The best luxury RV campgrounds near Salida, Colorado

A classic Colorado mountain town, Salida welcomes you to play outside at 7,000 feet. Soak in the hot springs, test your fly fishing skills on the Arkansas River, or make a splash whitewater rafting. Around Salida, RV parks are a popular summer camping option, with most hugging the river banks along Highway 50. If they're all filled up, more parks await a few miles away in Buena Vista and Poncha Springs. Rather make camp in the Colorado wilderness? Wake up to mountain views in San Isabel National Forest. Many forest service campgrounds have all the trimmings—Picnic tables, fire grates, tent pads, etc. You can find both RV and tent camping at O'Haver Lake—a weekend favorite in the national forest. Imagine rolling out your sleeping bag under groves of aspen and ponderosa pines at 9,200 feet. Just offshore, kick back with some fishing and canoeing. (Motorized boats are a no-go on this tranquil lake.) For more fun, view old railway ruins along County Road 200. If you're craving a little more outdoor action, pitch a tent at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. It's one of the biggest rafting and kayaking destinations in the USA. But, fun on the Arkansas River is just the beginning. From your campground, get stoked about gold panning, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

97% (774)

Top-rated campgrounds

A classic Colorado mountain town, Salida welcomes you to play outside at 7,000 feet. Soak in the hot springs, test your fly fishing skills on the Arkansas River, or make a splash whitewater rafting. Around Salida, RV parks are a popular summer camping option, with most hugging the river banks along Highway 50. If they're all filled up, more parks await a few miles away in Buena Vista and Poncha Springs. Rather make camp in the Colorado wilderness? Wake up to mountain views in San Isabel National Forest. Many forest service campgrounds have all the trimmings—Picnic tables, fire grates, tent pads, etc. You can find both RV and tent camping at O'Haver Lake—a weekend favorite in the national forest. Imagine rolling out your sleeping bag under groves of aspen and ponderosa pines at 9,200 feet. Just offshore, kick back with some fishing and canoeing. (Motorized boats are a no-go on this tranquil lake.) For more fun, view old railway ruins along County Road 200. If you're craving a little more outdoor action, pitch a tent at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. It's one of the biggest rafting and kayaking destinations in the USA. But, fun on the Arkansas River is just the beginning. From your campground, get stoked about gold panning, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

97% (774)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Creekside Chalets

98%

(109)

10mi from Salida · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Salida, CO

Welcome to Creekside Chalets Escape from the stresses of everyday life with a rejuvenating mountain vacation. Here you can revel in the beauty of the mountains, relax to the sounds of the river, and experience an unforgettable trip. Our cozy and charming cabins & campsites offer stunning views, wonderful amenities, and an unbeatable location. Nestled among picturesque peaks, there is no shortage of lovely sights when you stay in our campsites & cabins. Every season is equally lovely. From snow-capped peaks in the winter to bright gold aspen leaves in the fall, you’ll never be left wanting when it comes to picture-perfect surroundings. We are just minutes from Monarch Mountain, which boasts 800 ski-able acres and an annual average snowfall of over 350 inches. Just a short drive east of our cabins is Salida, Colorado known as the ‘Gem of the Rockies’. This small but vibrant town offers a number of restaurants and shops as well as festivals and events throughout the year. New for 2023 Creekside Chalets has added 3 Creekside Camping spots all with access to the North Fork of the South Arkansas creek that flows through the property. The sites are located in an aspen grove along the creek with a picnic table provided and room to park one vehicle up to 20 feet long and space for a tent. 30 amp power is provided to each site, a porta-potty within 250 feet and water from a camp spigot. The campsites are pet friendly, $30 per pet per stay, max 2 pets.

2. Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground

100%

(133)

12mi from Salida · 52 sites · Tents, RVs · Salida, CO

Nestled in a small valley in the San Isabel National Forest along the south fork of the Arkansas River, Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground is at 8,620 feet above sea level – literally in the Heart of the Rockies. We offer free Wi-Fi access, clean laundry and shower facilities, and a camp store with last-minute supplies and snacks. Our RV guests can enjoy 60-foot+, pull-thru sites with full hook-ups, including 20, 30 and 50 amps of power. We also have tent campsites with the south fork of the Arkansas river close by.

