- Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
The best cabins in Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, CO
89% (14)
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Riverfront Mountain Ranch
Riverfront Mountain Ranch
98%
(102)
20mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 10 sites
Welcome to our geographic phenomenon! Here at the continental divide; we are lucky to have it all for the Outdoor Enthusiast. Our 5 acre Campground sits right along the Arkansas River. There are (2) 1 Min trails that lead you straight to River Access. Not wanting to get that close? No worries; watch the paddlers and rafters float by all summer long. If the Arkansas River is not enough of a playground for you, you will be happy to know that you have an uninterrupted view of Mount Princeton and the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Peaks. We are also located 1/2 mile from some of the most famous mountain biking trails the USA offers. Mount Princeton Hot Springs are a beautiful 10.5 mile (15 min) drive away.
Our campground offers a dreamy Bathhouse with 5 glamoured showers and 5 bathrooms. We have (14) Yurt glamping sites and (2) Riverfront studio cabins. All sites have electricity (heaters included), parking, fire pits (unless we are facing a fire ban), and picnic table. In addition, we have a large community bonfire location and there is access to outdoor grilling. We are excited to have you!
Pets
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from
$251
/ night
Sweetwater River Resort
Sweetwater River Resort
91%
(381)
22mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 72 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
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!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$40
/ night
Needle Creek Ranch
Needle Creek Ranch
100%
(51)
32mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging
Needle Creek Ranch is 160 acres secluded inside the Gunnison National Forest. We are just 1 mile from Needle Creek Reservoir with private access. Enjoy fishing, hunting, endless hiking and motorsports trails.
Head down the way and enjoy Blue Mesa Reservoir and endless water sports in the Gunnison Valley and Arkansas Valley.
Located at the end of the road you can enjoy private camping in one of the beautiful spots around the property.
Covered in aspen groves, cottonwood trees and lush pastures there is room for all types of campers. Come enjoy the sunsets of the Gunnison National Forest on a private ranch.
Pets
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Campfires
from
$46
/ night
Rocky Mtn PikesPk Hikin'nBiking
Rocky Mtn PikesPk Hikin'nBiking
99%
(49)
35mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 1 site
Tucked up close to Pikes Peak in all her glory! No one else around you! 100% Nature. You, STARS, deer, elk, eagles.
Sleep in the cabin or under the stars in your tent. Your choice.
Where is this? Convenient from Denver and Colorado Springs. Approx 50 miles (75 min) from I-25 and Hwy 24 in Colorado Springs. Approx 30 miles from Mueller State Park. South of Florissant National Fossil Beds and NE of Canon City.
Details: 100+ acres of private land that borders BLM so hundreds of additional acres available with amazing views of the west side of Pikes Peak.
**I've been a HipCamp host for years, but I took a break to care for family so there's a brief time gap in reviews. Voted a Top HipCamp Colorado Site in 2018.**
Cabin: Sleeps 5. Small hunting cabin that can sleep two in twin beds down stairs, 3 twin beds upstairs, couch opens to a sleeper if more beds are needed. Carry in your own water and propane for camping stove. No well; no power. Total "primitive" cabin; you have a roof, windows, wood stove, cookware and tableware, simple yet clean cabin, counter tops and cook stove available. Owner will communicate with you to make sure this is a good fit before owner accepts the reservation. Allow time for that in the reservation process. On Holiday Weekends, only three day reservations will be accepted. Bring your food, water, fuel for the camper stove, paper products, and camera and leave with a full heart and great time in the mountains!
**NO DOGS ALLOWED**
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from
$145
/ night
Little Buffalo Cabin
Little Buffalo Cabin
100%
(28)
35mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 1 site
Experience the charm of our historic 1800s cabin, the Little Buffalo Cabin, in Hartsel, Colorado. Explore Colorado's attractions from this central location, including fishing in nearby Gold Medal waters. The property boasts endless mountain views and the site of the town’s original post office. Nearby local amenities include a quick mart, cafe, saloon, and pizza place. Enjoy the spacious living areas, a cozy queen bedroom, and the versatile office/bedroom space with a futon and desk. The perfect home base for exploring the central Colorado mountains! We're Super Hosts, excited to be able to offer this unique experience to the HipCamp community!
