This CPW campground is right off Highway 50 and is easy to pull in and out with a trailer. For how busy the campground sites and roads are, the campground is surprisingly quiet. Epic Mountain Views and awesome Arkansas river access make it a great spot for a trip to the area. 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.

No water or trash service, but port-a-Johns are scattered throughout the campsites and vault toilets on the west side near the ramp exist for day users and some campers. Campsites are close together and do not offer much privacy, but the cost is less than the nearby RV parks and private campgrounds. We were in site 1617 for a two night stay in summer, and found the campground packed Saturday night and dead by noon on Sunday. Fishing and rafting is just feet away, and there are numerous recreation options to choose from in the area.

Very little shade on campsites and many sites are in a parking lot on the east side of the campground. There is a nice trail that takes campers down to the river, and plenty of access for fishing. Since they fire ban had just lifted, our fire pit was not maintained, but it wasn’t difficult to clean out. Hot during the day and cool and night, and overall a good experience.