Best Campgrounds near Salida, CO

Several good campgrounds surround Salida, Colorado for different types of outdoor trips. Turtle Rock Campground works well for campers who want both hiking trails and the Arkansas River nearby. Ruby Mountain Campground sits a few miles south of Buena Vista along the river, making it good for fishing and rafting. Cascade Campground gives you forest camping with stores and restaurants not too far away. Cottonwood Lake Campground has shady spots and mountain views all around. Most roads to these areas stay in decent shape, though some might get rough after rain and need higher vehicles. Some sites feel pretty private while others put you closer to neighbors. You'll find picnic tables and fire rings at most places, and some have flush toilets and drinking water too. Many campgrounds in this area don't have showers, so plan your bathing situation ahead of time. The camping season runs best from late spring through early fall when temperatures stay reasonable, though nights get cold, especially at higher spots. Take all your trash with you when you leave and follow basic outdoor ethics to keep these places nice.

Best Camping Sites Near Salida, Colorado (322)

    1. Salida North BLM

    22 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    9 miles
    Website

    "We were looking for something in the Buena Vista/ Salida area. The spots are about 20 south of BV and about 10 minutes north of Salida. A great base camp for a multitude of activities."

    "Good if you’re near BV or Salida. Road in is rough to start then fine. Had big horn sheep in the campground when we pulled in. Fire pits and picnic tables. Would give it 5 stars if there was a toilet."

    2. Hecla Junction Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 539-7289

    $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."

    "It's a sweet place to camp right on the Arkansas River, just a bit north of Salida, CO, and is known for its river access for whitewater enthusiasts and anglers alike."

    3. Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    16 Reviews
    Poncha Springs, CO
    7 miles
    Website

    "If you ever been to any of the BLM camping locations around Salida, Mt. Shavano is not anything different."

    "Salida is 10 miles away with everything you may need including fast food and Walmart. Temp in the 80’s in July. Falls into the high 50’s at night."

    4. Browns Creek

    22 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    15 miles

    "Located in the middle of Salida and Buena Vista, there are a lot of spots in this area. Most of them are very large and can accommodate RVs and trailers."

    "The location is perfect, situated right between Salida and Buena Vista."

    5. Ruby Mountain Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 539-7289

    $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"

    6. Salida East Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Salida, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 539-7289

    $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."

    "It This camp is 2 miles south of Salida, Co. Good place to reprovision. Most sites have shade. The River and D level sites are on the river. Staff was friendly and helpful."

    7. Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site

    15 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "Located at the bottom of Mount Princeton (14,199 ft) and Mount Antero (14,275 ft). 270-272 is one of the most unpleasant roads I’ve driven, but worth the traverse. Sites are heavily shaded."

    "Kinda busy with good access to Browns creek and the Colorado trail, but otherwise quiet if you can squeeze in. Easy for trailers too."

    8. Ohaver Lake Campground

    10 Reviews
    Poncha Springs, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $28 - $56 / night

    "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."

    "The sites on the inside of the loop are right on the lake and provide a gorgeous view of Mt. Ouray."

    9. Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "Awesome location between Salida and Buena Vista. Keep driving thru the gate and find your own piece of paradise. We have a 24’ RV and out spot, buried in the tall pines, was an easy in and out."

    "Great location with easy drive to Buena Vista & Salida & Mt. Princeton. The only drawback was, well, August dryness & no water nearby."

    10. Shavano Mountain

    6 Reviews
    Poncha Springs, CO
    7 miles

    "Can see Salida from site. Very rough road."

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 322 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Salida, CO

1425 Reviews of 322 Salida Campgrounds



Guide to Salida

Camping near Salida, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views, outdoor activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're a seasoned camper or just starting out, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For instance, at Turtle Rock Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "There are plenty of places to hike and explore and close to BV as well."
  • Fishing: The Hecla Junction Campground is right on the Arkansas River, making it a great spot for anglers. A long-time visitor said, "It's a sweet place to camp right on the Arkansas River, just a bit north of Salida."
  • Mountain Biking: Many campgrounds, like Ruby Mountain Campground, are close to trails perfect for biking. One camper noted, "It has cell service and is wonderful for mountain biking."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at places like Cottonwood Lake Campground. A visitor shared, "A beautiful campground nestled in an aspen grove and evergreens."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. At Cascade Campground, a camper mentioned, "Super clean restrooms, and a friendly but not intrusive campground host."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peacefulness of spots like Browns Creek. One review stated, "This isn’t one of those horribly loud OHV spots."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Clear Creek Reservoir, don’t have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "This is a free dispersed campground."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. One visitor at Cottonwood Lake Campground said, "The lake is VERY popular so during the day especially it is very busy."
  • Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife, especially at Turtle Rock Campground. A camper warned, "Store food wisely, lots of wildlife!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with fun features. At Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA, one parent said, "Lots of great stuff for kids. Slide, playground, mini golf."
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with room to roam. A reviewer at Cascade Campground mentioned, "Spacious and private sites."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. One camper at Hecla Junction Campground advised, "Practice bear-wise safety."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. For example, Browns Creek is noted for being "big rig friendly."
  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites. A visitor at Hecla Junction Campground mentioned, "Sites have been recently upgraded and are quite level and neat."
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season. A camper at Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA said, "You’re meant to make reservations so I did but there’s a lot of empty spots."

Camping near Salida, Colorado, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or an adventure-filled getaway, you'll find it here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Salida, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Salida, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 322 campgrounds and RV parks near Salida, CO and 109 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Salida, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Salida, CO is Salida North BLM with a 4.2-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Salida, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 109 free dispersed camping spots near Salida, CO.

What parks are near Salida, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Salida, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.