Best Campgrounds near Nathrop, CO

Searching for the best camping near Nathrop, CO? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Nathrop, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Nathrop, Colorado (380)

    1. Turtle Rock Campground

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

    $20 - $40 / night

    "This place is so easy to get to and is very close to the city of Buena Vista. Any type of car can make it to the campsites and there are bathroom facilities available."

    "Over 50 sites available, some grouped together, others you can just drive in and have plenty of privacy. There are even public vault toilets available."

    2. Ruby Mountain Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

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

    $28 / night

    "Nestled just south of Buena Vista and right next to Nathrop, this campsite has stunning views and is just a walk away from some great Brown's Canyon trails."

    "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"

    3. Browns Creek

    22 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    5 miles

    "The hiking is good with several trailheads and easy access to the Colorado Trail."

    "Recommend the hike to browns lake nearby. Vault toilets at the trailhead if needed.

    Our spot was right off the Colorado trail, lots of thru hikers going by."

    4. Salida North BLM

    22 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    8 miles
    Website

    "Within 20 minutes of driving you have multiple Colorado 14ers to hike, amazing fishing, miles of mountain biking trails and 2 amazing towns with great places to eat or grab a beer. "

    "Beautiful surroundings, picnic tables, fire rings. I gave it a 4 because of annoying rig running generator and a little highway noise."

    5. Hecla Junction Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

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

    $28 / night

    "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.)"

    6. BV Overlook

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

    $40 - $180 / night

    "Location is great and is close by to Mt Princeton Hot Springs, rafting on the Arkansas River, hiking, and the town of Buena Vista."

    "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."

    7. Cascade (colorado)

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

    $25 / night

    "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."

    "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. "

    8. Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park

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

    "We attended and stayed here for a off road group event in September and was perfect for our large group. The meadow campground area has sites right on the creek!"

    "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."

    9. Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site

    13 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "Kinda busy with good access to Browns creek and the Colorado trail, but otherwise quiet if you can squeeze in. Easy for trailers too."

    "Close to hiking at browns which is really pretty hike and lots of options. We found a place on Memorial Day without a reservation which never happens in Colorado. It is near the co trail too!"

    10. Cottonwood Lake Campground

    16 Reviews
    Buena Vista, CO
    11 miles
    Website

    $22 / night

    "Cottonwood creek and Cottonwood lake are close by. The first come first serve sites are spacious and well laid out. There is a very nice day use picnic and fishing docks on the lake."

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

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 380 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Nathrop, CO

1891 Reviews of 380 Nathrop Campgrounds



Guide to Nathrop

Camping near Nathrop, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views, outdoor activities, and a chance to unwind in nature. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

What to do

  • Fishing and Water Sports: Enjoy fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding at Ruby Mountain Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. One camper mentioned, "Really gorgeous camping spot with easy access to tons of different outdoor activities."
  • Hiking: Explore nearby trails like the Continental Divide Trail or the Colorado Trail. A visitor at Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground said, "The twins have crisp, clear water great for fishing, kayaking, Paddleboarding, and, if you’re brave enough, swimming!"
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife while hiking or relaxing at your campsite. A reviewer at White Star noted, "The views are fantastic! Large mountains across from Twin Lakes."

What campers like

What you should know

  • Windy Conditions: Be prepared for strong winds, especially at higher elevations. One camper at Stoll Mountain Campground warned, "Winds in the evening almost made me leave the site."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Turtle Rock Campground, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A reviewer noted, "This place is beautiful. Easy to get to."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Ruby Mountain Campground advised, "You’re meant to make reservations so I did but there’s a lot of empty spots."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. A camper at Cascade (Colorado) said, "Spacious and private sites, super clean restrooms, and a friendly but not intrusive campground host."
  • Plan Activities: Bring along games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Portal Campground mentioned, "Great spot! We got up there around dinner time on a Saturday."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids near water and wildlife. A camper at Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area noted, "Bathrooms were clean and stocked."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A reviewer at Browns Creek said, "The drive from the app was spot on. Open cattle coming through the campground was a surprise."
  • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: Not all campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs. A camper at White Star mentioned, "I am in the best site in campground imo."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Since some campgrounds lack amenities, stock up on essentials. A visitor at Hecla Junction Campground advised, "Bring your own water!"

Camping near Nathrop, Colorado, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Nathrop, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Nathrop, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 380 campgrounds and RV parks near Nathrop, CO and 136 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Nathrop, CO?

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

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nathrop, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 136 free dispersed camping spots near Nathrop, CO.

What parks are near Nathrop, CO?

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