Road Trips Starting from Denver, CO
Best National Parks Near Denver, CO
Mesa Verde National Park, situated about 380 miles southwest of Denver, is famous for its ancient Puebloan artifacts and well-preserved cliff homes. Guests can go on guided tours of the park's ancient sites and see various species, including black bears and mule deer. Mesa Verde National Park offers RV accommodations at the Morefield Campground. This campground provides sites with hookups for RVs up to 35 feet in length.
Rocky Mountain National Park, just 65 miles northwest of Denver, is a haven for those who love exploring the outdoors. You can enjoy hiking, wildlife observation, and scenic drives in this region, thanks to its spectacular peaks, highland meadows, and perfect lakes. You might even encounter elk, bighorn sheep, and moose as you explore the park's diverse ecosystems. RV accommodations are available at several campgrounds within the park, offering convenient access to its natural wonders.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park, located about 235 miles south of Denver, boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America, reaching heights of up to 750 feet. Visitors can experience the thrill of sandboarding or sledding down the dunes, explore the surrounding grasslands and wetlands, and marvel at the gorgeous views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Spring and summer wading and splashing are accessible via Medano Creek, near the dunes. RV camping is available at the park's Pinon Flats Campground, offering a unique desert camping experience.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, approximately 260 miles southwest of Denver, is renowned for its dramatic canyon walls and rugged terrain carved by the Gunnison River. You can drive along the canyon rim, trek challenging paths, and see golden eagles and mountain lions in the park. While there are no RV accommodations within the park, nearby campgrounds like the Mesa Campground offer convenient lodging options for RV travelers.
Popular State Parks Near Denver, CO
Chatfield State Park, located approximately 18 miles southwest of Denver, offers a plethora of recreational activities. The park features a designated swimming beach, picnic areas, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. You can enjoy motorized and non-motorized boating on Chatfield Reservoir, cast a line into the reservoir for trout, and explore over 26 miles of multi-use trails.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park, sitting roughly 80 miles south of Denver, gives visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature. You can venture down trails spanning over 20 miles for a magnificent journey through canyons, small lakes, woodlands, and grassy areas. The park also features picnic areas and interpretive programs designed to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the park's natural and cultural resources. Although Cheyenne Mountain State Park doesn't offer RV accommodations, nearby campgrounds provide facilities for RV travelers.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Denver, CO
The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, located about 105 miles from Denver, offers RV accommodations, making it convenient to explore its unique fossilized remains of ancient plants and insects. You can check out the indoor exhibit gallery featuring fossils and interactive displays, visit the monument's bookstore for educational materials and souvenirs, and even join a paleontology program to search for fossils in designated areas.
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site is an excellent spot for recreational vehicle owners to stay, situated about 180 miles from Denver. The rebuilt trading station from the 19th century offers a fascinating view into the historic fur trade era. Attractive features of the fort include guided tours, historical artifact inspections, and living history displays.
Scotts Bluff National Monument, roughly 200 miles from Denver, does not offer RV accommodations but is close to several RV-friendly campgrounds. This iconic landmark, rising from the plains, offers fantastic panoramic views and opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and learning about the area's significance on the Oregon Trail.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
Seductive mountain vistas and easy access to neighboring attractions, such as Red Rocks Amphitheater, draw RV travelers to Dakota Ridge RV Park, which is about 20 miles west of Denver. Rock climbers especially like this campground for its convenient access to nearby world-class climbing destinations. Amenities for RV travelers include water, electricity, sewer, Wi-Fi access, propane filling stations, and more.
Located about 50 miles north of Denver, Loveland RV Resort is notable for its tranquil lakeside location and closeness to Rocky Mountain National Park. Water, power, sewage, and campfire rings are some of the RV amenities. Back-in sites provide even greater seclusion.
Found in a peaceful woodland setting with onsite facilities, including fishing ponds and hiking paths, Spruce Lake RV Resort is about 60 miles southwest of Denver. One of the campground's more popular events includes outdoor movie nights under the stars. Amenities especially appealing to RV travelers include spacious pull-through sites, water, electricity, sewer, cable TV hookups, laundry sites, and more.
RV Dump Stations Near Denver, CO
Cherry Creek State Recreation Area, about 12 miles from downtown Denver, offers a convenient dump station that you can use for a fee of $28 fee. The Blue River Treatment Plant is another option. This facility charges a very small fee for its RV dump station. The Dakota Ridge RV Park offers free dumping for registered guests and charges others $15.