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Parks > Arkansas Headwaters State Park > Camping

Camping

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Camping Reservations at the AHRA are Required

  • Camping is allowed by reservation only at all AHRA developed campgrounds.
  • Reservations may be made on the day of arrival or up to six months in advance. Advance reservations are recommended due to demand and spotty cellular/data service throughout the AHRA.
  • If you wish to occupy a site at this park, you may reserve it at www.cpwshop.com or by calling 1-800-244-5613.
  • Occupation of a site without a reservation will not be permitted.
  • Self-service camping permits will no longer be valid.

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Camping Information

Please note: You do not need to check in at our visitor’s center prior to your camping arrival.

Our campgrounds are spread throughout our 152-mile-long park along Highways 24, 285, and 50.

  • All campgrounds are open 365 days a year, barring severe weather.
  • AHRA campgrounds do not have any hook-ups or potable water.
  • All AHRA overnight campers outside of developed camping areas must use a portable toilet system and fire pan.
  • Dispersed camping permitted with portable toilet device and fire container; rock fire rings prohibited.

Campground Directions

For directions to your selected campground or to find nearby resources, please view our Maps and Directions page.

Campers must be prepared for the weather and self-contained.

  • Pack the right camping equipment and clothing for moderate daytime temperatures (most of the year) and chilly nights.
  • Water needs to be carried into the campground.
  • All personal waste and trash must be packed out and disposed of properly.

Camping Prices and Fees

  • Basic campsites are $28 per night per site. Reservations required.

View other AHRA Fees.

Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping is also available along the Arkansas River. Dispersed campers in these areas must provide their own portable toilet device that is designed to carry human waste, and they must have their own fire container if having a fire. Rock fire rings are prohibited. Stays are limited to 14 days in any 28 day period.

Dispersed camping is available throughout AHRA outside of developed campground and day-use areas. Popular locations include Granite Rock, Stone Cabin, Rapid Number 4, The Wall, Rapid Number 5 1/2, Boulderfield, Rapid Number 6, Riverside, Elephant Rock, Tunnel View, Browns Canyon National Monument, Woody’s Claim, Rainbow Route, Red Wall, Badger Creek, Five 1/2 Points, Texas Creek, Lazy J, Bootlegger, Cottonwood, and Maytag.

For camping on National Forest land, contact the USFS Salida Ranger District. For camping on Bureau of Land Management Land or information on Browns Canyon National Monument, contact the Bureau of Land Management Royal Gorge Field Office.

See our Dispersed Camping page for more information on camping outside of developed camping areas.

Railroad Bridge - Reservation Only

Railroad Bridge is located north of the town of Buena Vista. Traditionally, this site has been a popular river access point for boaters and gold-panners alike. It also is located fairly close to some of the better-known climbing in the region.

Facilities:

  • 14 basic campsites (each offers a tent pad, fire grill, and table)
  • Two vault toilets
  • Two changing areas

Ruby Mountain - Reservation Only

Ruby Mountain is one of the most popular campground sites, especially for private boaters. Along with the excellent river access, several trails in the area lead into the backcountry. The campground falls adjacent to the Browns Canyon National Monument trailhead.

Facilities:

  • 22 basic campsites (each offers a tent pad, fire grill, and table)
  • Four vault toilets
  • Two changing areas

Hecla Junction - Reservation Only

Yet another one of our most loved sites! Located at the traditional take-out for the Browns Canyon run, you can expect to see all sorts of rafting and kayaking activity here. But once the boats come off the water, life returns to normal, and your camping experience begins. Fishing has been known to be pretty good in this stretch of the river, and several hiking opportunities are available around the site.

Facilities:

  • 23 basic campsites (each offers a tent pad, fire grill, and table)
  • Four vault toilets
  • Two changing areas

Salida East - Reservation Only

This site offers the closest camping to downtown Salida, Colorado, and is conveniently located just east of Salida on US Highway 50, near mile marker 224.

Facilities:

  • 33 basic sites (each offers a tent pad, fire grill, and table)
  • 1 yurt
  • Eight vault toilets

Point Barr - Reservation Only

Point Barr is located approximately 4.7 miles east of Salida on US Highway 50 at mile marker 227. Turn left (north) onto Fremont CR 7 (turns to CR 45 after approximately one mile). Follow CR 45 for 1.5 miles. After the railroad trestle, turn left (east). The campground is 0.75 miles ahead on the right (south).

Know Before You Go:

Point Barr is mainly accessible from the west on Fremont County Road 45. This is a dirt road with narrow, single-lane stretches. The road makes a tight turn under a railroad trestle (12’ 3” high x 10’ 6” wide). Trailering is technical but is possible up to a 15’ trailer, depending on trailering skill. This loop is not accessible in a motorhome.

From the east, Fremont County Road 45 is a technical four-wheel drive/high clearance road with a water crossing through Badger Creek. We do not recommend accessing Point Barr from the east.

Facilities:

  • 12 basic campsites (each offers a tent pad, fire grill, and table)
  • One vault toilet

Rincon - Reservation Only

This site is conveniently located off Hwy 50 and seems to attract more of an RV crowd. Some of the best fishing along the river is found here, up and down river from Rincon. It is also a takeout for boaters wanting a more mellow float on the Arkansas River.

Facilities:

  • 8 basic campsites (each offers a tent pad, fire grill, and table)
  • Four vault toilets
  • Two changing areas

Vallie Bridge - Reservation Only

Vallie Bridge is located in Bighorn Sheep Canyon and is a peaceful respite for overnight river trips, as well as tent campers traveling through the valley.

Facilities:

  • 16 basic, walk-in tent sites (each offers a tent pad, fire grill, and table)
  • One vault toilet

Five Points - Reservation Only

Five Points is easily accessible from Hwy 50 and has a passageway under the bridge to the day-use site on the north side of the highway. At this site, you will find a “Watchable Wildlife” exhibit and an observation deck over the river. It’s also one of the best picnic areas around!

Facilities:

  • 20 basic campsites (each offers a tent pad, fire grill, and table)
  • Two vault toilets