Rv sites near Somerset, Colorado range in elevation from 5,800 to 8,200 feet, with most campgrounds operating seasonally from late spring through early fall. The climate features warm summer days and cool nights, with afternoon thunderstorms common from July through August. Many campgrounds near Somerset offer river access with fishing opportunities on the Gunnison and Arkansas Rivers.
What to do
Fishing access: Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch allows fishing at their on-site pond and provides a convenient base for accessing Blue Mesa Reservoir. One camper noted, "Plenty of activities in the clubhouse along with 2 pools. Nice cool nights and love the dark nights to star gaze."
Mountain biking: Gateway RV Park puts you near numerous trails with one visitor explaining, "Located just above a beautiful river, the campground is close to a partially-paved 40+ mi bike path (Aspen <> Glenwood Springs). Although we didn't have time to ride them, Trailforks shows some nice MTB trails nearby as well."
National Park visits: Use Black Canyon RV Park & Campground as a base to explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located just 23 miles away. A camper shared, "Close to Montrose and Black Canyons of the Gunnison National Park, easy access to these and highly recommend checking them out if you stay here!"
What campers like
River proximity: Many campers appreciate waterfront sites at Riverbend RV Park & Cabins. As one visitor noted, "Such a peaceful campground during shoulder season. The river and pond are were very nice to sit by and observe nature. The Canada geese families were fun to watch."
Mature shade trees: Mountain Time RV Park offers sites with substantial tree cover. A camper shared, "This park is nestled in a beautiful section of forest with a pond on site. Great walking around the park for our pups, reliable hook ups, clean facilites, and very friendly staff."
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently praise the maintenance at several parks, with one Four Seasons River Inn & RV Park guest commenting, "This RV park has a good number of riverside spots, which are delightful. Lots of trees, and dense but not too dense packing. Biking distance to downtown salida."
Reliable utilities: Parks maintain consistent service with a Black Canyon RV Park visitor noting, "Extremely nice campground!!! We had an awesome lot but they are all very nice! WiFi works great! Host was so nice!"
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most RV parks near Somerset close during winter months. Mountain Time RV Park runs from May 1 through October 1, while Riverbend RV Park operates from April 15 through October 15.
Connectivity limitations: Elk Creek Campground has spotty service with one camper reporting, "No shade and no TMobile cell signal, only art and Verizon. Elv is 7600 so does not get super hot."
Highway noise: Gateway RV Park sits near a busy road with a visitor noting, "Lots of road noise, close neighbors, but thankful for a place for the night."
Reservation requirements: During peak summer season (June-August), advance bookings are essential. A Gateway RV Park visitor advises, "Great for the price- easy to get in and out."
Tips for camping with families
Look for recreation amenities: Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch offers multiple swimming options as one family reported, "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."
Check kid-friendly activities: Some parks provide playgrounds and game areas. A camper at Blue Mesa noted, "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!"
Consider electricity needs: Elk Creek Campground provides electric sites for families requiring power. A visitor shared, "Electric site with concrete pads, picnic tables and nice fire rings. The park is very clean nice rest rooms. Just off the hi way. Very beautiful views of the mountains and the lake. Nightly events at the amphitheater."
Tips from RVers
Level site preparation: Some campgrounds require additional equipment with one Four Seasons River Inn & RV Park visitor advising, "The entrance is at a busy location on the highway and steep so take care while entering. We had a nice site within eyeshot of the river."
Campground layout considerations: When selecting a site, note the internal terrain. At Riverbend RV Park, a visitor mentioned, "Despite previous reviews(outdated), we did not find the hosts accommodating or friendly. There is no room for even a slight early or late check-in, etc."
Spacing and privacy: Mountain Time RV Park offers larger sites than most in the area. A camper observed, "The sites, even in the premium area, are very close together....at one point I thought I could lean out our winder and touch the pop up camper next to us."
Outdoor storage limitations: Many parks have restrictions, as noted by a Four Seasons visitor: "Could not park our tow vehicle at our site, but got a spot nearby across the road."
