Mountainous camping near Buena Vista, Colorado

Pitch your tent between the Arkansas River and the Rocky Mountains at a Buena Vista campsite.

94% (11018 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Buena Vista

Within one hour of Buena Vista

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top mountainous campgrounds near Buena Vista

92%
(18)

Mountain Meadow Glamp Camp

1 site · Lodging160 acres · Alma, Park
Campgrounds, people, noises, regulations, things you won't find here. You will find happiness, peace, the sound of the winds in 3000 year old trees, alpine streams tricking through ancient untouched forests, great horned owls and moose calling into the night, coyote echoing at sunset signaling night approaching, the warm smell of pine and summer grasses, touching the warm rocks next to the stream while you listen to the birds and crickets. I could go on and on, these are the things I see when I close my eyes and think of this place. This site sits at the base of (2) 14ers. in thee middle of a sunken meadow. This is the most beautiful and secluded camping experience you will experience in Colorado. There are miles of 4x4 and atv trails. There are countless hiking trails for day and short nature hikes. Above the site sits bristlecone pines that have appeared in ansel adams prints and are absolutely amazing. The sites sit on 160 private acres which borders national forest. There is a small a-frame tent that's insulated with big windows, locking door, skylight, solar for charging electronics, and a full size bed. The cabin is roughly the size of the full size mattress but seems bigger because of the a-frame roof. Its warm and cozy and keeps the critters and animals out, so you feel safe and comfortable. There are lots of amenities on site.  There is a picnic table, 10'x12' waterproof awning and wood deck.  There is a bbq, bear box, huge stone fire pit and bucket toilet. The road into the site was graded last year but still has small potholes typical of a Colorado county road, most low-profile cars will do fine.  If you have a rv or camper, the turn around is limited, no tow behind campers or vehicles over 20'
from 
$98
 / night
97%
(29)

Sawatch Base Camp

2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Leadville, Lake
Completely surrounded by National Forest in the heart of the Rockies at 10,600 feet in elevation, Sawatch Base Camp is one of a kind property at the site of an old turquoise mine with accessible yet private backcountry lodging. Located 6 miles northwest of Leadville, Colorado and 1 mile north of Turquoise Lake, Sawatch Base Camp is perched on a hill overlooking the Arkansas Headwaters, Leadville and the Mosquito Range including 14er Mt. Sherman. This prime location gives quick access to all the best outdoor recreation of the High Rockies, while also being removed enough to provide solitude and quality time with friends and family. In summer and fall (May through November), the property has vehicle access by Forest Service Road 103- known by many other names depending on mapping service including County Road 9A, Turquoise Chief Rd, and St. Kevin Rd. This segment of road is part of the famous Leadville 100 MTB race, lying at roughly Mile 8/Mile 95. In winter months (roughly Thanksgiving through April), the camp is accessible by snowmobile, ski or snowshoe on groomed multi-use winter trails open to the public. The trek in is approximately 4.4 miles from the Leadville Junction Parking Lot, with an elevation gain of roughly 800 feet. The terrain around the yurt provides backcountry skiing through trees with occasional glades. Our backcountry lodging is designed to have minimal impact on the landscape, intentionally rustic while also providing amenities like a wood stove, solar lighting, plush beds and a roomy indoor space to gather. Firewood and propane for the camp stove are provided. Sawatch Base Camp operates under Lake County CUPs 21-10 and 23-33.
from 
$159
 / night
100%
(1)

Little Buffalo Cabin

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Hartsel, Park
Experience the charm of our historic 1800s cabin, the Little Buffalo Cabin, in Hartsel, Colorado. Explore Colorado's attractions from this central location, including fishing in nearby Gold Medal waters. The property boasts endless mountain views and the site of the town’s original post office. Nearby local amenities include a quick mart, cafe, saloon, and pizza place. Enjoy the spacious living areas, a cozy queen bedroom, and the versatile office/bedroom space with a futon and desk. The perfect home base for exploring the central Colorado mountains! We're Super Hosts, excited to be able to offer this unique experience to the HipCamp community!
from 
$129
 / night
94%
(62)

Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

1 site · RV, Tent160 acres · Alma, Park
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from 
$50
 / night
100%
(5)

Sweet Retreat

4 sites · Lodging1 acre · Twin Lakes, Lake
This cabin is up to par with meeting the safe at home corona virus standards for cleaning. This great little turn of the century bungalow has it all. This home has recently been renovated to have all the upgraded amenities while still preserving that classic historical feel. Large amounts of trails out your back door. One will have easy access to the home with a keypad code to come and go as they please. If you bring a dog there's a $25 pet fee per dog per day! Lake county license# 2022-21
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$149
 / night
94%
(9)

