455 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Buena Vista runs the full range of camping types, from full-hookup RV parks in town to dispersed national forest sites in the Arkansas River corridor and the mountains to the west. The Arkansas River puts whitewater access within a few miles of most campground options in town, which shapes who books here and when. Check-ins logged through The Dyrt peak from late May through early September, with a secondary cluster in October for aspen color.
Developed campgrounds along the river have vault toilets and water at most sites, with a few offering electrical hookups. Tent-only loops exist at several Forest Service campgrounds. Buena Vista's dispersed camping covers the free national forest options for campers who want no-reservation access and don't need services. Nathrop sits just south and adds more campground inventory, and Salida is about 25 miles south if Buena Vista options are full. Summer weekends here book out weeks ahead at the more popular spots, so plan accordingly.
"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."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $40 - $180 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Located at the bottom of Mount Princeton (14,199 ft) and Mount Antero (14,275 ft). 270-272 is one of the most unpleasant roads I’ve driven, but worth the traverse. Sites are heavily shaded."
"Large well-spaced sites within a short driving distance to BV. Great access to the colorado trail."
"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."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 / night
Check Availability
RangerThis dispersed camping area appears to be partially on USFS and partially on City of Alma property. There is definitely some new development going on here. There have been 6 graveled pull through sites added and there are paint marks indicating several tents sites coming in the future. Also signs of a disc golf course being added. I expect this area will soon become a designated campground with fees.
Legend9-10-26
Gothic CG, site 9, sunny and breezy, 70 degrees, amazing views of Crested Butte and Mt Bellview. The site sits at 10,020’ has a tent pad and enough room for two vehicles. No toilet, only 1 toilet down by sites 1-4. Fire pit and a nice table.
The road past Gothic is varied terrain, mostly rock, hard packed with ruts, many types of vehicles were traveling up and down the road, even campers being pulled.
We saw some deer and Moose in the morning.
Tmobile was 2 bar 5G
LegendSite 10
Chalk Creek Campground, 9-7-26, Arrived around 4:15 and found a site for one night. We talked to the host Linda who was very helpful and we received some great intel on local hikes.
Elevation was 8750’ Site 10 was large enough for our truck camper and there is a bear locker, metal table and fire pit. The table, tent and fire pit steps down about 8 steps and the site is right next to the creek.
Site 11 is totally visible from the site and would work great for larger groups. Fire was allowed but we opted not too as the winds were gusty through the area.$25 for the night, water pump and the clarity of the water was great.
Vault toilets throughout were clean.
Two trash dumpsters located at the end and middle.
Cellar via T-Mobile sucked, 1 bar lte roaming.
LegendSite 9, September 10, 2026
Gothic CG, site 9, sunny and breezy, 70 degrees, amazing views of Crested Butte and Mt Belleview. The site sits at 10,020’ has a tent pad and enough room for two vehicles. No toilet, only 1 toilet down by sites 1-4. Fire pit and a nice table.
The road past Gothic is varied terrain, mostly rock, hard packed with ruts, many types of vehicles were traveling up and down the road, even campers being pulled. We saw some deer and two Moose in the morning grazing on the hillside.
Tmobile was 2 bar 5G at the site. The hosts were great when checking in.
ScoutThe park is small and beautiful on the stocked lake. The vault toilets are clean…for a vault toilet. Plenty of tp…padlocked in. lol. True primitive camping. Designated Tent sites are by the lake. Beautiful spots. Several RV sites on the lake but not for anything larger than 30’. There are RV sites at the entrance that can accommodate a slightly larger rig. I saw a Momemtum in site 2. But driving a rig much bigger up the sometimes steep, dirt, bumpy and rocky road could be difficult. There are a couple of hairpin turns. Definitely need a 4 wheel drive if you’re pulling a 20’ plus length trailer or RV. But that’s my opinion. But I could be wrong. I think all the RV sites are back-in. I’m at a site that have two sites end to end. Be forewarned, it looks like a pull-through site. My neighbor pulled up and brought his trailer closer to my site so his view of the lake wasn’t obstructed from the picnic table and fire pit. Good idea at the moment until I backed my rig up. I’m essentially blocking him in the way he parked. He should have accessed his rigs resting spot by pulling through my spot first. Now I have to load my rig up and move it so he can load his up and leave. I don’t mind. He’s been a great neighbor. This campground, like other forestry campgrounds, somehow have FCFS sites reserved. I don’t understand how it’s done, but it’s frustrating. It isn’t a true FCFS location until September 22nd. After that reservations can’t be made. Good luck beating the locals. You’re not supposed to bring a rig and just park it and leave, although it’s done frequently per the campground hosts. They couldn’t get a tow truck up here to remove it. So essentially it’s a rule that can’t be enforced. But it’s an unethical, shameful and selfish thing to do if you’re considering doing that. I’m staying 2 weeks because I can reach a town for anything I need in 20 minutes. Ponca Springs and Salida.
