An In-Depth Guide and Review of Ouray Riverside Resort

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Ouray is known as the “Switzerland of America,” and is therefore an extremely popular destination among adventurers and RVers. With that being said, let’s focus on on the most popular places to rent cabins and RV in this area: Ouray Riverside Resort. 

Here, guests can enjoy six types of RV sites close or on the Uncompahgre River (just don’t ask me how to pronounce that) and are completely surrounded by mountains. 

The resort also blends the rustic charm of mountain camping with modern conveniences, all just minutes from the natural hot springs and the jaw-dropping San Juan Mountains.

In this article, we are going to be diving into Ouray Riverside Resort. Think of this not only as your guide, but also an unbiased review of the park. This way, you can decide if it is right for you!

Bucket List Review of Ouray Riverside Resort

For adventurers who want information fast!

Category	RV Mountain Cabins
Who Should Add This to Their Bucket List?	Extreme Sport Lovers Waterfall Seekers Hot Springs Connoisseurs
Best Time to Go	Fall
Traveling Difficulty	Easy
Physical Difficulty	Easy
Popularity Rating	8/10
Reservation Required	Yes
Budget	$$$
Wheelchair Accessible	Maybe, if you don’t mind going over some rocks.
Best Spots	Pull Through Spots Premium Riverfront Spots Premium Mountain View Spots
Favorite Tour in Ouray	Ice Climbing (Winter Only)

If you need more information about the categories of this table, please check out the Bucket List Reviews guide.

Things that Make Ouray Riverside Resort Unique

Location

Ouray Riverside Resort is located (quite literally) on the main street of Ouray. I can walk to town and waterfalls straight from my RV.

You’re just minutes from the famous hot springs, epic hiking trails, and downtown’s charming shops and restaurants.

Plus, being nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains means adventure is at your doorstep—whether you’re into off-roading, rock climbing, or simply soaking in the views.

It’s the perfect basecamp for exploring the “Switzerland of America”!

Rustic Cabins Right on the River

If you don’t have an RV, no worries—Ouray Riverside Resort offers charming riverside cabins that let you soak in all the beauty of the San Juan Mountains without sacrificing comfort.

These cozy cabins come equipped with all the essentials, from comfy beds to kitchenettes, giving you the perfect home-away-from-home right by the peaceful Uncompahgre River.

You’ll wake up to the soothing sounds of the water and enjoy a front-row seat to some of Colorado’s most breathtaking mountain views, all while being just a short walk away from all of the resort’s amenities.

Restaurant

One of the standout features of Ouray Riverside Resort is its on-site restaurant, The Smokehouse, where you can indulge in mouthwatering BBQ right by the river.

This spot has you covered without ever having to leave the resort.

And if you’re there on a Friday night, you’re in for a treat—they have live music!

Best Time to Go to Ouray Riverside Resort

Ouray Riverside Resort is open all year round! While every season is a great opportunity to park your RV here and go adventuring around Ouray, there are two clear winners: fall and winter. 

Fall

Personally, I would 100% pick Autumn to check this guy off of your bucket list. 

The San Juan Mountains transform into a breathtaking sea of golden aspens and fiery reds. 

The crisp autumn air makes exploring the hiking trails and soaking in the natural hot springs even more magical without the heat.

Driving along the Million Dollar Highway, you’ll be treated to one of the most vibrant and colorful landscapes in Colorado. 

We personally visited at the start of fall right when the leaves were starting to change. The entire thing was amazing – the Million Dollar Highway, the temperatures, and even Telluride.

Read More – Autumn Bucket List | September Bucket List | October Bucket List

Winter

The close second award for the best time to visit Ouray Riverside Resort is winter! And this is for one unique thing that this place is known worldwide for: ice climbing.

In fact, it’s known as the “Ice Climbing Capital of the World,”. During winter, Ouray transforms into an outdoor playground with its famous Ice Park drawing adventurers from all over. 

There are over 200 routes and a number of backcountry lines.

When climbing the Via Ferrata, we actually got the chance to talk to a guide about how one of the sections works: there is a hose on the rock face that sprays water during the night. Then, in the morning, you get a perfect ice wall to conquer! 