Pets
Toilets
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from
$129
/ night
Asha's Retreat
Asha's Retreat
97%
(68)
41mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 1 site
Time to enjoy the beauty of the mountains!
The cottage is located on 4 acres, with orange flags marking the property lines. Our cabin is built near the camp site. The tiny cabin has a propane heater to make this a beautiful and cozy experience.
It is a quiet and peaceful place located 25 minutes from Cripple Creek (if you like gambling) , and 45 minutes from Woodland Park where you can find restaurants, supermarkets, rock and gem shops and more attractions typical to a tourist town.
A place to find peace, and nature with lots of wildlife, you may get a glimpse of a bear, mountain lion, fox, wild turkeys, deer, cayote. Enjoy the outdoor fireplace (weather permitting), watching a beautiful night sky, in a clear sky you can spot the Milky way and some star constellations.
The place is surrounded by many tourist attractions. Gambling, hiking, biking, fishing, Florissant fossil bed with giant tree stumps, horseback riding, waterfalls, wolf and wildlife sanctuary, balloon rides, mining museums, our majestic Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Royal Gorge bridge, Rio Grande train rides and more! If you like to shoot arrows bring your bow!
The terrain is rocky so, we highly recommend to keep your eyes on your small kids as well as when they are on the lofts, for security reasons.
Reiki healing sessions are available upon request as well as Reiki training by a Certified Reiki Master.
Smoking is permitted outside when not under a fire ban.
Hipcamper under 21 years old are welcome only under adult supervision.
We recommend to bring your own towels and a flashlight since our lodging has an out side toilet. Please don't expect a flash toilet, we want to emphasize that we offer a porta potty.
We are charging a very small cleaning fee, expecting our guests to leave the place as they found it.
Feel free to reach out for any questions and more detailed information about Asha's retreat!
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$125
/ night
Bear Creek Ranch
Bear Creek Ranch
100%
(12)
46mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 1 site
Tent camp, park your RV or stay in the glamping log cabin that sleeps 4 on this 35 acre private property. The cabin has electricity and a wood burning stove for cold nights but is a dry cabin. There is a pump outside the cabin for water and a vault toilet. Bring your horses, bikes ATV's or hiking shoes to explore trails in the Wet Mountains one mile from your site. The town of Westcliffe is 14 miles away with more trails in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and is a National Dark Sky Community.
Pets
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Potable water
from
$59
/ night
M Lazy C Ranch
M Lazy C Ranch
93%
(44)
46mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 30 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$38
/ night
Phantom Canyon Acres
Phantom Canyon Acres
90%
(10)
48mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 5 sites
Nestled in the beautiful Phantom Canyon, this property offers unique solitude and views that are unrivaled. Enjoy views of incredible canyon rock formations, listen to the sounds of Eightmile Creek as it meanders through the property and relax near 2 picturesque ponds that are situated near groves of massive aspen trees!
The property is situated at an elevation of nearly 9,000ft. on over 100 acres of private, pristine Colorado mountain land that offers incredible canyon views. Take a stroll through a lush aspen grove with towering aspen trees, play in the creek or relax in a sunny meadow next to one of the two ponds - this property has it all!
Pets
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from
$100
/ night
A-Lodge Salida
A-Lodge Salida
83%
(3)
10mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 71 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$15
/ night
Pleasant Valley RV Park
Pleasant Valley RV Park
100%
(4)
12mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 131 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$48
/ night
BV Overlook Camp & Lodging
BV Overlook Camp & Lodging
86%
(7)
21mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 88 sites
Situated at the Midland trailhead with amazing views of the Collegiate Peaks, BV Overlook Camp and Lodging have unique and modern Tiny Homes, Glamping Tents, Cabins, a Yurt, full hookup options at the RV Park, and sites for Camping.
The campground offers a range of amenities such as newly renovated bathhouses, a store stocked with snacks, supplies, and clothing, complimentary Wi-Fi, a communal fire pit, a laundry room, and a recreation room featuring a pool, darts, games, and movies.
