Riverbend Resort
If you’re looking for an idyllic riverside retreat, you’ll find heaven on earth at Riverbend Resort. Spread along the banks of the South Fork of the Rio Grande River near South Fork, this peaceful, relaxing and stunningly gorgeous setting is a camper’s dream come true.
Book a cozy cabin, RV pullup or tent site to enjoy southern Colorado’s woods and waters right outside your door. There’s a private fishing area stocked with trophy-sized rainbow trout, a community playground and game room, plus easy access to top-notch winter sports at nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area.
More than a dozen cabins range from one to three bedrooms, some with lofts, bunks and rollaway beds to increase your sleeping options. (All have wood-burning fireplaces, full kitchens, covered decks and charcoal grills, plus deluxe cabins feature private hot tubs.) But if you want even more space, book the Aspen or Ponderosa duplex units featuring more bedrooms, extra baths and huge front decks perfect for hanging out.
What makes it special?
Just as you’ll discover throughout Colorado, there are no strangers here. Guests immediately become “family,” thanks to activities like ice-cream socials, group campfires, bingo, pancake breakfasts and such. The owner’s three boys are around to help with anything you need — and even the resort’s flower gardens are maintained by a longtime returning guest.
Most striking feature
The stretch of rustic tent sites right on the South Fork of the Rio Grande River are pretty hard to beat!
Coolest amenity
In addition to ongoing cabin specials, the resort offers winter packages that save you money on lift tickets and ski equipment rentals nearby. And, yes, even though you’re in the wilderness, there’s still complimentary Wi-Fi to keep you connected.
Most noteworthy accolade
It’s not an “award,” per se, but get this: Riverbend Resort was the site of “Kamp Komfort” filmed in the timeless cult classic film, "National Lampoon’s Vacation.”
Top sensory experience you’ll encounter
There’s nothing like Colorado in the fall, and the resort’s riverfront cabins and campsites give you a front-row seat to the colorful show. Relax while overlooking the South Fork of the Rio Grande — beverage of choice in hand — while you breathe in the sights and sounds of the state’s spectacular foliage.
Our favorite traveler review
“We rented a cabin during the New Year holidays and were so pleased. The snow was beautiful, and the location backed up to the river under gorgeous mountains. The owners and staff were very pleasant and accommodating. Our kids had a blast sliding down the snowbank and it was clean and pet friendly. The owner even split some kindling for the fireplace to help us get it going. I just hope that we can go again soon.” — Joe T., Tripadvisor
Things to see and do nearby
There's plenty to do in the heart of the 2-million-acre Rio Grande National Forest. Four-season outdoor adventures range from hiking, biking, horseback riding and driving ATVs on hundreds of miles of trails in the spring, summer and fall to downhill skiing and snowboarding at Wolf Creek Ski Area during the winter months (offering “The Most Snow in Colorado” just 15 miles from the resort). Closer to Riverbend, a championship golf course and the town of South Fork offer recreation, shopping, dining and outdoor rentals you can arrange before heading out to explore.
Photos courtesy of Riverbend Resort
