RV campgrounds near Villa Grove, Colorado sit at elevations of 7,000-8,000 feet in the San Luis Valley, flanked by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east and the Continental Divide to the west. Nighttime temperatures drop significantly even in summer, with frost possible in late May and early September. Most campgrounds experience seasonal closures during winter months due to snowfall and freezing temperatures.
What to do
Fishing access: Bighorn Park Campground and RV Resort provides direct river access to the Arkansas River. "Spot by the river for fishing and or sitting. A bench to have a cup of coffee and watch the river," notes Chad H. The park also features entertainment options with "a live singer entertain one night" according to Melody M.
Hot springs soaking: Sand Dunes Recreation offers camping combined with hot spring pools. "The Hot springs consist of a large outdoor pool and a couple of smaller pools. It's $15 to soak or half price if you camp there," explains Andrew B. The facility includes "a Greenhouse pool is 21+ for an additional $3" that's "lush with plants and not as crowded as the main pool."
Mountain biking: Located near Methodist Trail system, Salida RV Resort makes an ideal base for cycling enthusiasts. "Staid here 2 nights for some MTBing. Perfect spot for access to Methodist Trail system, down town and easy bike ride away," shares pamela R. Other campgrounds offer quick access to high-altitude trails throughout the region.
What campers like
Secluded river sites: Riverside RV Park features premium sites directly on the Arkansas River. "Our campsite (#8) was right next to and parallel to the river which provided some soothing sounds at night," reports James. At Woods & River RV Park, "River spots are nice. Water and power but there is a dump station. Rio Grand River at your door step. Sites 1 through 18," according to Wes S.
Wildlife viewing: Campers frequently spot wildlife around Villa Grove RV campgrounds. "We spotted big horn sheep on the cliff behind us!" shares Melody M. about her stay at Bighorn Park Campground. Woods & River RV Park offers "lots of trees and Many Many deer in the evenings for your entertainment," notes Ted A.
Mountain vistas: Many campgrounds feature panoramic mountain views. "Great campground with over 20 back in against the river sites. Several great spots close to river sites with mature trees and good amenities," describes Megan J. about Salida RV Resort's setting with mountain backdrops.
What you should know
Off-season water systems: Many campgrounds in the area have unusual water systems. Sand Dunes Recreation features natural hot springs water throughout the property: "All the water on site comes out hot which was great for our chilly visit yet may not be as nice in the hotter months," explains Andrew B.
Highway noise considerations: Several RV parks sit close to highways for easy access but bring road noise. Bighorn Park "is right on Hwy 50 which means easy access, but also lots of road noise," notes Melody M., though "not much traffic at night." Similarly, Riverside RV Park is "on the outskirts of Salida, Colorado just off of US-50."
Limited bathroom facilities: Some campgrounds have constraints on bathroom facilities. At Woods & River RV Park, a visitor noted "There is only one stall with a toilet that always seemed to be monopolized by someone taking a shower." Check campground amenities before booking if shared facilities matter to your stay.
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: Monarch Spur RV Park & Campground offers family-friendly features beyond standard camping. "It has everything. Full hookups to tent camping... a nice camp store, WiFi that works, golf cart rental, a playground, kids games, a community area," reports Allen B., adding "The kids didn't want to go anywhere they were happy just to hang out here at the campground."
Kid-friendly water features: Sand Dunes Recreation combines camping with swimming options kids enjoy. "The pools are extremely kid friendly, and there are greenhouses with 21+ soaking and bar," says Elizabeth H. The campground also offers recreational equipment: "Sand boards are available to hire" for visits to nearby dunes, notes AJ M.
Budget-friendly options: Some campgrounds offer excellent value for families. Elizabeth H. shares about Sand Dunes Recreation: "We get a weekend away for about 80 bucks for two nights and swimming, and we can bring our kids and dog....it's a winner!"
Tips from RVers
Extended-stay considerations: Some campgrounds accommodate longer-term RV visits. Ted A. reported: "Great place in an awesome location! Stayed for 3 months beginning of 2020 and had a great time!" at Woods & River RV Park. The "location allows access to some absolutely GORGEOUS places to explore in Colorado."
Site positioning: RV site orientation varies significantly between parks. At Royal Gorge RV Resort & Cabins, "We had a fabulous site surrounded by trees on three sides," reports mich. At Woods & River RV Park, "Hookups are new but all seem to be placed too far up which requires you to pull your trailer to the end of the site to align hookups," notes Ted A.
Winter RVing: Limited winter RV options exist in the area. Sand Dunes Recreation remains open: "Everything was as described. They are open during the winter. The showers were hot and clean!" confirms Margo L. Royal Gorge RV Resort & Cabins also operates year-round with full amenities and 125 sites.