Buena Vista, Colorado offers a variety of exciting outdoor activities to explore, including rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, fly fishing, backpacking, dirt biking, skiing, snowmobiling, and hiking. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy hot springs and access to numerous 14ers.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$173
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Susie
3 weeks ago
1 night at BV Overlook Camp & Lodging
Gorgeous location, quiet neighbors, and a fully equipped tiny home. I will definitely be back for a campsite, or one of the other unique stay options at BV!
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Diego
3 weeks ago
Group trip
Our stay at Slice of Heaven exceeded our high expectations. When we arrived we were greeted by the host and given a full rundown of the property. Tricia was very generous and made sure we were going to enjoy our stay. We arrived at night to a very cozy remote cabin. The wood burning stove was fully stocked and created a warm environment. My group of six all had comfortable sleeping situations and were able to cook full meals in the well stocked kitchen. We were only able to stay one night and weren’t able to fully check out the property but, from what we saw we were thoroughly impressed. If I’m ever back in Colorado I would love to stay here again. Overall, I would highly recommend staying here!
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E
Eun
3 weeks ago
With pets
It really was as close to the water as you can get. View was wonderful. Cabin also came with a lot more amenities than I expected, perfect spot for glamping!
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Kristin
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort
There are not words to describe the views from our cabin! Hosts were so kind and friendly. I was worried that the cabin would not be warm enough but the heater provided put off way more than enough heat. You’re missing out if you don’t stay here !
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Ameliea
November 2025
With pets
It was an incredible getaway and the staff was extremely kind and helpful , even on a national holiday!
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Jarrett
November 2025
With pets
I had a fantastic time in Pioneer 2. The beds were clean. Though it was cold outside, the cabin was nice and toasty. The views were amazing. Lastly, the hosts were nice, quick to respond and very accommodating. Im going back for sure. Thanks!!!
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Liv
November 2025
2 nights at Bear Creek Ranch
Seriously the coolest little cabin I’ve ever stayed in! Wood burning stove is amazing and keeps the place super warm. And I couldn’t believe there was a private little ice skating rink just for you in the winter time. Epic trip, highly recommend!
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Alison Penelope
November 2025
With pets
Sweetwater was the perfect spot to rest and recharge. The sounds of the river were fantastic and the general scenery was breathtaking.
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Val
November 2025
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Joseph
November 2025
With pets
Loved it! As advertised, great little cabin in awesome location. Me and my 6 year old son went for the weekend. Hiked the local mountains in the day, camp fires at night. Went November 7, but still wasn’t too cold in the cabin at all.
Highly recommend .
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Veronica
November 2025
3 nights at Rocky Mtn PikesPk Hikin'nBiking
We love seclusion when we get away and this was exactly what we were looking for! Accurate descriptions: off grid, clean cabin. Need high clearance vehicle to access. We left it better for the next camper!
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Dena
October 2025
4 nights at Bear Creek Ranch
It's too cold to tent camp so this quaint cabin was perfect. Still cooked on camp stove outside but with the benefit of electricity to heat up water in kettle provided. Had a lovely campfire one night but mostly stayed warm with the wood burning stove. We normally bring 10 gallons of water but this had a potable well pump that saved us the trouble. It was a perfectly relaxing atmosphere and stay. The night sky was gorgeous. The hike around the property lovely. The dogs were friendly and charming. Lorie is attentive and helpful. At my questioning she suggested Beckwith Ranch a worthwhile stop. I spent 2 hours there and got a private tour! It was a wonderful stay. Oh, and the the outhouse was positively posh😊
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Luciana
October 2025
With pets
Good place, We found everything we needed at the house, beautiful view and peaceful neighborhood.
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Anne
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Little Buffalo Cabin
What a wonderful visit to the sweetest Cabin imaginable. Hartsell is a darling little town with lots to do within a short drive… Hot Springs, a drive-in, movie theater, great restaurants and outdoor activities. The house was exactly as pictured with wood for the fireplace, a well stocked kitchen, a cozy bed, plenty of extra blankets and pillows, and absolutely stunning views. We had an incredible time and would go back in a heartbeat!