3. Badger Creek Ranch

100%

(24)

14mi from Salida · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cañon City, CO

Badger Creek Ranch is a family owned and operated working ranch high above the Arkansas Valley in Central Colorado. We take a holistic approach to ranching and land stewardship; from having good daily practices by living “off the grid,” providing healthy locally sourced food to our guests and healthy, humanely raised meat to our meat customers, and by living in harmony with nature, including our livestock and the wildlife that call the ranch their home. Our intention is to create a space that provides connection and community. This work is meant to be shared and experienced by all. We welcome you to join us and be a part of Badger Creek Ranch. Whether you want to get your hands in the dirt, take respite and recharge, or find inspiration for your own work, Badger Creek’s gate is open. Experiences such as our One-Day Working Ranch experience, Walking Tours, and Carriage/Wagon Rides are available for an additional charge. See our website for details.

4. Twin Bridges Campground

93%

(99)

18mi from Salida · 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.

5. Sweetwater River Resort

91%

(377)

23mi from Salida · 72 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cotopaxi, CO

Sweetwater River Resort is located right on the Arkansas River, 30 minutes from Canyon City and 30 minutes from Salida where Hwy 50 follows the river through Bighorn Canyon. Skiers, we are only 40 miles from Monarch Ski Resort. We do offer fly fishing lessons and fly rod rentals on arrival. Sweetwater is the perfect getaway for anglers, hikers, rafters or nature-lovers. You’ll find uncrowded sites to unwind on our private 1/2 mile stretch of the Arkansas. At night you’ll find the clearest skies around, perfect for stargazing. Experience a range of accommodations at Sweetwater River Resort, from budget-friendly cabins to glamping tents to old-timey cabins and RV sites. For larger groups, we offer a spacious house overlooking the Arkansas River, all just a short distance from the river itself. Sweetwater is a short drive from 45 miles of 4x4 and ATV trails at Texas Creek, the Arkansas Headwaters Hiking Area, Vallie Bridge, Loma Linda, Lone Pine, Hayden Creek, Royal Gorge and Rainbow Trail near Westcliffe. It's the perfect base for river rafting trips throughout the season as well as a private stretch of blue-ribbon water for trout fishing. Come stay with us and experience all that Sweetwater River Resort has to offer!

6. Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

100%

(178)

32mi from Salida · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Moffat, CO

Our land is out away from all the noise and lights. You can see the milky way and the stars at night are amazing. then to have the view of the Sangre de Christo mountain range is amazing to enjoy. The surrounding valley has lots to offer from the quant little towns and coffee shops to the home style meals at the restaurants. and all the hot springs are amazing. Your site is overlooking the Sangre de Christo mountain range. The land is Alpine desert with sagebrush and ground cactus and incredible star gazing. There are 2 great hiking trails within a couple miles. There are 3 hot springs within 30 minutes. The Great sand dunes national park is within 1hr. The San Luis valley offers, hiking, mountain biking, ATV trail, Horse back riding, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rafting, refuges for wildlife watching. New for 2024, The flushable toilet and shower are now operational. The shower house is located in the center of the loop with sites 1,2,3 on the south side of the building. It has an on demand water heater, there is also a a flushable toilet located in the same space. An important note about the toilet, Do Not flush anything other than toilet paper please. DO NOT flush feminine hygiene products, napkins or hand wipes or anything other than toilet paper. These type of things plug and burn up the pump while pumping out the tank. This will cause the toilet to be unusable. ATTENTION: THE SHOWER HOUSE AND TOILET WILL BE SHUTTING DOWN AND GETTING WINTERIZED OCTOBER 1ST UNTIL MAY 1ST. No fireworks are permitted at any time.

