The best waterfall campgrounds near Buena Vista, Colorado

96% (404 reviews)

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience! With over 1,000 options near Buena Vista, Colorado that offer stunning waterfalls, you're sure to find the outdoor adventure you're looking for. Whether you're interested in pitching a tent, setting up your RV, or staying in a cozy cabin, we have a wide range of accommodations to suit your needs. Check out our top campsites like Rabbit Hole Ranch (259 reviews), Nature is FREE (127 reviews), and Creekside Paradise (110 reviews) to see what other campers have loved about these spots. With popular amenities like campfires, showers, and toilets, and activities such as exploring historic sites, hiking, and biking, your camping experience will be nothing short of amazing. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average of $110. Start planning your outdoor getaway today!

Popular camping styles for Buena Vista

Top-rated campgrounds

96% (404 reviews)

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience! With over 1,000 options near Buena Vista, Colorado that offer stunning waterfalls, you're sure to find the outdoor adventure you're looking for. Whether you're interested in pitching a tent, setting up your RV, or staying in a cozy cabin, we have a wide range of accommodations to suit your needs. Check out our top campsites like Rabbit Hole Ranch (259 reviews), Nature is FREE (127 reviews), and Creekside Paradise (110 reviews) to see what other campers have loved about these spots. With popular amenities like campfires, showers, and toilets, and activities such as exploring historic sites, hiking, and biking, your camping experience will be nothing short of amazing. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average of $110. Start planning your outdoor getaway today!

Popular camping styles for Buena Vista

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Mountain Goat Lodge Tipis

98%

(64)

19mi from Buena Vista · 7 sites · Lodging · Salida, CO

The Mountain Goat Lodge is set within 20 acres of rolling pastures at the foot of the famous Sawatch Mountain Range. Our resident goats roam the meadows, providing us with the milk, cheese, and yogurt for our tasty homecooked breakfasts and our cheese-making classes. We are located in central Colorado in pristine wilderness, yet just 6 miles from the historic town of Salida. In addition to the tipis, we are a full service Bed and Breakfast lodge. We have campers and a vintage trailer available to rent. The tipis have a full-sized bathhouse for use by our tipi guests. Guests need to provide their own toiletries and towels. New in 2022: We have added a queen sized bed and mattress to each of the tipis.. Campers still should bring their own bedding (sleeping bags, pillows) or if need be, can rent bedding from us.

2. Meadow Hot Springs Glamping Cabin

96%

(47)

32mi from Buena Vista · 1 site · Lodging · Alma, CO

The Zella Hut is a cabin built in the late 1800's. It was redone in the 70's and recently updated with mid century modern interiors. Now it serves as a backcountry hut in the winter and glamping cabin in the summer. During the winter it can be accessed by skinning, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. During the summer it can be accessed by car. Its a small cabin, but it can sleep 4 in comfort. No Rv campers, van and sprinter rvs ok.

3. Mountain Meadow Glamp Camp

94%

(41)

33mi from Buena Vista · 1 site · Lodging · Alma, CO

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'

4. Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

95%

(96)

34mi from Buena Vista · 1 site · Tent, RV · Alma, CO

5. Twin Bridges Campground

93%

(99)

38mi from Buena Vista · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Coaldale, CO

Overnight, Seasonal, and Extended Stay Camping, we are open year-round. We have 30/50amp sites (shade and partial shade) around our lake, 20 amp in the "upper campground," and dry camping (full facilities) along the Arkansas River (Gold Medal fishing) with access for all campers for fishing and floating. Many of our sites are great for star-gazing, watching meteors, looking for fireflies, and seeing the birds zip on by. We are conveniently located on Hwy 50, in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and have all sorts of rental options for your outdoor adventure needs. Whether you want to pitch a tent, try out the glamping experience, enjoy the convenience of an RV, or rent one of our fully equipped RVs, we have the perfect spot for you. We have four entrances marked by sail flags into the campground, two by the lake, one near the bathhouse, and one by the post office (on our property). The map of the Arkansas River has our campground listed! Adventure awaits with home to the highest mountain peaks in Colorado and the river and 102 miles of Trout Gold Medal Water. There is access to white water rafting, guided fishing, and fishing lessons. There are at least 5 hot springs within 60 miles of Twin Bridges Campground. Salida is considered the white-water rafting capitol of the US by some and has a whitewater park and surfing wave. Salida area is also home to a ton of hiking (14'ers anyone?) and mountain biking trails. The Royal Gorge is a quick 30 minute drive with restaurants and other fun near Canon City. The Sand Dunes are 90 minutes and Monarch Ski Area is 45, we have some of the best bird watching! Warbling Vireo, Western Wood-peewee, Cassin's Kingbird to name a few.

