- Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
The best glamping in Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, CO
89% (14)
Camping comes with a dose of adrenaline and a side of adventure along the Arkansas River.
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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
Mountain Goat Lodge Tipis
Mountain Goat Lodge Tipis
98%
(64)
5.5mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 7 sites
The Mountain Goat Lodge is set within 20 acres of rolling pastures at the foot of the famous Sawatch Mountain Range. Our resident goats roam the meadows, providing us with the milk, cheese, and yogurt for our tasty homecooked breakfasts and our cheese-making classes.
We are located in central Colorado in pristine wilderness, yet just 6 miles from the historic town of Salida. In addition to the tipis, we are a full service Bed and Breakfast lodge. We have campers and a vintage trailer available to rent.
The tipis have a full-sized bathhouse for use by our tipi guests. Guests need to provide their own toiletries and towels.
New in 2022: We have added a queen sized bed and mattress to each of the tipis.. Campers still should bring their own bedding (sleeping bags, pillows) or if need be, can rent bedding from us.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$109
/ night
Lone Tree Yurt at Poncha Pass
Lone Tree Yurt at Poncha Pass
98%
(20)
10mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 1 site
Settled in the remote headwaters of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, you'll find Yurts At Poncha Pass as a perfect stepping off spot for endless mountain adventures and dark sky star gazing.
Along with close access to the Ark river, mountain biking, and the sand dunes, you'll find fun little towns to visit like Salida, Poncha Springs and Buena Vista. With plenty of hiking right from the yurt north towards the Sangre De Cristo range, this space offers a genuine ability to disconnect and be in nature. The Lone Tree yurt is a 30ft diameter yurt with sleeping accommodation for 4 and is pet-friendly. (1 queen, 2 single beds)
Equipped with water jug, a coffee maker and fridge as well as a composting toilet gives you the simplicity of mountain living with clean sheets.
Note that no cooking stove, sink or utensils are provided. A common area does host a propane fire table, a wood fire sauna and cold plunge. This area allows one to enjoy the outdoors simply while also meeting other traveling guests.
Pets
Toilets
Wifi
from
$100
/ night
Creekside Chalets
Creekside Chalets
98%
(109)
11mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$50
/ night
Badger Creek Ranch
Badger Creek Ranch
100%
(24)
13mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$55
/ night
Collegiate Peaks Ranch
Collegiate Peaks Ranch
92%
(25)
15mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 3 sites
Immerse yourself in epic mountain views of towering 14,000'+ peaks and sunny meadows at one of the best glamping campsites in Colorado. Perfectly located 15 minutes from either Buena Vista or Salida. Located just 2 hours 20 minutes from Denver.
The ranch features two 12' x 14' canvas cabin tent built on deck platforms and is pet-friendly, we welcome your furry companions!
Enjoy leisurely strolls on the ranch’s open, sunny meadows. The prime location is perfect for exploring all the world-class recreational opportunities of the Arkansas River Valley.
The ranch also serves as a picturesque venue for events, including family reunions, corporate retreats, concerts and rustic weddings. Whether seeking tranquility or adventure, Collegiate Peaks Ranch provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and comfort.
NEARBY ACTIVITIES:
* White Water Rafting
* Hiking
* Canoeing and Kayaking
* Mountain Biking
* Hunting
* Horseback Riding
* Road Biking
* Fishing
* Rock Climbing
* Off-roading
* Dining
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$92
/ night
Twin Bridges Campground
Twin Bridges Campground
93%
(99)
17mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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) on the Arkansas River with 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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$27
/ night
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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Showers
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
Showers
from
$40
/ night
Frenchman's Creek Ranch
Frenchman's Creek Ranch
100%
(324)
30mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We have a 100+ acre working ranch with access to the Arkansas river for fishing, kayaking or just dipping your feet in. We have great views of the Collegiate Peaks 14ers and the Harvard trail is just up the hill. Frenchman's creek runs through the ranch which has hay fields, aspens, cottonwoods, pinons, cows, chickens, sheep and pigs. Deer, elk, coyotes and bobcats also wander through. We are 15 minutes from BV, 10 minutes from Clear Creek Reservoir, 20 minutes from Twin Lakes and 30 minutes from Leadville.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$55
/ night
Mountain Bird Alpine Desert
Mountain Bird Alpine Desert
100%
(179)
32mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
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from
$25
/ 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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from
$46
/ night
Riverside Vintage Campers
Riverside Vintage Campers
92%
(12)
34mi from Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area · 5 sites
Just 20min from Gunnison, sit two Vintage 16ft Shasta Campers that have recently been renovated and updated. Inside the campers there are full size beds that convert into couches as well as a seating areas in the front for eating or reading. The campers have amenities like running water for hand washing, heat, and small fridges. Ohio City is a mecca for hiking, biking, ORV riding, and fishing making this the perfect jumping off point for all the recreation activities in the area.
Pets
Toilets
Wifi
from
$90
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Abby
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Starlite Vintage Resort
Very clean property. Great clean showers as well. Only downside is that the heated pool isn’t operable during their winter period and neither are the showers inside the campers. However, they were responsive via text when I had questions. I’ll come back when it’s not off season and additional amenities are available.
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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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S
Sheree
December 2025
With pets
Nice campers, owner, and on site staff. Recommend going in the summer.
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K
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 !
See moreJ
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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Shannon
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Starlite Vintage Resort
Very nice host, really cool campground and comfortable accommodations!!
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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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J
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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V
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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Shaun
October 2025
A
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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Sarah
October 2025
With pets
This was a great stop on my best friend reunion tour! We opted for a cabin and it was a cute, warm, clean and cozy little place. You don't have your own bathroom and have to walk to the common building for stalls and showers, but that was ok- it was clean and not too far away from the cabin. Be sure to peek in to the vintage "RV museum"- 3 restored RVs that are retro outfitted and fun to explore. The woman manning the check in/shop was super friendly and gave good recommendations for places in Cañon City, which is about 15 mins away. We were also pleased to be a short walk from the Gold Mine gem shop, full of beautiful things! In October the area is out of season, so it was pretty quiet, and we were happy with that! I would recommend Starlite for a welcoming glamping experience.
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Emily
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Mountain Bird Alpine Desert
The RV was perfect and had everything we needed. The landscape and night sky were absolutely breathtaking. Would absolutely love to visit again and recommend staying here!!
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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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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 moreK
Kristie
October 2025
1 night at Starlite Vintage Resort
Loved it! Everything is decorated really well. So much todo on the grounds. There’s even a dog park!
See moreK
Kelly
October 2025
1 night at Sweetwater River Resort
This cabin was adorable and the location by the river was great! Everything was really clean and we were impressed with the upkeep. We had a fun time :)
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Lori
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Starlite Vintage Resort
Our stay at Starlite Village was exceptional and we thoroughly enjoyed our 'I Dream of Jeannie' vintage camper. Dirk was great communicating with us before and during our stay. The campground was so amazing with all the vintage campers to walk around and look at and the shower house was clean and updated. Thanks again for your wonderful hospitality and we will be back!
See moreE
Eric
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Starlite Vintage Resort
perfect spot that will exceed your expectations. far enough out of town but not so far that you cannot get things..they are constantly improving and i do love a good fire.. loved iy and will definitely stay here again
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.
L
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.
E
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