RV Rentals Near Parker, CO

Parker is a home rule town in northeastern Douglas County, about 40 minutes southeast of downtown Denver. Cherry Creek flows through town on its way north to Denver, and that creek explains most of what makes Parker a good RV base: a state park campground sits downstream to the north, a canyon state park sits to the south, and a paved regional trail connects the two by way of Parker itself.

The town's roots go back to the stage era. The Parker Area Historical Society traces the Twenty Mile House, a stop named for its distance from Denver, to a cabin that served travelers on the Smoky Hill and Cherokee trails. James S. Parker took over the property in 1870 and served as postmaster for 27 years. The town itself did not incorporate until May 1, 1981.

Where to camp from Parker

The campground to know is Cherry Creek State Park, at 4201 South Parker Road in Aurora. Parker Road (State Highway 83) runs north from Parker straight to it, about a mile south of I-225. CPW lists more than 130 campsites, with basic tent and full hookup sites, coin-operated showers and laundry, and a dump station that closes for winter and reopens April 1. Reservations are required and are made online through CPW or by phone at 1-800-244-5613. They cannot be made at the park.

The reservoir covers about 880 surface acres, with two boat ramps and mandatory boat inspections. The park also has 35 miles of multiuse trails, a swim area, horseback riding and a model airplane runway. In winter, from November 1 through March 31, camping is limited to the Abilene Loop and requires a reservation.

To the south, Castlewood Canyon State Park near Franktown is a day-use park, open sunrise to sunset, with no campground. It pairs well with a Cherry Creek stay as a day trip.

Castlewood Canyon: the day trip south

From Parker, take Highway 83 south to Franktown, then continue south from the stoplight about five miles to the main entrance at 2989 South State Highway 83. There is also a less developed west entrance off Castlewood Canyon Road (Highway 86).

The park's story is the Castlewood Dam. It was built in 1890 to turn flood-prone Cherry Creek into a reliable irrigation source, and it failed on August 3, 1933, sending a flood toward Denver. The remains of the dam are still visible. CPW lists 12 miles of trails, 60-foot climbing walls, picnic areas with grills at the main entrance, and more than 100 bird species. Leashed dogs and horses are allowed. The park follows Leave No Trace principles and asks visitors to pack out what they bring in.

The visitor center is open Wednesday through Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday, so plan a midweek visit around that if you want maps and passes in person.

Worth knowing: Every vehicle entering Cherry Creek State Park needs the Cherry Creek Water Basin fee in addition to a park pass, and Castlewood Canyon requires its own daily vehicle pass. If you plan to visit several state parks on one trip, compare the cost of daily passes with a CPW annual pass before you go.

In town: the trail, Mainstreet and the arts center

The Cherry Creek Regional Trail follows the creek through Parker. The City of Centennial describes it as a 40-mile trail from downtown Denver to Castlewood Canyon State Park. If you are camped at Cherry Creek State Park, you can ride south toward Parker without loading bikes onto the RV.

Mainstreet is Parker's historic downtown, with Town Hall at 20120 E Mainstreet. The town's cultural arts programming is run through Parker Arts, which operates the PACE Center for exhibits, theater and concerts. The town lists its year-round community events on its online calendar, and parks and trail information is published through Parker Parks and Recreation.

Driving an RV to and around Parker

Parker sits east of the foothills, so there are no mountain passes on the way in. The two main routes are Parker Road (State Highway 83), which runs north and south through town, and E-470, which crosses the north side and connects to I-25 and the airport side of the metro. Check COtrip.org for closures and construction before you head out, especially in winter.

If you plan to park a rental RV at a home in Parker, check the town's municipal code and any HOA rules first.

Seasons around Parker

Summer is the busy season at Cherry Creek State Park, so reserve early for weekends. Afternoon thunderstorms are common on summer days, which makes morning the best time for Castlewood Canyon's exposed trails. Fall is a good season for both parks, with cooler hiking weather. Winter visits are possible at Cherry Creek on the Abilene Loop, and Castlewood stays open for day use, but cold nights and snow are part of the picture. Douglas County fire restrictions can be in place at times, so check before planning a campfire or grill.

If, then

• If you want a full hookup site within a short drive of Parker, book Cherry Creek State Park.
• If you have a free day and good weather, drive south to Castlewood Canyon and walk to the dam ruins.
• If you are bringing a dog, Castlewood allows leashed dogs, and Cherry Creek has a dog off-leash area with its own pass.

How RVRents fits a Parker trip

There are two ways to rent an RV for this trip, and they work differently. RVs from owners on Outdoorsy are booked and paid for on Outdoorsy and picked up from the owner. They do not include RVRents delivery, setup or other services. RVs booked directly with RVRents can add services à la carte through vetted local providers: groceries, cleaning or activities, plus delivery and setup at your campsite near Parker on RVs marked Delivery available. Some RVs require delivery and setup, and the listing says so.

To book direct, send a trip request. Each service is a request until a provider confirms and you approve the price, and we check the campground's rules before any delivery is scheduled.