Walsenburg sits at an elevation of 6,200 feet in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, serving as a gateway to the Spanish Peaks region. Camping options range from state park facilities to commercial RV parks situated along Highway 12 and I-25. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March, requiring campers to prepare for seasonal conditions.
What to do
Explore Bishop Castle: Located near Aspen Acres Campground, this unique roadside attraction is accessible within a short drive. "We used this campground to explore the surrounding area and Bishop Castle. Staff was very friendly and they had a lot things to do for the kids in the camp store/facility," reports one camper.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes provide fishing access for various skill levels. "The park is accommodating with toilets and showers at the campgrounds and has hiking trails and plenty of lake to fish from," notes a camper at Piñon Campground in Lathrop State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening hours offer prime wildlife sighting opportunities. "We spotted plenty of deer and horses nearby (though none entered the campground itself)," according to a visitor at Circle the Wagons RV Park. Some sites even organize guided viewings: "Even got a dusk field trip to see the wildlife," reports a camper at Stonewall Lodge.
What campers like
Quieter camping locations: Travelers appreciate sites away from highway noise. "Near highway but I didn't hear it," notes a camper at Gears RV Park and Cafe. Another visitor mentioned, "This area has gravel rods and less facilities than the Yucca campground. However, you have large pull in space and more rustic camping."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses rate highly among campers. "The facilities were exceptionally clean — especially the bathrooms and showers, which were spotless," reports one visitor. Another notes, "They clean the bathrooms/shower-house twice a day and it shows."
Campground amenities: Features like game rooms and common areas enhance camping experiences. "There's also a game room and a fun book exchange for guests," mentions a camper at Circle the Wagons RV Park. Others appreciate community spaces: "Nice play area for children and a kitchen and a campfire area in the middle of campground."
What you should know
Varying site quality: Site conditions can differ significantly between campgrounds and specific sites. "The sites are basic with electrical and water. The restrooms are basic and no showers," notes a camper at Piñon Campground. Another visitor reports, "Some of the sites were close and a tight squeeze to back into."
GPS navigation challenges: Some rv parks near Walsenburg and surrounding areas have access issues. "GPS won't get you here because 2nd Street is bisected by a creek with no bridge. I had to back my trailer a couple of blocks," warns a camper at Circle the Wagons RV Park.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping conditions throughout the year. "Can get hot and windy during the summer, but will definitely return in the fall," mentions a visitor at Piñon Campground. At Stonewall Lodge & RV Park, campers note "deer walking thru the campground at dusk was a neat site."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's play areas. "The grounds included cabins, trailer sites, and tent sites, all of which were clean and well cared for," reports a visitor to Circle the Wagons RV Park.
Recreation centers: Some facilities provide indoor entertainment options during inclement weather. "The rec center has some entertainment which was a nice bonus," notes a visitor to Aspen Acres Campground.
Star-gazing opportunities: Dark skies away from urban light pollution create ideal conditions for astronomical viewing. "No city lights meant for a lovely starry evening," according to a camper at Aspen Acres Campground.
Tips from RVers
Water quality concerns: Water supply varies between facilities. "All fine for a night except we filled our tank with the most disgusting undrinkable water imaginable. I'd not come back for that reason," warns a visitor to Aspen Acres Campground.
Site spacing: RV parks around Walsenburg offer varying degrees of privacy. "Large camp spots with Large shading trees. Excellent WiFi," notes a camper at Circle the Wagons RV Park. Conversely, at commercial rv parks, "the sites are stacked right on top of each other. We could barely fit our 24 ft rig in our spot."
Power connections: Check electrical requirements before arrival. "Our port is at the back and the outlet was way up front. To reach, we had to set up near the front of the site which limited our parking," advises an RVer at Aspen Acres. Sites at commercial rv parks Walsenburg offers typically provide 30-amp service, though 50-amp is available at select locations.
