The best camping near Salt Creek with swimming

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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. 

94% (132)

Top-rated campgrounds near Salt Creek

1. 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

10. Dakota Hot Springs

28mi from Salt Creek · 55 sites
Dakota Hot Springs stands out as a unique destination due to its stunning natural surroundings and year-round accessibility, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Nestled on 160 acres just off US Hwy 50 and one mile west of Colorado Hwy 115, this hidden gem is located in the picturesque Arkansas River Valley, often referred to as the Banana Belt of the Colorado Front Range. At an elevation of 5,200 feet, Dakota Hot Springs is enveloped by the majestic Sangre De Cristo and Rocky Mountains, offering breathtaking views and a mild climate with an average temperature of 56 degrees. With approximately 350 sunny days each year, visitors can enjoy the outdoors in a comfortable setting, even during the winter months. The hot springs feature a consistently warm water temperature of 108 degrees at the wellhead, flowing into a spacious 6-foot diameter circular tub. The rest of the pool maintains a soothing temperature range of 95 to 98 degrees. Thanks to the natural artesian flow from the well, the pool water is continuously refreshed, ensuring a clean and inviting experience. Enriched with therapeutic salts, soda, and calcium, the mineral-rich water is free from any measurable sulfur or iron, providing a pleasant and odorless soak that promotes relaxation and wellness.

12. Grape Creek RV Park

48mi from Salt Creek · 32 sites
Discover the unique charm of Grape Creek RV and Campground, perfectly situated between the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the west and the serene Wet Mountains to the east. This stunning location offers a picturesque backdrop for your outdoor adventures, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Please note that due to our remote setting, internet connectivity can be inconsistent. If you plan to work remotely or stream, we recommend bringing your own Wi-Fi signal or hotspot service to fully enjoy the natural beauty around you. At Grape Creek RV and Campground, you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors, whether you choose to explore the mountains, embark on day trips, or simply unwind in a peaceful environment. Please be aware that this is not a full-time residence park; the maximum stay is six months. Currently, we cannot accommodate tiny homes, refurbished buses, skoolies, or RVs older than 15 years, and we may request a photo for verification. Our campground operates on a seasonal basis: April, May, and September through March are considered low season, while June through August is high season. Enjoy a night, a week, or even a month at one of our well-maintained RV sites. The nightly fee covers two adults, two children,

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. 

94% (132)

Top-rated campgrounds near Salt Creek

1. 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

10. Dakota Hot Springs

28mi from Salt Creek · 55 sites
Dakota Hot Springs stands out as a unique destination due to its stunning natural surroundings and year-round accessibility, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Nestled on 160 acres just off US Hwy 50 and one mile west of Colorado Hwy 115, this hidden gem is located in the picturesque Arkansas River Valley, often referred to as the Banana Belt of the Colorado Front Range. At an elevation of 5,200 feet, Dakota Hot Springs is enveloped by the majestic Sangre De Cristo and Rocky Mountains, offering breathtaking views and a mild climate with an average temperature of 56 degrees. With approximately 350 sunny days each year, visitors can enjoy the outdoors in a comfortable setting, even during the winter months. The hot springs feature a consistently warm water temperature of 108 degrees at the wellhead, flowing into a spacious 6-foot diameter circular tub. The rest of the pool maintains a soothing temperature range of 95 to 98 degrees. Thanks to the natural artesian flow from the well, the pool water is continuously refreshed, ensuring a clean and inviting experience. Enriched with therapeutic salts, soda, and calcium, the mineral-rich water is free from any measurable sulfur or iron, providing a pleasant and odorless soak that promotes relaxation and wellness.

12. Grape Creek RV Park

48mi from Salt Creek · 32 sites
Discover the unique charm of Grape Creek RV and Campground, perfectly situated between the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the west and the serene Wet Mountains to the east. This stunning location offers a picturesque backdrop for your outdoor adventures, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Please note that due to our remote setting, internet connectivity can be inconsistent. If you plan to work remotely or stream, we recommend bringing your own Wi-Fi signal or hotspot service to fully enjoy the natural beauty around you. At Grape Creek RV and Campground, you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors, whether you choose to explore the mountains, embark on day trips, or simply unwind in a peaceful environment. Please be aware that this is not a full-time residence park; the maximum stay is six months. Currently, we cannot accommodate tiny homes, refurbished buses, skoolies, or RVs older than 15 years, and we may request a photo for verification. Our campground operates on a seasonal basis: April, May, and September through March are considered low season, while June through August is high season. Enjoy a night, a week, or even a month at one of our well-maintained RV sites. The nightly fee covers two adults, two children,

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The best camping near Salt Creek with swimming 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.