$28 / night

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Facilities

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Camping

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Nature

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Established Camping

Point Barr Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

3 Reviews

Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

Please use www.cpwshop.com to make, cancel, or change reservations or make any license, pass, or retail purchases. ReserveAmerica.com has limited functionality for CPW customers. **No-show policy:** If you are unable to occupy your site on the first day of your reservation, please call the park office in order to notify park staff. Otherwise, your reservation will be considered a "no-show" and your site may be resold. "No-show" reservations are ineligible for a refund for those nights or days passed and the fees for any nights or days passed will be retained.

Colorado weather can be unpredictable: be prepared for a variety of weather conditions including extreme hot and cold temperatures, wind, rain, and snow (even in the summer). CPW does not grant exceptions to the refund policy for weather conditions.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Point Barr Campground in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is surrounded by rugged terrain with the Arkansas River nearby. Temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Visitors can explore the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park or enjoy hiking and fishing opportunities in the area.

Description

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is one of the nation’s most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking and home to the most commercially rafted river in the United States, the Arkansas River! Tumbling 4,650’ in 152 miles, boaters can find anything from roaring Class IV and V rapids, to milder Class II and III sections, which are ideal for beginner and family trips. AHRA also offers a world-class trout fishery and sightseeing within the Upper Arkansas River Valley as well as abundant opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, wildlife watching, horseback riding, mountain biking and OHV travel.

AHRA operates eight campgrounds along the Arkansas River, all of which have boat ramps for raft and kayak access.

Please visit the Arkansas Headwaters website for current conditions and more information: https://ahra.mobi/park

By making a reservation with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, you are agreeing to read and abide by all rules stated in this purchase flow and on the confirmation letter.

There is no water, electricity, or firewood available in the campgrounds.
The gathering of firewood in the campground is NOT permitted.
Facilities at AHRA Campgrounds include vault toilets, tent pads, grills, and picnic tables.
Motor craft are NOT permitted on the river.

Please use www.cpwshop.com or call (800) 244-5613 to make, cancel, or change reservations or make any license, pass, or retail purchases. ReserveAmerica.com has limited functionality for CPW customers.

Per CPW regulation, no individual may camp or park a motor vehicle, trailer or camper on a state park for more than fourteen (14) days in any twenty-eight (28) day period on a single park. For the purposes of this regulation, an individual is defined as any person who has occupied a site, whether or not they are formally listed on the reservation as the reserving party or primary occupant.

Any reservations made with one or more days outside of the 6-month reservation window will be frozen to changes for 14 days from the date the reservation was made.

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Location

Point Barr Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is located in Colorado

Directions

Unlike most other Colorado State Parks, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) does not have one set of driving directions to get to the park. This is because the AHRA is actually a linear recreation area that follows the Arkansas River for 152 miles from the high mountains near Leadville, Colorado, to Lake Pueblo, on the edge of Colorado plains. There are a number of highways and roads entering the valley. Along the way, the AHRA has eight basic campgrounds, numerous picnic areas, fishing and boating access points and trail access. PLEASE NOTE: You _do not_ need to check in at the visitor center prior to your arrival if you are camping. You may go directly to the campground.

Address

307 W Sackett Ave
Salida, CO 81201

Coordinates

38.47087677170532 N
105.87107924236827 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Shavano Mountain

27 min away

Mount Shavano and Mount Tabequache

39 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

1 hr 27 min from Pueblo
1 hr 48 min from Colorado Springs
2 hrs 40 min from Denver
2 hrs 54 min from Boulder

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Connectivity

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T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Picnic Table
Reservable
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
30 Amp Hookups
50 Amp Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

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Madie F.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 2, 2025

Amazing Spot!

I haven’t been camping in a LONGGG time…this was my first trip since a kiddo. What an amazing experience. Each spot had a tent pad, fire pit with grill and picnic table…amazing views, rest room was well kept and clean. Seemed like the are was best for tent camping or a small trailer because of the accessibility issue. Would definitely come back!

Site1712

Month of VisitMay

(4) View All

Fabein D.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2024

River Rats

Cool spot right on the river. Fairly close to Salida, but road can be tough for trailers. Nice starry skies but a little highway noise.

Site1704

Month of VisitJuly

Hannah T.

Traveler

Reviewed Feb. 20, 2024

Cool Spot

I’ve camped here many times and enjoy it. It’s hard to get to and impossible for big rigs, but if you’ve got somewhat of an adventurous spirit, it’s worth the trek. It’s right on the arkansas river, also right across from the road, which is a negative as it can be loud with road noise. There’s one vault toilet, so it’s really more like dispersed camping… though there are fire rings and tent pads now. Be careful to check local fire restrictions. You have to make a reservation online… and there is no cell service at this location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos of Point Barr Campground to view before visiting?

Yes, photos of Point Barr Campground are available online to help you visualize the site before your visit. These images typically showcase the riverside location, individual campsites with tent pads and fire rings, and the surrounding natural scenery. Photos can be found on the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area official website and on camping platforms like The Dyrt. Viewing these photos beforehand will give you a good sense of the campground's layout, proximity to the river, and the scenic mountain views you can expect.

What facilities and amenities are available at Point Barr Campground?

Point Barr Campground offers basic but functional amenities right along the Arkansas River. Each campsite includes a designated tent pad, fire pit with grill, and picnic table. The campground has well-maintained and clean restroom facilities. The site is primarily designed for tent camping or small trailers due to access limitations. There's direct river access, making it perfect for fishing or enjoying water activities. Be aware that the campground is situated close to a highway, which can create some road noise during your stay.

What do campers say in reviews of Point Barr Campground?

Campers consistently praise Point Barr Campground for its beautiful riverside location and proximity to Salida. Many highlight the excellent stargazing opportunities and well-maintained facilities, particularly noting the clean restrooms. The campground receives positive feedback for its tent pads, fire pits with grills, and picnic tables at each site. Visitors mention the site is better suited for tent camping or small trailers due to access limitations. Some note the highway noise as a drawback, but most find the natural setting and river access worth this minor inconvenience. Repeat visitors indicate it's a favorite spot worth returning to despite the somewhat challenging access road.

Do I need reservations for Point Barr Campground?

While specific reservation details aren't fully clear from available information, it's generally recommended to make reservations for Point Barr Campground, especially during peak camping seasons (summer months and weekends). Contact the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area directly or check their official website for the most current reservation requirements and procedures. Given the campground's popularity and limited number of sites, securing a reservation in advance would help ensure you have a spot upon arrival.

Where is Point Barr Campground located in Colorado and how do I find it on a map?

Point Barr Campground is located within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area near Salida, Colorado. The campground sits directly on the banks of the Arkansas River. To find it on a map, look along Highway 50 in the vicinity of Salida. The access road may not be prominently marked on all maps, so it's advisable to use GPS coordinates or detailed directions from the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area website. The campground is accessible by vehicle, though the access road can be challenging for larger vehicles or trailers.

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