Review of Campsites Alamosa and Olive Ridge in Colorado

I have been visiting and reviewing campground and RV sites for years, and two great ones to try are Alamosa and Olive Ridge in Colorado.

Alamosa, offering spectacular views of mountains to the east, has pull-through sites that average 60 x 22 feet in size- large enough to camp comfortably in almost any vehicle. End sites 16, 24, 32, and 42 have superb views, making them more attractive. Sites 41 and 42 are even longer (80-foot by my guess) pull-throughs, also with excellent views, although 42 shares space with a light standard. The last row of RV sites on Rd. 6 (sites 33-42) are arguably the nicest, as they are away from the office and closest to the grassy tent sites. This site however is also furthest from the restroom, so some campers may not prefer it. Tent sites on the north side of the campground have nice grass and great views, but no shade. Tent sites at the northwest side have more trees, and are therefore a better bet for campers. The restroom and shower facilities are clean and spacious, although the showers have a cement floor, which is slightly less comfortable and clean-looking than tile. The laundry is clean, with loads of room.

To get to Alamosa from the junction of Highway 17 and Highway 160, go 3.2 miles east on Highway 160. Turn north onto Juniper Lane, then take the first right into the campground. The office is on the left.

Olive Ridge is in Allenspark. Almost in the shadow of Long's Peak, this campground has very natural campsites scattered in a ponderosa pine forest. Sites average 40 feet, and all but 50 are back-ins. Site 50 is a 45-foot "parallel parking" site similar to a pull-through. Sites 26 and 40 are oversized sites, roughly twice as large as a regular site. Sites 10, 42, 45, and 46 are reserved for campground hosts and administration. There is a hiking trail that starts by site 35, perhaps increasing foot traffic past this site. Water pumps are located near sites 2, 8, 16, 20, 30, 34, 36, and 49. Several sites have huge boulders that may either be seen as an encroachment on site space or as a source of shade and beauty. This is a slice of nature developed with a minimal impact, allowing campers to experience the beauty of nature. Facilities are limited to pit toilets, but the photos on the walls are an attempt to make the campground as comfortable as possible, considering its basic facilities. Tenters in particular may prefer this campground, but there is no reason why RVers willing to forego hookups for a night shouldn't enjoy it equally as well.

To get to Olive Ridge from the junction of Highway 72 and Highway 7, turn north onto Highway 7 and go 5.6 miles. Turn left at the sign of the entrance, then take the immediate left to go to the fee station.