7. Starlite Vintage Resort

93%

(67)

36mi from Salida · 58 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cañon City, CO

Starlite Vintage Resort is located minutes from the world-famous Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Cañon City, Colorado. Situated on over 10 acres with eye-popping views of the Rocky Mountains, the Starlite Vintage Resort provides a variety of luxury accommodations themed around the timeless trends and classic movies of the era that introduced America to the Beatles, man’s first walk on the moon, Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, the Woodstock Rock Festival, and the enduring kids’ TV shows, Sesame Street and The Flintstones.

8. M Lazy C Ranch

94%

(42)

47mi from Salida · 30 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Lake George, CO

Step into the boots of a cowboy and ride into the old west, the way it used to be! Ride off into the old west at our world-famous historic guest ranch built in the 1900's. Camping sites, cabins, primitive camping, pet friendly, and ATV friendly. Here, we do things the cowboy way…the way it used to be! Bring your horses or ride one of ours. With views of magnificent Pike’s Peak and surrounded by over 350,000 acres of Pike National Forest, soak in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains while you relax in your cabin or RV site. We offer a taste of the real old west at our famous Old West Colorado guest ranch. Listen to the sounds of the wind through the Ponderosa Pines, Elk bugle echoes through the hills, howls of coyotes in the distance, deer moving nearby. It's peaceful but never silent. Come visit the ranch’s 115-year history. Started as a homestead back in 1906, M Lazy Ranch is now a thriving guest ranch and cowboy playground. M Lazy C Ranch is the ideal location for a family trip, time with friends, romantic horse rides and more. Our original turn of the century Cabins dating back to that time period, have been lovingly restored. Not your typical dude ranch. We are flexible and offer a multitude of options to choose from. We also offer RV sites, Equestrian RV Sites, an Arena, Cabins, Weddings, Hunting, Fishing, Events, and more! Surrounded by 350,000 acres of Pike National Forest on three sides provides our guests with unlimited riding potential and amazing views. Ride horses on our property for a perfect relaxing gateway the whole family can enjoy. Sit on the porch of your very own piece of heaven, relax, put your feet up, and stay awhile.

9. A-Lodge Salida

9.5mi from Salida · 71 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Salida, CO

Cabins. RV. Camping From cozy riverside cabins to full-hookup RV spots and peaceful creekside tent sites, A-Lodge Salida offers a variety of stays for every kind of adventurer. Whether you’re looking for comfort or a more primitive experience under the stars, our property gives you direct access to nature without sacrificing location—just minutes from historic downtown Salida.

10. Pleasant Valley RV Park

100%

(4)

12mi from Salida · 131 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Howard, CO

Discover Pleasant Valley RV Park, the premier family-friendly campground just 15 minutes from downtown Salida, Colorado. Located on the scenic banks of the Arkansas River in Howard, our RV campground offers full hook-up RV sites with direct river access, tent sites, cozy riverside cabins, and a unique Airstream rental. Enjoy unparalleled outdoor adventures steps from fishing and rafting, plus easy access to hiking trails and ATV riding nearby. Experience modern amenities, stunning mountain views, and a peaceful riverside setting perfect for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts. Book your stay today at Pleasant Valley RV Park—your gateway to Colorado’s best outdoor recreation.

11. Life Skills Creative Art of Living

90%

(5)

42mi from Salida · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Crestone, CO

Creative Art of Living is located high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Nearby Hiking trails and Spiritual Centers are some of the main attractions. Hot Springs are within a half hour drive from the community of Crestone, where we have local shops and art galleries, restaurants, 2 grocery stores and even a gas station. This site is for campers, vans, cars, and includes use of main house for shower, cooking and laundry. Thank you!

Camper favorites near Salida

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Starlite Vintage Resort

93%

(67)

36mi from Salida · 58 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cañon City, CO

Starlite Vintage Resort is located minutes from the world-famous Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Cañon City, Colorado. Situated on over 10 acres with eye-popping views of the Rocky Mountains, the Starlite Vintage Resort provides a variety of luxury accommodations themed around the timeless trends and classic movies of the era that introduced America to the Beatles, man’s first walk on the moon, Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, the Woodstock Rock Festival, and the enduring kids’ TV shows, Sesame Street and The Flintstones.