Riverside Vintage Campers

5 sites · Lodging26 acres · Ohio City, Gunnison
Just 20min from Gunnison, sit two Vintage 16ft Shasta Campers that have recently been renovated and updated. Inside the campers there are full size beds that convert into couches as well as a seating areas in the front for eating or reading. The campers have amenities like running water for hand washing, heat, and small fridges. Ohio City is a mecca for hiking, biking, ORV riding, and fishing making this the perfect jumping off point for all the recreation activities in the area.
from 
$99
 / night
100%
(125)

Frenchman's Creek Ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs100 acres · Buena Vista, Chaffee
We have a 100+ acre working ranch with access to the Arkansas river for fishing, kayaking or just dipping your feet in. We have great views of the Collegiate Peaks 14ers and the Harvard trail is just up the hill. Frenchman's creek runs through the ranch which has hay fields, aspens, cottonwoods, pinons, cows, chickens, sheep and pigs. Deer, elk, coyotes and bobcats also wander through. We are 15 minutes from BV, 10 minutes from Clear Creek Reservoir, 20 minutes from Twin Lakes and 30 minutes from Leadville.
from 
$55
 / night
98%
(60)

Riverfront Mountain Ranch

10 sites · Lodging5 acres · Buena Vista, Chaffee
Welcome to our geographic phenomenon! Here at the continental divide; we are lucky to have it all for the Outdoor Enthusiast. Our 5 acre Campground sits right along the Arkansas River. There are (2) 1 Min trails that lead you straight to River Access. Not wanting to get that close? No worries; watch the paddlers and rafters float by all summer long. If the Arkansas River is not enough of a playground for you, you will be happy to know that you have an uninterrupted view of Mount Princeton and the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Peaks. We are also located 1/2 mile from some of the most famous mountain biking trails the USA offers. Mount Princeton Hot Springs are a beautiful 10.5 mile (15 min) drive away. Our campground offers a dreamy Bathhouse with 5 glamoured showers and 5 bathrooms. We have (14) Yurt glamping sites and (2) Riverfront studio cabins. All sites have electricity (heaters included), parking, fire pits (unless we are facing a fire ban), and picnic table. In addition, we have a large community bonfire location and there is access to outdoor grilling. We are excited to have you!
from 
$195
 / night
90%
(26)

Camp with a view!

1 site · Tent2 acres · Jefferson, Park
We purchased this land as a campsite for family outings. We have 2 kids and 2 dogs that love running through the aspens, cedars, and pines. There are 2 stocked fishing ponds in the neighborhood you're welcome to use. (Stocked in June usually). Fire pit, small camp toilet, and plenty of wood if the county doesn't have any fire restrictions. You're welcome to drive onto the property to unload your camp gear but please park on the cul-de-sac. Enjoy!
from 
$25
 / night
100%
(1)

Tyler S.’s Land

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Fairplay, Park
from 
$25
 / night
100%
(1)

Honeydome Hideaway

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Como, Park
This is the most charming Dome with all of the amenities, a full kitchen with accessories, table with chairs, full bath, a work station, Wi-Fi, etc. Inside you will find the dome to be spacious and very comfortable. It is great for couples, (Smart Queen bed with (2) 73" cots provided in case friends come), solo adventurers, and business travelers. The dome sits on 2 acres. It is 1 mile from a fishing pond as well as 1 ½ miles from a national forest with ATV trails. Beautiful 360 degree views from the wrap around deck!
from 
$150
 / night
100%
(28)

Camp Lake View

1 site · RV, Tent38 acres · Guffey, Park
Learn more about this land:This camp site is directly across the road from Eleven Mile Reservoir. With this site being around 3000 feet from the reservoir you will be able to enjoy all the amazing views and amenities the reservoir has to offer without the crowded camp grounds. You will need a park pass to access the reservoir but not to camp on the land. A 1/4 mile down the road is access to nation forest for going off road or get a parks pass and fish at one of the many amazing fisheries in the area like Eleven mile, Spinney and Eleven mile canyon. The south shore boat ramp is less than 4 miles away. This area does get windy so be careful setting up awnings and pop up tents or anything the wind likes to blow away. The site has a slight pitch but leveling out your camper should be relatively easy. No trees on the land to block your 360 degree mountain views.
from 
$45
 / night

Star Hosts in Buena Vista

Under $50

Available this weekend

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Mountainous camping near Buena Vista guide

Tiny Buena Vista lies in South Central Colorado and boasts a population of 2,700, give or take 100. There’s 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. It’s one of seven officially designated wilderness areas within the San Isabel National Forest. Here you’ll find some of the highest mountains in the Rockies named after Ivy League schools. It’s a mountain climber’s smorgasbord, with eight of Colorado’s 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 Vista’s 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. It’s the perfect end to your perfect outdoor adventure.

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