After a day of frosty fun, there’s nothing better than warming up in the town’s natural hot springs, surrounded by a blanket of snow. 

The only downside to winter is the roads can be treacherous for RVs.

Read More – Christmas Bucket List

Best Spots at Ouray Riverside Resort

You can find a map of Ouray Riverside Resort 👉 here.

Total, there are 6 different RV sections or categories in this park. 

I don’t think that the spot number truly matters in this park as much as others. You are pretty packed in, and will most likely get a very good view of your neighbor unless you are in an end spot. 

Also, be warned! You can’t really see the river from the “riverfront” spots unless you go up a little hill and cross over. 

The deluxe river spots are a little flatter and you can barely see the river from your spot, but I’m not sure if it is worth the upgrade. 

With that being said, it might actually be worth it to book one of the pull-through spots instead, especially if you have a big rig. 

It is worth noting that in the reservation system, you cannot specify which site you want. You just have to select the category. So, you might not have a choice. 

Here are a list of all of the categories:

• Circle Sites (#1-27): Cozy sites for smaller RVs right near the restaurant and bathhouse. 
• Standard Riverfront Sites (#29, 37-48): Back in spots on the river.
• Extra Wide Riverfront (#30-36): More spacious river back-in spots for larger rigs.
• Premium Riverfront Sites (#62-69): Back-in spots with better views of the river.
• Mountain View Sites (#70-72): The widest spots with the best views of Mt. Abrams.
• Pull-Through Sites (#49-61): Stress free parking for bigger trailers and RVs. 

Not an RVer? You can also rent rustic and deluxe cabins!

Overall RAting of Spots at Ouray Riverside Resort

(3.5/5 Stars)

I give it 3.5 stars because the area is beautiful, but the spots themselves are kinda “meh”…

Views You Will Get at Ouray Riverside Resort

Expect sweeping mountain vistas, with the majestic San Juans towering all around…and your neighbor.

From the resort, you’ll get perfect views of Mount Abrams and the surrounding peaks, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light dances across the mountains. 

Plus, the river adds an extra layer of natural beauty, creating a truly picturesque scene.

As I said, you are packed in pretty tight with other RVs, but the surrounding area of Ouray Riverside Resort is nothing short of breathtaking.

Overall Rating of Views in Ouray

(4/5 Stars)

All I can say is “holy guacamole”! The mountains here are unreal. The only reason I give it 4 stars is because your neighbor might block most of your view from your RV itself.

Facilities at Ouray Riverside Resort

The facilities at Ouray Riverside Resort are certainly not lacking!

This makes it very nice to be surrounded by nature, but then come home to modern amenities.

Here are all the amenities that I used at Ouray Riverside Resort when visiting with my massive RV:

• Full Hookup (with 50/30/20 amp)
• Bathhouses
• Laundry
• General Store
• Gas Station with Self Car Wash
• Hot Tubs
• Recreational Picnic Tables by the River
• The Smokehouse Restaurant
• Wifi (and it actually works!)

Overall Rating of Facilities

(4/5 Stars)

You will find luxurious amenities here. The restaurant and gas station are a huge perk!

Staff at Ouray Riverside Resort

Definitley have to give a huge shoutout to the staff here. 

First off, they let me check in hours before our designated time!

Next, they gave me an escort and helped me back my massive rig into one of the standard riverfront sites (site #40). 

After that, they were nothing but helpful. They gave recommendations for Telluride and Ouray and even drove my mother over to the gas station and general store. 

Very nice people! 

Overall Rating of Staff at ouray Riverside Resort

(5/5 Stars)

No complaints from this camping mermaid!

Is There Shade at Ouray Riverside Resort?

Not really….

I will say that most of the trees are by the circle cites, whereas the riverfront sites are bare. 

You might get lucky and get a tree on the hill leading to the river, but I wouldn’t count on it. 

This is also why I recommend fall…because the temperatures can be brutal when you are baking in your tin can of an RV. 

When here in September, temperatures ranged from 60°F to 75°F during the day and then cooled off during the night to around 40°F to 50°F.

Overall Review of Shade

(2/5 Stars)

Not a ton of shade at this one, especially on the riverside spots.

Is Ouray Riverside Resort Pet Friendly?