ScoutPerfect spot for easy access to lakes and hiking trails. Clean. Quiet. Would easily return.
ScoutHad a great time on this quick trip to Taylor Park Reservoir area. The views of the Sawatch Range. Tent pads seem to be level however driveways for RVs were not so much. That being said however, we will definitely be back.
TravelerWe got a spot that was back far enough that it felt private, but we still got a decent view of everything. It was very peaceful, no weirdos and it is very pretty!
Legend9-3-26, Collegiate Peaks CG, we stopped by at 1300 to check on the FCFS sites and we were able to change our 1-night reservation to a 3-night FCFS site.
Jill the host was amazing. Dereck and Jill do a phenomenal job keeping this campground in great shape. The vault toilets are impeccable, clean and smelled better than any other.
Site 18 was raked clear on our arrival, a slight slope and wide enough to accommodate two vehicles.
The picnic table and fire pit were clean and level. The stream that flows through the campground is refreshing and offers a relaxing sound. You will hear some road noise, but not much.
Firewood was $10 bundle at the host site, it seemed dry but took a while to get burning even using a cheater log.
There are several hand pump water stations that offer a means to wash and or put out the fires. Bring a filter to help remove some iron or use a gravity bag system to filter.
T-Mobile was spotty at best. We saw deer come through and four moose one evening near the entrance. Two moose walked through our site Sunday morning while cooking breakfast.
The Milky Way was out every night, amazing views.
Dispersed camping near Buena Vista, Colorado ranges in elevation from 7,000 to 9,000 feet, creating varied camping conditions across seasons. Located in the Arkansas River Valley, the region experiences warm days and significantly cooler nights, with temperature drops of 30-40 degrees common after sunset. Most free camping areas lack amenities but provide direct access to recreational opportunities.
Hiking access from campsites: At Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site, multiple trails including the Colorado Trail are directly accessible. "We went for a hike, there were multiple hiking trails including access to the Colorado Trail. We also rode our mountain bikes on 272, 274A and the 273," reports one camper.
Mountain biking right from camp: BV Overlook offers immediate trail connections. "We visited Buena Vista mainly to mountain bike and we loved that you can ride right from the campsite onto the trails," states a reviewer who appreciated the convenience of not having to drive to trailheads.
Ghost town exploration: From Cascade Campground, campers can access St. Elmo ghost town just up the valley. "Ghost town at the top of the valley. Hot springs at the bottom. Fishing all along," notes one visitor, highlighting the variety of activities within a short drive.
Private dispersed sites: Browns Creek offers well-separated camping spots. "Gorgeous, remote. Dispersed campsites are spread out so you can't see or hear your neighbors. Great proximity to trailheads and easy to get to," explains a camper who values privacy while still having easy access.
Riverside camping experience: The walk-in sites at Ruby Mountain Campground provide river proximity. "Walk-in sites have shady trees and are next to the river," notes a camper, though they mention "RV and tent sites are out in the open so they can be hot during the day."
Aspen forests and lake access: The natural setting at Cottonwood Lake Campground creates a distinctive camping atmosphere. "Lots of trees, so hammocking is a great option. Fills up fast and first come first serve, so arrive accordingly. In a neat little valley surrounded by mountains, and by the side of Cottonwood Lake. People come here just to fish, so bring your gear!"
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds near Buena Vista now require advance planning. "Turtle Rock used to be free dispersed camping but not anymore. See Recreation.gov for sites and reservations," advises one camper at Turtle Rock Campground.
