Todd M.
Guide
GuideLake Hasty Campground — John Martin Reservoir State Park
Big Rig Friendly and Clean
Easy in and out. Big pull through sites. Clean. Year round water/sewer/electric. Cell coverage one bar for Verizon and one to two bars AT&T
RV Camping near Swink, CO
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RV camping options in southeastern Colorado include La Junta KOA with electric, water, and sewer hookups for motorhomes and travel trailers. The KOA offers pull-through sites with both 30 and 50-amp service and remains open year-round. "Sites are well equipped and the prices are very affordable," noted one visitor about the La Junta location. Lake Hasty Campground at John Martin Reservoir State Park provides big rig-friendly spaces with 30 and 50-amp electrical hookups, water connections, and sewer hookups. Mapes Lakeview RV Campground near Hasty accommodates larger vehicles with 19 sites and electric hookups, though water and sewer availability varies by site.
Many RV parks in the region have paved access roads but gravel camping pads. Advance reservations are recommended during peak travel seasons, with several parks requiring online accounts for after-hours check-in. Dump stations are available at La Junta KOA and Lake Hasty Campground, though some reviews mention additional parking fees at state park locations. Proximity to amenities varies, with La Junta KOA positioned within walking distance of a Walmart. Winter camping is possible, as most facilities in this lower-elevation area remain operational year-round. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage strength may decrease at more remote locations.
Best RV Campgrounds near Swink (12)
1. Mapes Lakeview RV Campground
"Me and my husband had a very nice time it was shady and very relaxing, clean showers and restrooms, the camp host was very nice and helpful. It was very reasonable priced"
"It was nice to be able to shower and get a quiet night to relax and sleep in. Check out is at 12 so that’s always nice as well!"
from $29 / night
2. Fowler RV Park
from $30 / night
3. La Junta KOA
"Right off the main highway. Close to a Walmart and fast food restaurants. Electric hook-up and picnic tables at each site and cabins to rent as well."
"Not crowded and restrooms were clean. Nice pull through sites, cute older playground, and a pool if you're in season. Late arrival instructions were obviously posted."
4. Lakeview Campground
5. Comanche National Grassland Withers Canyon Trailhead Campground
"We boondocked with the kiddos in a travel trailer. Saw two other cars, two people, and one other campsite was occupied."
"Only 3 dedicated camping spots, with a fire pit. Bugs were bad when we went, LOTS of gnats. But it was quiet and peaceful, beautiful weather too. Lots of exploring opportunities and hiking."
6. Melon Valley State Wildlife Area
"There isn't much level ground, but if you're able to park close to the river and parallel to it, you'll be ok. "
"Last minute ditch effort to find a spot after driving 21 hours. Nice and quiet from any traffic and perfect breeze from the river. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise."
7. Lake Henry
"There really isnt much of a campground here its just a dirt area around the lake there is a boat ramp. It has great 5g cell service with verizon. The area isnt very pretty or refined."
"it’s a pretty lovely spot, quiet and peaceful. there are a lot of bugs however so be ready for that! otherwise really loved it!"
8. Rocky Ford Campsite
9. Point Campground — John Martin Reservoir State Park
"It is also wide open with trees only off in the far distance. If it is windy, which it often is in eastern Colorado, come prepared. During the summer the sun will be unrelenting. "
"Low light pollution, closest water is at Hasty campsite 10 minute drive away. No wind shelters on picnic tables. Mosquitos can drain a cow in 15 minutes. Bring Deep Woods Off."
from $20 / night
Check Availability10. Lake Meredith Camping
Drive Time
- 59 min from Pueblo, CO
- 1 hr 38 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 27 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 54 min from Boulder, CO
Recent RV Camping Photos near Swink, CO
19 Photos of 12 Swink Campgrounds
RV Park Reviews near Swink, CO
89 Reviews of 12 Swink Campgrounds
Ray & Terri F.