Absolutely. Ouray Riverside Resort welcomes your furry companions, with plenty of open spaces for dogs to roam and sniff. 

Just be sure to keep them leashed and clean up after them to maintain the pristine environment for other guests. 

There’s even a pet-friendly cabin option if you’re traveling without your RV.

My only warning is that there is a plethora of wildlife. My main concern was the bears. We even had some scat only about a foot away from our rig one night! 

So, please, keep your furry friends safe! 

Overall Review of Pet Friendliness

(3/5 Stars)

It is pet friendly, I just give it three stars because of the bears.

Is Ouray Riverside Resort Big Rig Friendly?

Yes, it is! As someone who lives in an RV full-time, I can confirm that the resort accommodates big rigs with ease. 

The pull-through sites are spacious, making it simple to park even if you’re hauling a larger RV or trailer.

I only had two concerns during my stay here. 

1. The official address for Ouray Riverside Resort actually takes you to the cabin and gas station entrance. This is not the RV entrance and might cause you to get stuck. Make sure to put the following address into your maps: 1700 Main St, Ouray, CO 81432, United States.
2. I would try to come on a weekday and avoid peak season. The reason being that some people put their cars in the space between the RVs (including us). This makes the spots a little tight to back into/get out of if there is a lot of people, rigs, and trucks. 

Overall Review of Big Rig Capabilities at this RV Park

(3.5/5 Stars)

Overall, you will probably be fine with some planning.

Type of Hookup at Ouray Riverside Resort

You’ll find full hookups available, including 30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer at most RV sites. 

The hookups are well-maintained, and their convenience means you can stay for an extended period without any hassle.

Overall REview of the Hookups at Ouray Riverside Resort

(5/5 Stars)

Every spot has full hookup capabilities and cabins. Electric is 50/30/20 amp.

Things to do Near Ouray Riverside Resort

Downtown Ouray

Stroll through the historic streets of downtown Ouray, where you’ll find quaint shops, local restaurants, and fascinating museums. 

It’s the perfect place to soak in the old-timey charm of this small mountain town.

As a local, this might actually be my favorite Colorado mountain town. We even hosted a birthday girl’s weekend full of CO locals, and they all agreed – Ouray is awesome. 

Jeep Tours

You can actually rent a jeep and do a jeep tour through Ouray Riverside Resort itself! 

Hop on a jeep tour to explore the rugged backcountry, where you’ll discover old mining roads, high mountain passes, ghost towns, and jaw-dropping views. 

These tours offer an exhilarating way to experience the raw beauty of the San Juan Mountains.

And after walking through Ouray itself, it was pretty clear that this (and the Via Ferrata) was the thing to do in Ouray.

Waterfalls

If you are in town anyway, you might as well check out some waterfalls!

Cascade Falls is an uphill walk from town itself. It dead ends at 8th Avenue and is a very short hike to a very tall waterfall.

Box Canyon Falls is also a short drive from town. It is also a short hike and costs $7 per person.

Hot Springs

Take a dip in the famous Ouray Hot Springs, where you can relax in the naturally heated mineral waters while gazing at the surrounding San Juan Mountains. 

This hotsprings is basically a family-friendly pool with stunning mountain views. 

If you are a little bit more open minded, I would 100% recommend skipping that one and going straight to the Orvis Hot Springs.

I think that Orvis Hot Springs and the Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs are my favorite hot springs in all of Colorado.

Warning: it is clothing optional and many people do experience the freedom of going totally nude. 

It did take me all day, but I did finally get the courage to strip when it got dark!

And I must say, floating naked in a warm pool with waterfalls just looking at a sky full of stars was a level of bliss that I cannot describe…

I wish I had a picture of this stunning hot springs, but they, for obvious reasons, allow no electronics.

It’s the ultimate way to unwind after a day of adventuring.

Via Ferrata

For adrenaline junkies, the Ouray Via Ferrata offers a thrilling climbing experience along iron rungs and cables on a sheer cliff face. 

The route is both challenging and safe, making it an unforgettable adventure with stunning views.

If you are used to rock climbing, this will be a breeze for you. For the rest of us? Well, let’s just say that it was a pretty intense adrenaline rush. 

That and for the next couple of days I couldn’t sit down because I was so sore. 

