Join the fun near Salida. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Colorado camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Salida. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
$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."
"Salida is a short drive or good walk from the campground, and a lot of restaurants and shops are less than ten minutes from the campground."
$40 - $50 / night
"It’s also right across the road from a Walmart and a Sonic, but down in a small valley so you don’t hear the road noise. It was our first night in our new RV and we’d happily go back."
"I stayed 2 nights in a rooftop tent while exploring the Salida and Buena Vista areas. Ran by really nice folks. Bathrooms/ showers were clean. Campground was quiet."
$20 - $40 / night
"There are pull-in spots with fire pits and tables, there is a bathroom a ways down toward the beginning of the road, but everything else is primitive."
"after reading the reviews and spending the day in salida, we tried our luck looking for a spot here around 5pm on a saturday in mid august. while the signs say only camp in numbered spots, we found that"
$40 - $60 / night
"Stayed here while thru hiking the colorado trail, what a wonderful time! Salida is a quick drive away and the trail is only a mile up the road. Staff was incredible and store well stocked."
"On site laundry and very clean bathhouse. It’s near a highway but we never found the road noise a problem. Didn’t even notice except an occasional truck using Jake brakes."
$40 - $180 / night
"The camp staff was all very friendly. We had a nice site with very easy hookups! There are hiking/biking trails right off the road from the campsites."
"Also nice that they have a coffee shop on site (and made a good cappuccino!). Very close to the Midland Hills Trailhead (rode our bikes from site)."
$60 - $300 / night
"Our family and another reserved two sites next to each other. The pools on site were perfect for the kids. On site mini golf was a blast. The views in the campground were awesome."
"They have lots of outdoor activities on site: mini golf, tetherball, swimming pool, play areas, cornhole, etc. Wonderful location with a peaceful stream running through it."
"The camp sites were simple but great and you have total access to all hot springs, bathrooms, showers, sauna, AND a communal outdoor kitchen."
"Clothing optional hot springs and camping"
$89 - $329 / night
$80 / night
"The RV spots are on one side of the large parking lot, with the hook up spaces in the middle, with non-electric spots running around two of the outside sides. "
"The Sangre de Christo Mountains tower in the distance and on a moonlit night, they positively glow from the farthest pool."
$28 / night
"It tends to be a bit loud at night being so close to a major roadway but the breeze that blows through the canyon takes the edge off the heat."
"Our original spot ended up being closed and this was near by.
Great little campground. The sites are a bit small but we fit our 2 tents."
GuideThis place was great! We originally planned just to do a daily soak before heading to our next campsite but ended up just staying here because we enjoyed it so much. The camp sites were simple but great and you have total access to all hot springs, bathrooms, showers, sauna, AND a communal outdoor kitchen. We participated in the clothing optional experience but didn’t feel like we had to. Great people all around from guests to staff. Highly recommend!
ScoutWe were charged $170 for a site in the middle of a gravel parking lot. It included dinner, breakfast and use of the hot springs. The WiFi didn’t reach us, but worked in the buffet style cafeteria-like dining area. Way overpriced for the experience!
TravelerLooking at the website from the link on The Dyrt, there's no mention of RV sites, just Glamping cabins, etc. UPDATE: I'm headed to Canon City area so I'll check out this campground to verify.
LegendJust going to start by saying that camping is not why people come here -- it’s for the waters! The spa offers numerous pools and tubs at varying temperatures so you can find your joyful spot– be sure to check out the cold plunge pool as well.
The RV spots are on one side of the large parking lot, with the hook up spaces in the middle, with non-electric spots running around two of the outside sides. We were in one of these spots because we run completely on solar to save money. There are zero trees around the lot so sunshine was plentiful.
The bathrooms were clean, modern and nice, as was the small, shared kitchen where we could do dishes. In addition to camping the resort offers hotel rooms, private yurts, tipis, conference rooms and other hotel services. In addition to the soaking being included in the price, so was a buffet style breakfast and dinner. The food was delicious, and veggie/ organic friendly. The whole experience was very reasonably priced and relaxing!
There’s a lot of hiking nearby, in the mountains to the north, west and east- but definitely a drive away. We didn’t check out the walking path in the spa, but they did offer yoga classes in the yurt as well as private massages services and a host of other spa treatments.
There aren’t a lot of nearby towns that offer larger grocery stores, Crestone has a small co-op grocery as does Buena Vista, so if you are planning on cooking for yourself, come prepared.
LegendI was hoping to go here to see some people launching their white water rafting, however that was not the case when I was visiting. Despite being open year round there was not a lot of activity going on when I was there in late October during midweek. The surroundings were amazing, however I opted to not stay because a cold front was coming in to push through some snow, probably the reason why people where not rafting.
