The best camping near Salt Creek with hiking

·

A tiny town just outside Pueblo, Salt Creek sits just south of the mighty Arkansas River and offers all sorts of opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. It’s a great jumping-off point for exploring Royal Gorge, the old gold rush towns of Cripple Creek and Victor, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Services are limited in Salt Creek, but you’ll find everything you could need in neighboring Pueblo. Popular nearby camping spots include Lake Pueblo State Park and RV parks along the Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway. 

93% (652)

Top-rated campgrounds near Salt Creek

2. Red Rocks Open Space

98%
(48)
45mi from Salt Creek · 1 site · RV
We offer a parking spot at night to have a quick safe place to stay. We do not allow the camper to stay multiple continuous days without leaving as you must leave during the day time, but are welcome to return at night. ---shower is only available if our office is open when you arrive----- ---We sometimes have Buses leaving or returning to our facility late at night, so just know you might hear a large bus pulling in late at night. ---PLEASE DO NOT block our Iron Gate with the H on it, or stick out into the entrance of the facility. If you stick out too far, you need to park North to South , which is parallel to the wood fence with the customer parking signs on it. You can block the handicap signs also if needed. You are also welcome to park in between the building and the front garden bed area as well if you prefer. The ground is not too level there, so you will need to level your rv. Here is a little bit about us! We rent motorhomes, camper vans, travel trailers, Paddleboards, and party buses! We are a perfect fit for hip camping because we are right across the street from Red Rocks Open Space, 5 min away from Garden of the Gods, and right off of HWY24 to head deeper into the Rockies! We are a full service RV facility, so we have mechanics on site if you need your rig looked at also! We are all camper van folks and know the struggle of not being able to find a safe spot.
Pets
from 
$15
 / night

3. Haven Hill

98%
(49)
27mi from Salt Creek · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Thirty-five private natural acres high above Scenic Byway CO165. A secluded mountain top with privacy. You will be overlooking the beautiful Greenhorn Valley, with wide open views of Greenhorn Mountain and the Spanish Peaks. The stars at night are often breathtaking. It feels like you are on an island in the sky. It’s conveniently close to lakes, hiking, outdoor activities and supplies, restaurants and gas stations. Several roundabouts exist for turning around large vehicles. RV sites are pull through. For digital Nomads, Cell phone and satellite service is good here. ATV's are welcome on designated roads and trails. Fires are allowed. But PLEASE check https://www.pueblo.us/2602/Fire-Restrictions. Fires must be in campfire circles only! PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU FULLY DROWN YOUR CAMPFIRE BEFORE YOU LEAVE. Dead wood on the property is OK to burn but please do not burn your trash. All trash and waste needs to be packed out. There are trash cans and restrooms at the rest stop at I-25 and Highway 165. Firewood is available to purchase nearby in Colorado City at Ace Hardware and others. You will have your choice of Camp site #1 and/or #2. They have flat mulched areas for an RV/Camper or for tent camping. Each has a fire ring and picnic table. Both sites allow room to turn around an RV or camper. Bring your own toilet for now. There is minimal shade available, so plan accordingly. Potable water is available at the blue ground hydrant in front of the little cabin to the west. It takes about 10 seconds to start running. Use of firearms is prohibited. No fireworks are allowed. Quiet time is after 10:00 p.m. Please be respectful of neighboring properties. remember you are on a hilltop so sound can travel :)
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$36
 / night

