Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Nathrop? Find the best information on tent camping near Nathrop, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Nathrop's most popular destinations.
Part of Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
$28 / night
Welcome to Browns Creek, a fantastic spot nestled in the heart of Colorado. This area is perfect for those who love a bit of adventure mixed with tranquility. Located between Poncha Springs and Buena Vista, Browns Creek offers a great escape with its scenic views and peaceful surroundings.
One of the standout features here is the dispersed camping setup. You won't find designated sites, but that's part of the charm. You can set up your tent or park your RV in various spots, many of which offer stunning views and a good amount of privacy. Just keep in mind, there are no hookups or drinking water, so come prepared.
Visitors have mentioned that the drive to the campground is straightforward, though you might encounter some open cattle along the way. The area is big rig friendly, and there's plenty of room for larger setups. If you're into hiking, you're in luck. The Browns Creek Trailhead is nearby, offering some beautiful trails and access to the Colorado Trail.
Pets are welcome, and campfires are allowed, making it a great spot for a family outing. Just remember to follow any fire bans that might be in place. The vault toilets are clean, and while there are no showers or trash services, the natural beauty more than makes up for it.
Some campers have noted the presence of bugs, so packing some bug spray might be a good idea. The nights can be magical, with clear skies perfect for stargazing and the occasional coyote chorus in the background.
Overall, Browns Creek is a fantastic spot for those looking to get away from it all and enjoy some quality time in nature. Whether you're here for the hiking, the views, or just the peace and quiet, you're sure to have a memorable experience.
Welcome to Hecla Junction Campground, part of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area near Salida, CO. This place is a haven for those who love the great outdoors, especially if you're into whitewater rafting or fishing. The Arkansas River runs right alongside the campground, offering fantastic river access. You can practically step out of your tent and cast a line or launch a kayak.
The campground itself is pretty straightforward—no frills, just nature. There are no electric hookups or potable water, so you'll need to bring your own supplies. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? Vault toilets are available, and each site comes with a picnic table and a fire pit. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, as there's no trash service.
The sites are spacious and well-maintained, with some offering stunning river views. If you're in an RV, be prepared for some uneven ground; extra leveling blocks might come in handy. The campground is also big rig friendly, so no worries if you're rolling in with a larger setup.
One thing to note: this place can get busy, especially in the summer with all the rafting traffic. But even with the hustle and bustle, the natural beauty and the sound of the river make it worth it. Plus, there's a nice hike downstream to Seidel's Suckhole, which is both scenic and relatively easy.
Reservations are a must, especially during peak season from April to October. So lock down your spot and get ready to enjoy some quality time by the river. Whether you're here for the fishing, the rafting, or just to soak in the scenery, Hecla Junction won't disappoint.
$28 / night
Cascade Campground is located in beautiful Chaffee County,__Colorado. This popular facility sits near Cascade Falls and is within 5 miles of a private hot springs resort, making it an ideal location for rest and relaxation. "First come, first served" does not necessarily mean that the site will be available when you get there. Someone may get there before you. This is a popular campground and is normally full starting on Friday, sometimes as early as Thursday, so plan accordingly.
Stream fishing is best above Cascade Falls, just accross the road from the campground. Nearby Chalk Lake is heralded as a great family fishing lake with rainbow, brook and brown trout. Plenty of off-road vehicle trails are a short distance away.__Recommended rides include Mount Antero, Baldwin Lake, Tincup Pass, Hancock Pass, Pomeroy Lakes, Hancock Lakes. Hiking in the area includes the Colorado Trail, The Narrow Gauge trail and the Cascade Loop Trail (Across from Chalk Lake Campground)
Stream fishing is best above Cascade Falls, just accross the road from the campground. Nearby Chalk Lake is heralded as a great family fishing lake with rainbow, brook and brown trout. Plenty of off-road vehicle trails are a short distance away.__Recommended rides include Mount Antero, Baldwin Lake, Tincup Pass, Hancock Pass, Pomeroy Lakes, Hancock Lakes. Hiking in the area includes the Colorado Trail, The Narrow Gauge trail and the Cascade Loop Trail (Across from Chalk Lake Campground)
The campground is situated in a dense forest of Douglas fir and aspen at an elevation of 9,000 feet in Chalk Creek Canyon, which gets its name from the soft, white, chalk-like kaolinite canyon walls. Kaolinite is a clay mineral that was deposited by percolating hot springs. Chalk Creek is just across the road from the campground. It flows 27 miles eastward from the Collegiate Peaks before joining the Arkansas River. Chalk Lake is a mile east of the campground.
