Camping options near Howard, Colorado range from riverside locations to high mountain sites at elevations between 7,000-8,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F during daytime hours with overnight lows dropping to 40-50°F, making proper gear essential even during warm seasons. The Arkansas River corridor provides water access at many sites with peak camping season running May through September.
What to do
River access activities: Turtle Rock Campground offers excellent proximity to the Arkansas River for cooling off during hot days. According to Ashley W., "Lots of hiking, rock climbing, and the Arkansas river is hiking distance away which was helpful for cooling off when it's scorching outside." The area features multiple hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities within walking distance of campsites.
Hot springs soaking: Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust provides natural soaking pools with mountain views. As visitor Brittany R. notes, "This place was great! 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." The campground features several natural hot springs pools of varying temperatures.
Family recreation: Cutty's Resort - Hayden Creek offers organized activities for children. Thomas P. shares, "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." Mini-golf, pools, and structured activities make this a family-friendly option.
What campers like
Privacy and space: At Turtle Rock Campground, campers appreciate the generous site sizing. One reviewer, Megan V., states, "The trees are just the right size to provide shade and hang hammocks. There is a rock climbing trail and beautiful views of the peaks near by for some daytime entertainment." Sites are spaced to provide ample room between neighbors.
Riverside camping: The Arkansas River corridor offers multiple waterside options. As Katie W. describes Five Points Campground, "A nice trail that takes campers down to the river, and plenty of access for fishing. Since they fire ban had just lifted, our fire pit was not maintained, but it wasn't difficult to clean out. Hot during the day and cool and night, and overall a good experience." Sites along the river provide both scenic value and recreational access.
Year-round options: While glamping in Howard, Colorado tends to be seasonal, some campgrounds remain open through colder months. Crystal C. notes about Salida East, "Though open year round you will want to prepare if cold fronts are passing through as this area is already a bit cooler being so close to the waters edge." This allows for camping during less crowded shoulder seasons.
What you should know
Limited services: Many campgrounds have minimal facilities. Mary S. observed at Salida East Campground, "There are no hookups and no potable water at the campground, but there are vault toilets and a couple porta potties. There is no place to dispose of trash." Campers should arrive prepared with necessary supplies.
Weather considerations: At higher elevations, temperatures fluctuate dramatically. Eddie B. notes about Monarch Spur RV Park, "High altitude means cool to cold nights." Even summer evenings can drop below 50°F, requiring appropriate sleeping gear.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping and developed sites require advance booking. Sites at Valley View Hot Springs fill quickly, with one visitor noting, "You need to reserve well in advance as the demand is much higher than the capacity."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require traveling unpaved roads. Regarding Turtle Rock, Stephen T. advises, "It is a bit bumpy getting to this point, but most awd cars/suvs should be ok if they go slow."
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campsites: Choose campgrounds with built-in entertainment options. Alicia S. recommends, "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!"
Proximity to amenities: Wilderness Expeditions RV Park provides riverside sites with nearby town access. David M. explains, "Fantastic little campground right on the Arkansas river. It's also right across the road from a Walmart and a Sonic, but down in a small valley so you don't hear the road noise."
Cell service awareness: Janet H. cautions about Cutty's Resort, "No cell service so teens not happy about this." Several campgrounds in mountain valleys have limited connectivity, so prepare teens for digital detox or visit locations closer to towns if connectivity matters.
Heat preparation: For summer visits, John M. warns about Salida East, "This campground would be perfect for those who desire to experience what it would be like to camp on the surface of the sun." Choose shaded sites when possible and bring cooling options.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Sarah F. notes about camping at Monarch Spur RV Park, "Really enjoyed staying at this park, site was incredibly long but a bit skinny but did the trick. You can hear the river running almost everywhere in the park." Many riverside sites require careful leveling.
Hookup options: Jason F. shares about Royal Gorge KOA, "Full hookups are conveniently located and offer water/sewer and 30/50amp service. The campground has propane refills available on site. The staff was kind enough to let us drop off our tanks and they brought them back to us once someone was available to fill them."
Site size considerations: RV camping near Howard varies in site dimensions. Morgan J. observes about Wilderness Expeditions, "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."
