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Camping near Howard, CO

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Camping options near Howard, Colorado include a mix of established campgrounds, dispersed sites, and cabin facilities stretching along the Arkansas River corridor. Sugarbush Campground directly in Howard provides tent and RV camping with full hookups, while nearby Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area offers multiple developed campgrounds like Rincon and Salida East with various accommodation types. Several properties feature cabin rentals, including Cutty's Resort near Coaldale, approximately 7 miles southwest of Howard. The region supports both primitive camping on public lands and amenity-rich options with showers, electric hookups, and sewer connections.

    Road conditions and access vary considerably throughout the region depending on location and elevation. Most established campgrounds like Sugarbush are accessible via Highway 50, while dispersed sites such as Hayden Creek Roadside Camp require navigating less-maintained forest roads. Many campgrounds in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area operate year-round but take reservations primarily from April through October. Facilities range from basic (vault toilets only) to comprehensive with showers and hookups. Highway noise can be a factor at several riverside locations, particularly at Rincon Campground. According to one visitor, "The road is right behind you so it's good for one night. Went swimming in the river and it was glorious."

    Campers consistently rate waterfront locations among their favorite aspects of camping in this area. Sites along the Arkansas River provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming while offering scenic mountain views. Several visitors mention the peaceful setting despite occasional highway noise, with one noting that "sites are close together but very nice and level, plus there isn't large gravel which is a lot easier on the tent." The Salida area serves as a convenient basecamp for outdoor recreation, with a visitor describing Sugarbush as a "great basecamp" with "so much to do in this area." Campgrounds farther from the highway tend to offer more solitude but may have fewer amenities. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months.

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    Best Campgrounds near Howard (305)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Cutty's Resort - Hayden Creek

      4.3(10)5mi from HowardRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Close to everything you need but you will feel away from it all."

      "Our family and another reserved two sites next to each other. The pools on site were perfect for the kids. On site mini golf was a blast. The views in the campground were awesome."

      from $60 - $300 / night

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      2. Sugarbush Campground

      4.8(8)2mi from HowardRVs, Tents

      "really friendly staff, clean facilities, and very close to Salida! Was a perfect weekend."

      "The creek that runs through the sites drown out any highway noise. Easy 5 minute run to fishing access. Very family friendly."

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      3. Salida East Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

      3.5(13)10mi from Howard34 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Next to highway and close to Salida. Site is next to the river and decent for an overnight stay as a stopover. Otherwise it's fairly basic. Pads are nice and even and well kept."

      "Right next to the river. You can hear the traffic from the highway unfortunately but its not terrible."

      from $28 - $90 / night

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      4. Hayden Creek Road

      4.1(8)6mi from Howard4 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Creek steps away from wooded private spot! Only issue is there were locals up all night till 1:30 am with flashlights beaming into site which kind of scared me."

      "Tent camped in the dispersed area because Hayden creek was full, near Rainbow trailhead, entire area to ourselves 98% of the time besides two groups of hikers over 2 nights almost 3 days."

      from $22 / night

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      5. Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

      3.4(8)5mi from Howard8 sitesRVs, Tents

      "This is a lovely, well maintained campground next to the Arkansas River. There is a boat launch and vault toilets (clean). There are no frills, but it is a peaceful setting."

      "Basic campground surrounded by beauty nice lake"

      from $28 / night

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      6. Hayden Creek Roadside Camp

      4.5(6)6mi from HowardRVs, Tents

      "Sites are really close to the creek, which made for great white noise and easy water access. Restroom was close by and kept clean. Road in is dirt but easy to navigate for most vehicles."

      "Great site that is right next to the creek for the kids to explore. Lots of flat spots for tents, but also a nice big flat spot for the van. The road is easy to navigate for 2wd vehicles."

      7. Salida RV Resort

      4.5(8)10mi from Howard5 sitesRVs

      "Great location, close to Salida and hiking & biking trails. "

      "The resort is modern with all new and clean amenities, the staff is responsive to emails and very friendly in person, and the location is convenient to Salida and the activities of the area.    "

      from $73 - $141 / night

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      8. Hecla Junction Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

      4.6(26)20mi from Howard23 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      "Beautiful in its location, there were site improvements several years ago, which are nice and still hold true in 2023. (level tent pads, delineated sites, etc.)"

      from $28 / night

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      9. Pleasant Valley RV Park

      5.0(4)2mi from HowardRVs, Cabins

      "It's tucked away but close to the main road.  It feels peaceful and secluded.  It's close to Salida.  The river is steps away and we had a blast fishing steps from our campsite. "

      "New owners and a great staff had made this a special place Had a beautiful river site Only campground on the other side of the river away from the HWY Enjoyed watching folks fly fish and the shade was"

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      10. Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

      4.5(19)18mi from Howard

      "If you ever been to any of the BLM camping locations around Salida, Mt. Shavano is not anything different."

