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Dispersed Camping

Elephant Rock Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Elephant Rock Campground, near Buena Vista, Colorado, offers a unique camping experience along the Arkansas River. This area is known for its stunning views and proximity to some of the best white-water rafting in the state, making it a popular choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

The campground features designated sites that are free to use, but be prepared for a bit of a crowd, especially during peak season. Visitors have noted that the sites can feel cramped, with little privacy, but many appreciate the beautiful scenery and the chance to connect with fellow campers. As one reviewer mentioned, “It’s pretty ugly as far as the campground goes with everything right next to each other,” but the natural beauty of Elephant Rock itself is a highlight.

While amenities are minimal—there are no toilets or drinking water—campers enjoy the freedom to have fires and bring their pets along. The area is also a great base for hiking and rock climbing, with trails that lead to breathtaking views. Just a short drive away, Buena Vista offers bars, cafes, and a grocery store for any supplies you might need.

If you’re looking for a rustic camping experience with a lively atmosphere, Elephant Rock Campground might just be the place for you. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, and enjoy the adventure!

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Location

Elephant Rock Campground is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.88472483 N
106.15178075 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 9 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 9 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users

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

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Elephant Rock Campground needs a permit.


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Reviews

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2.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 21, 2024

Small sites trashy

The sites are tiny and stacked on top of each other. Lots of camping gear abandoned and pushed off to the sides. There No privacy. Porta potties were gross.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2023

Everyone on top of each other

Elephant rock campground. It is free. It is designated sites. Everyone is right on top of each other. There is very little shelter or trees for screening. There are two Porta potty‘s. It looks like it’s somewhere where a bunch of people of just pulled in their RVs and basically set up life. It’s pretty ugly as far as the campground goes with everything right next to each other. A lot of RVs and Campervans have pulled in there. Elephant rock yourself is very cool. It looks like a big elephant.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Elephant Rock Campground by Chris P., August 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Elephant Rock Campground by Chris P., August 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Elephant Rock Campground by Chris P., August 11, 2023
  • (18) View All
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2021

Other Reviews are Wrong !

This site is USFS and AHRA managed not BLM. It requires human waste to be REMOVED ! NOT LEFT ON SITE!
As of 6\24\2921 there is NO CAMPING OR FIRES west of the railroad ! Day use there only.
Rangers patrol and enforce the above rules.

SiteGeneral, affects entire site.
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Elephant Rock Campground by J M., June 26, 2021
Reviewed Feb. 27, 2021

Great but can get busy

I stayed here Memorial Day Weekend. I camp out of my 4Runner but there’s a lot of sites down near the water that you have to hike to (with all your gear). I believe there’s a two-week max.

When I showed up, it was desolate- maybe one or two other people/groups. By the end of the weekend, the lot was packed and all of the sites near the water were also occupied.

No toilets so you’d see a lot of people walking the railroad tracks north/south to do the do. Personally I hate being that packed in a dispersed area and knowing that... that’s just me.

Loved putting my feet in the Arkansas River and watching the kayakers and rafters. It was hot during the day and cold at night- to me, that’s good camping weather!

  • Review photo of Elephant Rock Campground by Kim M., February 27, 2021
  • Review photo of Elephant Rock Campground by Kim M., February 27, 2021
  • Review photo of Elephant Rock Campground by Kim M., February 27, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2020

Great stay other than no toilet

Free stay! But no toilet so there is some toilet paper scattered about. Beautiful river thats an easy walk, great neighbors, cool breeze otherwise!!!

  • Review photo of Elephant Rock Campground by Katie H., August 17, 2020
  • Review photo of Elephant Rock Campground by Katie H., August 17, 2020
  • Review photo of Elephant Rock Campground by Katie H., August 17, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2019

Dispersed Free Camping Near Buena Vista CO

Elephant Rock Campground is a free BLM dispersed camping just a few miles north of Buena Vista Colorado. The site is located on a dirt road along the Arkansas River. The site has about a dozen spots and can be crowded in the summer. The river is home to some of the best white water rafting in the Colorado with class III and IV rapids. The site also has some great rock climbing sites and hiking trails. The road is former railroad track from the Midland Railway Company. You drive through the rock cutouts from old railway. It’s a very cool area with lots to see and do. The camp is like many free BLM sites with few if any amenities. Buena Vista is very close and a great place for bars, cafes, and one good grocery store on the highway. The camp had a wide range of users including tents, vans, and trailers. The campsite can get very muddy after rain and is about 8100 feet in elevation. Leadville is about 20 minutes north along the main highway and well worth the visit.

  • Review photo of Elephant Rock Campground by Steve & Ashley  G., August 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Elephant Rock Campground by Steve & Ashley  G., August 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Elephant Rock Campground by Steve & Ashley  G., August 17, 2019
  • (13) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Elephant Rock Campground located in Buena Vista, Colorado?

Elephant Rock Campground is situated just a few miles north of Buena Vista, Colorado. The campground is positioned along a dirt road that runs beside the Arkansas River, making it a convenient base for river activities. The location provides beautiful river views and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), not BLM as sometimes reported. The site's proximity to Buena Vista makes it accessible while still offering a more rustic camping experience.

What amenities are available at Elephant Rock Campground?

Elephant Rock Campground has minimal amenities. The site features two porta-potties, though visitors note these are not always well-maintained. There are no hookups, potable water, or dump stations available. The campground lacks privacy screens or significant tree coverage, with sites positioned relatively close to each other. The main attraction is its location along the Arkansas River, offering access to white water rafting opportunities. Be prepared to pack out all human waste as this is required by the managing agencies.

What dispersed camping options are available near Elephant Rock in Buena Vista?

Elephant Rock itself is a designated dispersed camping area with about a dozen sites, located along the Arkansas River. For additional dispersed camping options near Buena Vista, you can explore other U.S. Forest Service and BLM lands in the area. Important notes about Elephant Rock: camping is prohibited west of the railroad tracks (day use only in that section), and all human waste must be packed out. The area can get extremely crowded during summer weekends and holidays. For those seeking more solitude, consider exploring further into the surrounding San Isabel National Forest or BLM lands where more dispersed options may be available.

Is Elephant Rock Campground free or are there camping fees?

Elephant Rock Campground is a free camping area. There are no fees to stay at this site, making it an economical option for travelers visiting the Buena Vista area. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. While there's no cost to camp here, visitors should note that the lack of fees corresponds with minimal amenities and services. There appears to be a two-week maximum stay limit at this location.

Are there photos of Elephant Rock Campground to view before booking?

Photos of Elephant Rock Campground are available online through various camping websites and platforms. These images typically show the campground's open layout with minimal tree coverage, sites positioned close together, and views of the Arkansas River. Photos accurately depict the campground's rustic nature, the dirt access road, and the surrounding landscape. Browsing available photos before visiting will help set realistic expectations about the minimal facilities and the relatively compact camping arrangement.