The best waterside campgrounds near Poncha Springs, Colorado

Waterside camping in Poncha Springs means waking up to the sound of the river and easy access to fishing, swimming, and wildlife-watching. With over 1,700 waterside spots, you’ll find campsites tucked along streams, beside lakes, and just steps from the Arkansas River. Expect essentials like toilets, showers, and a green light for campfires. Prices start at $15, with most sites averaging around $62 per night. Locals swear by High Peaks Campground (335 reviews) for its rugged views, Frenchman's Creek Ranch (186 reviews) for easy creek access, and Sweetwater River Resort (155 reviews) if you want a classic riverside setup. Bring your rod, pack your binoculars, and don’t forget your campfire stories—the rivers and creeks do the rest.

94% (1.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Lodge pole forest

94%

(47)

50mi from Poncha Springs · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Fairplay, CO

This property was once a Gold mining encampment in the turn of the last century, just out of view nestled in a pine forest, Learn more about this land: It’s like a national park setting in the trees, you should be very aware that wildlife wanders through here 24/7, near several national forests and gold medal fishing as well as beautiful hot springs within 40-45 minutes

Waterside camping in Poncha Springs means waking up to the sound of the river and easy access to fishing, swimming, and wildlife-watching. With over 1,700 waterside spots, you’ll find campsites tucked along streams, beside lakes, and just steps from the Arkansas River. Expect essentials like toilets, showers, and a green light for campfires. Prices start at $15, with most sites averaging around $62 per night. Locals swear by High Peaks Campground (335 reviews) for its rugged views, Frenchman's Creek Ranch (186 reviews) for easy creek access, and Sweetwater River Resort (155 reviews) if you want a classic riverside setup. Bring your rod, pack your binoculars, and don’t forget your campfire stories—the rivers and creeks do the rest.