Top 10 RV Parks Near the Quartzsite, AZ Area

Top 5 Reasons Why Quartzite, Arizona is a Fun Place to Visit:

1. Hike or drive the Pike to Peak Scenic Driveway
2. Enjoy the Riverwalk in Downtown Estes Park
3. Take the Estes Park Aerial Tramway
4. Check out local beer brewing companies
5. Visit the Lake Estes Marina

List of top ten RV Parks in the Estes Park, CO area:

(Disclaimer: information is a compilation of researched info as published online and does not necessarily reflect the experience or opinion of the author)

The RV parks have been ranked and are listed from “Most Recommended” to “Least Recommended” based on reviews, feedback, amenities, and preference. Cost was not the primary ranking driver. Please note that weekend RV families with children might have different needs than full-time RV “snowbirds”.

1. Moraine Park Campground

Image Source: www.desertpueblorv.com

According to Recreation.gov, “Moraine Park Campground (8,160 feet) is located in Colorado’s awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain National Park, near the Beaver Meadows Entrance on Highway 36. It is situated on the north side of Moraine Park, offering beautiful views of the vast park and the surrounding mountains.

From lush valleys to craggy peaks reaching elevations over 14,000 feet, visitors are provided opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures. Scenic driving, hiking, backpacking, fishing, horseback riding and wildlife viewing are popular activities in the park.”

What makes this park unique?

This is a minimum amenities all-nature-access park. The benefits of staying in the park are several: affordability, access to trails, untouched nature and solitude. Max RV length is 35 ft.

2. Dowdy Lake Campground

Image Source: arizonasunrv.com

According to Recreation.gov, “The campground is situated in a ponderosa pine forest on the shore of Dowdy Lake, at an elevation of 8,200 feet. Afternoon thunderstorms can be expected during spring and summer months. Due to the mountain pine beetle infestation and removal of hazardous trees, some sites have reduced shade.”

What makes this park unique?

The park states on their website that “[c]anoeing and fishing are popular activities on the 115-acre, no-wake Dowdy Lake. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, but a 10-mph speed limit is enforced. Anglers cast for brown, brook, cutthroat and lake trout. Several additional lakes are in the vicinity. 

Many hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are in the surrounding area, including the 4-mile Mount Margaret Trail.

Several off-road vehicle trails are located within five miles of the campground. Other popular activities include viewing wildlife and visiting the nearby Redfeather Visitor Center.” (Source: Recreation.gov).

3. Paradise On the River

Image Source: wagonwestrvpark.com

This park offers front-row seats to all the nature in the area, from flora to fauna, including bears! The surroundings are simply breath-taking!

What makes this park unique?

This is a full-hookups park (albeit only 30 Amp). There is much to do in the area for anyone who loves the great outdoors. This park has riverside sites, as well as off-river pull-through sites.

4. Olive Ridge Campground

Image Source: www.g7rvresorts.com

According to the USDA Website information, this park is open only seasonally, from 5/20-9/25. Currently, there will be no water for the coming season.

What makes this park unique?
According to Recreation.gov, “[t]his peaceful campground is heavily wooded with a mixture of ponderosa pine and aspen trees. The interior roads are gravel/dirt. Afternoon thunderstorms should be expected during the summer months.”

5. Elk Creek Campground

Image Source: www.emeraldcoveresort.com

This park is seasonal, from April-October and accepts early reservations. The Website has detailed description of each site to help people make an informed decision and reservation.

This park is surrounded by nature and good for small families who love the quiet nature and have a sense of adventure.

What makes this park unique?

The sites are mostly level with gravel/dirt. There are electric-only overflow sites available. Note: the max amount of people per site is five people. Large families must reserve an additional site. Max RV length is 40 ft. Septic service is available to lower-level sites (see info below).

6. Winding River RV Resort

Image Source: azcampguide.com

Open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend to October 2, this park is surrounded by the beautiful Colorado nature.

What makes this park unique?

The sites are very spacious, giving visitors privacy and space to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

This is a horse-themed RV park, with several different ways to stay and interact with horses and nature (incl. using side-by-sides and snowmobiles).

7. Pinewood Reservoir County Park

Image Source: azstateparks.com

According to Campout Colorado, [t]he main attraction at Pinewood Reservoir is the lake. It’s small, about 100 acres when full, though the water level can fluctuate greatly depending on the water needs downstream.

The fishing is good here and it is stocked a couple of times a season. The fish you will find here are trout and tiger muskies. Each of these fish has vastly different fishing techniques so if you are interested in catching both, make sure you go prepared. This is a great lake to boat and kayak on if that is your preferred method of enjoying Pinewood Reservoir.

The other big attraction to Pinewood Reservoir is the Ramsey-Shockey Open Space and trailhead at the dam.

There are a handful of fun hiking trails that take you up and around Pinewood Reservoir as well as the open space through the valley.

The Pinewood Reservoir campground can also serve as a backup camping place should you arrive at Carter Lake or Flatirons Reservoir only to find that they are full.

You are not too far away and if you are looking for a larger lake or a change of scenery, they are close alternatives.

If the weather gets bad or you need something, Loveland is very close so you are never too far from the necessities.”( Source: Pinewood Reservoir Campground Camping Review – Camp Out Colorado).

There is often a fire ban, so make sure you pack a camp stove, just in case.

What makes this park unique?

While some sites are near the lake, many are somewhat uneven and a bit tricky to get to, so exercise caution when bringing your RV. Not every site has electric hookups.

The sites by the lake do not have shade. For the water sport enthusiasts, the lake access sites are best fit to be able to go fishing or boating.

8. Estes Park KOA

Image Source: azstateparks.com

Open from May 1 to October 15, this seasonal park is suitable for smaller RVs. At 7,500 feet elevation, this KOA Holiday is designed with a vacation experience and a longer stay (a week or so) in mind.

This park is in a great location for those who want to use it as a hiking basecamp for the popular hires in the area.

What makes this park unique?

This KOA has many weekly activities planned for their visitors. It has a KOA-style plethora of amenities to make the stay memorable and to keep their guests comfortable and engaged during their visit.

There are also tent sites, as well as the standard KOA cabins for family gathering. There is a giant Adirondack chair on the property for a photo op, as well.

9. Glen Echo Resort

Image Source: www.blackrockrv.com

A seasonal park from May to October, this rustic park is surrounded by nature, yet with all the amenities for a wonderful time to relax and make memories. This park is located in the heart of Roosevelt National Forest and was established in 1922.

What makes this park unique?

There is a really great restaurant on site (some people just come for the food!). There are tent sites and cabins, as well as RV sites and the whole park has a summer camp vibe.

The park is located at 7,200 feet of elevation.

10. Manor RV Park

Image Source: split-rail-rv-park-rv-park.business.site

Open from May 15-Oct 15, this park is located 5 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park. 22 sites are located directly on the Big Thompson River.

What makes this park unique?

Restaurants and shops are within walking distance. There is a supply shop, a rec room and many more amenities that keep the visitors comfortable and at ease.

TIPS TO GET TO ESTES PARK

Estes Park is located on US-34 (going West to East) by the Rocky Mountain National Park, the Twin Sisters Peak and Longs Peak. When coming from the Northeast, one can take the I-25 through the Fort Collins area. When traveling the US-34, one should exercise caution due to the curvy roads and the elevation. It might be a bit challenging to travel with longer RVs.

Make sure you use a RV-GPS for accessibility and elevation information.