RV parks near Telluride operate at elevations between 7,800 and 9,300 feet, creating unique challenges for larger vehicles navigating mountain passes. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night even in summer months, requiring campers to prepare for cold weather camping year-round. Many campgrounds in this region sit along rivers or creeks, providing natural white noise but occasional flooding concerns.
What to do
Fishing access: Priest Gulch Campground sits directly on the Dolores River with prime fishing spots steps from campsites. "A camper caught a 5 lb. cutthroat last week, browns, rainbows, fishing is good," notes one visitor about the opportunities for anglers staying at this location.
Hot springs proximity: Travelers staying at Westerly RV Park can access thermal waters without a long drive. "Right across the road from formerly called Trimble hot springs," explains one reviewer, making it convenient to soak after a day of mountain activities.
Trail connections: Several rv sites near Telluride, Colorado offer direct trail access without driving. "The CG is on the Ouray rim trail which was a nice hike," shares a camper at 4J + 1+ 1 RV Park, highlighting the convenience of accessing local hiking routes directly from camp.
What campers like
River sounds: Many campers appreciate waterfront sites available at several parks. "Our site backed up to the river," notes a visitor at Priest Gulch Campground, where tent sites T1-T4 are positioned along the bank. "We've got the sounds of the river and Mountain Views on all sides," another camper mentions about their riverside experience.
Free amenities: Some parks include unexpected extras with your stay. "They have RV spots right on the river, Stoner Creek! With free shore power, even at the tent sites. Free barbecue with utensils and propane, fire pits with free wood! Yes, free wood!" describes an enthusiastic camper at Stoner RV Resort.
Convenient town access: Walking distance to shops and restaurants matters to many visitors. "This park is within walking distance of Ouray's most popular sight seeing. It's only a few blocks from breweries, restaurants, and just down the road from the town hot springs!" explains a reviewer about 4J + 1+ 1 RV Park.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: While some parks offer roomier sites, others pack RVs closely together. "Spots are a bit cramped but absolutely gorgeous with the river running right behind," notes one camper about their experience. At Silverton Lakes RV Resort, a reviewer cautions: "It all dirt roads. Prepare for dust and for your rig to get plenty dirty... The spaces are very close together, on gravel and not flat. My front wheels were 14" off the ground."
Nighttime temperatures: Even summer visitors should prepare for cold nights. Some campgrounds require disconnecting water hookups overnight even in September. "We were here in mid-September and the temps got down into the 30's at night. Owners required disconnecting water at night to prevent their water pipes from freezing and bursting."
Highway noise: Several parks sit close to roadways, affecting the camping experience. One reviewer of Westerly RV Park notes: "The grounds sat very close to the highway and also the road behind up to the springs. There was frequent noise from annoying drivers."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly options: Many parks accommodate pets with dedicated areas. "They have 2 little dog parks. A basketball court. Lots of toys for the kids and adults to play with," shares a visitor to Stoner RV Resort, noting the family-friendly amenities available.
Playground access: Some parks include play areas for children. "Offers clean bathrooms, free showers, playground, and beautiful creek side camping," notes a visitor to 4J + 1+ 1 RV Park about amenities that keep younger campers entertained.
Bathroom proximity: Consider campsite location relative to facilities when traveling with children. "Bathroom/showers are very clean, but a bit of a walk from the tent sites," cautions a tent camper at Priest Gulch, highlighting potential challenges for families with small children making nighttime bathroom trips.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many rv sites near Telluride, Colorado require significant leveling equipment. "Sites are not level and packed closely together," notes one camper. At Alpen Rose RV Park, "The sites are pretty level for the most part, and spaced out nicely," offering a contrast to tighter parks.
Site selection strategy: More experienced RVers recommend avoiding certain locations within parks. "We would take a back in next time so we aren't so close to the entrance," advises one camper about noise from late arrivals, noting that "all the big rig sites line up along the entrance/exit and people are arriving as late as 8pm which is really obnoxious when you're eating dinner."
Power considerations: Several campgrounds have reported electrical issues. One camper warns, "These people had pedestals with faulty wiring. Fried my $300 surge protector. Told me they couldn't move us to another site because they had several bad pedestals."
