Wellington, Colorado sits at 5,200 feet elevation in northern Colorado's Front Range, about 10 miles north of Fort Collins. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures averaging 85°F and cold winters averaging 18°F. Summer thunderstorms are common in late afternoon, making morning and early afternoon the best times for outdoor activities at campgrounds near Wellington.
What to do
Bison train rides: Take a unique train ride at Terry Bison Ranch just 45 minutes north of Wellington. "Took the feed the bison train ride. Which was totally fun. Getting ready to go have a buffet at the ranch. Sounds amazing," notes one visitor who gave the experience five stars.
River activities: Enjoy fishing, swimming or kayaking in the Big Thompson River. "We had a great time at this campground. We spent 4 days in a spot right next to the river. Really enjoyed the river, dog park, live music on Saturday night and laundry," shares a reviewer about their riverside camping experience.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to see local wildlife. "My wife and I spent a week here. Nearly every day a deer would come munch on the greenery right behind our rig. The campground is right on the banks of the Big Thompson river which does provide a soothing background," reports one camper about their stay near Loveland.
What campers like
Mountain views: The backdrop of the Rocky Mountains provides scenic settings at many campgrounds. "Beautiful views of Longs Peak! Elk occasionally pass thru the front area which was really cool," notes a guest at Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort, highlighting the natural scenery about 45 minutes west of Wellington.
Live entertainment: Some RV parks offer special activities during peak season. "Live music on Saturday night" was mentioned by several reviewers as a highlight of their stay. Another visitor adds, "We appreciated the river, dog park, live music on Saturday night and laundry."
Proximity to attractions: Staying near Riverview RV Park & Campground provides easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park. "About 35 minutes from Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Forest, two excellent destinations for anyone coming for a vacation," one reviewer notes about the location's convenience.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common in northern Colorado. "We were allowed to trade two nights of tent camping for one night in a cabin to try to avoid a storm," shares a visitor at Cheyenne RV Resort by RJourney, showing the importance of flexible plans.
Limited shade: Many RV sites near Wellington have minimal tree cover. "There are some shade trees but some of the sites are very sunny without any shade. Sites are very close together and a bit noisy," explains one camper about their experience at a nearby campground.
Dust conditions: Unpaved roads and sites can become dusty in dry weather. "The roads and campsites are dirt, and a little messy after a rain storm. When it rained and calmed down the dust, then it was perfect to open the windows," notes a reviewer describing conditions at their campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. "We enjoyed seeing the kids playing in the playground and riding around the park on their bikes," shares a reviewer at RV Park near Wellington, noting the family-friendly atmosphere.
Activity options: Some parks offer mini-golf and game areas. "Putt putt, croquet, birdwatching, rock painting, volleyball, basketball, large yard games, and more!" enthuses a visitor about the range of activities available at their campground.
Wildlife encounters: Schedule early morning or evening walks for the best wildlife viewing. "Horses and pronghorn made for the perfect, quiet neighbors," shares one camper about their ranch-based camping experience near Wellington.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Experienced RVers recommend requesting sites away from common areas. "We booked a water/electric online, but got bumped up to full hookups. Beautiful river going beside many of the sites. Our site was very wide and open, but we might just have been lucky," reports a visitor at Spruce Lake RV Park.
Cell service quality: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "Verizon 5G service was excellent," notes one camper about their stay, while others report limited connectivity depending on location.
Reservation timing: Book well in advance for summer stays near Wellington. "This campground we were setting up in a rain storm. Not fun. We were not able to use the pool because of the storm. It was fine all gravel with plenty of work," shares a camper, highlighting the importance of planning ahead.