LegendLake Hasty Campground — John Martin Reservoir State Park
Nice State Park CG just below the John Martin Reservoir Dam
We have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 55 for 2 days in mid June. The pull-through sites are very roomy, lots of open space and fairly level. This is a fairly large CG and there were only a few other campers here mid-week. The road leading to the CG is a little bumpy, but not too bad. The gravel roads within the CG are filled with fairly significant pot holes that must be maneuvered around and there are a few low branches that need to be trimmed. The men’s showers were rust stained, but otherwise fairly clean, but my wife said there was hair on the floor and walls of the women’s showers. The showers are coin operated and mine was amply hot, but the water heater kept shutting off every 45 seconds or so. Turning the faucet off and back to hot would start it again. My wife said hers didn’t shut off, but only got warm. Water spigots available around the CG, but the one nearest us was out of service. AT&T coverage was decent, with 1-2 Bars of LTE service and speeds up to about 3.5 MB/s. We had a clear view of the southern and northern sky, so we were able to get DISH coverage on all three western satellites at our site and Starlink had speed up to 5 MB/s.
Donna H.
RangerLake Hasty Campground — John Martin Reservoir State Park
Sleeping by the Dam
It's hard to give this place the credit it deserves when you come off of a mountain over 10,000 feet!!! Sites 1-20 something are up next to the dam and levee. Site 9 is the farthest from the road that separates this section from the bigger portion of the campground. There is only electricity at these sites with community water. There are restrooms (that we didn't use) and garbage containers scattered throughout. This park's saving grace is the lake and the abundant wildlife... mostly birds, but beaver and skunks were seen! Roads are paved, sites are rock with little cabana-type shelters, a picnic table and fire ring. Sites 1-20 something have scattered small trees... site 9 probably had the largest... a young cottonwood. The largest section of Hasty campsites are well treed, some at water's edge. If you're going to stay longer than 1 night, especially during the summer, try to reserve in the big section with trees! It's a popular, year-round park with fishing on Hasty Lake and boating on the reservoir side!
Judy B.RangerLake Hasty Campground — John Martin Reservoir State Park
Popular state park in SE Colorado
John Martin Reservoir is huge and is a big draw for fishermen and boaters. There is some camping above the dam which is very basic and the main campground is located on Hasty Lake in a stand of Cottonwood trees. As you enter the Hasty location there is a dump station ahead on the left just after the turn into the campground. The first camping sites are on the right and shade is limited to metal pergolas. Continuing into the park you pass the bathroom with laundry and showers and take any of several loops to access your campsite. These are mainly under a dense cottonwood canopy. There are a few sites right on the shoreline of Hasty lake, which are quite popular and have great views across the small lake.
There is cellphone service, I don't recall if there is wood for sale, but campers did have fires. Sites have fire rings picnic tables. If you drive out of the park past the dump station and follow the road you arrive at a swimming beach and kayak launch area. The area is home to many birds including hawks, herons, and pelicans.
johny R.LegendLa Junta KOA
Koa
This is your standard KOA. Fun looking train car and dinosaur out front. Right off the main highway. Close to a Walmart and fast food restaurants. Electric hook-up and picnic tables at each site and cabins to rent as well. Has a dog park, playground, small pool, and a recreation area.
Andrew J.GuideComanche National Grassland Withers Canyon Trailhead Campground
Off the beaten path and beautiful.
We boondocked with the kiddos in a travel trailer. Saw two other cars, two people, and one other campsite was occupied. There are 4 numbered campsites, and an overfill pull off with a fire ring just before the campground on the left that may or may not supposed to be there. April weather is great, we came here for some reprieve from our mountain winter and were not disappointed. Even in April, bring plenty of water, it’s easy to dehydrate here. The canyons and rock formations are beautiful. Campsite 1 has great rocks right behind it, fun for the kids to play on but more exposed to winds. Campsite two is better for tent camping and has a cool sand pit. Campsite 3 is flat and great for a trailer or RV, and right by the toilet (where we stayed), and campsite 4 is a short walk to some fun terrain.
- LLynnGuide
La Junta KOA
An easy overnight spot
I'm not sure what you'd do for more than a day in La Junta, but this was a great overnight spot for us in late September. (Old Bent's Fort is worth the side trip). Not crowded and restrooms were clean. Nice pull through sites, cute older playground, and a pool if you're in season. Late arrival instructions were obviously posted.
- DDavid R.
ScoutLake Hasty Campground — John Martin Reservoir State Park
Clean and Well Maintained Campground
Spent the night in early March 2023 on our way back to Colorado from picking up our new Casita travel trailer in Texas. Only four sites were occupied on the evening that we stayed there. The trees were leafless and the grass was that lovely winter brown color, but we loved the solitude and peacefulness of a nearly empty campground.
