off season camping in Colorado...need help

[patperry2766]

We are kicking around the idea of going back to Colorado around Christmas time to hopefully find some snow. The Colorado State Parks (awesome by the way) are walk-up during the off season with no reservations capable of being made.

It's a long drive from Ft Worth to take a chance on finding a site to stay at for a few days, so I need some knowledgeable advise from people who are better in the know.

Ideally, would like something that has open shower/bathroom facilities within a day's drive from DFW Texas. We stayed at Mueller last summer, and while they have electric, no shower facilities are available during the off season.

Cheyenne Mountain SP is open with the facilities were interested in, but since no reservations can be made, what are the odds of being able to find a spot. Looking mainly for the week between Christmas and New Years.

If a SP isn't an option, are there any private campgrounds that might fit the bill? Have been to Ridgway & Mueller SP and loved them both, and ideally, that's the kind of place were looking for.

I would even consider New Mexico if we could find something comparable.

Any and all recommendations will be GREATLY apppreciated. I know it's a risk during winter to make the drive due to unpredictable weather, but it might be worth it if we can find a place.

[gwalter]

Mountaindale is one of our favorite campgrounds and use it yearly. It does have a few residents year round.

[Stars101]

I think Tiger Run has strict rules about RV type. Only Class A maybe? Or no TT's or TC's? I can't remember off hand, but check their rules.

All I remember is that I was shocked when I read it b/c I never would have even thought about not being allowed in.

[ependydad]

patperry2766 wrote:
Mountaindale campground

Stumbled upon this place. Has good reviews and the bathroom & shower facilities that we'd need. Anyone have knowledge of this place?

I'm at this campground right now. Beautiful park. I actually like it more than our drive through of Cheyenne SP. Though, many sites at Cheyenne had privacy between the sites.

There are a lot of full-time looking setups, but from what I have seen; they appear to be well kept and tidy.

Cellular phone service is the problem- I get nothing on AT&T or Verizon. I am able to use a booster to get voice with AT&T but not data through Verizon. The campground wifi is OK, but generally fairly slow. If you aren't working, it could be sufficient.

The bathrooms and laundry room are all very clean and nice.



Pictures here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dougsetzer/albums/72157656821896984

[Busskipper]

Don't forget the SNOW shovel;

[2gypsies1]

Here are the reviews of Mountaindale RV. It looks like it would work for you.

Mountaindale Reviews

[patperry2766]

Mountaindale campground

Stumbled upon this place. Has good reviews and the bathroom & shower facilities that we'd need. Anyone have knowledge of this place?

[4runnerguy]

patperry2766 wrote:
For the Colorado residents, am I crazy to keep contemplating a winter trip? Road conditions, unpredictable weather, unpredictable campsite availability??

There are those who winter camp in CO, but you and your rig must be prepared for both snow and cold temps. Water lines can easily freeze. Plus, snow can obviously be an issue, even in the "low land" cities like Denver and Colorado Springs.

Another option might be Pueblo Reservoir SP. Maybe not the most scenic place, but lower in elevation with less chance of really big snow events. Closer to DFW and you can day trip to Salida, Colorado Springs, etc. I doubt many of these SP's fill during the winter. Maybe you decide which place to go based on the weather a day or two out from your departure date.

[patperry2766]

I'd like the mountains, but don't want to run the risk of getting too deep into the mountains, and not being able to get out for a few days due to bad weather (I know that could be a risk anywhere in the winter), that's why I was considering Cheyenne Mountain SP, but since they don't take off season reservations, what are the odds of me getting there and not having a place to stay?

I appreciate the suggestions so far, and a couple have real potential. Don't know about the skiing, maybe toobing...snowmobiles would be cool.

For the Colorado residents, am I crazy to keep contemplating a winter trip? Road conditions, unpredictable weather, unpredictable campsite availability??

[Busskipper]

patperry2766 wrote:
We are kicking around the idea of going back to Colorado around Christmas time to hopefully find some snow. The Colorado State Parks (awesome by the way) are walk-up during the off season with no reservations capable of being made.

It's a long drive from Ft Worth to take a chance on finding a site to stay at for a few days, so I need some knowledgeable advise from people who are better in the know.

Ideally, would like something that has open shower/bathroom facilities within a day's drive from DFW Texas. We stayed at Mueller last summer, and while they have electric, no shower facilities are available during the off season.

Cheyenne Mountain SP is open with the facilities were interested in, but since no reservations can be made, what are the odds of being able to find a spot. Looking mainly for the week between Christmas and New Years.

If a SP isn't an option, are there any private campgrounds that might fit the bill? Have been to Ridgway & Mueller SP and loved them both, and ideally, that's the kind of place were looking for.

I would even consider New Mexico if we could find something comparable.

Any and all recommendations will be GREATLY apppreciated. I know it's a risk during winter to make the drive due to unpredictable weather, but it might be worth it if we can find a place.

See snow or Ski?

Foothills or Mountains?

Denver or Breck?

Elevation will be the key - so in the foothills you will have a number of options to stay and then drive into the Mountains to be in it. we usually stay in Golden and drive into it. Tiger Run is in Breck and can be pretty heavy or Golden where it will normally melt in a few hours or if really cold a few days.

BOL,

[Thunder_Mountai]

Snowy Peaks in Buena Vista, CO is open year round with full hookups. Plenty of snowmobile rentals. Lots of places to x-country ski or snowshoe. Two small ski areas within an hour's drive. Christmas can be a bit spotty with the snow. It depends on the year. Easy access to BV via Walsenburg or Colorado Springs.

[Heisenberg]

Try the Sky Ute Casino in Ignacio, near Durango. Wonderful sites with great WiFi and the hot tubs just a short walk away.

[2lazy4U]

Go to the Hideout in Glenwood Springs - I think it's open in the winter. Very nice and tucked away. I live in the subdivision across the road.

You'll be 10 miles from Ski Sunlight and less than an hour from Aspen, Snowmass, and all those. It's a private campground, though. They also have cute little cabins for rent.

[2gypsies1]

Try Santa Fe Skies RV in Santa Fe. Drive up to the ski area for your snow.