6. K-Bar Ranch

97%

(46)

40mi from Buena Vista · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Guffey, CO

K-Bar Ranch is a small hobby farm situated on over 20 acres of beautiful, rolling grassland sprinkled with pine trees and offering breathtaking views in every direction. Just off of CR102, we are conveniently located to the little town of Guffey and are only 3 miles from the wildly popular Guffey Gorge. Additionally, Eleven Mile Reservoir, The Royal Gorge, gambling at Cripple Creek, the Colorado Wolf Sanctuary, the Florissant Fossil Beds and many more areas of interest and recreation are within an easy drive. You can open camp here and be completely off-grid or you can park near our barn and have access to electricity and wifi. We also offer Glamping Overnights in Gypsy, an adorable tiny camper with a double bed, sofa, 2 burner cooktop and everything you need to have a comfortable stay while still having a camping experience! Glamping stays are still largely off-grid with a "Luggable Loo" and an outdoor Joolca shower (upon request). Our large 5m Bell Tent offers plenty of room whether you just want to stretch out or if you're traveling with family or friends. If you want to upgrade your experience, we offer Romance Packages with charcuterie boards, a bottle of bubbly, chocolate covered strawberries and can create unforgettable special occasions since we are in the wedding/events industry! Wanting to get engaged? Looking to elope? We can do that! Ask us for details! We will be adding more off-grid accommodations in the future so stay tuned for updates! We have Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Mini Donkeys, Chickens and 2 Livestock Guardian Dogs. *Please be aware that the dogs are working dogs and you WILL hear them bark at night as they are doing their job in deterring predators. We are excited to share our beautiful property with Happy Campers from everywhere!

7. Gondola Village at Holy Cross

93%

(160)

44mi from Buena Vista · 4 sites · Lodging · Red Cliff, CO

Gondola Village at Holy Cross is a little sanctuary in the mountains between Vail, Leadville, and Aspen. There is little nearby except for the next door Holy Cross Wilderness, with a lifetime worth of trails, lakes, and peaks to explore -- all only two hours from Denver. Gondola Village at Holy Cross has direct access that many dream of to Colorado's water wilderness, and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, scrambling, backpacking, and fly fishing in the Summit Vail Eagle Aspen area. Our modern alpine cabins are some of the cutest cabins you'll step foot in, complete with a mix of amenities to make your wilderness stay a bit more comfortable. Gondola Village at Holy Cross is at 11.5k feet above sea level (believed to be the highest altitude Hipcamp in the world). Gondola Village at Holy Cross has been featured on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed, Airbnb's OMG! Fund, Arch Digest, and the site of many product shoots. The managers of this property have worked in yurt, ADU, and cabin construction and hospitality for many years and have brought together some of the best Scandinavian and modern design with a mining town aesthetic. The trip up can be challenging (only off-road, winch / locker equipped vehicles dare try the 759 Holy Cross City jeep road, others will need to hike in at least 2.5 miles), but the views and cabins are well worth the trek. Snow free season tends to be June 15 an October 30 annually, and outside of this guests should be prepared for up to 11 miles of over-snow travel with no cars allowed (a bit less depending on snow coverage in the shoulder seasons from May 21 - early June and late October - November 20)

Stories from the community

A

Anna

3 weeks ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to Gondola Village at Holy Cross

We had a lovely (but challenging, carrying a toddler) hike up and stay at Cabin #2. The cabin was quaint, clean and more well-appointed than expected (I guess we didn't need to pack a hatchet?). It was hovering around freezing when we arrived, but we got the stove lit and got the space up into the 50s for a comfortable night. Sunrise was lovely from bed and we finished our trip with a hike up to the lake in the morning before descending to the car.

G

Garrett

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

Great spot very high up on the mtn so you get really good views from the campsite. Very secluded from other campsites. Very rocky though so be sure to bring sleeping pads if you decide to tent camp. We had a great time up there.

F

Frasier

October 2025

2 nights at Gondola Village at Holy Cross

Relaxing cabin in the mountains! Make sure not to over pack so you can actually enjoy the hike up to the cabin!

Adam

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mountain Meadow Glamp Camp

The camping spot was great! Beautiful views and a well equipped site. William was a good communicator and his directions were spot on. Only downside is the camper may be a little cramped if you're over 6 feet tall.

D

Daniel

September 2025

10 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

This was amazing. The location felt remote but was easy to access and had so many amenities. It was easy to walk up the road and be right in national forest. The hiking maps in the bear box were just one of many little inclusions that will bring us back!

Jason

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Meadow Hot Springs Glamping Cabin

I had a nice stay with my dog at the end of September. The view is as nice as everyone says. The site is big with an outdoor fire pit, but i didn't use. You are at 11k feet and will feel it hiking and chopping wood for kindling. That was fun with a heavy axe. The portable toilet is interesting. still not sure how I feel about it. Temps were down to 35 night but was fine inside with the wood stove. The road up is pretty rough, but I made it fine in a Tesla 3. Just go slow.

