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. Salida camping offers access to beautiful mountain scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the Arkansas River Valley. Take all your trash with you when you leave and follow basic outdoor ethics to keep these places nice.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
$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"
"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."
"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."
$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."
$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."
"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."
LegendThis isn’t really a true dispersed camping spot. It’s designated sites only and the sites are close together in a campground style loop. Fire pits but no other amenities. 1 bar Verizon and it’s a ways past the marker on the the Dyrt. Maybe 2 miles down the bumpy washboard road to get to the first loop. Some good views but can be cold and windy up here.
LegendThis is a group camp spot but it is very small maybe only 2 or 3 acres. There is a gravel loop and the group sites are not clearly marked. There are just some random fire pits and picnic tables thrown around. You have to make reservations online at recreation.gov the site does have some some Verizon signal but it’s not great. The surrounding forest are peaceful and nice to walk l. Closed seasonally so beware before showing up
ScoutI am a return visitor to the Salida RV Resort. I have stayed at two other campgrounds in the area, but Salida RV Resort has become my go-to. The resort is modern with all new and clean amenities, the staff is responsive to emails and very friendly in person, and the location is convenient to Salida and the activities of the area. The sites are level and fully functional. They have a nice walking path along the river with an available pickle ball court for those who might play. As for me, I am a fly fisherman and enjoy fishing the Arkansas River. I enjoy camping next to the river, and have even caught quite a few brown trout in my "backyard" behind the camper.
ScoutGreat campground about 15 spots first come first serve easy to find! Camped for a few nights, didn’t hear a peep from other campers!
There are four big horn sheep that hang out in the last two campsites along the cliffs! What a cool little spot!
ScoutPossibly the best dispersed camping I’ve found. Lots of sites, lots of privacy, great views. Only slight downside is that it has been pretty windy, but it’s not the end of the world.
The road up is a bit washed out but I’ve seen a few cars up here that I wouldn’t have expected to get past that, so it isn’t too bad.
Also, the Applejack RV resort you pass by on the way in offers showers for $7 if you’re in need.
GuideQuiet with not another camper in site
Great setting Level sites
Probably 6-7 sites with makeshift fire rings
Check fire restrictions!!!
LegendRight off the main highway. Great Verizon signal. Water & dump station. Huge playground for the kids. Storage facility on site and also used for dry storage of RVs. More camping spots if you go further back to the right of the park. Lots of camping spots available but are close together.
LegendFull Verizon lte and the furthest down the long and bump road. These campgrounds are so similar there is just no reason to go all the way down to this one. Unless all the spots are filled just stay at one of the other 50 along the lake there is no reason other than you can probably have it all to your self if if come all the way down to this one
LegendFull Verizon lte. All these campgrounds around this lake are pretty much identical. This one has some shaded picnic tables which is nice but only at a couple spots. Has a vault toilet and water pump like the other but it is up on a hill overlooking the lake. I think this is probably the best view. Also it has a massive gravel lot for big rigs and boat trailers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots near Salida, Colorado?
Salida is surrounded by exceptional camping options for every preference. Angel Of Shavano Group — Psicc offers secluded sites with a fishing pond, beaver ponds, and the North Fork South Arkansas River flowing past. For those seeking views of the Collegiate Peaks, Browns Canyon Dispersed provides beautiful vistas just 20 minutes from town. Cascade Campground earns high marks for being off the beaten path with minimal traffic while providing access to excellent four-wheeling areas. Road 240 Dispersed camping is popular for riverside spots and shade. For lakeside camping, O'Haver Lake features excellent trout fishing with about 35 sites surrounding the water. These diverse options accommodate both those seeking developed facilities and adventurers preferring more primitive experiences.
What is the best time of year to go camping in Salida, CO?
The ideal camping season in Salida runs from late spring through early fall (May-September). Summer offers warm days perfect for enjoying the Arkansas River and high-country adventures, while late June through August provides the most consistent weather. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers, though some higher elevation sites like Ohaver Lake Campground may not be accessible until snowmelt completes. Fall offers spectacular aspen colors and fewer crowds, especially at sites like Rocky Ridge Camground — Eleven Mile State Park. Be prepared for cool nights year-round, as even summer evenings can dip into the 40s at higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so plan activities accordingly.
Are there free campgrounds available in Salida, CO?
Yes, several free dispersed camping options exist around Salida. 228A Dispersed Campsite offers beautiful scenery and convenient access to the Colorado Trail and nearby towns. Road 240 - Dispersed provides numerous wooded sites along the road leading to a lake, with opportunities to camp alongside a river. Browns Canyon Dispersed area features multiple spots with Collegiate Peaks views about 20 minutes from town. Additionally, Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area offers free camping that can accommodate larger rigs. When using these free sites, follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and be aware that most lack amenities like toilets or running water. Free sites typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving mid-week or early in the day is recommended during peak season.
What amenities are available at campgrounds near Salida, Colorado?
Campground amenities near Salida vary widely from full-service to primitive options. Riverside RV Park offers riverside sites with the Arkansas River flowing through the campground, providing soothing sounds at night. Pleasant Valley RV Park features fishing access steps from campsites with a peaceful setting despite being close to main roads. Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins provides some of the most developed facilities in the area. At public campgrounds like Buffalo Pass and Cascade, you'll typically find clean restroom facilities in more natural settings. Some campgrounds, like Rocky Ridge at Eleven Mile State Park, offer pay showers (requiring quarters). Many developed sites provide picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while RV parks generally include hookups, showers, and sometimes WiFi. Dispersed camping areas have no amenities, so come prepared with everything you need.
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