Tips for your First RV Family Camping Trip with a Toddler

Unforgettable RV Routes Through Colorado Rockies

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Are you planning to travel in an RV through Colorado but don’t know which route to take? Of course, when going on a road trip with your rig, you’d like to take a route that has a safe road to drive, scenic views, and amazing stopovers. 

As a local who’s also an RVer, I’ve already been to every road you could take in an RV through Colorado. Seriously, I have been all over this beautiful state.

Routes like Denver, Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, and Colorado Springs are just some of the few routes you can take. 

In this article you’ll see the best RV routes through Colorado from west to east and north to south. We take you from Utah to Kansas, from New Mexico to Wyoming, and Nebraska to Utah. I’ll give you the details of why each route is safe to take with your RV and what are the things that you can see and do at every stopover.

RV Route Through Colorado: Utah to Kansas

Welcome sign of Utah and Kansas
AndreyKrav and Jupiterimages via Canva.com

Route:

  • Starting in Utah
  • Thompson Springs, Utah
  • Grand Junction, Colorado
  • Glenwood Springs, Colorado
  • Vail,Colorado
  • Denver, Colorado
  • Colroado Springs
  • Pueblo, Colorado
  • Cheyenne Wells, Colorado
  • Topeka, Kansas

Traveling from Utah to Kansas through Colorado takes 19 hours and 40 minutes with 1,295 miles. And this is a minimal-traffic drive.

You will traverse some of my favorite local places to visit that have been written about here on the blog. This trip starts in Thompson Springs, Utah since it is right at the border but I suggest you spend time in Arches National Park first.

As you cross the border from Utah to Colorado the landscape is very similar to the arid high desert of Moab. You will follow the Colorado River Valley to Grand Junction. This area is surprisingly interesting and generally underrated. We suggest you spend time hiking in Colorado National Monument and enjoying the orchards in Palisade.

View of the Colorado River and eagles nest at Silt River Preserve Park
View of the Colorado River and eagles nest at Silt River Preserve Park

As you go along the Colorado River on I-70 east you will pass the small towns of Rifle and Silt and arrive in Glenwood Springs. This little town is always on my must-see list for Colorado.

Glenwood sits at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and the Colorado River. You can enjoy the hot springs (hint here is how to choose which one), rafting, high-altitude amusement park and so much more.

Aspen is within an hour’s drive of Glenwood if you want to see the iconic Maroon Bells.

Maroon Bells view through a calm lake.
Maroon Bells

When you are filled with memories from Glenwood head east on I-70 through the stunning Glenwood Canyon to Vail. You might choose to stay the night in Vail or just a stop for lunch.

This section of I-70 will be slow going as you traverse vail pass in your RV. Once on the other side of Vail you can enjoy amazing views as you drive. I suggest stopping in for Beau Joe’s pizza in Idaho springs in the foothills before your final descent into Denver.

Try to arrive in Denver by late afternoon so you can enjoy the views of the city as you arrive. There are not many places to camp in the city so we suggest staying at Cherry Creek State Park or in the foothills town of Golden.

Leaving your RV parked and taking the train into the city center will be easy from Golden.

From Denver, you will take I-25 south to Colorado Springs. Although this is only an hour south it is worth a stop at any of the things to do in Colorado Springs.

Pro Tip: If you would rather spend more time in the mountains, you can head south from Breckenridge and take Highway 285 through the mountains to Colorado Springs. This way you will go through one of my favorite towns of Buena Vista and can stop at the Florrisant Fossil Beds on the way into Colorado Springs.

after the larger towns, you will begin to head southeast to the arid plains in Pueblo. This little town flies under the radar as a tourist attraction, but it is worth a stop at the River Walk or a day at the reservoir. Find out more things to do in Pueblo here.

After spending an afternoon in Pueblo you will head east towards Kansas to finalize your trip.

Pro tip: Another alternative after Denver is to take I-70 to Kansas going through Hays to Topeka. Stopping in Limon at the train museum on the way out of the state. The museum of Brown vs Board of Education is worth an hour stop for the history lesson.