8. Secluded Mountain Property

96%
(112)
49mi from Salt Creek · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Great Mountain Views. Lots of mature trees, very secluded and beautiful with breathtaking scenery with lots of wildlife. There are only four separate camping sites on this large 35 acre mountain property. Beautiful and secluded 35 acres camping property with lots of lush trees and amazing Mountain views. These Beautiful Mountain camping spots are only 1 hr 56 min south of Colorado Springs. Located at the foot of Sheep Mountain and little Sheep Mountain in Gardner, CO Hike and explore this beautiful 35 acres property. There are ATV trails through out the area, So bring your ATVs and ride the miles of mountain roads. Bring your RV, camper, tent or truck and set up camp on one of our four designated camping spots on the property. There are many great level areas to choose from on your camping site. Enjoy the night sky next to your fire pit and see every star in the sky with no lights to be seen. If you need to run your generator... No problem. (You can run your generator from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm). This quite very secluded mountain property is the perfect get-a-way form all the lights and noise from every day city living. This property is what real camping is all about. Please be considerate as they may be a few other campers nearby on the property. 46 min -  Drive to Walsenburg Reservoir and Lathrop State Park Home to Horseshoe Lake and Marin Lake. Lathrop State Park is a Colorado state park located 3 miles west of Walsenburg. The state purchased the property in 1962 and opened Colorado's first state park here later that same year. It is named after Harold Lathrop, the first director of state parks 1 hr 30 min - Drive to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in southern Colorado. It’s known for huge dunes like the towering Star Dune, and for the seasonal Medano Creek and beach created at the base of the dunes. The backcountry Medano Pass Primitive Road winds through a canyon toward the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Trails lead to forests, wetlands and alpine lakes like Medano Lake, which is home to trout and tundra wildlife 1 hr 57 min - Drive to Zapata Falls Zapata Falls is a waterfall located in the San Luis Valley near the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on Bureau of Land Management land adjacent to Rio Grande National Forest and south of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Alamosa County, Colorado. The waterfall has a drop of about 30 feet. Prices may vary on holiday weekends. Including Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Mountain Road Disclosure: The Sheep Mountain property it’s located in a mountainous area. There are 7 miles of dirt and mountainous roads from the highway to the property. Although the dirt roads are maintained there may be grooves and ruts in some areas due to weather. Please be advise that trucks and four-wheel vehicles will have a much easier time navigating these roads. Other vehicles may need to slow down and take it easy through some potentially rough areas. PROPERTY UPDATE: DUE TO THE RECENT WIND STORM, SOME TREES WERE UPROOTED AND BLOWN OVER ON THE PROPERTY. TREES WERE REMOVE FROM THE ROAD AND CAMP SITES. SOME ARE STILL DOWN IN THE AREA. WE ARE WORKING WITH LOCAL CONTRACTORS TO HAVE THEM CUT DOWN FOR FIREWOOD AND MOVED OUT OF THE WAY. THE DOWNED TREES DO NOT INTERFERE WITH THE ABILITY FOR YOU TO BRING YOUR RV OR TENT TO SETUP CAMP. FEEL FREE TO GATHER THE DOWNED TREES AND BRANCHES TO USE FOR FIREWOOD. THANKS YOU AND WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR STAY.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$29
 / night

18. Prairie Oasis

83%
(3)
44mi from Salt Creek · 30 sites · Tents, RVs
Very secluded Prairie perfect for stargazing A very natural Prairie environment seclusion no amenities very isolated perfect for meditation self-awareness Personal one-on-one connection a vast array of easy to travel to areas” Dinosaur tracks, Santa Fe Trail, Bent's Old Fort, and much more. If you are coming from the East traveling West on highway 50 On the West side of La Junta, CO You would make a left onto highway 10 Highway 10 goes towards Walsenburg, CO You will be traveling West by Southwest Until county road 11 You would make a left heading South on County road 11. The small sign will probably say CR11 But if you are coming from the West. When you come to the west end of the town of Manzanola, CO You will turn on to county road 11 When you come to a stop sign that will be Highway 10 You will cross highway 10 and continue down CR 11 After crossing three cattle guards As soon as you cross the third one There Is going to be a road to your right It may or may not have a sign But it will be county road T. You will travel down (West) that road And come to a gated fence It will State that it is a federal game reserve and no vehicles beyond this point We have permission To use the roadway You cannot camp in the reserve Or go off roading The road is a byway to our property. Remember To hook the bottom of the post first before hook in the top Of the gate It is easier that way Once you get to the watering trough You will be traveling Southwest on a pathway for vehicles You will come to a gateway Once you pass the gateway you will be back on private property From that gateway The prairie Oasis Is to your right The gateway is at the very most Southeast Corner of the property Everything South of that gateway Is someone else's private property. I hope you enjoy. Known wildlife in the area: Antelope, Coyotes, Jack rabbits, Tarantulas, Prairie dogs, Owls, Hawks, Prairie mice, Snakes, Including the prairie rattlesnake. But the chances of running into one of them would be rare. And because the rest of the property is unfenced There are occasionally cows roaming around freely. If you plan on building a fire You will have to bring your own wood. Be sure to put any fire out thoroughly. Have fun Thanks again. Mike Blanchard 970-382-1030
Pets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night