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Karen
October 2025
2 nights at Bear Creek Ranch
I loved the cabin. It was relaxing, private and clean. I enjoyed the wood burning stove. The views were amazing and I definitely will go back.
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Brian
October 2025
With pets
Wonderful experience. Our family had a great time relaxing and enjoying the solitude. Would love to go back!
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Alexandria
October 2025
With pets
Sweetwater was such an incredible time! The cabin was perfect and setting was even better. My husband and pup spent two days here and wish we could have stayed longer!!
Only critique was that it certainly wasn’t private. The neighboring cabins are super close, and several kids fishing just kept walking through our area and even using our front to fish. Not a big issue, but something to keep in mind if you’re looking for something private!
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Bryan
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Bear Creek Ranch
We had such a lovely time at Bear Creek Ranch. The cabin is supplied well with things like an electric kettle, tea bags, coffee, firewood, and a fan for warm evenings. We loved getting to lay in the grass in front of the cabin and see the Milky Way. We made fires in the evenings in the wood stove, so cozy. The dogs are calm and friendly, as are the horses. The outhouse was very clean and not smelly at all, and very close to the cabin. It was a perfect weekend getaway for us to slow down and reconnect.
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Lori
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort
A perfect little get away if you’re not into tents or don’t own Motorhome! Cozy little cabin, bathroom and shower are a very short walk and are really clean! Right on the water! Beautiful!
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Jane
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort
Beautiful cabin stay. Porch by the river was peaceful, cabin had everything we needed, secluded and quiet. Will be back
See more 89%
14 ratings · 10 reviews
Suuuch an incredible spot! Definitely felt lesser known with great hiking trail access, right on the edge of Brown Canyon National Monument.
Jenna V.
15 reviews
Recommends
· September 2020
Camped here for fishing and birding July 2020. Birding is good in the canyon just after the one-lane road leading in to the campground. Fishing was good on the Nestle easement. Note that both sides of the river are private below the boat ramp (and the owners live on-site and strictly enforce) so don't even try to fish downstream.
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Leslie P.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2020
Great campsite right off the river with beautiful views!
Jennifer P.
2 reviews
Recommends
· November 2018
TIP: The Poncha Springs Visitor Center, just down the road, has a dump station and potable water for a $5 donation.
Sara + Mike (.
9 reviews
Recommends
· April 2018
Lots of camping and recreation stops along this drive! Check them all out as they each have a unique view. We just spent the day here but the facilities were clean and the people were nice. Again, the drives in this area will leave you stunned. I travel through here each season year after year because the area is so breathtaking.
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Erica E.
2 reviews
Not recommend
· June 2017
No water nearby. Make sure you fill up first
Jody G.
8 years on Hipcamp
October 2015
Stayed here mid October 2015. I wanted a campground that was close to Salida. There is another campground which is not on Hipcamp yet, Salida East, which turned out to be closer but we had already booked our stay at Rincon so we stayed there. It is hard to tell from the map but this campground is VERY close to a busy highway. Especially sites 6 and 7 are practically right on the highway. It was extremely noisy - not too bad at night but the mornings around 6am got loud with cars going past. Site 6 is also right next to the pit toilet and was a bit smelly. No water and you have to pay $7 for parking (total about $30/night) and I didn't think it was worth it. Might be nice if you were doing a river trip though perfect river access.
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Alli R.
10 years on Hipcamp
October 2015
We stayed here in mid October 2015. We loved it. It's not very far from Buena Vista, the hot springs or Salida but it is just far enough away from all those places to be quiet and peaceful (at least in October). We stayed in one of the tent only sites and felt like we had the whole campground to ourselves. It was lovely. Wish we had stayed all 3 nights of our trip there.
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Alli R.
10 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
We got here on a Thursday around 3 and there we're plenty one night spots left though they all filled up by nightfall. $16 a night to camp with an additional $7 if you came by car. Husband was happy with the fly fishing and I was happy with the perfect sunset.
Virginia W.
10 years on Hipcamp
July 2015
Be sure to bring your own (large) trash bags -- this camp area has NO trash cans, dumpsters or garbage pickup services, so you will have to pack all your garbage out.
Laura M.
10 years on Hipcamp