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Best Campgrounds near Buena Vista, CO

1,890 Reviews

Camping spots around Buena Vista, Colorado sit right at the base of the Rocky Mountains, giving campers plenty of choices. Heaton Bay Campground lets you get to the Colorado River easily for swimming and boating. Difficult Campground lives up to its name with more remote sites among the aspens for campers who want quiet. The camping areas at Mueller State Park connect to hiking trails that wind through the mountains. Stoll Mountain Campground draws many fishermen who come for the calm waters and good catches. You can also take a day trip to see the Great Sand Dunes while staying at any of these campgrounds. Summer fills up fast in this area, so you'll want to reserve your spot well ahead of time. Keep an eye on the weather forecast before you go - the mountain climate can change quickly with cool nights even in summer.

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Best Camping Sites Near Buena Vista, Colorado (398)

    1. Turtle Rock Campground

    37 Reviews
    Buena Vista, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Free and easy to get to from Buena Vista"

    "**Campground Review **

    I initially found this campground while searching on The Dyrt for a place to camp near Buena Vista for a weekend."

    2. Ruby Mountain Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 539-7289

    $28 / night

    "Here are the positives:

    • Great access to the Arkansas River (fishing, put-in/ - take/out access)
    • Very well-maintained spaces and clean bathrooms
    • Minutes from rafting outfitters (we always go through"

    "Dogs were entertained watching the chipmunks walk in front of them. Great hike near by. Great fishing too walking distance. Short driving distance to Buena Vista and/or Salida."

    3. BV Overlook

    19 Reviews
    Buena Vista, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 204-3505

    $40 - $180 / night

    "It’s a great location, has hiking and biking trails and some amazing views of the mountains. It is close to all the things Buena Vista has to offer."

    "Mountain views all around, an ice cream social, and clean facilities made this a very nice stay. Thanks Buena Vista KOA!"

    4. Browns Creek

    22 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    9 miles

    "The location is perfect, situated right between Salida and Buena Vista."

    "Located in the middle of Salida and Buena Vista, there are a lot of spots in this area. Most of them are very large and can accommodate RVs and trailers."

    5. Cascade (colorado)

    18 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $25 / night

    "This place is beautifully positioned in the trees.  Clean facilities, a wonderful camp host and fellow campers were great.  15 minutes from Buena Vista and 30 to Salida. "

    "This is probably my family's favorite area to camp in Colorado. Off the beaten path enough that traffic is minimal. But nice and close to some great four wheel and off roading areas."

    6. Cottonwood Lake Campground

    16 Reviews
    Buena Vista, CO
    9 miles
    Website

    $22 / night

    "Cottonwood Lake campground near Buena Vista is my favorite campground on this particular road (my other favorite campground in the vicinity is Cascade)."

    "The sites at Cottonwood Lake Campground are surrounded by a large grove of aspens, so they're relatively secluded."

    7. Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 395-8301

    "Great location between Buena Vista and Salida. We had a site right on the creek. Easy access to Arkansas River off the highway for fishing and we drove up to St."

    "Easy drive to buena vista for restaurants and groceries
    Friend ly and knowable staff."

    8. Collegiate Peaks

    16 Reviews
    Buena Vista, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $25 / night

    "Great large campground close to Cottonwood Pass and about 20 mins from Buena Vista. Most sites are nice, spacious, and wooded."

    "About 15 min from Buena Vista up Cottonwood Pass. Everything I want in a campground: roaring river, Aspen, trails views. Plenty of shade and the sound of the river at night was wonderful."

    9. Hecla Junction Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 539-7289

    $28 / night

    "HJ is a great campground for rafters. 20 mjnutes drive from Buena Vista. Fills up quickly, reserve early!"

    "The campground is north of Salida Colorado on the Arkansas River. This is the busy spot at the end of the commercial river rafting run."

    10. Salida North BLM

    22 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    "It's about a 12 minute drive to Buena Vista or Poncha springs (which has water and a dump station) and a 20 minute drive to downtown Salida."

    "We were looking for something in the Buena Vista/ Salida area. The spots are about 20 south of BV and about 10 minutes north of Salida. A great base camp for a multitude of activities."

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Recent Camping Photos near Buena Vista, CO

830 Photos of 398 Buena Vista Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Buena Vista, CO

1890 Reviews of 398 Buena Vista Campgrounds

Guide to Buena Vista

Camping near Buena Vista, Colorado, offers a fantastic mix of stunning views and outdoor activities. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, or just soaking up nature, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Mueller State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “Short walk to Grouse Peak. Aspens and pines.” This area is perfect for those who love to hike and enjoy the scenery.
  • Fishing: Head to Eleven Mile State Park for some great fishing opportunities. A camper shared, “Take a canoe, kayak, or fishing poles and enjoy a day on the lake with a great view of the mountains.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Difficult Campground have spotted moose and other wildlife. One reviewer said, “Campsite nestled amongst aspen trees, moose regularly passed through.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Many campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. A visitor at Prospector Campground said, “This spot is amazing! Views are great! Campsites are spaced out and have plenty of space.”
  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Turtle Rock Campground are noted for their cleanliness. One camper remarked, “Even the pit toilet was clean and well stocked with toilet paper.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peacefulness of places like Difficult Campground. A reviewer noted, “Quiet campground, off grid, no cell signal, no wi-fi.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, such as Stoll Mountain Campground, don’t have showers or electric hookups. A camper mentioned, “There is no water, no electric, no sewer, but they do have pit toilets.”
  • Wildlife Precautions: At Elk Creek Campground, campers have encountered wildlife. One visitor advised, “Make sure you lock everything and use the bear boxes provided at each site!”
  • Busy Season: Campgrounds can fill up quickly during peak times. A camper at Peak One Campground noted, “You can only stay one night at a time on a First Come First Serve basis.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby lakes, like Heaton Bay Campground. A reviewer said, “Right on Lake Dillon so paddle boarding and trails close by too.”
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. One parent at Mueller State Park Campground mentioned, “Very quiet, Starlink might be tough. No water at site but several drinking water stations with hose hookups.”
  • Plan for Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A camper at Eleven Mile State Park noted, “Winds in the evening almost made me leave site.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Space for RVs: Campgrounds like Prospector Campground have spacious sites. One RVer shared, “Our favorite thing was the proximity to town. All the views and feeling of being far away without actually being far away.”
  • Check for Hookups: Not all campgrounds offer electric hookups. A visitor at Elk Creek Campground mentioned, “The bathrooms are clean and sanitary. No showers. Just sinks and toilets.”
  • Be Mindful of Wildlife: RVers at Difficult Campground have had bear encounters. One camper advised, “There was a bear raiding vehicles at night so make sure you lock everything and use the bear boxes provided at each site!”

Camping near Buena Vista, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s essential to be prepared and informed. Happy camping!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Buena Vista, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Buena Vista, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 398 campgrounds and RV parks near Buena Vista, CO and 140 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Buena Vista, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Buena Vista, CO is Turtle Rock Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 37 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Buena Vista, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 140 free dispersed camping spots near Buena Vista, CO.

What parks are near Buena Vista, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Buena Vista, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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