The sites for camping were nice, there were many campgrounds to choose from along the area and sites were large and spacious. Most importantly they were reasonably priced at only $18. Part of what makes these camps be able to not close their doors seasonally is their vault toilets, with no running water at camp they do not have to worry about pipes bursting or issues relating to this so camp can keep going.
Sites are equipped with traditional picnic table, fire ring and grill and there is a changing area at the campground too just to get out of the gusty winds and provide a bit of shelter for getting cleaned up each day.
The Salida campground does have a boat ramp and launch right beside camp and fully backs up to the river itself so you have amazing views from any campsite. You really can't lose with this place!!
TIPS:
Come prepared there is limited cell service here and no store on site so you will be needing to go to town if you forget anything.
Check weather conditions, though open year round you will want to prepare if cold fronts are passing through as this area is already a bit cooler being so close to the waters edge.
TravelerThey have a great staff that is friendly and always accessible! We have a back-in site but they have pull throughs also. There is a playground for the kids, laundry, and bathrooms with showers. They allow fires and provide a “fire pit” that is constructed from an old washer tub with legs welded on. Just ask for one at the front desk. They also sell firewood for the fire. Oh, and they come by and pick up your trash at your site between 9-5 each day just leave your bag out by the road. There are full hookups at most of the sites. The area is in walking distance of the Gunnison River and there is a nice hiking trail on the south side of the river heading west. There is also a bike path that goes back into town and up the road toward Crested Butte. On the main road (intersection of CR11 and highway 135) there is a bus stop for a free bus trip into Gunnison. The men’s bathroom had a couple of issues, the overhead light didn’t work very well and one of the toilets was malfunctioning but they got those fixed pretty quickly. There is a nice combination of shade (from the trees) and sun at all the sites.
ScoutThis 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. Each site has a new, well maintained, level, raised, small gravel footprint for a tent, a metal/concrete large picnic table, and big metal fire pit. We backed our trailer in with ease. The porta potties are new, well maintained, and smells good. Only drawback is the campsite is right off a busy road, so there is road noise. But the road was pretty quiet over the night. There is also river access for boats at this location.
TravelerTurtle Rock is the perfect spot for those looking for an experience in-between full facilities camping and dispersed. There are pull-in spots with fire pits and tables, there is a bathroom a ways down toward the beginning of the road, but everything else is primitive. The campground host, Don, introduced himself and was incredibly accommodating and hopped in to help me pitch my tent when it had started raining and offered up spots to get water, dump trash, etc. I could not have imagined a better experience at this “dispersed” site. Just 10 minutes from town and has everything you could need.
GuideThe campground is very clean and close to Twin Lakes. Sites are not on the water but it’s within walking distance to the rocky beach. There was not running water when we visited but they had a large water tank and we brought bottled. Close to a small camp store and gas station. There is great hiking in the area. We loved to hike on the other side of the lake to the old resort. The star gazing is also great. We would stay here again!
Frequently Asked Questions
What glamping options are available in Salida, Colorado?
The Salida area offers diverse glamping experiences ranging from luxurious to rustic-plus. Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins provides comfortable cabins with amenities like a playground, laundry facilities, and shower access while still offering the camping experience with fire pits. For a unique experience, Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust combines camping with hot springs access in a clothing-optional environment. While traditional glamping cabins and yurts are available seasonally, some properties also offer glamping tents with real beds, electricity, and premium furnishings that provide comfort while maintaining a connection to nature.
What seasons are best for glamping in Salida, and when should I book?
Summer (June-August) offers optimal glamping conditions in Salida with warm days and cool nights perfect for enjoying outdoor amenities. Fall (September-October) brings spectacular foliage and fewer crowds but cooler evenings. Joyful Journey Hot Springs is especially popular year-round due to its thermal pools that make even shoulder season visits comfortable. For premium spots like Monarch Spur RV Park & Campground, book 3-6 months ahead for summer weekends and holidays. Many glamping facilities in the area close or reduce operations during winter months (November-April), so confirm availability if planning an off-season visit.
How much does glamping near Salida cost compared to traditional camping?
Glamping near Salida typically costs 2-4 times more than traditional camping. While public campgrounds like Salida East Campground offer basic sites for $20-28 per night, glamping options start around $75-100 for simple setups and can exceed $200 for luxury experiences. Turtle Rock Campground represents the middle ground, offering an experience between full facilities and dispersed camping at moderate prices. Premium glamping accommodations that include hot springs access, like those at some resorts, can cost $150-200+ per night but often include meals and amenities. The price difference reflects added conveniences: real beds, electricity, climate control, private bathrooms, and sometimes included activities or meals.
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