- johny R.Legend
Lake Meredith Camping
Townie vibes
Good verizon 5g. This is a locals spot. They dont take great care of it the county or state or whoever is in charge looks like they stopped caring back in the late 80s. Its got access to the water and vault toilets that may or may not be open. Expect kids and dogs running around and people just doing laps cruising the dirt lot kicking up dust. This is a 1 day max spot for me. Just nothing really appealing here.
Guide to Swink
Southeastern Colorado camping areas feature arid plains and dry creek beds, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August. The region around Swink sits at approximately 4,150 feet elevation, where campgrounds often provide shade trees as refuge from the intense sun. Camping opportunities range from established state parks to basic dispersed sites along the Arkansas River.
What to do
Dinosaur track exploration: Comanche National Grassland Withers Canyon Trailhead Campground offers access to prehistoric discoveries. "This is a great dispersed camping location... The hike down the canyon was difficult but it was definitely worth it to see the dinosaur tracks. Be careful of the extreme heat and lack of shade," notes Miles W.
Fishing opportunities: The Arkansas River and nearby lakes provide fishing options within 20-30 minutes of Swink. At Lake Henry, "The lake is really pretty - it makes the bugs worth it," according to Kelda C., who stayed for three days with her dogs.
Historic site exploration: Old Bent's Fort National Historic Site lies 15 minutes from Swink. "Old Bent's Fort is worth the side trip," mentions Lynn from La Junta KOA, providing context about regional attractions beyond camping areas.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Free camping at Melon Valley State Wildlife Area offers riverside spots. Chris P. notes: "This is a basic lot on the river with room for several vehicles. There isn't much level ground, but if you're able to park close to the river and parallel to it, you'll be ok."
Stargazing conditions: Clear skies make astronomy a popular activity. Stephanie S. from Lake Hasty Campground shares: "When the sun went down the stargazing was incredible! Saw at least 40 satellites and several shooting stars."
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the space between sites in less developed areas. At Lake Henry, Kelda C. observed: "There were several other campers, but enough room to spread out for total privacy. You simply drive in and find a spot by the lake."
What you should know
Seasonal weather challenges: Summer heat affects camping comfort considerably in the Swink area. "I wouldn't come here in the summer but I would recommend it to a friend for a late spring trip," advises Miles W. about Comanche National Grassland.
Wildlife awareness: Snakes and other wildlife frequent campgrounds in this region. "Saw lots of rattlesnakes. Also learned that rattlesnakes can swim," reports Lisa K. from Lake Hasty Campground at John Martin Reservoir State Park.
Water availability concerns: Many campgrounds have limited or no water sources. "No amenities and no fires allowed," reports Linda C. about Melon Valley State Wildlife Area, highlighting the need to bring sufficient water supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake Hasty Campground provides recreational equipment for children. "Nice campground. Nice equipment for kids to play," confirms Heidi C., making this one of the better rv parks near Swink, Colorado for families.
Shade importance: Choose sites with shade trees when camping with children. "Visited in spring, but it was HOT!! Very glad to have had the shade," recommends Lisa K. about Lake Hasty Campground, noting they were "right next to the playground."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: La Junta KOA provides nature observation chances. "Has a small creek that is at the edge of the park was very nice while on nightly walks around park," notes Matt O., who stayed for a month while working.
Tips from RVers
Cell service considerations: Mobile connectivity varies across rv parks in Swink, Colorado area. For Lake Henry, Gee B. reports "There's not much here… just some dirt, a bit of water, and big sky," but reliable cell service makes remote working possible.
Rental alternatives: La Junta KOA offers cabins for those without RVs. "We stayed in the Cool Caboose for a night! It was definitely cool. We were greeted with a warm welcome upon our arrival," shares Bobby B., noting the caboose was "very cozy and has everything you need for an overnight stay."
Leveling challenges: Several camping areas have uneven terrain. At Melon Valley State Wildlife Area, Chris P. advises: "There isn't much level ground, but if you're able to park close to the river and parallel to it, you'll be ok," important information for larger RVs seeking overnight parking.
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