RV Route Through Colorado: New Mexico to Wyoming

Welcome sign of New Mexico and Wyoming
Lady-Photo and robertcicchetti via Canva.com

Route:

  • Taos, New Mexico
  • Alamosa, Colorado
  • Breckenridge, Colorado
  • Denver, Colorado
  • Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Fort Collins, Colorado
  • Cheyene, Wyoming

Traveling from New Mexico to Wyoming through this route is 14hrs and 11 minutes with no traffic. And it is 838 miles. 

This route takes you from Taos New Mexico through the southern Rockies and into the San Luis Valley. We suggest you stop at the Great Sand Dunes while you are passing through Alamosa. From the San Luis Valley, you will continue north through the Rockies to the famous ski town of Breckenridge.

Sandboarding at Great Dunes National
Sandboarding at the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado

Winter or summer, the area has plenty of fun activities. Then you continue your travels east on I-70 to Denver. The grades are steep on I-70 so just go slow and enjoy the view. You may even catch a glimpse of the buffalo heard at Genesee.

As you leave the mountains you will enjoy the foothills that border the urban area of Denver. We suggest you stay on the outskirts of Denver or in Golden and enjoy a day in the city.

From Denver, you will head north on I-25. A couple of days at Rocky Mountain National Park is highly recommended. Since you will be more acclimated to altitude by now you can enjoy a day shopping, golfing in Estes Park or hiking in RMNP.

Pro Tip: If you want to skip Denver, turn I-70 at Empire and take Highway 40 over Berthoud pass.

From Denver head north or from Rocky Mountain National Park head east to Fort Collins. This is a beautiful town in the foothills with a laid-back feel and plenty of micro-brews. Fast fact: Main street at Disney was actually inspired by the old town area here.

After Fort Collins, you are very close to the Wyoming state line and will finish your Colorado trip in Cheyenne, WY.

RV Route Through Colorado: Nebraska to Utah

Welcome sign of Nebraska and Utah
Jupiterimages and AndreyKrav via Canva.com

Route:

  • North Platte, Nebraska
  • Julesburg, Colorado
  • Fort Morgan, Colorado
  • Denver, Colorado
  • Silverthorne, Colorado
  • Vail, Colorado
  • Glenwood Springs,Colorado
  • Grand Junction, Colorado
  • Moab, Utah

Traveling from Nebraska will take you along I-76 and then I-70 west through the state of Colorado. Travel time from Nebraska to Utah through this route is 26 hours drive and it’s 1,691 miles.

You will see the plains and grasslands of northeastern colorado, the suburban area of Denver, and the mountain passes through Vail, Colorado. Winding your way through the spectacular Glenwood Canyon, you end up following the Colorado River Valley to Utah.

Getting to Glenwood Springs driving on I70 through Glenwood Canyon
A view of I70, tunnels, and Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon

Some of the highlights for our favorite places are Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction and Moab.

Why Are These Routes the Best? 

There are 3 main factors that you have to consider to identify if the route you’ve chosen is the best route to take in an RV; a safe road to drive, have the most scenic views, and has beautiful stops. 

But other than that, you also need to consider the type of RV you’re going to drive on your road trip. 

Here’s more detailed information on why these routes are safe to drive, have great views, and fun stopovers:

Look for a Route That Has the Safest Road

Choosing a route that has the safest road to drive is one of the most important things to know. Especially if you’re driving a big type of RV such as trailers, class A and C motorhomes, and 5th wheel. 

This has now been made easy by technology using a map application. You can find the best route to your destination and choose routes that have wider roads, higher clearance tunnels and bridges, and roads that have a weight limit.

Further reading: Make sure to avoid these roads on your road trip. The Scariest Roads in Colorado

Find a Route with Scenic Views and Cool Stops

In case you didn’t know, I don’t advise driving for more than 400 miles a day in an RV. So if you plan to go on a long drive, you have to make sure that you already know where you can have a stopover. it should be a place where you can camp and park your RV. 

A view of Silverthorne Colorado and Interstate Highway
welcomia via Canva.com

The route that has amazing and scenic views should be that one that you look forward to when you go on a road trip. Besides, a long drive will be boring without it, right?