M Lazy C Ranch

94%

(42)

47mi from Salida · 30 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Lake George, CO

Step into the boots of a cowboy and ride into the old west, the way it used to be! Ride off into the old west at our world-famous historic guest ranch built in the 1900's. Camping sites, cabins, primitive camping, pet friendly, and ATV friendly. Here, we do things the cowboy way…the way it used to be! Bring your horses or ride one of ours. With views of magnificent Pike’s Peak and surrounded by over 350,000 acres of Pike National Forest, soak in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains while you relax in your cabin or RV site. We offer a taste of the real old west at our famous Old West Colorado guest ranch. Listen to the sounds of the wind through the Ponderosa Pines, Elk bugle echoes through the hills, howls of coyotes in the distance, deer moving nearby. It's peaceful but never silent. Come visit the ranch’s 115-year history. Started as a homestead back in 1906, M Lazy Ranch is now a thriving guest ranch and cowboy playground. M Lazy C Ranch is the ideal location for a family trip, time with friends, romantic horse rides and more. Our original turn of the century Cabins dating back to that time period, have been lovingly restored. Not your typical dude ranch. We are flexible and offer a multitude of options to choose from. We also offer RV sites, Equestrian RV Sites, an Arena, Cabins, Weddings, Hunting, Fishing, Events, and more! Surrounded by 350,000 acres of Pike National Forest on three sides provides our guests with unlimited riding potential and amazing views. Ride horses on our property for a perfect relaxing gateway the whole family can enjoy. Sit on the porch of your very own piece of heaven, relax, put your feet up, and stay awhile.

A-Lodge Salida

9.5mi from Salida · 71 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Salida, CO

Cabins. RV. Camping From cozy riverside cabins to full-hookup RV spots and peaceful creekside tent sites, A-Lodge Salida offers a variety of stays for every kind of adventurer. Whether you’re looking for comfort or a more primitive experience under the stars, our property gives you direct access to nature without sacrificing location—just minutes from historic downtown Salida.

Pleasant Valley RV Park

100%

(4)

12mi from Salida · 131 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Howard, CO

Discover Pleasant Valley RV Park, the premier family-friendly campground just 15 minutes from downtown Salida, Colorado. Located on the scenic banks of the Arkansas River in Howard, our RV campground offers full hook-up RV sites with direct river access, tent sites, cozy riverside cabins, and a unique Airstream rental. Enjoy unparalleled outdoor adventures steps from fishing and rafting, plus easy access to hiking trails and ATV riding nearby. Experience modern amenities, stunning mountain views, and a peaceful riverside setting perfect for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts. Book your stay today at Pleasant Valley RV Park—your gateway to Colorado’s best outdoor recreation.

Life Skills Creative Art of Living

90%

(5)

42mi from Salida · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Crestone, CO

Creative Art of Living is located high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Nearby Hiking trails and Spiritual Centers are some of the main attractions. Hot Springs are within a half hour drive from the community of Crestone, where we have local shops and art galleries, restaurants, 2 grocery stores and even a gas station. This site is for campers, vans, cars, and includes use of main house for shower, cooking and laundry. Thank you!

Stories from the community

Z

Zachary

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

The campsite was perfect for our one night stay near Crestone. Our host was super easy to communicate with and even made some really helpful local suggestions in the area to visit. I would definitely recommend booking here. I look forward to another trip in the spring.

S

Stephen

3 weeks ago

20 ft pop-up camper

With pets

4 nights at Sweetwater River Resort

This was a great campground!!! Right on the river with very active fish and very peaceful!