      "It was easy to find and close to the highway. The road was pretty good but got a bit bumpy as we got closer but still not a problem with our trailer."

      Check Availability
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    Recent Camping Photos near Howard, CO

    581 Photos of 305 Howard Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Howard, CO

    1649 Reviews of 305 Howard Campgrounds

    • CThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 6, 2026

      Hecla Junction Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

      Camp Host at Hecla

      I've was the Camp Host at Hecla Junction for the summer of 2026. Here is what you should know...

      The 3 mile dirt road to get here is pretty well maintained but has some very sharp turns. If you are over 40ft in length it is doable but tough.

      All  sites are by reservation only. There are no first come first serve sites. Plan ahead because cell service is not great. You will get one bar if you are lucky.

      There are pit toilets available but there is no water, electricity or sewer. You have to pack your trash out.

      All sites have a picnic table, fire ring and a spacious place for tents. 

      The sites are a reasonable distance from each other. The sites on the side by the river are pretty flat but the sites 1108, 1113, 1116, 1117 have a pretty steep parking area so if you plan on putting your RV there be ready to spend some time leveling. 

      If you have a large RV (over 35ft) you might want to avoid sites 1110-1114 because the loop  has a pretty tight corner. Site 1114 is a pull-through site.

      My favorite sites are 1103 (nice tree for shade), 1102-1111 (river views) and 1112 (nice view, good shade from the hill and a trail that goes to the river), 1113 and 1114 back up against the hillside and get shade earlier.  1116 and 1117 are good for really large groups (extra tables)

      There is a good hiking trail that runs along the river (1.5 miles out and back). It starts from the day use area.

      Quiet hours are 10:00pm to 6:00am and most people are pretty good about following that.

      Hecla Junction is also a Dark Skies designated park so the view of the stars is amazing!

    • J
      Sep. 6, 2026

      Pleasant Valley RV Park, 0018 County rd 47, Howard, CO

      Truly wonderful park

      The PV team is so nice and helpful, the park is beautiful, very clean (even the bathrooms!) and the decorations throughout add an extra touch. They offered donuts, live music and a movie night while we were here. This park exceeded our expectations and we will for sure be staying here again.

    • Nikki The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 5, 2026

      Cotton Creek Trailhead

      Rougher road beautiful views

      It's an almost off road situation. Depending on what side of the trail you come in from. Awd and a higher clearance vehicle are recommended. But the views and seclusion are totally worth it. Not many people out here and not a lot of late arriving folks. Has a decent amount of spots along the way and the night skies are absolutely worth the lack of shade in most of the spots.

    • Megan M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 5, 2026

      Shavano Mountain

      Low key and easy

      The road up is rocky but nothing crazy. Distant views of foothills and mountains. Lotsss of designated sites but also seems to be a well known favorite for dispersed camping.

    • AThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 4, 2026

      Shavano dispersed

      Great spot by the creek

      Great spot by creek, far enough from road and can hear creek all day and night.

    • Kristina S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 3, 2026

      Sugarbush Campground

      Sugarbush liquor store campground

      Nice stream runs through the campground. Great playground for the kids. Nice dog park. A bear had been in the trash a few days earlier, that was a little unnerving but I didn’t see the bear. Thank goodness.

      All in all, a nice enough place with full hookups. Super friendly staff.

    • Kristina S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 3, 2026

      Joyful Journey Hot Springs

      Joyful Journey 👍🏼

      Campers get to soak, dinner and breakfast is included. Electric if you need it. Good deal. The reflexology is awesome!

    • willem V.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 3, 2026

      Monarch Park

      Monarch Park campground

      Basic recreation.gov campsite. Just opened after 2 years of closure. Only 14 smaller sites. No water available., only dump toilets Road to campsite is well maintained. Information on website is minimal. First come first serve. Infoboard is out of date from 2 years ago ( still 38 sites)Pay cash ( 22$) at the entrance. Brand new, well designed sites with fire ring. Fires allowed today.Cold temperatures, but pretty views

    • Michael E.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 3, 2026

      Buena Vista Overlook

      Excellent views of Mt Princeton

      Multiple dispersed spots with plenty of room in between. Access to 4-Mile trails. Some ATV and dirt bike activity but not bad at all. Quite at night. Definitely one of our favorite spots in the area. We were able to get an off-road toy hauler to the furthest site possible.

    Guide to Howard

    Camping options near Howard, Colorado range from established sites with full amenities to primitive dispersed camping along forest roads. Located in the Arkansas River Valley at approximately 7,000 feet elevation, this area experiences cool nights even in summer months with temperature drops of 30-40 degrees from daytime highs. The region's camping season typically runs from late spring through early fall, with accessibility to higher elevation sites limited by snowfall from November through April.

    What to do

    River activities: Fish, raft, or swim in the Arkansas River at Hecla Junction Campground, which offers boat launch access for those exploring Browns Canyon. "Great views of the Arkansas River. Probably best suited for RVs and quick spot to camp," notes Kenneth S. from Hecla Junction Campground.

