Hecla Junction Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Reviewed Jan. 5, 2024

Great river access

I've been coming to Hecla Junction for 20+ years. It's a sweet place to camp right on the Arkansas River, just a bit north of Salida, CO, and is known for its river access for whitewater enthusiasts and anglers alike. We love that Hecla is no-fuss camping: no water, no electric, pack it in, pack it out, vault toilets, and smaller in size by modern standards. Beautiful in its location, there were site improvements several years ago, which are nice and still hold true in 2023. (level tent pads, delineated sites, etc.) However, be aware that several sites are quite close to one another and expect quite a bit of summer rafting traffic. (To include rafts on river and at the adjacent take-out, bus transportation, visitor traffic, etc.) The nearby hike (downstream) to rapid Seidel's Suckhole is pleasant, scenic, and relatively easy.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Hecla Junction Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Kristyn E., January 5, 2024
  • Review photo of Hecla Junction Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Kristyn E., January 5, 2024