Take a day trip to the historic ghost town of St. Elmo, just 15 minutes from the campground. An old saloon, county courthouse and many other historic structures remain from the days of its mining glory. The city of Salida and Town of Buena Vista are only a short drive away where visitors can enjoy distinctive restaurants, unique shops, incredible art galleries and a large selection of antique shops. The area boasts more than 100 miles of Arkansas River to raft, fish, float or kayak in. as well as fifteen 14,000 ft mountains. Visitors choose from recreational activities like hiking, biking, ATVing, kayaking, rafting, fishing, horseback riding, zipping, swimming
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.__ A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.____ Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.__ In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$25 / night
Located just outside of downtown Buena Vista, BV Overlook offers a variety of nightly accommodations with an amazing view of the Collegiate Peaks. We welcome you to stay with us in your RV or van, enjoy tent camping, or cozy up in one of our tiny homes, cabins, or glamping accommodations. All accommodations include access to the bathhouses, community fire pits, recreation room, laundry, outdoor games and Wi-Fi. We look forward to hosting you.
$40 - $180 / night
Welcome to Salida North BLM, a no-frills camping spot that's perfect for those who appreciate simplicity and stunning views. Nestled near Salida, CO, this area offers a peaceful retreat with a backdrop of the Collegiate Peaks. It's a great place to pull off Highway 285, light a fire, and enjoy a night under the stars.
This spot is free to use and doesn't require any permits, making it a convenient choice for spontaneous trips. While you won't find amenities like drinking water, toilets, or electric hookups, you can still enjoy a campfire and bring your pets along. Just be sure to pack out all your trash, as there are no disposal facilities on-site.
Visitors have noted the beautiful scenery and quiet atmosphere, with occasional visits from curious mountain goats. The dirt road leading in can be a bit rough, but most vehicles should manage just fine if you take it slow. Some campers have mentioned that the sites can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving early is a good idea.
For those looking to explore, Hecla Junction is just a few miles away and offers more public land to roam. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, Salida North BLM provides a serene spot to unwind and take in the natural beauty of Colorado. Just remember, it's all about the basics here—no frills, just you and the great outdoors.
Welcome to Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park, nestled near Nathrop, Colorado. This spot is a gem for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors with some added comforts. The campground is open from March 1 to January 1, giving you plenty of time to plan your visit.
One of the standout features here is the beautiful Chalk Creek that runs through the campground. Many visitors rave about the creekside sites, which offer a soothing backdrop of flowing water. If you're into fishing or rafting, you'll love the easy access to both Chalk Creek and the nearby Arkansas River.
The campground is well-maintained, with clean facilities and friendly staff who go above and beyond to make your stay enjoyable. Showers and laundry facilities are available, but remember to bring quarters. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
For those traveling in RVs, the campground is big-rig friendly and offers electric and sewer hookups. There are also reservable sites, making it easy to plan ahead. If you're tent camping, you'll find spots both near the creek and further up the hill, each offering its own unique experience.
Nearby, you can explore the charming towns of Buena Vista and Salida, both just a short drive away. These towns offer restaurants, groceries, and other amenities you might need during your stay. For a bit of adventure, head up to St. Elmo or Mount Princeton for some breathtaking mountain views.
In summary, Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park is a fantastic spot for a relaxing and enjoyable camping experience. Whether you're here for the fishing, the friendly atmosphere, or the beautiful scenery, you're sure to have a memorable stay.
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
$20 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nathrop, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nathrop, CO is Turtle Rock Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Nathrop, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 258 tent camping locations near Nathrop, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
