Camping opportunities near Coaldale, Colorado span elevations from 7,000 to 9,000 feet in the Arkansas River Valley. The area experiences dramatic temperature shifts between day and night, with summer highs reaching 85°F and evening temperatures dropping to the 40s even in July. Most campgrounds close seasonally from late October through April due to winter conditions, though limited options remain available year-round.
What to do
Hot springs soaking: 20+ miles south Valley View Hot Springs offers multiple hot spring pools at varying temperatures throughout the property. "Great clothing optional hot springs and camping," notes one visitor, while another mentions the "wonderful landscape and the soaking pools throughout. I can't speak highly enough about the pools, the overall vibe and the expansive views."
Kid-friendly activities: 5-mile drive Cutty's Resort - Hayden Creek provides numerous structured activities beyond what's mentioned in typical resort descriptions. "They had young staff that organized hands on crafts and science experiment classes for all the kids to participate in who were staying that weekend. One class was the kids making alka seltzer rockets," shares a camper who visited with family.
River sports: 25 minutes north Salida East Campground offers direct Arkansas River access. "Fishing and rafting is just feet away, and there are numerous recreation options to choose from in the area," according to a visitor. The campground includes a boat ramp and riverside sites for easy water access during summer months.
What campers like
Mountain views: 360-degree panoramas Turtle Rock Campground provides exceptional vistas. "The views from this campground are incredible, seriously some of the best in the state. We climbed up Turtle Rock itself (a bit of scramble so use caution!) for the sunset one night and the views were top notch," writes one enthusiastic reviewer.
Budget-friendly options: $0-$28 range Several campgrounds offer economical alternatives to glamping close to Coaldale, Colorado. Five Points Campground charges $28 per night plus a day use fee. As one camper notes, "The campground had prepared tent pads framed by railroad ties, picnic tables. The drawback to this campground was that there was no source of water."
All-inclusive packages: meals included Joyful Journey Hot Springs offers a comprehensive experience beyond just camping. "Breakfast and dinner are included in your stay (bring lunch and snacks). Food is healthy but not too filling. The camping fee per night without hook ups is $134 per night which is steep but most people are here for the hot springs," explains one camper.
What you should know
Limited services: prepare accordingly Many campgrounds near Coaldale have minimal amenities. At Five Points Campground, "There is no shade, or water available and no trash service so you have to pack it all out." Similarly, another camper notes Salida East has "No water or trash service, but port-a-Johns are scattered throughout the campsites."
Reservation requirements: book early Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust requires significant advance planning. "You need to reserve well in advance as the demand is much higher than the capacity," explains one visitor. Most area campgrounds switch to reservation-only systems between April and October.
Wildlife encounters: common and varied Multiple campgrounds report wildlife sightings. A Five Points visitor mentioned, "As a bonus, we did have a herd of wild mountain sheep nearby." Other reviewers note seeing deer, rabbits, and various bird species throughout the camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Noise considerations: highway proximity Salida East's location affects the camping experience. "This campground is very convenient when rafting the Arkansas. There is not much shade, but the spots are big and the restrooms are very well maintained... It tends to be a bit loud at night being so close to a major roadway but the breeze that blows through the canyon takes the edge off the heat."
Age-appropriate activities: older kids Five Points Campground offers educational opportunities. "This site is very unique and great for children as there is a tunnel from the campground to the river and lots of great information for kids and adults about the history of the area and the plants and animals," shares a family who camped there.
Weather preparedness: temperature swings The area experiences significant day-to-night temperature changes. At Cutty's Resort, one camper warns: "If you're looking for shade—this place has trees galore—but that also means it gets chilly at night so be aware!" Families should pack layers regardless of season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: river proximity Wilderness Expeditions RV Park offers coveted waterfront sites. "We were lucky enough to get a spot to park our 27ft trailer parallel to the creek—so we have a perfectly private front yard with a view. You can still hear the main road at times, but we have great wifi connection with our set up and are close to town with all the conveniences."
Level surfaces: site variations RV campers should research specific sites before booking. At Cutty's, one RVer mentioned, "Our particular site was pretty unlevel but that's not the campground's fault." Similarly, at Salida East, "Many sites are in a parking lot on the east side of the campground."
Utility considerations: partial hookups Most RV sites near Coaldale offer limited hookups. Royal Gorge KOA provides full hookups but with some site limitations: "Sites are close together. We were placed near the bathroom, which was fine. There was plenty of lighting at night!" This campground represents one of the few glamping accommodations close to Coaldale offering complete RV services.
