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.

Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Cotopaxi, CO is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Cotopaxi

The Best Camping Near Cotopaxi, Colorado

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. 

Picturesque mountain to river scenary.   

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!).

Rafting and hiking 

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.

Scenic sites along the Arkansas River

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. 

Great find

We love this spot it is one of our favorites

Beautiful

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.

Not our favorite and over priced

Great remote campsites at the headwaters of the Arkansas River

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.

Not much shade, but the basics

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.

Photos of Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers