Pitch your tent between the Arkansas River and the Rocky Mountains at a Buena Vista campsite.
Tiny Buena Vista lies in South Central Colorado and boasts a population of 2,700, give or take 100. Thereâs one traffic light that has its own Facebook page. Check it out to get a fast feel for the gorgeous terrain here in the land of Collegiate Peaks.
The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area stretches between Buena Vista and Aspen to the north. Itâs one of seven officially designated wilderness areas within the San Isabel National Forest. Here youâll find some of the highest mountains in the Rockies named after Ivy League schools. Itâs a mountain climberâs smorgasbord, with eight of Coloradoâs 54 fourteeners.
Campers have nearly limitless choices in Chaffee County. A wide array of Buena Vista campgrounds make great choices for kayakers, rafters, and anglers looking to go tent camping or RV camping. Look out for campsites on the river, some with full hookups and full-service cabins.
Nearly 80% of Chaffee County lands are public lands. Check out one of the dozen campground offerings in the Salida Ranger District Recreation Area. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area offers three, and Twin Lakes Recreation Area has five.
Regardless of where you lay your head, be sure to soak your bones in the hot springs. Buena Vistaâs bubbling geothermal offerings are 100% natural and odorless. Cottonwood Hot Springs and Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort are less than 20 minutes from downtown Buena Vista. Itâs the perfect end to your perfect outdoor adventure.