Palisade, Colorado, is rolling out fresh strategies to attract more visitors, with a sharp focus on RV travelers. On August 20, 2025, the local tourism board met to discuss ways to extend stays and boost midweek crowds in this scenic town known for its wineries and orchards.
Tourism Board Unveils New Plans
Board members gathered for their monthly meeting and zeroed in on a common issue. Weekend tourism thrives, but visitors often leave by Sunday, leaving weekdays quiet. To fix this, they aim to draw in groups that can linger longer.
One key insight stood out. Many potential tourists are retired folks over 55 who travel by RV. These travelers seek flexible base camps for exploring nearby spots. The board sees this as a chance to fill gaps in the local economy.
Palisade has limited hotel options, so RV stays make perfect sense. Officials believe marketing to this group could spike visitor numbers. They plan to position the town as a hub for day trips to places like Moab or the Colorado National Monument.
Why RV Travelers Fit the Bill
RV enthusiasts often look for spots that blend relaxation with adventure. Palisade offers just that, with its mild climate and access to outdoor activities. Board member Brooke McElley noted how these travelers can use the town as a starting point for wider explorations.
This approach aligns with broader trends. Retired RV owners value comfort and community, and Palisade’s small town vibe appeals to them. Plus, the area’s agriculture and wine tours provide unique draws that encourage longer visits.
Data shows promise. Recent surveys indicate that RV travel among seniors has grown by about 15 percent in the past year across the U.S. In Colorado, similar patterns emerge, with more people choosing mobile lifestyles for flexible vacations.
Officials also stressed responsible tourism. They launched a campaign last year to guide visitors on staying safe and respectful, which ties into welcoming RV crowds without overwhelming locals.
Marketing Moves to Draw Crowds
The board outlined specific steps to reach RV travelers. They will allocate funds for ads in RV magazines and social media platforms popular with this demographic.
Key tactics include:
- Highlighting Palisade as a “base camp” for regional adventures.
- Promoting midweek deals on RV sites and local events.
- Partnering with travel influencers to showcase wine tours and fruit picking.
Social media will play a big role, with targeted posts about scenic drives and nearby hikes. The goal is to turn one night stays into week long visits.
They also plan to update the town’s website with RV friendly info, like parking spots and amenities. This could include maps of routes to Powderhorn Mountain Resort or the Grand Mesa.
Impact on Local Economy
Tourism in Palisade has faced headwinds. Lodging income dropped nearly 25 percent from 2024 to 2025, according to board reports. This mirrors a slight decline in Colorado’s overall visitor numbers, with hotel occupancy down statewide.
Focusing on RVs could reverse that trend. With spots like Palisade Basecamp RV Resort offering cabins and riverside camping, the town has infrastructure ready to expand.
Here’s a quick look at recent tourism stats for Palisade:
| Metric | 2024 Value | 2025 Value (so far) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodging Revenue | $1.2 million | $900,000 | -25% |
| Weekend Visitors | 5,000 average | 4,800 average | -4% |
| Midweek Visitors | 1,500 average | 1,200 average | -20% |
| RV Site Bookings | 800 | 650 | -19% |
These numbers highlight the need for change. Boosting RV traffic might add thousands to annual revenue and create jobs in hospitality.
Locals stand to benefit too. More steady visitors mean support for shops, farms, and events without the chaos of peak weekends.
Challenges and Broader Context
Not everything is smooth. Colorado’s tourism sector shows uncertainty in 2025, with a reported dip in international visitors and overall spending. Factors like economic pressures and competing destinations play a role.
Palisade must compete with bigger spots like Denver or Aspen. Yet, its niche as a quiet escape could be an advantage for RV lovers seeking off the beaten path experiences.
Board members addressed resident concerns. They aim to balance growth with community needs, ensuring roads and resources handle increased traffic.
Recent events, such as the state’s push for sustainable travel, support these efforts. Colorado saw about 95 million visitors in 2024, but 2025 projections suggest a slowdown, making targeted strategies crucial.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
The board’s plans could reshape Palisade’s tourism landscape. If successful, RV travelers might become a staple, extending the season and stabilizing income.
Experts predict RV travel will keep rising, driven by remote work and retirement booms. Palisade’s location near major highways positions it well for this wave.
Implementation starts soon, with marketing campaigns launching in fall 2025. Officials will track results through visitor surveys and booking data.
What do you think about these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and pass this article along to fellow travelers who might enjoy Palisade’s charms.
