RV camping near Red Feather Lakes, Colorado offers access to both mountain terrain and water recreation. Located at 8,000 feet elevation in the Roosevelt National Forest, the area experiences wide temperature swings from warm summer days to cool nights, even in peak season. Most campgrounds near Red Feather Lakes remain open from May through September, with limited winter availability at lower elevations.
What to do
Bison viewing: 45 minutes from Loveland. Terry Bison Ranch offers a unique experience where visitors can take a train ride to see and feed buffalo. One visitor noted, "The train to view and feed the Buffalo was really cool. Restaurant was also excellent. Friendly staff!" This activity provides a family-friendly alternative to hiking.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple locations. Anglers visiting Riverview RV Park & Campground can access the Big Thompson River directly from the campground. A camper mentioned, "We spent 4 days in a spot right next to the river. Really enjoyed the river, dog park, live music on sat. night and laundry." Some sites allow fishing within steps of your campsite.
Wildlife watching: Early mornings best. Manor RV Park visitors regularly spot elk and deer. As one reviewer shared, "Two bull elk were hanging out at our site one day. The big herd was just down the street. There was also a mule deer herd with a big buck hanging out just down the street." Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Natural water features: Relaxing settings. The sound of running water creates a peaceful atmosphere at several parks. A reviewer at Paradise on the River wrote, "Each site has a deck over the river. Can't beat the sound of water rushing." The river ambiance adds to the camping experience without requiring additional cost.
Animal encounters: Domestic and wild. Colorado Cabin Escape and RV Park offers interaction with ranch animals. "Karen was a wonderful hostess, we had her homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Ranch was quiet, horses and pronghorn made for excellent neighbors," one camper shared. These interactions provide memorable experiences, particularly for children.
Smaller parks with services: Less crowded options. Campers appreciate the more intimate feel of smaller parks compared to larger facilities. A visitor to Paradise on the River commented, "With only a couple dozen sites, it feels far more intimate than any of the neighboring parks." These smaller parks often provide more personalized service while maintaining necessary amenities.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Limited winter options. Many campgrounds close completely during winter months. Spruce Lake RV Park operates from "May 1 to September 30," and Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort runs from "May 8 - Oct 3." Plan accordingly when visiting outside peak season.
Weather considerations: Prepare for temperature swings. Summer evenings can drop below 50°F even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Pack layers and appropriate sleeping gear regardless of season.
Reservation requirements: Book early. A Spruce Lake RV Park visitor advised, "Our site #62 was a back-in so the big windshield of our Class A had an amazing view of mountains." The most desirable sites with mountain or water views book months in advance, especially for summer weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Kid-friendly features. Loveland RV Resort offers designated play areas. One family noted, "They have a playground for the kiddos and a dog park for the furry family." This provides entertainment options during downtime between other activities.
Swimming opportunities: Cool off in summer. Several parks feature swimming facilities. A visitor to Elk Meadow Lodge commented, "Hot tub and pool were wonderful for days after hikes. They had live music and drinks on the weekends, plus free pancakes in the morning on Sunday!" Swimming provides relief during hot summer afternoons.
Wildlife education: Learning opportunities. Wildlife sightings create teaching moments. A camper at Manor RV Park shared, "Mule deer met us when we arrived." Morning walks often yield deer sightings, while dusk increases chances of observing elk in meadow areas.
Tips from RVers
Site selection priorities: Choose wisely. Level sites with adequate space determine comfort. At Riverview RV Park, a camper advised, "Some sites are smaller where your neighbor feels close to you but other sites are wider." Request specific site numbers when making reservations.
Utility placement challenges: Check hookup locations. Some parks have unusual utility arrangements. A Manor RV Park visitor noted, "The site we stayed at had the sewer dump farther back than we are used to, but not a major problem just had to use our longer hose." Bring extension cords and longer hoses to accommodate various park layouts.
Tree sap concerns: Protect your equipment. Cottonwood and pine trees can create maintenance issues. One RVer at Loveland RV Resort shared, "The trees drop a horrible yellow sap that was on EVERYTHING after only one night, our shoes, our floors, our dogs, our rig, our vehicles, it was a mess." Consider parking away from tree cover during heavy sap seasons.