L

Lulu

3 weeks ago

25 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Starlite Vintage Resort

Lovely place! The bathrooms were clean and you can’t beat a hot shower. They had several bbq grills for guest to use. It was nice to be so close to Royal Gorge. Don’t pass up your change to stay here, you won’t regret.

Kansas

October 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Creekside Chalets

Very clean well maintained campground. It's very near hiway but the creek is strong and loud enough to drown out any traffic. There is only a porta potty available if you are tent or RV camping. But it's clean and maintained. Very nice propane fire pit that is very warm and no need to wood are worth the fee.

M

Michael

October 2025

16 ft pop-up camper

5 nights at Starlite Vintage Resort

I loved camping there, clean bathrooms and nice vintage charm

T

Taylor

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

Great host, made everything easily available. Anything you needed Paul was there for you. Site 4 was great and easy to get to. Only like 50 minutes from the Dunes. Will be coming back!

T

Trevor

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to M Lazy C Ranch

Very comfortable, quiet place to get away from the noise of life.

S

Scott

October 2025

25 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

This is a budget friendly place to camp. The hosts were helpful, and the bathrooms were actually quite clean. Old, but clean. Hwy noise is a bit of an issue, but does quiet down a bit after 8 pm or so. The river was very lovely, and my kids loved the suspension bridge. The camp sites are very close to each other though, so if you don’t like to be that close to people, you may want to look elsewhere. Overall, this was a great place I would go to again, but would stay in Corral 1 instead of 2. Corral 2 was difficult to get power and water since they were on the opposite side of our camper and had no tree shade like 1 did.

F

Ffion

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

all of the comments are true! paul is incredibly knowledgeable and kind. the bathroom is great & so is the campsite. so peaceful with a wonderful view of the stars!!

F

Febie

October 2025

17 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Pleasant Valley RV Park

Beautiful views and a very well kept campsite. It has all the hookups, and a very nice staff. Great spots to sit and enjoy the mountain views and the AVR running by! My new favorite place!!

Mary

October 2025

17 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Creekside Chalets

Our camping space amongst the beautiful aspen trees and the creek made our adventure all the more enjoyable. Hiking trails were close by too.

k

kamal

October 2025

20 ft campervan

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

We are new to camping and this place was perfect for us. The host were very nice and accommodating as well ..our stove went out but the host provided us loaner stove as well for free. My 3 year old wanted to fishing ..the host provided that to us too …one small issue is that its right next to a highway so some road noise during day …but other than that the place is awesome.

N

Nicole

October 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to M Lazy C Ranch

Easy to get in and out of and good bathrooms! Wish we had more time to check out the other amenities offered on the ranch

Cortney

October 2025

13 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Sweetwater River Resort

Very beautiful views and the sound from the river was so soothing

P

Parker

October 2025

15 ft campervan

2 nights at Sweetwater River Resort

Great campsite for a couple of days. Awesome views and the river was nice. We stayed in corral #1 and the added lights were awesome for coming in late.

T

TheStupserl

October 2025

23 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

We love the little Gem. Nothing fancy, needs some update, but exceptional otherwise. Enjoy your morning coffee at the stream. For us it's the perfect two day getaway

C

Cayla

October 2025

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

This place was BEAUTIFUL!! Bathrooms weren’t the cleanest but the best I have seen camping. I could not recommend this place enough.

T

Tyler

October 2025

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

Great spot by the Arkansas River, Tons of different options for lodging and camping. Friendly staff

Whitney

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Creekside Chalets

Absolutely loved this spot! Peaceful and beautiful. We could hear the creek all night which was so peaceful! Host was very kind and courteous.

A

Amalie

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Creekside Chalets

Absolute gem of a spot to camp. The Ouray site has a small set of stairs down to an area perfect for a few chairs or a hammock right by the flowing creek! We were able to really enjoy the sounds of the water and scenery. You can definitely still hear cars/semis passing on the road, but the white noise of the water mutes most of it out! and ZERO bugs! The porta-potty is decorated with fake flowers and twinkly lights - its those little things that made our trip feel extra cozy and cared for. We will be back!!