Campground spotlight: South Fork, Colorado

I've been to many a campground in my 15 years of full-time RV traveling and while most of them have been nice, few of them stand out from the rest. In fact, I've only written about a handful. Recently I found another to add to the list.

I've made mention of the South Fork Campground in South Fork, Colorado, for many reasons, but most importantly because I have never seen campground managers work so diligently to make their guests feel at home. No doubt, I have never seen a couple go so far beyond what is expected of them.

I met Linda and Jerry Tullos while I was in the area working on a guidebook to Colorado's Weminuche Wilderness. Upon entering the office, I immediately felt welcome and knew I'd struck gold in this place with this couple.

Linda, 54, and Jerry, 56, used to live in Lubbock, Texas, before moving to South Fork to manage the park full-time. RVers themselves, they are proud owners of a 31-- foot Airstream trailer that hasn't seen much use this year. But the couple, who have been married for 35 years, know they'll be RVing again someday. For now, they enjoy hearing of everyone else's adventures, and they love treating their guests like kings and queens.

While Linda misses Texas, mostly because her family, including her mother, daughter and son, and two granddaughters, lives there, it is obvious that the two love South Fork equally as well. Fortunately, the Tulloses have their two dogs to keep them company: Tasha is a mellow, 8-year-old schnauzer-wanna-be, while Ladybug is a 3-year-old hyper-- active Basenji who can't bark.

Just visiting the South Fork Campground to get to know the Tulloses would be enough to warrant a visit, but in addition to their wonderful company you'll find a tree-blessed campground at 8,180 feet. Located along the scenic Rio Grande, at the base of the lovely San Juan Mountains, amenities include 44 full-- hookup sites, 13 tent sites and a cabin.

You'll also find clean restrooms and a laundry room, television, free video rental and a gift shop. Propane is also available. Full-hookup rates vary from $19 a day to $240 a month plus electricity. Good Sam is honored and special winter rates are available.

Though the campground is open on a limited basis during the winter, the most popular times to visit are spring, summer and fall. Late summer and early fall are especially nice as fall colors are intense and out-of-this-world beautiful. Fishing and four-wheeling are the most popular activities, as is sightseeing. TL-- DONNA IKENBERRY

South Fork Campground, P.O. Box 758, South Fork, Colorado 81154; (800) 237-7322.