Dispersed camping near Salida, Colorado offers diverse terrain from high-altitude forests to riverside spots. The elevation ranges from 7,000 feet in town to over 9,000 feet at higher campgrounds, creating significant temperature variations between day and night. Most dispersed sites sit on National Forest or BLM land, requiring campers to pack out all waste and supplies while offering minimal facilities.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Browns Creek area provides access to scenic waterfall trails. "Browns Creek trailhead has some nice early season hikes. Main road in is easily driven dirt road, no 4x4 required," reports one visitor to Browns Creek. The trail extends about 3.5 miles to the falls with moderate elevation gain.
Fishing for trout: O'Haver Lake offers productive fishing in a high alpine setting. "The trout fishing here is incredible and many folks were getting their 4 fish limit each day," notes a camper at Ohaver Lake Campground. The lake sits at 9,000 feet elevation and requires a Colorado fishing license.
Whitewater rafting: Camp near Browns Canyon for easy river access. "Love everything about staying here and having camp at our takeout from the Arkansas/Browns Canyon run!" shares a visitor to Hecla Junction. River trips range from gentle family floats to challenging Class IV rapids depending on water levels and section.
What campers like
Mountain views: Many sites offer panoramic mountain scenery. "Beautiful view of divide in one side and Arkansas Valley on the other," mentions a camper at Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area. The surrounding peaks include several "fourteeners" (mountains over 14,000 feet).
Affordable options: Free dispersed camping provides budget-friendly alternatives to developed sites. "This is a BLM dispersed camping site north of Salida on the road to Hecla Junction Recreation Area... You can't beat the price if you are looking for free camping near world class river rafting," explains a camper at Salida North BLM.
Wildlife encounters: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "We saw Bats, Nighthawks, Turkey Vultures, Coyotes, and Deer," reports a visitor at Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area. Early mornings and evenings typically provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Access roads can be challenging, particularly after precipitation. "Rocky road but we managed it nicely with teardrop trailer... it does get windy here so make sure to tight all down to not get it blown away," advises a visitor to Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site.
Seasonal closures: Some areas restrict access during winter months. "Closed Dec 1-June 1 for wildlife management. Watch out in the wet weather-road super muddy a bit difficult to get through," warns a camper about Browns Creek.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack services like trash removal. "Nothing is officially marked but you can tell where others have camped and many sites have a fire ring... no facilities... no picnic tables at all," explains a camper at Browns Creek South.
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: O'Haver Lake provides multiple recreational options. "Great for teaching the grandkids fishing. Coyotes calling at night and mule deer wandering through the campground," shares a visitor to O'Haver Lake Campground. The small lake allows for easy supervision of children.
Proximity to town: Some campsites offer wilderness experience with quick access to services. "We just kept driving until we found a nice spot and once we parked, it felt like we were the only ones there... definitely would recommend visiting brown dog coffee in Salida," suggests a camper at Browns Creek South Dispersed Camping.
Site spacing: Look for campgrounds with good separation between sites. "Dispersed campsites are spread out so you can't see or hear your neighbors. Great proximity to trailheads and easy to get to," notes a visitor to Browns Creek.
Tips from RVers
Higher clearance recommended: Many access roads require suitable vehicles. "The road starts as tar and converts to gravel. It is a maintained road but is loaded with washboard so you may just have to take it easy if you have a motor home or trailer," advises an RVer at Browns Creek South Dispersed Camping.
Site selection strategy: Drive beyond the entrance area for better options. "We have a 30' trailer and our spot, buried in the tall pines, was an easy in and out. Very quite with only one other camper you could see in the far distance thru the trees," shares an RVer at Browns Creek South.
River access sites: Some campgrounds offer RV spots with river proximity. "The sites for camping were nice, there were many campgrounds to choose from along the area and sites were large and spacious... The Salida campground does have a boat ramp and launch right beside camp and fully backs up to the river itself," notes a visitor to Salida East Campground.
