Cabin camping near Rockvale, Colorado offers access to the Arkansas River valley with elevations ranging from 5,400 to 10,000 feet across various campgrounds. Weather patterns in this region create frequent afternoon thunderstorms during summer months, particularly from July through August. Most cabin rentals require advanced booking, with peak season running May through September when temperatures average 75-85°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Visit Bishop Castle: Located just 30 minutes from Rye, this unique hand-built stone castle is accessible year-round. "This was a campground that had RV spots, cabins and tent spots... We used this campground to explore the surrounding area and Bishop Castle. Staff was very friendly and they had a lot things to do for the kids in the camp store/facility," notes a visitor at Aspen Acres Campground.
Explore mining history: The historic mining towns of Cripple Creek and Victor are within 40 minutes of several Rockvale area cabin sites. "Great hiking nearby and the towns of Cripple Creek and Victor are full of old mining history!" says a camper from Cripple Creek KOA.
Hike mountain trails: Mueller State Park offers over 50 miles of trails with wildlife viewing opportunities. "The end of the campground feeds into many trailheads, which are great for exploring," reports a visitor at Mueller State Park Campground.
What campers like
Hot springs access: Some cabin rentals offer proximity to natural hot springs for relaxation. Ashley from The Dyrt mentions that Desert Reef Hot Springs has "launched the first ever overnight accommodations at Desert Reef" with tiny homes and an on-site Airstream.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple camping areas feature regular wildlife sightings. "We saw deer wander around the campsites every morning and evening. The sites are terraced so that everyone has a beautiful view," says a reviewer at Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort.
Cleanliness of facilities: Campers consistently mention clean bathrooms and showers. "The newly remodeled bathhouse and laundry facilities are beautiful! I'd love to come back and stay in one of their new cabins with a fantastic view of the snow capped Sangre De Cristo mountains!" reports a return visitor to Royal Gorge RV Resort.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some locations have issues with water quality. One visitor at Royal Gorge RV Resort stated, "All fine for a night except we filled our tank with the most disgusting undrinkable water imaginable. I'd not come back for that reason."
Altitude considerations: Many cabins sit at higher elevations which affects breathing and weather. "The air is thin up here- real thin. That also means that it's pure, clean blissfully light oxygen so breathe deep and enjoy it," notes a camper from Cripple Creek KOA.
Reservation policies: Cancellation policies vary significantly between properties. One visitor reported, "My breakdown happened on a Tuesday and my reservation was for the following Sunday. I emailed Mountaindale the rv shop name and phone number where the rv was for verification. As devastating as this is, this added insult to injury to an already bad situation."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific children's activities. "The playground was very kid friendly and the giant jumping pillow was super fun!" mentions a visitor at Royal Gorge RV Resort & Cabins.
Consider cabin heating systems: Mountain nights get cold even in summer. "The cabin was adorable and so warm even when it was snowing," shares a camper about their stay at a Rockvale area cabin.
Check for altitude-appropriate activities: Higher elevation campgrounds require acclimation for children. "Going back next weekend," reports one satisfied camper at Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA who appreciated that "staff was AMAZING...they'd give my wife rides to the pool and were extremely courteous and friendly."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions matter: Access roads to some campgrounds present challenges. One RVer at Aspen Acres notes, "One thing we didnt like is road coming in was a little wash pan. Hard on our older rig."
Site spacing varies dramatically: RV sites range from spacious to extremely tight. A visitor to Garden of the Gods RV Resort observed, "As I write this review, a fellow camper scurries past my open window about two feet from my face. Whoa. Good morning. The sites are tidy, clean, and sport full hookups. Not much to complain about, well, except for that social distancing thing."
Utility placement challenges: Check utility locations before arrival. "After getting setup I found out that I'd need to climb up the short retaining wall into my neighbors site to hookup our water hose. The spigot was shared between our sites," reported one RVer about their Garden of the Gods experience.
