Are you in need of a campground near Poncha Springs, CO? Poncha Springs is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Poncha Springs and user-submitted reviews.
"It's about a 12 minute drive to Buena Vista or Poncha springs (which has water and a dump station) and a 20 minute drive to downtown Salida."
"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. "
$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.)"
"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."
"Off of HWY 285 between Poncha Springs and Buena Vista, we took County Road 270W for ~ 1.5 miles to a 4-way intersection and continued .... the road changes to FR 272 and we stayed on for another few miles"
"The hiking is good with several trailheads and easy access to the Colorado Trail."
$28 - $56 / night
"The dirt road arriving to Ohaver lake is certainly one to proceed slowly on."
"This is one of my favorites from this summer trip to Colorado. O’Haver Campground is a high altitude lakeside campground outside of Salida Colorado."
$28 / night
"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"
"Ruby Mountain is located a few miles south of Buena Vista Colorado along the Arkansas River. The site can be accessed from the main highway down a dirt and gravel road."
"There are several sites right at the entrance but the best a a little further back. There is room for 30- 40 or more. Just depends on how close you want to be to others."
"Poncha Springs is only 10 minutes away in Salida another 10 minutes. There's a Walmart in Salida which has a very good beverage selection."
"Great location with easy drive to Buena Vista & Salida & Mt. Princeton. The only drawback was, well, August dryness & no water nearby."
"I pulled in here around 8 PM on a Tuesday and had intentions to stay for multiple nights."
"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!"
$28 / night
"This campsite is a couple miles outside of Salida. Along the river it offers beautiful views and immediate access to the river. The camp host is friendly and the campsite is very well maintained."
"This CPW campground is right off Highway 50 and is easy to pull in and out with a trailer. For how busy the campground sites and roads are, the campground is surprisingly quiet."
GuideWe remember this area being over run with rvs and atvs. They camped and parked all over the place. Now it has a concession. The area was improved. Only thing now is the host won't enforce rules. Like leash, no atvs, folks parking in first come first serve and saving a spot for a friend ( against the law) and tents off the pads. The poor fish are totally harassed and left for dead on shore. People need to learn if they fafo they can lose all our public lands. That wonderful experience we all loved as kids? Gone!
GuideBoth areas, Castle rock, Gulch, and mushroom gulch have forest roads with multiple disperse, camping spots off the road in both open and secluded areas. Including areas where multiple vehicles can park and camp in the same central location. Roads continue for miles and miles with many camp spots. Some roads are well maintained while others are rockier and more rugged.
RangerFound this spot on our way out from the sand dunes and it was perfect! Quiet and secluded so can’t complain. Right down from the trailhead. Easy drive, can get a little bumpy but nothing an all wheel drive can’t handle.
TravelerOpen spots Memorial Day Weekend. Well labeled from Highway 50 just before entering Salida. About or greater than 20 camping spots (but we didn't venture to the last site). Initial road was more rough but evens out as you go further back (we don't have 4-wheel but made it no problem). Porta-potties when you enter the road but no toilets for the campsites further back. Built in fire pits at each established campsite.
TravelerOnly about 10-15 campsites in the section but good area to camp. They've added portapotties to help with the toilet issue but they're only at the entrance. Get there early if you want to reserve a site!
ScoutLots of dispersed camping throughout this area. At this spot we found a nice area for a tent that had a fire pit.
GuideNot bad close to river. Ideal for tenting or small RV. Hiking nearby. 2025.05.24
GuideNice easily accesable spot There are 2 ways in. It is mostly open but there are areas that have more trees and therefore more privacy. 2025.05.24
ScoutJust a dirt spot, not very level, fire ring next to the rocky drop off. Extra dusty, people have dumped trash in the area be careful.
Camping near Poncha Springs, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Poncha Springs, Colorado, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Poncha Springs, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 296 campgrounds and RV parks near Poncha Springs, CO and 100 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Poncha Springs, CO is Salida North BLM with a 4.2-star rating from 21 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 100 free dispersed camping spots near Poncha Springs, CO.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Poncha Springs, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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