Seasonal road closures: Winter access is limited at some locations. "Closed Dec 1-June 1 for wildlife management. Watch out in the wet weather-road super muddy a bit difficult to get through. Road is not steep though," reports a visitor to Browns Creek.
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs greatly between campgrounds. "AT&T had strong 5G coverage and the starlink internet reached all the way to our campsite," mentions a camper at BV Overlook who was able to work remotely while camping.
Look for amenities: Chalk Creek Campground offers facilities that make family camping easier. "The campground is very clean and well maintained. The bathrooms were clean and the shower rooms were updated, clean and spacious," reports a reviewer, highlighting features important for family stays.
Find playground access: BV Overlook provides dedicated recreation areas for children. "A wonderful place for families, a nice playground and on Saturday night we had an ice cream social," notes one camper about the kid-friendly environment.
Consider creekside locations: Hecla Junction Campground provides river access in a maintained setting. "Beautiful, clean, no shade," reports a reviewer, highlighting the trade-off between the pristine environment and lack of natural protection from the sun.
Road access considerations: Access routes vary in quality for larger rigs. "There is a 6 mile hike (Brown Creek Falls) down the road as well. The spots near the river were taken so we continued on farther down the road. I like this area because there are spots in wide open fields and there are also spots secluded in dense woods," explains a visitor to Browns Creek.
Leveling challenges: Pay attention to site grade before setting up. "Sights off the river are on a steep grade, which will require a lot of rise in trailer jacks-bring our blocks. Most sights have space for a trailer and tent," advises a camper at Hecla Junction.
Narrow entry roads: Some campgrounds have challenging access. "Keep in mind the access road into the camp is very narrow. Your best bet is to have someone be a look out and clear the road because your in between a rock and cliff," warns a Ruby Mountain camper who experienced difficulty navigating larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping sites near Buena Vista, Colorado?
Buena Vista offers excellent camping options surrounded by Rocky Mountain views. Collegiate Peaks is a highly recommended large campground about 15-20 minutes from town up Cottonwood Pass, featuring spacious wooded sites, roaring river sounds, and Aspen trees. Arrowhead Point Resort provides a convenient option just 5.5 miles from downtown with spacious RV sites and full hookups. Other notable campgrounds include Cascade, Mount Princeton, and Chalk Lake, all within 15-30 minutes of Buena Vista. Most campgrounds offer basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets. For the best experience, especially during peak season (Memorial Day through September), make reservations well in advance as popular sites fill quickly.
Is dispersed camping available near Buena Vista, CO?
Yes, dispersed camping is readily available in the public lands surrounding Buena Vista. Stone Cabin offers excellent dispersed camping opportunities just 10 minutes from town, with easy 2WD access and beautiful riverside sites with mountain views. Even on holiday weekends, campers report finding available spots. Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site is another option for those seeking free camping. When dispersed camping near Buena Vista, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, camp at least 100 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings when possible, and properly store food as this is bear country. Most dispersed sites have no facilities, so come prepared with water and waste disposal plans.
What activities can you do while camping in Buena Vista?
The Buena Vista area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. White water rafting on the Arkansas River is extremely popular, with Hecla Junction Campground serving as a prime spot for rafters, located about 20 minutes from town. Hiking enthusiasts can access numerous trails, including those near Mount Princeton campground. The region also offers excellent OHV (off-highway vehicle) trails, mountain biking routes, and fishing opportunities in the Arkansas River and nearby lakes. For scenic drives, Cottonwood Pass provides breathtaking views. Wildlife viewing is common throughout the area. When you need supplies or a break from outdoor activities, both Buena Vista and nearby Salida (about 30 minutes away) offer shopping, dining, and local breweries.
What campgrounds in Buena Vista are suitable for tent camping?
Turtle Rock Campground is excellent for tent camping, offering spacious sites with great views of mountains and rock formations. It's free, easy to access from Buena Vista, and provides a more primitive camping experience with basic amenities. Chalk Lake Campground in San Isabel National Forest is another good option for tent campers, featuring 18 sites with designated tent pads. Located about 15 miles from Buena Vista, this campground charges around $22 per night and is typically open from mid-May through September. Most tent-friendly campgrounds in the area provide picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets. Bear-proof storage is recommended as this is bear country. Reservations are strongly advised during peak summer months.
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