19. Cliffs Edge campsite

100%
(153)
34mi from Salt Creek · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to cliffs edge campsites. Almost glamping, you will have a fantastic experience while staying in our spacious and comfortable bell tents. Sitting by the provided gas fire pit and watching the clouds pass over the Pikes Peak range is a time to remember forever. This extremely unique space allows campers to enjoy city lights below, and incredible stars lighting the sky above. Enjoy over 160 acres of unspoiled Colorado front range wilderness. Backed up against billions of acres of national forest, these woods have had little human contact until the campsites were erected in 2022. End of the road privacy for these Rugged cliff top campsites with awesome views of Pikes Peak and surrounding areas. Behind locked gates, enjoy privacy and piece of mind Within the Locke Mountain Vineyards private ranch. Rarely used Private access to San Isabel national forest, groups can follow an old mining road, perfect for miles of mountain hiking and sure adventure for all. Less than one hour drive to the Royal Gorge, Pueblo reservoir, and other local attractions. Endless hiking and exploring of the canyons on the 160 acres of private property. Bring your binoculars to to enhance the vistas from camp, or even a spotting scope for long range game viewing. Golfers Driving range is great fun. Feel free to smack the provided golf balls into the abyss for max distance. Also the golf ball scavenger hunting in the canyon below can keep the kids busy for hours. Truly a destination campsite, worth a few nights stay. This place is Sweet!!! Notes -No fires what so ever! Fire danger is extremely high in this area. - Although we are only forty miles from the Sand Dunes park, it is a four hour drive to get there, so maybe not the best area to stay if the dunes are on your list. - Days in the summer can get pretty hot and shade is hard to come by, so plan a day trip to Florence river park, (about 30 minutes drive)and hop in the Arkansas river and cool off. - this is a wilderness area and all Colorado wildlife is present.
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
from 
$80
 / night

A tiny town just outside Pueblo, Salt Creek sits just south of the mighty Arkansas River and offers all sorts of opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. It’s a great jumping-off point for exploring Royal Gorge, the old gold rush towns of Cripple Creek and Victor, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Services are limited in Salt Creek, but you’ll find everything you could need in neighboring Pueblo. Popular nearby camping spots include Lake Pueblo State Park and RV parks along the Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway. 

93% (652)

Top-rated campgrounds near Salt Creek

2. Red Rocks Open Space

98%
(48)
45mi from Salt Creek · 1 site · RV
We offer a parking spot at night to have a quick safe place to stay. We do not allow the camper to stay multiple continuous days without leaving as you must leave during the day time, but are welcome to return at night. ---shower is only available if our office is open when you arrive----- ---We sometimes have Buses leaving or returning to our facility late at night, so just know you might hear a large bus pulling in late at night. ---PLEASE DO NOT block our Iron Gate with the H on it, or stick out into the entrance of the facility. If you stick out too far, you need to park North to South , which is parallel to the wood fence with the customer parking signs on it. You can block the handicap signs also if needed. You are also welcome to park in between the building and the front garden bed area as well if you prefer. The ground is not too level there, so you will need to level your rv. Here is a little bit about us! We rent motorhomes, camper vans, travel trailers, Paddleboards, and party buses! We are a perfect fit for hip camping because we are right across the street from Red Rocks Open Space, 5 min away from Garden of the Gods, and right off of HWY24 to head deeper into the Rockies! We are a full service RV facility, so we have mechanics on site if you need your rig looked at also! We are all camper van folks and know the struggle of not being able to find a safe spot.
Pets
from 
$15
 / night

3. Haven Hill

98%
(49)
27mi from Salt Creek · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Thirty-five private natural acres high above Scenic Byway CO165. A secluded mountain top with privacy. You will be overlooking the beautiful Greenhorn Valley, with wide open views of Greenhorn Mountain and the Spanish Peaks. The stars at night are often breathtaking. It feels like you are on an island in the sky. It’s conveniently close to lakes, hiking, outdoor activities and supplies, restaurants and gas stations. Several roundabouts exist for turning around large vehicles. RV sites are pull through. For digital Nomads, Cell phone and satellite service is good here. ATV's are welcome on designated roads and trails. Fires are allowed. But PLEASE check https://www.pueblo.us/2602/Fire-Restrictions. Fires must be in campfire circles only! PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU FULLY DROWN YOUR CAMPFIRE BEFORE YOU LEAVE. Dead wood on the property is OK to burn but please do not burn your trash. All trash and waste needs to be packed out. There are trash cans and restrooms at the rest stop at I-25 and Highway 165. Firewood is available to purchase nearby in Colorado City at Ace Hardware and others. You will have your choice of Camp site #1 and/or #2. They have flat mulched areas for an RV/Camper or for tent camping. Each has a fire ring and picnic table. Both sites allow room to turn around an RV or camper. Bring your own toilet for now. There is minimal shade available, so plan accordingly. Potable water is available at the blue ground hydrant in front of the little cabin to the west. It takes about 10 seconds to start running. Use of firearms is prohibited. No fireworks are allowed. Quiet time is after 10:00 p.m. Please be respectful of neighboring properties. remember you are on a hilltop so sound can travel :)
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$36
 / night