Crisp morning air after an overnight dusting with a moose sighting

T

Tim

September 2025

3 nights at Meadow Hot Springs Glamping Cabin

Loved the set up of this well built cabin. Wood stove was a nice feature and kept it nice and toasty inside even with freezing temps. Seclusive and convenient to hiking Mount Bross and even Mounts Lincoln, Cameron and Democrat. Saw a moose and several deer in the open area in front of the cabin which was a highlight.

Jessica

September 2025

2 nights at Gondola Village at Holy Cross

We loved this special little village. It's a very well-kept cabin and has everything you could need. The hike in was a bit tough, but well worth it and very straightforward! We were able to see lots of wildlife and enjoy time at the nearby lake. There's a marmot that runs around the abandoned town and plenty of pika in the surrounding area. Will remember this trip for a while.

J

Justin

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Gondola Village at Holy Cross

Always the best time up here! Got a little snow & fantastic views!

One camper on each side of garage is allowed

B

Brian

September 2025

23 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to K-Bar Ranch

My family and I had an amazing time at Kodies land. The Rv location was great and we really enjoyed getting to see the animals and the common area allowed us to have more space to eat and drink coffee in the morning. Hosts were always accommodating and super friendly. Highly recommend!

Awning was great for pitching a tent under

M

Martine

August 2025

2 nights at Mountain Meadow Glamp Camp

The best part is that it is off the beaten path. Beautiful, private spot to hang out with the family and the dogs. Great fishing and hiking nearby. We would definitely book this spot again. Road to the property is a bit bumpy but easy for our Pathfinder and Outback.

T

TJ

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at Meadow Hot Springs Glamping Cabin

Incredible views! We loved getting to see the stars from the skylights. The cabin was nice and cozy with the fire going. It was well stocked with the essentials. The host had great communication and there were very detailed instructions for everything.

K

Kelly

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

Would 💯 stay again. Beautiful views. Very secluded. Loved the picnic tables and awning as well as the grill. The road up was all gravel, lots of pot holes for a few miles - kids loved the bumpy ride. High altitude campsite so prepare in advance.

E

Erin

August 2025

10 ft pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

We had a blast! Such a beautiful location. Everything was perfect. We loved exploring the trails and bristlecones with our dogs. The camp was quiet and secluded. We can't wait to come back!

M

Mel

August 2025

1 night at Mountain Goat Lodge Tipis

obsesssssed !! felt safe & cozy in our tipi — plenty of animals to see & amenities available !

Whitney

August 2025

1 night at Gondola Village at Holy Cross

What an absolute GEM of a spot! Went up for a little solo retreat, and the cabin had absolutely everything I needed for a cozy camping experience but with a roof over my head and all camping basics provided plus a little more! I hiked over to Cleveland Lake, enjoyed the cozy cabin at night, and woke up to a stunning sunrise. It’s a relatively accessible spot, meaning you don’t have to hike very many miles to get there, but you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere in only the best way. Would absolutely come again!!!

E

Evelyn

August 2025

2 nights at Meadow Hot Springs Glamping Cabin

Loved staying at the a-frame. Clear directions to locate it and to stay and didn’t encounter anyone else during our two day stay. Saw lots of different animals and enjoyed star gazing from the bed.

D

Daniel

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

Solid location up near the tree line, nobody near you, but only a short drive to town

Andrew

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mountain Meadow Glamp Camp

This is a beautiful location and setting nestled between a couple 14ers! Definitely will be back!

J

Jeff

August 2025

With pets

3 nights at Meadow Hot Springs Glamping Cabin

Absolutely stunning location. The cabin is great and fitting of the host’s description. Bed was quite comfortable. Grill is solid and will enable you to cook most anything—works perfectly as an oven. The cabin is small but well designed. There are some tight corners with low ceiling clearance (like the sink area) making it a bit tough for tall people. Couple more things to note that may be helpful. there are functional USB ports but the typical outlets did not work for us. Don’t expect to plug anything in. Solar panels provide the electricity— it’s probably by design that the outlets are deactivated reserving power for other things. Solar panels also provide the heat for the “hot springs.” The system was working—warm water was entering the pool, but not at a sufficient rate to heat the cold (and beautifully clear) spring water. There is evidence that they are still working on it. I’m hopeful that one day they’ll be able to deliver on the “hot” part. We still took exhilarating dips a couple of times. Take the altitude seriously, If you’re coming from sea level, you may feel sick for your entire stay. We live at 5600 feet and still spent a full day adjusting. It’s a special place—We had a wonderful time. William was very helpful.