Railroad Bridge - Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

We booked a site same-day and so we weren’t expecting the best sites. We lucked out and our site, while close to the picnic area (which was not used during our stay), had spectacular views. The payoff was no shade, so make sure you account for that! Great access to fishing.

This is a gem! Campsites are close to the River with stunning views all around. The stars were amazing with zero ambient light.

If you don’t mind heavy boating traffic (shuttles & busses, etc.) and limited shade, this campground has some great upsides including:

• Large drive-through spaces for RV’s (with tent pads)
• Immediate access to the Arkansas river
• Cool railroad bridge to explore (not fenced so please be careful with wandering kids and drunk friends!)
• Beautiful views of the Collegiate Peaks
• Cellphone coverage is steady (could be a negative to some, I understand)

Take away the heavy vehicle traffic until about 5pm-ish and the lack of shade, Railroad Bridge would get 5.

We really enjoyed this spot by the river. It’s alittle out of town and quiet. I’d definitely not follow google if you have a big rig as you will go through some tunnels to get to the Site and if you have a big rig you may not fit The site is dry- no water and no electric and no dumpster for trash but you can’t beat the views and the sounds of the river at night. It’s not a crowded spot as far as camp spots are limited but it is a public river put in & take out

spot for river sports so people are often coming and going. The train doesn’t run on those tracks as far as we could tell due to vegetation growth. The tent spots are right on the river ! Very nice and we did have a fire pit on our spot

We enjoyed watching the kayakers and rafters floating by during the day, and listening to the roaring water at night. We found trails on the other side of the access road that offer beautiful views of the Collegiate Peaks and the bridge itself is very picturesque.

This is one of the best campsites we have visited in Colorado. It’s located a few miles north of Buena Vista Colorado next to the Arkansas River. The site has terrific walk-in tent sites along the river as well as group picnic facilities and drive camping for campers and vans. They have a huge boat launch to access the world class white water rapids on the Arkansas River. The site has about a 30 campsites and was only about half full during g the summer peak. The access road is dirt but flat graded. They have a camp host on site. The sites have fire rings and picnic tables. The facilities are new and well maintained. The river is powerful and campers with kids should take care. Great hiking and rock climbing in the area. This is a must see.

Lovely little spot by the Arkansas. Plenty of spots to hammock and access the riverbank. The bridge is a short walk from the parking lot. Spots are reservable, and if you plan on going on a weekend, get there early. Vault toilets. Bring drinking water. No running water.