8. Secluded Mountain Property

96%
(112)
49mi from Salt Creek · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Great Mountain Views. Lots of mature trees, very secluded and beautiful with breathtaking scenery with lots of wildlife. There are only four separate camping sites on this large 35 acre mountain property. Beautiful and secluded 35 acres camping property with lots of lush trees and amazing Mountain views. These Beautiful Mountain camping spots are only 1 hr 56 min south of Colorado Springs. Located at the foot of Sheep Mountain and little Sheep Mountain in Gardner, CO Hike and explore this beautiful 35 acres property. There are ATV trails through out the area, So bring your ATVs and ride the miles of mountain roads. Bring your RV, camper, tent or truck and set up camp on one of our four designated camping spots on the property. There are many great level areas to choose from on your camping site. Enjoy the night sky next to your fire pit and see every star in the sky with no lights to be seen. If you need to run your generator... No problem. (You can run your generator from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm). This quite very secluded mountain property is the perfect get-a-way form all the lights and noise from every day city living. This property is what real camping is all about. Please be considerate as they may be a few other campers nearby on the property. 46 min -  Drive to Walsenburg Reservoir and Lathrop State Park Home to Horseshoe Lake and Marin Lake. Lathrop State Park is a Colorado state park located 3 miles west of Walsenburg. The state purchased the property in 1962 and opened Colorado's first state park here later that same year. It is named after Harold Lathrop, the first director of state parks 1 hr 30 min - Drive to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in southern Colorado. It’s known for huge dunes like the towering Star Dune, and for the seasonal Medano Creek and beach created at the base of the dunes. The backcountry Medano Pass Primitive Road winds through a canyon toward the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Trails lead to forests, wetlands and alpine lakes like Medano Lake, which is home to trout and tundra wildlife 1 hr 57 min - Drive to Zapata Falls Zapata Falls is a waterfall located in the San Luis Valley near the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on Bureau of Land Management land adjacent to Rio Grande National Forest and south of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Alamosa County, Colorado. The waterfall has a drop of about 30 feet. Prices may vary on holiday weekends. Including Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Mountain Road Disclosure: The Sheep Mountain property it’s located in a mountainous area. There are 7 miles of dirt and mountainous roads from the highway to the property. Although the dirt roads are maintained there may be grooves and ruts in some areas due to weather. Please be advise that trucks and four-wheel vehicles will have a much easier time navigating these roads. Other vehicles may need to slow down and take it easy through some potentially rough areas. PROPERTY UPDATE: DUE TO THE RECENT WIND STORM, SOME TREES WERE UPROOTED AND BLOWN OVER ON THE PROPERTY. TREES WERE REMOVE FROM THE ROAD AND CAMP SITES. SOME ARE STILL DOWN IN THE AREA. WE ARE WORKING WITH LOCAL CONTRACTORS TO HAVE THEM CUT DOWN FOR FIREWOOD AND MOVED OUT OF THE WAY. THE DOWNED TREES DO NOT INTERFERE WITH THE ABILITY FOR YOU TO BRING YOUR RV OR TENT TO SETUP CAMP. FEEL FREE TO GATHER THE DOWNED TREES AND BRANCHES TO USE FOR FIREWOOD. THANKS YOU AND WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR STAY.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$29
 / night

18. Prairie Oasis

83%
(3)
44mi from Salt Creek · 30 sites · Tents, RVs
Very secluded Prairie perfect for stargazing A very natural Prairie environment seclusion no amenities very isolated perfect for meditation self-awareness Personal one-on-one connection a vast array of easy to travel to areas” Dinosaur tracks, Santa Fe Trail, Bent's Old Fort, and much more. If you are coming from the East traveling West on highway 50 On the West side of La Junta, CO You would make a left onto highway 10 Highway 10 goes towards Walsenburg, CO You will be traveling West by Southwest Until county road 11 You would make a left heading South on County road 11. The small sign will probably say CR11 But if you are coming from the West. When you come to the west end of the town of Manzanola, CO You will turn on to county road 11 When you come to a stop sign that will be Highway 10 You will cross highway 10 and continue down CR 11 After crossing three cattle guards As soon as you cross the third one There Is going to be a road to your right It may or may not have a sign But it will be county road T. You will travel down (West) that road And come to a gated fence It will State that it is a federal game reserve and no vehicles beyond this point We have permission To use the roadway You cannot camp in the reserve Or go off roading The road is a byway to our property. Remember To hook the bottom of the post first before hook in the top Of the gate It is easier that way Once you get to the watering trough You will be traveling Southwest on a pathway for vehicles You will come to a gateway Once you pass the gateway you will be back on private property From that gateway The prairie Oasis Is to your right The gateway is at the very most Southeast Corner of the property Everything South of that gateway Is someone else's private property. I hope you enjoy. Known wildlife in the area: Antelope, Coyotes, Jack rabbits, Tarantulas, Prairie dogs, Owls, Hawks, Prairie mice, Snakes, Including the prairie rattlesnake. But the chances of running into one of them would be rare. And because the rest of the property is unfenced There are occasionally cows roaming around freely. If you plan on building a fire You will have to bring your own wood. Be sure to put any fire out thoroughly. Have fun Thanks again. Mike Blanchard 970-382-1030
Pets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night

