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.)"
"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."
"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
"Dogs were entertained watching the chipmunks walk in front of them. Great hike near by. Great fishing too walking distance. Short driving distance to Buena Vista and/or Salida."
"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"
"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."
$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."
"Cows are grazing, they’re great but leash up pets. Perfect spot if you want to camp and explore the local area. 80 degrees with most sites offering shade from trees."
"Pulled by a 2 wheel drive tundra. The road in is a little bit rough but I had no trouble. Slow and steady. Once you get up the entrance it is easy driving."
"I pulled in here around 8 PM on a Tuesday and had intentions to stay for multiple nights."
"Great location with easy drive to Buena Vista & Salida & Mt. Princeton. The only drawback was, well, August dryness & no water nearby."
GuideWe and our camping buddies made reservations to stay in this popular park for 6 nights but the only pr was we couldn’t reserve any site for more than two days meaning we would be moving sites constantly during the week. The dirt road arriving to Ohaver lake is certainly one to proceed slowly on. As you climb the mtn the last mile or so you are greeted with numerous washboards on the switchbacks but don’t worry, It’s worth it! When we arrived we noticed that two walk ups had just pulled out, 4 and 5. The friendly camp host allowed us to occupy those side by side sites which meant no moving for the rest of our stay! We enjoyed nice daytime temperatures in the mid 60’s and nighttime temperatures right around 50. And NO humidity! Wow that was great for some Arkansans! Though not on the lake, we found our sites were wonderful! This park is popular! Lots of activity and action on the lake from fishing to kayaking to swimming ( brrr) to sunbathing. We hiked around the lake and enjoyed the beauty of the area. No ATT cell service and no tv access so really enjoyed the down time! On the way out, at the visitors center located at Poncha Springs is a dump station with non potable water for $10 credit/debit card and potable water available at the next building. Thank you Poncha Springs!
GuideWe came down from Boulder to find a great little spot off of 274A! 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 until FR 274 split to the right. Our site was off 274A and had great views.
TravelerThis is a pretty area and it does have a ton of room, great views, etc. but it wasn't the paradise we expected. We planned to stay several nights but decided to leave after one. First, the road in is extremely rough. You can get to quite a few spots lower down, but if your plan is to go higher up on CR 250 or on to some of the other roads that branch off I'd recommend a 4x4 and high clearance.
We noticed on our way in some folks around a large rig with a huge campfire burning, despite a statewide fire ban and wildfires raging in the San Juans to the south. I believe it was that same crowd who spent the better part of the afternoon firing handguns. Another group farther down on the other side had two barking dogs and they filled in the gaps yelling at each other or the dogs...not sure.
So, relatively easy to get to and close to town means busy. Plus, there's plenty of highway noise during the morning and afternoon commute times. Salida/Poncha Springs is a beautiful area but in my opinion there are better places to camp.
GuideWe absolutely loved this BLM spot. 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. We saw 2 great horned owls during our stay on several occasions. It was quiet (some highway noise) and in a beautiful canyon with great mountain views. We parked at the very end and while it was a bit of a rough road to get there it was worth the views and solitude. We stayed a week. No facilities here including trash. There's a recycling center just down the street too!
TravelerThe Gunnison KOA is in a beautiful setting with large trees that is about 75 yards from the river. The spaces are generously sized, although the camping sites could use power outlets. They are very kid and pet friendly; and have a dog park. There is a friendly donkey who roams the grounds, so make sure your 4 legged friends are okay around bigger animals. The bathrooms are clean and functional. The same could not be said for the dishwashing station that is outdoors. It is in horrible condition, including a dripping faucet. Also, be aware that you are very close to the river and there is a mosquito and moisture problem. Even with these minor problems, this is still a great place to stay.
GuideThis 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.
GuideGreat place to camp in Colorado to avoid weekend crowds. Wide open, off the beaten path as far as Colorado goes.
ScoutVery clean, large level spots with gravel and plenty of room in between RVs. Great location, close to Salida and hiking & biking trails. Directly on the Arkansas River -- river view spots are very nice and all spots have a view of the mountains, there's a bit of road noise from nearby highway. Friendly staff, nice clubhouse with showers, pool table & fitness center, there's a small dog park and pickleball courts. Direct access to Arkansas River for kayaks and small boats (walk down to river, can't drive there). Campground internet was spotty but cell service is great so internet is very good if you have a hot spot. Highly recommended, my only complaint is there's no pool or hot tub.
LegendBLM
FREE
Limit: 14 days
The Wildlife Management Area is named after Mt Shavano. A mountain that is considered a must do for mountain climbers. The WMA lies at the base of the mountain. If you travel very slow and steady you can camp in the WMA by following the road in. The road is very rocky, bumpy, and just a little steep in a couple of places if you are pulling a trailer. If you take the plunge there are so many sites to be had to include a fire ring. The backdrop of the mountains is just amazing. 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. Salida is a nice town to head to if you need supplies. The road is so rocky and bumpy we tried to get out as little as possible. We have good service with Verizon but not much with ATT. Nearest dump station is about 2 miles way at the Crossroads Visitor Center in Poncha Springs.
LNT
BTWYFI
Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Poncha Springs, Colorado, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Poncha Springs, CO is Salida North BLM with a 4.2-star rating from 22 reviews.
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