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Established Camping

Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert 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.

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.

Description

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area - Five Points (Recreation and Public Purposes Site)

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is one of the nation’s most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking and home to the most commercially rafted river in the United States, the Arkansas River! Tumbling 4,650’ in 152 miles, boaters can find anything from roaring Class IV and V rapids, to milder Class II and III sections, which are ideal for beginner and family trips. AHRA also offers a world-class trout fishery and sightseeing within the Upper Arkansas River Valley as well as abundant opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, wildlife watching, horseback riding, mountain biking and OHV travel.

AHRA operates eight campgrounds along the Arkansas River, all of which have boat ramps for raft and kayak access.

Please visit the Arkansas Headwaters website for current conditions and more information: https://ahra.mobi/park

By making a reservation with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, you are agreeing to read and abide by all rules stated in this purchase flow and on the confirmation letter.

  • There is no water, electricity, or firewood available in the campgrounds.

  • The gathering of firewood in the campground is NOT permitted.

  • Facilities at AHRA Campgrounds include vault toilets, tent pads, grills, and picnic tables.

  • Motor craft are NOT permitted on the river.

Please use www.cpwshop.com or call (800) 244-5613 to make, cancel, or change reservations or make any license, pass, or retail purchases. ReserveAmerica.com has limited functionality for CPW customers.

Per CPW regulation, no individual may camp or park a motor vehicle, trailer or camper on a state park for more than fourteen (14) days in any twenty-eight (28) day period on a single park. For the purposes of this regulation, an individual is defined as any person who has occupied a site, whether or not they are formally listed on the reservation as the reserving party or primary occupant.

Any reservations made with one or more days outside of the 6-month reservation window will be frozen to changes for 14 days from the date the reservation was made.

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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. Please see Campground Directions printed at the bottom of your confirmation letter.

Address

307 W Sackett Ave
Salida, CO 81201

Coordinates

38.45296701 N
105.49315175 W

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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.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

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
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

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

  • Does Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area?

    Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 60 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.