Salida North BLM

This is a BLM dispersed camping site north of Salida on the road to Hecla Junction Recreation Area.  The river access is about 5 miles away down a steep dirt and gravel road.   The BLM site is very basic with no facilities.  The campsites are not marked but easy to identify by the campfire rocks and road patterns.  You can’t beat the price if you are looking for free camping near world class river rafting.  Like all dispersed camp sites you get a diverse mix of users from long term residents to temporary van and tent campers.  The site is located immediately off the access road to the river and provides some tree cover for the sun and wind.  It can be a rather windy and dusty spot.  So you will need to have a good tent or other cover in the summer or during wind events.  The site is patrolled by BLM and other park officials.   They have some great hikes here and nice scenery.  However, the highlight here is the proximity to the Arkansas River and river rafting.   The the Hecla Campground is full this could serve as a good plan B for free.  You will need your own toilet, food, and water.   You will also need to pack out your trash as they do not have any trash removal.   If you are used to dispersed camping, this will be straightforward.   

Nice Staging for Arkansas River 



**Campground Review:**

We are loving all of the free camping on BLM land in Colorado.  Salida North was no exception!  We easily found a place to park and had plenty of cell service (and Verizon hotspot signal) to work while we were there.  There are pretty mountain views from the sites as well.  We felt really safe here – a ranger even drove through every day checking on things.  We easily found a spot for our 30’ RV and there were really awesome tent sites there as well.  This was a perfect free spot for us to set up for a few nights while enjoying the super cute town of Salida (be sure to check out Elevation Brewery)!

**Product Review:**

As a Dyrt Ranger, I get to test products from time to time.  I was fortunate to be able to test the [Outdoor Element Firebiner](https://www.outdoorelement.com/product/firebiner/).  I am so happy to have this product!  It is super lightweight (only 1 ounce) so carrying it on every hike is a no brainer.  It has all kinds of useful tools – a bottle opener, a safety blade and a screwdriver to name a few.  However, my favorite feature is the fire starter.  I currently carry a flint and steel in my pack, but I definitely struggle to get a spark with that.  I have no trouble getting the Firebiner to spark!  I feel way more confident having the Firebiner with me than I ever did the flint and steel.  It also has 100 pound capacity as a carbineer too.  This product’s price point is great, and the functionality is even better.  I have my Firebiner clipped to my pack and I couldn’t be happier about it!

Ranger Review:  Outdoor Element Firebiner at Salida North BLM

Camp Site Review:

I came across this spot from a previous Rangers review! 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. The Arkansas river is a minute down the road, it is the take out spot for the popular Browns Canyon section. Within 20 minutes of driving you have multiple Colorado 14ers to hike, amazing fishing, miles of mountain biking trails and 2 amazing towns with great places to eat or grab a beer. 

  

The spot itself is very basic, as most BLM sites are. A simple rock fire ring built by past occupants and a small spot to park. That is about it. No bathrooms, no tables and no designated spots. I counted about 8 or so "spots", all fairly spread out. There were a few RV's parked, so plenty of room if that is what you are driving. Did i mention its free! 

  

Vey easy to find, follow highway 285 until you see the Hecla Juntion forest service sign. Once turning off 285 onto country road 194, you will drive about 1/4 mile, looking on your right for a small white sign with some rules for camping and the BLM logo. 

  

Overall i was very impressed with this spot. Easy to get to and the spot was large and flat for tents. The view was the best part, multiple 14ers directly in eye shot while hanging around by the fire. Cant beat it. 

  

Product Review:

As a Ranger of The Dyrt, i sometimes get to test out products. At this campground i tested the [Wenzel Camp Quilts](https://wenzelco.com/alpine-camp-quilt/). My first impression was i loved the look. The design on the quilt is beautiful and vibrant. The feel is that of a sleeping bag, it is very soft and comfortable. The reason i wanted one of these quilts is because i live in Colorado and even in the middle of summer, most camp spots will get down to the mid 40's. The quilt did not disappoint. It was very warm when sitting out side and around the fire. To really test it out, i decided to not use my sleeping bag and just use the quilt. The temp got down to 43 degrees and i woke up extremely warm.  The only negative i have here is that i feel the blanket will get beat up using it outdoors a lot.

Ranger Review: Wenzel Camp Quits at Salida North BLM

It’s a Monday evening and only a few campers dispersed in a beautiful little canyon. Great sunset views of Princeton. 


Sweet spot - FREE

Several spots on the right after you turn off 285 but we’re totally full of RVs and campers. I drove further up the road than where the pins is for this location. Before you hit the recreational area there a dirt road on the left, 4x4 and some clearance is needed. Only saw 2 tents close to the pull off and never heard anyone. I car camped and had a great view. The bugs were bad at night with the lamps but no problems otherwise. Even had full phone service. 

Quiet and Private

We absolutely loved this BLM spot. It's about a 12 minute drive to Buena Vista or Poncha springs (which has water and a dump station) and a 20 minute drive to downtown Salida. We saw 2 great horned owls during our stay on several occasions. It was quiet (some highway noise) and in a beautiful canyon with great mountain views. We parked at the very end and while it was a bit of a rough road to get there it was worth the views and solitude. We stayed a week. No facilities here including trash. There's a recycling center just down the street too!

A bit of work to get here but worth it! 

Beautiful spot right near the arkansas river. A little bit of road noise was acceptable given the convenient location.

Great alternative to hecla junction

Great spot to car camp! Super convenient being right off 285. Camped on a Thursday night and only a few other people around. Quiet, comfortable, and beautiful views. 

Convenient site

This is a convenient spot right off US 285 between BV and Salida. We arrived just after 10 am on the Friday of July fourth weekend and got what we think was the best spot for our truck and 20’ travel trailer - in the large clearing just before it narrows and goes downhill a bit to two more smaller sites. Our spot was somewhat level and we didn’t see any trash or waste other than the standard stray pop tabs and rubber bands. Highway noise didn’t bother us since we were in a trailer. The only negative was that since we were essentially parked in a large clearing, there wasn’t much privacy. For a free campsite with an amazing view of the Collegiate Peaks this definitely deserves a 5-star rating. Reminder for y’all to go through the mud and not around it… oh, and you can fill your water tanks in BV for $4 at the public works building, 755 Gregg Dr (no dump station).

Non-sketchy free camping between BV and Salida

We got there at 5pm on a Saturday and got one of the last spots, no privacy but it was worth it. Awesome views in every direction. Camp spot was a little uneven, may be hard to find a level spot but we made it work. 

  

Road going in was a little bumpy but any car should be able to make it.

  

Overall I'd recommend it.

Sweet popular spot conveniently off the highway

Nice spot to spend the night. Dirt road was a little rough for my 2wd sedan but we made it through all right - just be mindful of your speed. Got one of the last sites all the way at the end of the road near the private property sign - secluded and quiet. Would camp there again 

Nice Spot for the Night 

Very quiet stay with few visitors except for the mountain goats who were just a curious of us as we were of them.  Great weather here too.