    Hiking and exploration: Trek the Rainbow Trail near Hayden Creek Road for mountain views and creek access. "Tent camped in the dispersed area because Hayden creek was full, near Rainbow trailhead, entire area to ourselves 98% of the time besides two groups of hikers over 2 nights almost 3 days," shares Shawn at Hayden Creek Road.

    Soak in hot springs: Visit Valley View Hot Springs for natural thermal pools. "We originally planned just to do a daily soak before heading to our next campsite but ended up just staying here because we enjoyed it so much," says Brittany R. at Valley View Hot Springs.

    What campers like

    Secluded creek-side camping: Hayden Creek Roadside Camp offers sites alongside flowing water. "There are a handful of dispersed camping sites along Hayden Creek Rd, South of Cuttys and before you get the the USFS campground. The creek is nice and the sounds was much louder then we anticipated, which was good," reports Kelly at Hayden Creek Roadside Camp.

    Family activities at resorts: Cutty's Resort offers organized activities beyond camping. "We had a good time, plenty of activities, pools, putt-putt, hiking, 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," explains Thomas P.

    Mountain views and wildlife watching: Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area provides elevated perspectives. "Beautiful view of divide in one side and Arkansas Valley on the other. 14 day limit, we stayed 3 nights and it was quiet and peaceful. We saw Bats, Nighthawks, Turkey Vultures, Coyotes, and Deer," shares Sheridan B. at Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area.

    What you should know

    Reservation requirements: Many established campgrounds require advance planning. "DO NOT GO HERE UNLESS YOU MAKE A RESERVATION! The camp host was very friendly and nice! She told us that it fills up fast and that we were so lucky to pull in when we did," warns Kirsten L. about Hecla Junction.

    Road conditions: Access varies widely between sites. "The road starts as tar and converts to gravel. It is a maintained road but is loaded with washboard so you may just have to take it easy if you have a motor home or trailer," explains Chad M. about Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area.

    Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping experience significantly. "It got very cold in October, but has beautiful views of the mountains!" notes Dare To Everywhere about Hayden Creek Road.

    Tips for camping with families

    Activities for children: Look for campgrounds with structured recreation. "We make sure to visit Cutty's every summer. Lots for the kids and adults to enjoy. Indoor and outdoor pools, mini golf, volleyball, basketball, tennis, horse shoes, bingo, karaoke, too much to list!" recommends Alicia S. at Cutty's Resort - Hayden Creek.

    Quieter locations for family rest: Some campgrounds offer more peace than others. "We had a great time with our family camping here for a long memorial day weekend. Really friendly staff, clean facilities, and very close to Salida! Was a perfect weekend," shares Mike D. about Salida North BLM.

    Connectivity concerns: Cell service varies widely. "No cell service via Verizon; very spotty with AT&T. But good, fast Wi-Fi is available," reports Matt about Sugarbush Campground.

    Tips from RVers

    Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some sites. "Our particular site was pretty unlevel but that's not the campground's fault," notes Sarah F. about Cutty's Resort.

    Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by location. "Sites are close together but very nice and level, plus there isn't large gravel which is a lot easier on the tent. The facilities and laundry room were clean," explains Will T. about Sugarbush Campground.

    Size restrictions: Not all roads accommodate larger rigs. "Nothing is officially marked but you can tell where others have camped and many sites have a fire ring. Shortly after you enter the Wildlife Area if your driving an RV or trailer you may want to take a right and explore that area," suggests Chad M. about Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where can I find camping sites in Howard County?

    Howard County offers diverse camping opportunities. Sugarbush Campground is conveniently located near Howard and provides drive-in access. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Road 240 - Dispersed offers wooded sites with river access. The area also features several dispersed camping options along forest service roads that provide peaceful settings away from crowds. Most camping areas are accessible from late spring through early fall, with high-elevation sites typically snow-free from June through September.

    What amenities are available at Howard County campgrounds?

    Amenities vary widely across Howard County campgrounds. Riverside RV Park offers riverside campsites with the soothing sounds of the Arkansas River, ideal for RVers seeking water access. Ohaver Lake Campground provides lakeside sites with excellent trout fishing. Most established campgrounds feature fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Dispersed camping areas typically offer minimal amenities—just beautiful scenery and privacy. Some campgrounds have potable water during peak season, but it's always wise to bring your own, especially at primitive sites.

    Do I need reservations for camping in Howard County?

    Reservation requirements vary across Howard County camping areas. Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area requires reservations through Colorado Parks & Wildlife (800-244-5613 or cpwshop.com). Hecla Junction Campground also operates on a reservation system. For dispersed camping areas like 228A Dispersed Campsite, no reservations are needed, but these operate on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak summer months and holidays, securing reservations for established campgrounds is highly recommended, especially on weekends.

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