The Tabernash area sits at approximately 8,400 feet elevation in Colorado's Middle Park region, surrounded by the Continental Divide and Arapaho National Forest. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with summer highs rarely exceeding 80°F. Seasonal closures affect many RV parks between October and May, with limited year-round options available for cold-weather camping near Tabernash.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Access popular routes directly from Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain in Granby. "This place has everything! Bowling, an amazing pool and hot tubs, super clean facilities, full hookups, rent an airstream or chuckwagon for the weekend, stay in a tiny home - really, there's so much to do especially for families," notes one visitor who enjoyed the resort's amenities between trail rides.
Fishing access: Many campgrounds offer direct water access for anglers. "This is an older park that is staying open during the 2021 winter season for the first time... Our site #62 was a back-in so the big windshield of our Class A had an amazing view of mountains," shared a guest at Manor RV Park who appreciated the proximity to fishing spots.
Winter activities: Several RV parks maintain winter operations for skiers and snowmobilers. "Looking for a Summit County RV park, there is no better. We stayed in March for some spring skiing. Not only was it one of few if not the only park open during the winter months but is located right in between Breckenridge, Keystone and A Basin," reported a visitor to Tiger Run RV Resort.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds report regular elk and deer sightings. "We had moose everywhere here. Cool paid spot. We have visited twice and love it," mentioned a camper at Grand Lake / Rocky Mountain National Park KOA Journey, highlighting one of the main attractions for wildlife enthusiasts.
Riverside sites: Premium spots along moving water command higher rates but offer enhanced experiences. "We got site 37 right along the fast moving creek. Amazing views in 360 degrees of the mountains. Was able to get this site last minute," shared a Manor RV Park visitor who secured a coveted water-adjacent location despite short notice.
Recreation centers: On-site facilities provide entertainment during inclement weather. "Super nice park with great amenities, especially when your RV is winterized. Two indoor hot tubs and a pool, private showers & changing rooms, and laundry," noted a Tiger Run Resort guest, appreciating the indoor options during colder months.
What you should know
Site layouts and privacy: Campground designs vary significantly across the area. "Spaces are a bit tight—with sewer running into your neighbors sites. Sewer is placed poorly (uphill and far away from sewer tanks) with water and sewer lines running over each other," cautioned a Manor RV Park reviewer, pointing out infrastructure challenges.
Off-season availability: Winter operations differ substantially between facilities. "This RV resort is a fantastic location & open year-round. The park is clean and has lots of shade. The price is a little steep but you get lots of amenities," explained a Spruce Lake RV Park visitor about seasonal considerations.
Water pressure issues: Several campgrounds report inconsistent utilities. "The water pressure could be a lot better. The restrooms are dated. The shower took a while to heat up and the room was a little chilly," mentioned a Manor RV Park guest who found the facilities functional but not optimal.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Look for campgrounds with multiple activities. "Bring your kids here! They won't want to leave! Come for at least a few nights, if able, so you can make the most of it," recommended a visitor to Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain, suggesting families plan longer stays to utilize all amenities.
Playground access: Some RV campgrounds Tabernash, Colorado visitors prefer offer dedicated children's areas. "Manor has a playground that was popular with our kids! Beware that you can not walk into Estes Park from the campground, so if you do not have a car, you will have to park your RV at the visitors center," noted a family who appreciated the play area but found transportation challenging.
Entertainment during inclement weather: Indoor recreation provides backup options. "Kids enjoyed activities - popsicle eating contest, t-shirt tie dye, and donut decorating. They also loved the clean and well-lit basketball courts," shared a Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain guest who found the organized activities particularly valuable.
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: RV-specific sites vary considerably in quality across campgrounds. "We are a Class C++ Leisure Travel Van Unity Model at 25'. I rate your facility a W!-The A3 site chosen is gravel with a hole or two and significantly tilted low to the front left....requiring a 4 high stack," warned a visitor at Dakota Ridge RV Park about leveling difficulties.
Utility location issues: Connection placement affects ease of setup. "The site we stayed at had the sewer dump farther back than we are used to, but not a major problem just had to use our longer hose," shared a Manor RV Park guest who came prepared with extended hookup equipment.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies significantly between parks. "Cell Service: 3 bars of 5Ge on AT&T. My personal hotspot worked great here. WiFi: Slow, but strong signal and definitely usable for light web browsing. Google speed test showed 2Mbps down, 0.40Mbps up," reported a Dakota Ridge visitor, providing specific performance metrics that help remote workers plan accordingly.