Ice Climbing (Winter Only)

As mentioned before, this is the ice climbing capital of the world. 

In winter, Ouray becomes a haven for ice climbers at the world-renowned Ouray Ice Park. 

With frozen waterfalls and climbing routes for all levels, it’s a must-do for thrill-seekers and those looking for a unique winter sport.

Million Dollar Highway

Driving the Million Dollar Highway in Ouray, Colorado, is like steering straight into a breathtaking postcard.

This legendary stretch of U.S. Route 550, with its dizzying twists and turns, carves through jaw-dropping mountain passes and offers panoramic views that will have you pulling over every five minutes for photos.

You’ll wind through towering cliffs, narrow roads with no guardrails, and heart-pounding drop-offs, making it one of the most thrilling (and white-knuckled!) drives in the U.S.

The stunning views of the San Juan Mountains, dense forests, and waterfalls feel priceless—and well worth the adventure.

Just be sure to keep your eyes on the road (as hard as it may be) and get ready for an unforgettable drive!

Telluride

A scenic drive to Telluride, a picturesque town known for its festivals and outdoor activities, is a must. 

Located about 45 minutes to 1 hour away, the drive is beautiful. Once there, I would highly recommend parking in the Moutnain Villiage vs Telluride itself. 

Here, there is a free gondola parking lot. From there, you have a free 14 minute gondola with multiple stops to Telluride. This was almost as fun as Telluride itself and it saves you from expensive parking fees. 

Adventure Tours in Telluride

Bridal Falls

While there, make sure to visit Bridal Falls, one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado, for a truly breathtaking sight.

Funny story – I spontaneously did the Bridal Falls hike and completed it in Doc Martins, tights, a skirt, and a suede jacket. Would definitely NOT recommend that, but it made for a funny story afterwards. 

Room for Improvement

No RV Park is perfect, so here are the things I wish were a little different at Ouray Riverside Resort.

It’s a Glorified RV Parking Lot with Hookups

Ouray Riverside Resort is pretty much an RV parking lot with full hookups…meaning that there isn’t a lot of room to chill outside your RV. 

Granted, there are some public spaces right next to river.

However, if you want to hang out outside of your RV, you are going to be awfully packed in to the person next to you. 

It’s Expensive

I know that Ouray is incredible and the amenities are awesome – but it’s still expensive. 

I am all for splurging on a fantastic spot, but it just felt a little overpriced for the spot we got. 

For reference, I think of the Glenwood Springs KOA. It’s expensive but you also have a paved area, a gazebo, a BBQ, a fire ring, and seats with full views of the river. That might be worth paying the equivalent of a standard hotel nightly price. 

As I mentioned before, the surrounding area is jawdropping, but the sites themselves are very compact, on rocks/gravel, and only have a picnic table. To me, it was just a little pricy for that type of spot. 

I do understand that you are paying for the location, not the spot itself. But, it is something to keep in mind. 

“Riverfront” Doesn’t Mean You Can See the River

I was a tad bit disappointed that we booked a “riverfront site” and can’t see the river. 

To get to the river, you would have to walk up the hill, cross the walking path, and then go down a hill. 

The area and the surrounding mountains are stunning, but I think that “riverfront” is a bit misleading. 

I have also got very spoiled previously with riverfront RV spots (like at Riverview RV Park), so that could also be why I have such high standards when it comes to spots that claim to be riverfront. 

However, the cabins are perched up on the hill farther up and have fantastic views and sitting areas right outside the door! 

And hey, if I climb up to the top of my RV, I get a full view of the mountains and the river! 

Would I Recommend Ouray Riverside Resort?

As a Colorado local and a full-time RVing mermaid, I wholeheartedly recommend adding Ouray Riverside Resort to your bucket list purely for the reason that Ouray is out of this world! 

I would especially recommend this place to extreme sport adventurers, waterfall lovers, and hot spring connoisseurs!

The “Switzerland of the Rockies” does not mess around and Ouray Riverside Resorts puts you in the middle of all the action! 

And even though it is expensive for an RV resort, it is still cheaper than all of the other hotel accommodations in town.

The combination of riverfront camping, stunning mountain views, and proximity to Ouray’s outdoor activities makes it a top-notch destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

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