Here are the places that you can go to on hour stopover and where. you can Park your RV and camp:

Grand Junction, Colorado

A view along the Alcove Nature Trail in The Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction – the Alcove Nature Trail

Colorado National Monument is one of the great places to visit in Grand Junction. It is the perfect place for you if you’re looking for something thrilling to do or you just simply want to clear your mind with the scenic views. Furthermore, any time of the year is the best time to visit here and see the beautiful red canyons. 

You can also see other fun things you can do in Grand Junction in this blog: 

9 Amazing Day Trips From Grand Junction.

Where To Camp In An RV in Grand Junction

After a fun day trip to Colorado National Monument, you can go straight to the Monument RV resort to park your RV and stay for a night or more. This RV park has various accommodations for big to small types of rigs. Plus, it is near the Colorado River where you can go fishing and swimming. It’s also near the Dinosaur Journey Museum to bring your kids and enjoy. 

Location: 607 Hwy 340 Fruita, CO 81521

Price: $33 – $52 (note that this is based on their last year’s rate)

Amenities

  • Paved Road
  • With Restroom and Showers
  • With Laundry
  • With RV Supplies
  • With Metered LP Gas
  • Ice, Escort to Site, Cable, and Guest Services
  • With Self-Service RV Wash
  • Pets are allowed with restriction

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Hiking Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs Colorado - rules, permits, reservations
Hiking Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs Colorado – rules, permits, reservations

Glenwood Springs is known as the most family-friendly travel destination in Colorado. There are so many things that you can do here and everyone in the family can enjoy. 

You can have fun at the Glenwood Cavern Adventure Park, or go biking beside Glenwood Canyon, then soak in the Glenwood Hot springs pool or at the Iron mountain hot springs.

More fun thing to do that you can see in the blog: 17 Things To Do In Glenwood Springs

Where To Camp In An RV in Glenwood Springs

One of the most popular RV parks here is the Glenwood Canyon Resort. You can leave and park your rigs here while you’re having an exciting experience in different rides at the Glenwood Cavern Adventure Park. It’s also near famous hot springs in Glenwood so you can get soaked after a tiring day. 

Then if you want to continue the adventure, there’s a lot of fun activities you can do in this RV park. You can go boating, fishing, swimming, or nature trails. 

More places to camp in Glenwood Springs in this blog: Amazing Places To Camp In Glenwood Springs, CO

Location: 1308 CR-129 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Price: $46 – $85 (note that this is based on their last year’s rate) 

Amenities

  • Paved/Gravel Road
  • With Restroom and Showers
  • With Laundry
  • With RV Supplies
  • Firewood, Ice, and Groceries are available
  • Wifi Connection
  • Handicap access
  • Pets are allowed with restriction

Denver, Colorado

Skyline view from Red Rocks at dawn.
Sean Pavone via Canva.com

Denver is known for having world-class cultural attractions. It’s also a perfect destination if you’re up to fun and exciting outdoor activities.

One of the most enjoyable yet relaxing things to do here is to visit the Denver Botanic Gardens. Have a peaceful day trip here, walking around while enjoying the beautiful plants.

Where to Camp in an RV in Denver

Cherry Creek State Park is one of the top-rated RV parks in Denver. Here, you can continue exploring the beauty of this place and have fun in their various water activity. You can go kayaking, fishing, swimming, and canoeing.

Aside from that, you can have more physical activities here by horseback riding, hiking, and biking. And during winter, you can also go skiing here. 

Location: 4201 S. Parker Road

Aurora, Colorado 80014

Price: $41/ Night

Amenities:

  • Up to 135 Campsites
  • Bathhouse, Shower, and Laundry
  • Grilling Area
  • Electrical Hookup available
  • Have Firepit, Firewood, and  Fire Rings
  • Pet and Family Friendly
  • RV hookups
  • Wifi Connection

Pueblo, Colorado

Things to do in the day and night at Pueblo River Walk
Things to do in the day and night at Pueblo River Walk

Pueblo is one of the most underated places to visit in Colorado. With great views of red-colored canyons, mesas, and rivers, it is indeed an amazing place.

Pueblo Zoo is one of the perfect places to visit if you’re on a trip with your family. With 130 species and over 400 animals, your kids will love going here. 

