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.
$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."
$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"
"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."
$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.)"
"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!"
"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."
$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."
$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. "
"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."
$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)."
ScoutCamped here on off-season. Wonderful babbling brook, lots of trees, peaceful quiet
ScoutGreat location, 2.5hrs from Denver and about an hour from the Springs. Had great space for our setup. Only a 5-10 min drive to the state park with great fishing. Drove my VW wagon and had plenty of clearance to manage the dirt road.
TravelerWe stayed here on Fourth of July weekend and wished we had longer. Safe water so the kids could try fly fishing and one caught a brown trout, great spots for hammocks, availability on a holiday weekend and the early risers got to see a moose down near the water.
TravelerRoad is pretty rough 4wd required. Views are great, close to trails and river
ScoutMultiple sites along the creek, some of the road through a wooded area looks dicey for a large vehicle. There are multiple access points to various sites right off of CR306, some look more accessible to regular vehicles. A couple of those access roads seem pretty challenging for a two wheel drive.
The site I camped at was just opposite the road to Avalanche Trailhead. It was a little bumpy but not challenging. All of the sites are within about 100 feet of CR306, separated by woods from the road, very quiet at night.
I camped out in a tent in early October and temps were down in the 30 s at night. Had to keep my heater going. Camped there three nights, really peaceful.
ScoutWe stayed 5 nights in our 25ft travel trailer. Found a great spot on fr376 that provided enough privacy even with neighbors. Fellow campers were very quiet. Beware, this area is used for OHV and can become noisy on the weekends.
GuideEarly October, no bugs. Gorgeous views if you can get on a high spot. About half an hour from any store. Fish were jumping. Gorgeous.
GuideThe road up for about a quarter mile was one lane not too bumpy. Campsite was quiet with great views of the peaks. Early October 2025.
TravelerA gem indeed. 1 star loss for the semi rough road. The steep parts are bad, but doable with 2WD (snd some clearance). I csn see it being bad with rain.
There is a private prop early in the road. Google tried to send me through that - make sure you stay on the Forest Road.
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.
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
Where are the best campgrounds in Nathrop, Colorado?
Nathrop offers excellent camping options in the scenic Chalk Creek Canyon area. Mount Princeton is one of three National Forest Service campgrounds in the canyon, featuring a camp host and great facilities. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Browns Canyon Dispersed provides quiet camping with breathtaking views of Mt. Princeton. If you prefer RV accommodations, several parks in the area offer riverside sites. The region's campgrounds put you close to hot springs resorts at the base of the canyon, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring the surrounding mountains, ghost towns, and wilderness areas. Most campgrounds in this area are seasonal, typically open from late spring through early fall.
What outdoor activities can you do while camping in Nathrop, Colorado?
Nathrop's spectacular mountain setting offers diverse outdoor activities year-round. The area around Chalk Creek Canyon provides excellent hiking trails, four-wheel-drive adventures, and access to ghost towns like St. Elmo. Water enthusiasts enjoy fishing for trout in mountain lakes and streams or rafting on the nearby Arkansas River. Ohaver Lake Campground is known for incredible trout fishing where many anglers reach their daily limits. The region is also famous for its natural hot springs, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure. Wildlife viewing, mountain biking, photography, and stargazing are popular activities. During winter months, the surrounding mountains offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities when accessible.
What amenities are available at camping sites near Nathrop, CO?
Amenities at camping sites near Nathrop vary widely depending on the type of campground. Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins offers full hookups and is considered one of the most beautiful RV parks in the area. For a more natural experience, Cascade provides basic facilities while being conveniently located near four-wheeling areas. National Forest campgrounds typically offer picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Dispersed camping areas provide few or no amenities but offer more privacy and scenic locations. Some campgrounds have potable water during peak season, while others require you to bring your own. Cell service is limited throughout the region, especially in canyon areas. Most developed campgrounds have a camp host during the summer season who can provide local information.
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