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!

Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.

Elephant Rock Campground

Near Buena Vista, CO, lie impressive peaks and some of the best camping and rafting experiences on the Arkansas River and in Browns Canyon. From the canyon, you can marvel at the towering granite walls as you float down the river. Camping in the Pike-San Isabel National Forests brings campers closer to nature. From their campsites, campers can explore the trails that wind through the forest and catch glimpses of deer and other wildlife. RV drivers will also find plenty of campgrounds by the river or national forest that can accommodate their vehicles as they enjoy the area’s sights.

Buena Vista

The Best Camping Near Buena Vista, Colorado

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.  

Dispersed Free Camping Near Buena Vista CO

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

Great stay other than no toilet

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! 

Great but can get busy

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.   

Other Reviews are Wrong ! 

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.

Everyone on top of each other 

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.   

Small sites trashy


Crowded and not a ton of privacy but nice views. Easy to get to



Photos of Elephant Rock Campground

Real photos from real campers