To know more about Pueblo Zoo, you can check out this blog: Why You Will Love The Pueblo Zoo (Colorado)

Where To Camp In An RV in Pueblo

After exploring the zoo, you can continue having fun while parking your RV at Lake Pueblo State Park. It has a trail for walking, biking, and hiking. You can also go fishing while you enjoy the scenic views around the lake. 

Location: 640 Pueblo Reservoir Rd, Pueblo, CO 81005-9793

Price: Less than $100

Amenities

  • With ADA Restroom Facilities and Amphitheater
  • Dump Station
  • Electricity: 20 and 30 AMP
  • Fire Pit, Grills 
  • Handicapped Parking
  • With Laundry Area by
  • Pet and Family Friendly
  • Has a swimming pool and beach access

Alamosa, Colorado

A far view of a bridge over the Rio Grande River in Alamosa, Colorado
Lindsey Martin Webb via Canva.com

When you think about Alamosa, it’s impossible to miss the Great Sand Dunes, National Park. It is the most famous tourist attraction in Alamosa. 

Aside from that, there are other perfect destinations in this place such as Zapata Falls and the San Luis Valley that you can visit with your family. You can appreciate the beauty of wildlife refuges while biking, hiking, and walking through the open space of Alamosa.

Where to Camp in an RV in Alamosa

If you’re looking for an RV Park that is clean and quiet, the Cool Sunshine RV Parks is known for that. You can have an a.peaceful stay here and enjoy outdoor activities at the same time. 

It’s also near restaurants and grocery stores so it’s very convenient for you if you need to but something important.

Location: 1055 7th St Alamosa, CO 81101

Price: $42 – $59 (Based on the last year’s rate)

Amenities

  • Good road condition with all-weather type
  • Laundry, Restroom, and Showers
  • Control Access Gate
  • RV Supplies
  • Firewood and Ice
  • Pet and Family Friendly
  • With Wifi Connection
  • Can accommodate big rigs
  • Full hookup with up to 50 AMP Electricity
  • Pull thru and Back Ins

Cheyenne Wells, Colorado 

A view of Cheyenne Mountain of Norad in Colorado Springs
erick4x4 via Canva.com

Despite being a small town, Cheyenne Wells still has a lot to offer when it comes to great places to visit. One of them is the Old Town Museum. It has authentic artifacts and restored buildings. Your eyes will be satisfied here as you find a Manor, a dollhouse, a church, a schoolhouse, a saloon, and a Heritage Hall that is full of an impressive collection of tractors, cars, and a lot of vintage memorabilia

Where to Camp in an RV

Location: 1325 South 2nd West Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810

Price: Less than $100

Amenities:

  • Can accommodate big rigs
  • 40 sites available
  • 20, 30, and 50 Amp electricity
  • Full Hookup
  • Grass road site
  • Pull Through
  • Sewer and Water Hookup
  • Pet and Family Friendly

Breckenridge, Colorado

A mountain view with tree tops
skibreck via Canva.com

Breckenridge is an ideal destination for skiing in Colorado. But as the winter season ends, this place still offers incredible views. Other than skiing, you can go hiking, backpacking, biking, or walking while enjoying the place’s natural beauty.  Moreover, you can climb mountains that have diverse terrain over 2,358 acres and 3,398 feet of vertical.

Where to Camp in an RV

Tiger Run Resort is my favorite RV parking in Breckenridge. Aside from their good facilities, There are plenty of indoor activities that you and your family can enjoy. 

They have indoor pools and a spa, gym, game and business center, and a campfire location. 

Location: 85 Revett Dr. Breckenridge, CO 80424, United States

Price: $85 (starting price)

Amenities

  • They have different RV Sites Categories
  • Standard, Swan River, Pull Thru, Club, Deluxe, Blue River (check their website for the details)
  • Pool and hot tubs
  • Gym
  • Game room
  • Sports area (Tennis, Sand Volleyball, and Basketball)
  • Laundry
  • Shower area
  • Fishing, hiking, and a fire pit

Silverthorne, Colorado

A view of Silverthorne Colorado and Interstate Highway
welcomia via Canva.com

Silverthorne is surrounded by gorgeous alpine scenery. It is also famous for skiing destinations and many tourists visit here during winter. 

However, this place has more to offer and can be a perfect travel destination all year round. You can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities here. 

