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Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

Colorado weather can be unpredictable: be prepared for a variety of weather conditions including extreme hot and cold temperatures, wind, rain, and snow (even in the summer). CPW does not grant exceptions to the refund policy for weather conditions.

Please use www.cpwshop.com to make, cancel, or change reservations or make any license, pass, or retail purchases. ReserveAmerica.com has limited functionality for CPW customers. **No-show policy:** If you are unable to occupy your site on the first day of your reservation, please call the park office in order to notify park staff. Otherwise, your reservation will be considered a "no-show" and your site may be resold. "No-show" reservations are ineligible for a refund for those nights or days passed and the fees for any nights or days passed will be retained.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Five Points Campground, near Canon City, Colorado, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with easy access to the Arkansas River. With 20 sites available, it’s a straightforward spot for tent camping, RVs, or even glamping, though you should be prepared to bring your own water since there are no hookups or drinking water available.

The campground is known for its river access, which is just a short walk away. Visitors have highlighted the nice facilities and the scenic views, making it a great base for activities like rafting and hiking. One camper mentioned, “Great sites, with really nice facilities,” emphasizing the appeal of the area.

While the sites are a bit open and not super private, the surrounding beauty and the chance to see wildlife, like mountain sheep, add to the charm. Just keep in mind that it’s close to the highway, so you might hear some traffic noise at night.

If you’re looking to explore, the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area offers plenty of opportunities for adventure, from rafting to hiking trails. Plus, the stargazing here can be pretty spectacular on clear nights. Whether you're planning a family trip or a solo retreat, Five Points Campground has the essentials for a memorable outdoor experience.

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Location

Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

Unlike most other Colorado State Parks, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) does not have one set of driving directions to get to the park. This is because the AHRA is actually a linear recreation area that follows the Arkansas River for 152 miles from the high mountains near Leadville, Colorado, to Lake Pueblo, on the edge of Colorado plains. There are a number of highways and roads entering the valley. Along the way, the AHRA has eight basic campgrounds, numerous picnic areas, fishing and boating access points and trail access. PLEASE NOTE: You _do not_ need to check in at the visitor center prior to your arrival if you are camping. You may go directly to the campground.

Address

307 W Sackett Ave
Salida, CO 81201

Coordinates

38.45296701 N
105.49315175 W

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47 min away

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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4.0

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 21, 2025

Pricey for what you get

$28 for site + $10 non-resident fee. Pit toilet, older but clean. No water. No trash. Sites are adequately spaced. Some are level, some not, not indicated on website. Tables, fire rings, and tent pads - seemed level. June 19 buggy & hot - seasonal info. Lots of cactus around. Side note, two vehicles came in and tried to steal the Casita camper in the site next to us, owners came back just in time. Be aware.

Site1011
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed May. 22, 2024

Great river access

Great sites, with really nice facilities. Campsites aren't very private, but the access to the river makes up for it. Super cool area with river access just across the street.

Site1016
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Sep. 10, 2021

Not much shade, but the basics

I stayed here with my kids (teenagers and young-uns) in two sites.  We stayed in tents but the sites also accommodate RVs. 

As a bonus, we did have a herd of wild mountain sheep nearby.

Site11
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Troy C., September 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Troy C., September 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Troy C., September 10, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 14, 2020

Not our favorite and over priced

Reservation only sites.  Current price per night, $28 plus an additional $9 a day once you get there.  You are literally camping along the highway here so it is loud.  There is no shade, or water available and no trash service so you have to pack it all out.  It doesn't appear to get much maintenance anymore.  The positive - You can walk under the highway to the river and the Canyon is pretty.

Site1016
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed May. 24, 2020

Great find

This spot was a great plan b. Our original spot ended up being closed and this was near by.

Great little campground. The sites are a bit small but we fit our 2 tents. There are few trees unless you happen to get a spot down by the river so it gets windy as well.

The campground is also right next to the road and there were semis going by all night.

  • Review photo of Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Austin C., May 24, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2018

Scenic sites along the Arkansas River

This campground is very convenient when rafting the Arkansas. There is not much shade, but the spots are big and the restrooms are very well maintained. This site is very unique and great for children as there is a tunnel from the campground to the river and lots of great information for kids and adults about the history of the area and the plants and animals. It tends to be a bit loud at night being so close to a major roadway but the breeze that blows through the canyon takes the edge off the heat.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Karla S., July 28, 2018
Reviewed May. 28, 2017

Rafting and hiking

We camped here after going on a rafting trip. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area has a number of campsites along the river. We only ended up at Five Points because it was the first one we found that was available in July. The campsites are all very open (not private) but have nice views along this small canyon. There are vault toilets but bring your own water and/or plan to treat the water from the creek. Great stargazing and convenient to lots of hiking trails and rafting outfitters, but not close to towns. I highly recommend you look up directions and/or GPS coordinates (38 27.1043 N 105 29.3542 W) on the CO State Park site, as your mapping app will take you to the ranger office instead of the campground (but of course you’ll find awesome information about the region at the ranger office!).

Reviewed Apr. 9, 2016

Picturesque mountain to river scenary.

We pulled off into this campground exhausted from the day of driving through Kansas on US route 50. The campground had prepared tent pads framed by railroad ties, picnic tables. The drawback to this campground was that there was no source of water. There were latrine vaulted toilets well supplied. It was the manual pay system putting the envelope in the slot. Along with the camping fee of $16, you had to pay the day use fee of $8. Many states offer the option of purchasing an annual pass for that costs less if you camp more than 4 days. My rating is reduced due to the lack of water. There is a tunnel to walk through under the highway to get to a pavilion created for viewing the Arkansas River, it was very nice there.

  • Review photo of Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Paul A., April 9, 2016
  • Going up the mountain in Colorado on Highway 50.
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  • Review photo of Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Paul A., April 9, 2016
  • (10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos available of Five Points Campground?

Yes, photos of Five Points Campground are available online that showcase the campground's open sites, river views, and facilities. These images typically display the tent pads framed by railroad ties, picnic tables, fire rings, and the surrounding landscape. Photos help potential visitors visualize the campground's proximity to the Arkansas River and its relatively open camping environment with limited shade.

Where is Five Points Campground located in Colorado?

Five Points Campground is located along the Arkansas River in Colorado, near Cañon City. The campground sits adjacent to a highway, providing convenient access for travelers along US Route 50. It's situated within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, offering beautiful river views and access to the water through a tunnel that connects the campground to the riverbank.

Can RVs camp at Five Points Campground?

Yes, RVs can camp at Five Points Campground. While some sites are more tent-oriented with prepared tent pads framed by railroad ties, the campground does accommodate recreational vehicles. The sites vary in levelness, so RV campers should be prepared to level their rigs as needed. When making reservations, it's advisable to check site specifics as not all sites may be suitable for larger RVs.

Is Five Points Campground part of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area?

Yes, Five Points Campground is one of several campgrounds within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. This recreation area features multiple campsites along the Arkansas River, designed to support water recreation activities. Five Points specifically serves as a convenient camping option for visitors engaging in rafting and other river-based adventures in the area.

What do reviews say about Five Points Campground?

Five Points Campground receives mixed feedback. Positive aspects include the convenient location for rafting activities, well-maintained restrooms, and direct river access. Many appreciate the spacious sites and wildlife viewing opportunities, including mountain sheep sightings. Drawbacks mentioned include highway noise, limited shade, no water source, and no trash service. Some find the pricing high for the amenities provided ($28 per site plus additional fees). Most agree it's an excellent base for river recreation despite these limitations.