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Established Camping

Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

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.

Vallie Bridge Campground, near Coaldale, CO, is situated in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. The terrain features riverbanks and surrounding hills, providing a natural setting for camping. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit in winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Arkansas River, popular for fishing and rafting, and the scenic trails of San Isabel National Forest.

Description

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area - Vallie Bridge

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

Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

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. Please see Campground Directions printed at the bottom of your confirmation letter.

Address

307 W Sackett Ave
Salida, CO 81201

Coordinates

38.39127059 N
105.77271427 W

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Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 26, 2021

Highway Noise

Reservation Required cpwshop.com or call 800-244-5613 

Open 365 days barring severe weather 

Basic sites are $28.00 A vehicle pass is required. 

Sites: 16 basic, walk in tent sites with a tent pad, fire grill and picnic table. 

There is one pit toilet. The campsite is located right along side the highway so there might be a bit of traffic noise. The Arkansas River also runs along side the campground and make the complete experience welcome. Between the mountains and the Arkansas this is a great stop. I would not want to spend a lot of time here but for an overnight it is great.

 LNT 

Clean, Drain, Dry 

Stay safe

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by N I., October 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by N I., October 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by N I., October 26, 2021
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2020

Beautiful on the river but tight quarters

Amazing to be right on the river but camp sites are pretty close to one another. Not much sun cover (camp map through state shows which sites have shade) and super windy. 360 views. So beautiful.

  • Review photo of Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Sarah S., August 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Sarah S., August 3, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area?

    Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 50 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.