One of the outdoor activities you and your family can enjoy is going hiking at Lily Pad Lake. It has an easy trail and is perfect for hiking for families of all ages. Other than that, if you’re traveling with your kids, you can let them play and have fun at Rainbow Park. 

Where to Camp in an RV

Heaton Bay Campground is the most accessible RV Park near almost every tourist spot in Silverthorne. It is a big campground that has a lot to offer and has a pleasant environment to stay in. Moreover, you can continue the fun of exploring here with their recreational trail. 

Location: Dillon Dam Rd. Silverthorne, CO 80498

Price: $28 (starting rate)

Amenities:

  • 30 Amp and 20 Amp Hookups
  • Water Access 
  • Dry camping
  • Can accommodate big rigs
  • With fire ring and picnic table
  • Pull thru
  • restrooms
  • Pet and family-friendly

Fort Morgan, Colorado

Fort Morgan City Hall
BOB WESTON via Canva.com

As the largest municipality in Morgan County, Fort Morgan also has a lot to offer to locals and tourists when it comes to fun and exciting activities. 

One of the best places to visit here is the Pawnee Pioneer Trail Scenic & Historic Byway. This place was used to be home by the natives for a long time in the 19th Century. And if you’re into wildlife. You can have fun hiking, biking, or walking around the area.

Where to Camp in an RV

Just half an hour from the Pawnee Pioneer Trail Scenic & Historic Byway, you can park your rigs and stay at Riverside Park. It’s a nice small park where you can stay overnight after a tiring activity.

Location: 1600 Main Street Fort Morgan, CO 80701

Price: $75 (Estimated Price)

Amenities:

  • Electric is 30/20/15 Amp
  • Pets Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Swimming Pool: 
  •  WiFi  Connection
  • Road type: Asphalt

Moab, Utah

Fun facts Moab, Utah-Arches national park facts-Moab in the Bible- The meaning of the name Moab- where Moab got its name-Arches national park fun facts-Arches national park interesting facts-Facts about Arches national park-Facts about Canyonlands national park-Interesting Facts about Canyonlands national park-Canyonlands national park fun facts- educational travel- trivia questions Moab, Utah, trivia questions Arches National Park
Overlook from Visitor Center Dead Horse Point State Park

Moab, Utah is called the adventure capital of the US. It is a place loved by hikers, bikers, backpackers, and climbers. It has numerous spots that have a Slickrock trail, delicate arch, and canyons where you can have a spectacular view. 

But not only that, but Moab also offers a lot of water activities that you can enjoy on the Colorado River nearby. Have an exciting experience while kayaking or canoeing in the river that is surrounded by big red rocks. 

Read more about our adventures in Moab here:

Where to Camp in an RV in Moab

Canyonlands RV Resort & Campground is the best place to camp and parks your RV. It is near a shopping center, convenience store but most importantly, it’s just a few minutes away from where you can have thrilling outdoor adventures like the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Location: 555 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532, United States

Price: $65 – $80 (based on the last year’s price)

Amenities

  • Laundry, restroom, and showers
  • Sites are WiFi Connected
  • Pet and Family Friendly (Pets are allowed but with restrictions)
  • Up to 50 Amp Electricity
  • Full hookups and pull thus
  • Have 88 sites available
  • Can accommodate big rigs
A collage two pictures the one on top is a highway signage saying welcome to colorful colorado the picture under is van traveling along the highway

Final Thoughts On Best Routes Through Colorado

After understanding what kind of route you should take, I hope you’ve seen the importance of planning and having an itinerary when you travel. Especially when you travel in an RV. 

You can just go anywhere you want without planning or considering the roads that you have to go through. You have to remember that not every road is accessible for your RV. 

Finally, I hope that you and your family can visit these places I’ve shared with you. I’m sure that your trip is going to be one of the best things that you’ll experience and you’ll forever have it pictured in your memory. 

To read more about things to do in Colorado, check these out:

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    Shauna Kocman founder Family Travel Fever
    Shauna Kocman founder of Family Travel Fever

    Hi, I’m Shauna – Welcome to Family Travel Fever.  We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug!  I take the kids by myself because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.

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    One Comment

    1. Looking to go to Colorado from AZ as we spend three months in the winter.
      Our son lives in Denver and will head there in April and may

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