Camping sites near Rye, Colorado range across elevations from 6,500 to 8,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between valley locations and higher mountain campgrounds. Summer high temperatures typically reach 85°F while overnight lows can drop into the 40s even in July and August. The camping season extends longer at lower elevation sites while higher mountain campgrounds experience frost into June.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Isabel: The lake offers excellent trout fishing just minutes from several campgrounds. "The lake was beautiful! There were several trails nearby and a restaurant that was open on the weekends. I definitely want to come back and backpack the Cisneros trail to see the mines," reports one camper at St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel.
Hiking to waterfalls: Multiple trailheads provide access to waterfall hikes. At Ophir Creek Campground, campers note: "My wife and I took the 1-mile trail south to a really nice waterfall. Why they don't have a sign for directions to it, I don't know! The trail is pretty well worn and you have to cross the creek in three places, walking over stacked logs - some pretty precarious bridges."
Bishop Castle visit: This unique roadside attraction is located 16 miles southwest of Rye on Highway 165. "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 one visitor staying at Aspen Acres Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: The area offers exceptional dark sky viewing, particularly at more remote sites. One camper at Hummingbird Ranch shared: "My girlfriend and I came here to watch the Perseid meteor shower and it did not disappoint. We had the place to ourselves and a great view of the stars."
What campers like
Creek access: Many campsites feature streamside locations that provide both scenery and natural white noise. At Davenport Campground, campers appreciate that "the creek right next to the campground is very peaceful" and that there are "lots of fire wood available."
Wildlife encounters: The forests around Rye support diverse wildlife. "We were visited by several mule deer and very friendly chipmunks. Bears are in the area, but a bear-proof locker is on the site," noted one camper at St Charles Campground.
Secluded tent sites: Several campgrounds offer tent-only sites with additional privacy. "We lucked out on a first come-first served spot on a Friday - spot #10 is tent only, by a creek and several private trails. The camp was quiet with a vault toilet nearby," reported another St Charles camper.
Fall colors: The aspen groves surrounding Rye provide spectacular autumn displays. "Aspen leaves in full color. Peaceful park, great place for hiking. Camp host was great and helped us find a great spot," shared a visitor to St Charles Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most forest service campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "Although placed next to the highway the campground is relatively quiet. Everyone is respectful of other campers. The staff are friendly and helpful. Amenities are accurately described," notes a visitor at Pueblo South-Colorado City KOA.
Varying water access: Water availability differs significantly between campgrounds. At La Vista Campground, a camper pointed out: "The campground is pretty rustic but clean. It does have electrical hook ups which made it nice for our dog to enjoy a air conditioned trailer when it got hot during the day."
Limited cell service: Connectivity is sparse in mountain areas. At Hummingbird Ranch, visitors appreciate that "we had no phone or internet service at all with AT&T or Verizon. That made it even better, got the chance to disconnect from the world for a few days."
Fire restrictions: Seasonal bans are common during dry periods. One Aspen Acres camper advised: "Although we had a fire ban in effect, we were able to rent a propane fire pit from the office. Be super cautious and check fire restrictions for Custer County."
Tips for camping with families
Look for specific kid amenities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for children. "The sites are basic with electrical and water. The restrooms are basic and no showers. The camp is in a good location to local towns and the highway. This is definitely worth a try," notes one visitor to Piñon Campground — Lathrop State Park.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide easier transitions. "We didn't stay more than one night, but most KOA's don't disappoint and this one didn't either. A very welcoming place with warm camping cabins. I recommend it," advises one KOA camper.
Check bathroom proximity: With children, bathroom access matters. At Davenport Campground, one camper advised: "Site 9 has a shelter and is close to parking lot and toilet. Lot of fire wood available. Close to bishop castle."
Plan for weather swings: Temperature variations require preparation. "It's a desert camp ground that is very open but the sites are just in a row on the road in circles. Just not far in the woods camping. The area does have swimming and boating lakes and walking trails," reports a Piñon Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Electrical needs vary between campgrounds. At Greenhorn Meadows Park, one RVer noted: "Its as small Campground outside Colorado City. There electric hook ups at your site; however the water is across the path and you need to port it to your rig."
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have mineral-heavy water. "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," warned one RVer at Aspen Acres Campground.
Power cord length matters: Setup logistics can impact comfort. One Aspen Acres camper shared: "We only wish we had a longer power cable. Our port is at the back and the outlet was way up front. To reach, we had to set up near the front of the site which limited our parking."
Winter considerations: Cold-weather camping requires specific sites. A Pueblo South-Colorado City KOA visitor explained: "The water was frozen at our site because the provided heat tape wasn't functioning. I had to re-tape it with some heat tape I brought and it thawed out and has worked fine all the other nights."
