Riverside Campsite in Colorado
Guest rating: 4.9 / 5
Overview
Riverside Campsite is a river-adjacent, tree-surrounded campsite in Colorado with a very high public rating (4.94/5 from 7 reviews). The site is positioned on the east side closest to the river, with distant mountain views toward Mount Lamborn and Lands End. It’s described as one of the more private and one of the largest sites on the property.
Camping setup & site features
This is a bring-your-own-gear campsite: plan to arrive with your own tent and supplies, or a camper van/popup if you don’t require electricity. The site includes two tables, a camp grill for briquettes, an iron fire pit (with wood provided), multiple chairs (metal and resin), a tipi platform with a small table and chairs, and an ice chest. Tent placement is flexible, with options on the tipi platform (rubber mat), a wood-chip area, or a grassy area near the entrance.
Recreation
On-site, guests have river access for relaxing by the water, and a hard-shell kayak with paddles is available for use. The area is also positioned for fly fishing (noted as best at Pleasure Park outside Hotchkiss) and paddleboarding, with rentals mentioned in Hotchkiss and popular nearby water destinations such as Crawford Lake. Seasonal conditions vary; lower snowpack can affect late-season water levels, and mosquitoes are common near water, so insect precautions are recommended.
Location & nearby food
The campsite is near Paonia (noted by guests as about 5 minutes away) and adjacent to Big B’s Delicious Orchards U-pick, Cafe & Tasting Room (about 393 m). Other nearby dining options include Good Love (~2.3 km), Stealy’s (~2.2 km), Rio Bravo (~2.25 km), Clean Kitchen (~2.62 km), and The Kissflower Bistro & Gallery (~2.78 km). For longer drives, Grand Mesa (with around 300 lakes) is about 1 hour and 15 minutes away, and Kebler Pass (a dirt road route toward Crested Butte with lakes along the way) is roughly 1–2 hours away.
Best for
This campsite suits travelers who want a private-feeling, shaded riverside setup with built-in outdoor comforts like a fire pit (wood provided), seating, and a briquette grill. It’s also a strong fit for active outdoor travelers thanks to included kayak access and proximity to fly fishing, paddleboarding, and scenic drives to Grand Mesa and Kebler Pass. Pet owners and families looking for a simple base near Paonia and nearby eateries will also find it convenient.
Travel tips
Bring your own tent/camping supplies (or a camper van/popup if you don’t need power); this Riverside site is priced as a no-power campsite, while other sites (R1 and RV2) are referenced for guests who need electricity. Pack mosquito repellent since areas near water can have mosquitoes, and note that water levels later in the season may be uncertain due to low snowpack. If Big B’s next door is hosting live music, you may be able to hear it from the campsite.
What guests say
Guests highlight the natural setting, especially the shaded trees and the river as a relaxing feature. The location is frequently framed as convenient for nearby Paonia, and the property is described as beautiful. Host interactions are mentioned positively, with guests noting a welcoming, helpful host. A minor trade-off noted is potential noise from live music at the neighboring Big B’s, though it may not be disruptive for everyone.
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