is near by."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many RV parks near Rangely feature well-spaced sites. A visitor at River Camp RV Park mentioned, "Sites are well spaced out, site 14 had a huge front area next site was ~50 yards away. Occasional road noise, but mostly the sound of the river."
Mountain views: The surrounding landscape offers scenic vistas. At Trail and Hitch Tiny Home Hotel and RV Park in Meeker, a camper described the "Amazing and gorgeous view. Had a thinderstorm and loved watching the lightning from the mountain tops."
Playground amenities: Some facilities include recreational areas for children. A visitor at Outlaw Trail RV Park highlighted the "Play set, tons of grass, sand volleyball, tether ball, picnic/grilling areas. Laundry and bathroom/shower very clean."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Several RV parks in the region have issues with water taste. At Vernal RV Resort, a camper noted, "The biggest complaint that I had about the sites was the taste of the water. We had to buy bottled water because we couldn't stand the taste of the tap water even though it went through a filter."
Weather conditions: The area experiences strong winds and extreme temperature variations. One visitor at Trail and Hitch reported, "Got hit with 40-60 mile an hour winds - Strongest I've experienced in six years traveling in this RV."
Internet connectivity: Cell coverage and WiFi quality vary significantly across rv parks near Rangely, Colorado. A camper at Trail and Hitch mentioned, "No cell and weak WiFi reception, so I was not able to use phone or computer."
Site terrain: Many RV parks have gravel surfaces that may require leveling. At Outlaw Trail RV Park, a visitor described it as "largely just a big gravel parking lot. On the plus side, the sites are decent size, with full hookup, and it's a 6 minute drive to the Quarry Visitor Center."
Tips for camping with families
Dinosaur exhibits: Schedule time for fossil exploration that appeals to children. At Fossil Valley RV Park, a camper noted its convenient location is "25 minutes or so to the Dinosaur National Monument. There are so many other things to do in Vernal. We needed more time here."
Park amenities: Look for campgrounds with designated play areas. One visitor at Outlaw Trail RV Park described "tether ball, volleyball net, basketball court, a bathroom, and a single fire pit" which can keep children entertained.
Shade considerations: Summer temperatures can be intense. A camper at Green River Campground advised, "If you need shade take loop B or C. Loop B reservations only. All sites are nicely spaced with no designated tent pad."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at some facilities. A visitor at Buck N Bull RV Park described "level gravel pads" but noted to "Watch out for thorns here. If you like to go barefoot or have dogs this is not the place for you."
Seasonal operations: Most RV parks around Rangely operate from April through November. The few year-round options include Trail and Hitch in Meeker, where a camper reported, "Loved this RV park! It was super quiet and peaceful. Meeker is one of my favorite towns in Colorado."
Laundry access: On-site laundry facilities are limited in the area. At Outlaw Trail RV Park, a camper noted, "$2/wash and $2/40 min of dryer. Clean restrooms. Showers 0.25 cents for 7 minutes."
Shower facilities: Pay-per-use showers are common at rv parks in the Rangely region. One visitor at Outlaw Trail mentioned, "Showers are coin operated (though supposedly just $0.25 to start it and the 2nd $0.25 gets you ten minutes, which isn't bad)."
