Dispersed camping along the Arkansas River takes on a rustic character at Stone Cabin, where roughly seven sites spread along a dirt road within Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. The road conditions require some vehicle clearance, as Tim R. notes you'll "definitely need some clearance as the road is pretty rough." Sites sit directly off this access road, with the most coveted spots positioned right alongside the flowing water.

Two distinct camping areas provide different experiences. Sites straight ahead from the entrance hug the riverbank but fill quickly, especially during peak summer months when every spot can be occupied by mid-week. The right turn at the entrance leads to a more open area with additional sites set back from the water. Each site includes a fire grill, though no established fire rings exist. Two portable toilets serve the entire camping area and receive regular maintenance.

River access defines much of the appeal here, with safe water for children to try fly fishing and short hiking paths leading down to the Arkansas from many sites. Early morning visitors occasionally spot moose near the water. The campground sits within easy reach of places to camp around Granite and provides a free alternative during busy holiday weekends when other areas book solid.

Bring a vehicle with decent ground clearance and arrive early during summer months for the best site selection.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Location

Dispersed Camping

Stone Cabin is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.020569 N
106.237779 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 18 users
    Last on 4/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 39 users
    Last on 4/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 27 users
    Last on 4/27/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 18 users
    Last on 4/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 39 users
    Last on 4/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 27 users
    Last on 4/27/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Stone Cabin needs a permit.

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

86%
15%
0%
0%
0%

5.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the stunning Arkansas River location with well-maintained facilities and peaceful atmosphere. Some noted limited level sites for tents and access challenges requiring vehicle clearance.

Reviewed Oct. 8, 2025

Loved this option

We stayed here on Fourth of July weekend and wished we had longer. Safe water so the kids could try fly fishing and one caught a brown trout, great spots for hammocks, availability on a holiday weekend and the early risers got to see a moose down near the water.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Stone Cabin by Casey C., October 8, 2025
  • Review photo of Stone Cabin by Casey C., October 8, 2025
  • Review photo of Stone Cabin by Casey C., October 8, 2025
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2025

Perfect spot along the river

We were originally hoping to score a spot near twin lakes over the holiday weekend, but ended up finding this area and were so happy we did. Our site (and many others) had river access down a short hiking path and the area was gorgeous. Definitely a spot we will save to go back again in the future.

Sitena
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Stone Cabin by Jillian B., July 7, 2025
  • Review photo of Stone Cabin by Jillian B., July 7, 2025
  • Review photo of Stone Cabin by Jillian B., July 7, 2025
Reviewed Jun. 7, 2024

Beautiful and clean spot to camp

Beautiful setting tucked away in its own little spot. Camp sites are super clean. I would bring a small car back here. You'll definitely need some clearance as the road is pretty rough.

Site3rd site in once you enter
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Stone Cabin by Tim R., June 7, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2023

Right next to the Arkansas River

Stone cabin - maybe only 2 level sites which is an issue for tent campers. All the sites are just off the dirt road that runs through the area. Spectacular alongside arkansas river. If you go straight on at the entrance the sites are by the river but it’s very popular. We pulled in during the middle of the week in August and every site taken. Maybe 7 sites total. There are 2 porta potties. If you turn right immediately after entering from Highway 24, it takes you into a much more open area with a lot more sites but it’s just further away from the river. Every site has its own fire grill. No firepits. There is one site at the very end of the road once you turn right at the entrance that could be very cool but you cannot get your car down to it.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Stone Cabin by Chris P., August 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Stone Cabin by Chris P., August 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Stone Cabin by Chris P., August 11, 2023
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Jul. 5, 2023

Overall Great Site

Great location, 10 minutes from Buena Vista and 30 minutes from Mt. Yale. Site was easy to access, and the roads are fine for 2WD. We visited fourth of July weekend and still had multiple spots to choose from. We chose a site right next to the river and head great views with tons of space.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Stone Cabin by Sydney R., July 5, 2023
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2023

Easy Access Dispersed Camping

Perfect, easy pull off by the Arkansas River. No official facilities but there are currently two portable toilets that seem to be well maintained. The river is so beautiful and sounds amazing at night by a fire. If you follow the main pull off and veer left, there is a small solo site that was so private and quiet.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Dec. 6, 2022

Stone Cabin on Arkansas River

Dispersed sites on banks of Arkansas River, numerous sites popular with river runners in season. In September we had it to ourselves.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Stone Cabin by Mike W., December 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Stone Cabin by Mike W., December 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Stone Cabin by Mike W., December 6, 2022
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Stone Cabin Campground?

Stone Cabin Campground offers a rustic, minimalist camping experience with limited amenities. There are portable toilets available that are generally well-maintained. The campground doesn't provide electricity, showers, or running water. Most sites are situated along the Arkansas River, offering beautiful views and natural soundscapes. Fire rings are available at some sites, allowing for campfires (when restrictions aren't in place). While facilities are basic, the spectacular riverside setting and natural beauty compensate for the lack of developed amenities.

Is dispersed camping allowed at Stone Cabin Campground?

Yes, Stone Cabin is specifically a dispersed camping area with numerous informal sites. The camping spots are spread along the Arkansas River banks, with many sites offering direct river access down short hiking paths. There's no fee or reservation system—sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak seasons, especially holidays and summer weekends, the area can fill quickly. However, even on busy weekends, campers often find available spots. The sites vary in size and levelness, with some better suited for tents than others.

Are there cabins available to rent at Stone Cabin Campground near Buena Vista?

No, despite its name, Stone Cabin Campground doesn't offer rental cabins or permanent structures. The campground consists entirely of dispersed camping sites for tents and RVs along the Arkansas River. If you're seeking cabin accommodations near Buena Vista, you'll need to look into commercial lodging options in town or nearby resorts. The campground name likely references historic structures or features in the area rather than indicating available cabin rentals.

Where is Stone Cabin Campground located near Buena Vista, Colorado?

Stone Cabin Campground is located approximately 10 minutes from Buena Vista, Colorado, along the banks of the Arkansas River. It's also about 30 minutes from Mt. Yale, making it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding mountains. The campground is situated off a dirt road that provides access to multiple dispersed camping sites. Its riverside location offers beautiful views and is particularly popular with river runners during the high season.