RV camping near Sargents, Colorado offers options for campers at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 8,000 feet, resulting in cool summer nights even when days are warm. The Arkansas River corridor provides numerous camping opportunities between Salida and Gunnison, with most campgrounds open seasonally from May through October due to heavy winter snowfall in this mountainous region.
What to do
Fishing access: At Woods & River RV Park in Del Norte, sites 1-18 put the Rio Grande River at your doorstep. "When we were there, fishing was free every 1st weekend of the month," notes one visitor who found the trout fishing "awesome."
Mountain biking trails: Use Salida RV Resort as a base for accessing the Methodist Trail system. "Perfect spot for access to Methodist Trail system, downtown and easy bike ride away," reports a camper who stayed for mountain biking trips.
Kid-friendly activities: Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch offers family amenities beyond basic camping. "We had such a relaxing stay at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch! 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," writes one family.
What campers like
River sounds: Multiple campgrounds offer sites directly on waterways. At Bighorn Park, river-adjacent sites create peaceful sleeping conditions. "We have an Outlaw toy hauler so we're so lucky to get a back-in spot overlooking the river. Slept with the back open and fell asleep to the river sounds. Just heavenly!" reports one camper.
Dark skies for stargazing: The rural location provides excellent night sky viewing opportunities. As one Woods & River visitor noted, "Watch a skyful of stars and then fall asleep to the sound of the river."
Community atmosphere: Several campgrounds offer social activities. Bighorn Park occasionally features entertainment: "The park also had a live singer entertain one night!" One camper at Blue Mesa mentioned, "We loved our stay here! There is an indoor and outdoor pool, playground, cool mini golf set up, horses, and a lake for kids to fish in!"
What you should know
Weather patterns: Mountain weather can change rapidly, with afternoon winds common. "Afternoons always seemed to get pretty windy too," reports one visitor to Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch.
Connectivity challenges: Cell service varies significantly throughout the region. "Park has Wi-Fi, but I cannot attest to its strength or reliability; I use Starlink," notes a camper at Blue Mesa. Another visitor states, "The only thing I have against Thousand Trails Blue Mesa is the lack of internet. To have internet, you must have Starlink or a satellite dish."
Elevation considerations: Camping at higher elevations means temperature fluctuations. "High altitude means cool to cold nights. Gorgeous area and park!" notes a visitor to Monarch Spur RV Park & Campground.
Construction impacts: Highway construction affects travel routes. One Blue Mesa camper warns: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-specific amenities: Many campgrounds offer child-focused activities. "This is also a fishing pond for kids under 12. They can keep 2 fish," explains a visitor to Blue Mesa.
Look for playgrounds: Woods & River RV Park features fun equipment for children. "Fun kids area with playground and treehouse with zip line," shares one family that visited.
Indoor recreation options: For unpredictable weather days, some parks provide indoor facilities. At Blue Mesa, "There is an indoor and outdoor pool, playground, cool mini golf set up, horses, and a lake for kids to fish in!"
Multiple-day stays recommended: The area has numerous activities requiring more than an overnight visit. "The kids didn't want to go anywhere they were happy just to hang out here at the campground," notes one Blue Mesa visitor who found the on-site amenities sufficient to keep children entertained.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Choose riverside sites when available. At Riverside RV Park, "Our campsite (#8) was right next to and parallel to the river which provided some soothing sounds at night. It took a couple of tries to back our 20 foot travel trailer into the spot."
Laundry facility variability: Check the operational status of laundry equipment. One Blue Mesa camper advises: "ASK other campers about the laundry facilities. Hopefully the dryers will be fixed by next season. They were taking more than 3 cycles to dry our clothes."
Supply planning: Grocery options vary by location. A frequent Blue Mesa camper notes: "Gunnison has a Safeway, Local Grocery and Walmart. The Walmart is not a super store and has very little in the way of groceries. Local Grocers and Safeway are your better choice for food."
Elevation impacts: Engine performance decreases at higher elevations. When traveling to Sargents and surrounding areas (7,000-8,000 feet elevation), vehicles pulling RVs may experience reduced power climbing mountain passes.
Traveler