19. Cliffs Edge campsite

100%
(153)
34mi from Salt Creek · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to cliffs edge campsites. Almost glamping, you will have a fantastic experience while staying in our spacious and comfortable bell tents. Sitting by the provided gas fire pit and watching the clouds pass over the Pikes Peak range is a time to remember forever. This extremely unique space allows campers to enjoy city lights below, and incredible stars lighting the sky above. Enjoy over 160 acres of unspoiled Colorado front range wilderness. Backed up against billions of acres of national forest, these woods have had little human contact until the campsites were erected in 2022. End of the road privacy for these Rugged cliff top campsites with awesome views of Pikes Peak and surrounding areas. Behind locked gates, enjoy privacy and piece of mind Within the Locke Mountain Vineyards private ranch. Rarely used Private access to San Isabel national forest, groups can follow an old mining road, perfect for miles of mountain hiking and sure adventure for all. Less than one hour drive to the Royal Gorge, Pueblo reservoir, and other local attractions. Endless hiking and exploring of the canyons on the 160 acres of private property. Bring your binoculars to to enhance the vistas from camp, or even a spotting scope for long range game viewing. Golfers Driving range is great fun. Feel free to smack the provided golf balls into the abyss for max distance. Also the golf ball scavenger hunting in the canyon below can keep the kids busy for hours. Truly a destination campsite, worth a few nights stay. This place is Sweet!!! Notes -No fires what so ever! Fire danger is extremely high in this area. - Although we are only forty miles from the Sand Dunes park, it is a four hour drive to get there, so maybe not the best area to stay if the dunes are on your list. - Days in the summer can get pretty hot and shade is hard to come by, so plan a day trip to Florence river park, (about 30 minutes drive)and hop in the Arkansas river and cool off. - this is a wilderness area and all Colorado wildlife is present.
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
from 
$80
 / night

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The best camping near Salt Creek with hiking guide

Where to go

Pueblo

Just five minutes from Salt Creek, Pueblo is popular with paddle sports enthusiasts. The Arkansas River flows through town and even has a man-made whitewater park within walking distance of downtown. Campers will find several RV parks on the outskirts, plus plenty of lakeside campsites at Lake Pueblo State Park, just 20 minutes west of Pueblo.    

Cripple Creek

The famous old gold rush town of Cripple Creek is a little less than two hours from Salt Creek via the Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway. The entire route winds 131 miles through some of Colorado’s biggest gold rush areas and offers mining ruins and historic sites to see along the way. The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is one of the top attractions in the area with incredible views of this 1,200-foot deep canyon carved by the Arkansa River. 

Westcliffe

Heading west from Salt Creek towards the jagged Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Westcliffe is a quiet community nestled at the base of the mountains and the perfect basecamp for adventures into this lesser-known range. Hikers and mountain bikers will find over 100 miles of trails to explore, and climbers can tackle challenging peaks, including 10 over 14,000 feet. Several national forest campgrounds and dispersed camping options are easily accessible west of town. 

When to go

Salt Creek’s mild year-round temperatures make it a worthwhile destination any time of year. Plus, this region doesn’t see as much traffic as some of Colorado’s more popular mountain towns, making it an excellent option for avoiding summertime crowds. April through August is typically the best time for rafting and kayaking on the Arkansas River, and hiking and camping in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is best from June through September. Many Salt Creek area campgrounds, including the campgrounds at Lake Pueblo State Park, remain open year-round.  

Know before you go

  1. Services are limited in Salt Creek, Colorado but you should be able to find everything you need in terms of groceries and last-minute camping items in nearby Pueblo
  2. Campground reservations are strongly recommended at Lake Pueblo State Park in summer. Reservations can be made online and over the phone six months in advance.
  3. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available in Pueblo and at Lake Pueblo State Park.