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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Salida, CO
77 campgrounds and RV Parks near Salida, CO. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
77 campgrounds
3230 campsites
84 RVs available for delivery
From $17/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $37,145/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Salida, CO
Riverside RV Park
Salida, CO (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(42 sites)
+5
Salida RV Resort
Salida, CO (2 miles away)
+8
Four Seasons RV Park
Salida, CO (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(64 sites)
+3
Salida East - Arkansas Headwaters State Recreation Area
Salida, CO (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(25 sites)
Salida / Mt. Shavano KOA Journey
Salida, CO (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(65 sites)
+8
Black Bear RV Park , Campground and Boutique Motel
Howard, CO (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(19 sites)
+10
Creekside Chalets & Cabins
Poncha Springs, CO (10 miles away)
Sugarbush Grocery and Camp
Howard, CO (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(21 sites)
+5
Rocky Top River Ranch
Howard, CO (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(16 sites)
+2
Chalk Creek Campground and RV Park
Colorado (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(79 sites)
+8
Cutty's Hayden Creek Resort
Howard, CO (17 miles away)
+6
Cuttys Camping Resort
Colorado (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(160 sites)
+11
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Toilets Internet Showers Tables Laundry Dump station Grills Firewood Playground
Campgrounds near Salida, Colorado
Salida sits at roughly 7,000 feet in Colorado's Upper Arkansas River Valley, ringed by the Sawatch Range to the west and the Sangre de Cristos to the southeast. The town was first established in the 1800s as a stop on the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, and downtown Salida is on the National Register of Historic Places. For RV travelers, that means a working small town with groceries, hardware, laundry, and mechanics within a short drive of nearly every campground.
Most sites cluster along US Highway 50 and the Arkansas River. Riverside RV Park, Salida RV Resort, and Four Seasons RV Park offer full-hookup sites close to town. Salida East, part of Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, sits approximately two miles east of Salida right off Highway 50 along the Arkansas River, with a short drive into town for supplies and dining. Black Bear RV Park , Campground and Boutique Motel rounds out the nearby options for travelers who want a mix of RV and cabin lodging.
The Arkansas River is the anchor. Salida is a watersports town, and the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area covers roughly 150 miles of river corridor used by rafters, kayakers, and stand-up paddleboarders.
Things to do around Salida
Whitewater is the headline activity. The Arkansas River is one of the most commercially rafted rivers in the United States, with sections ranging from mild Class II and III floats to Class IV and V rapids in Browns Canyon between Buena Vista and Salida. The river is also a Gold Medal trout fishery.
Off the water, downtown Salida is a walkable arts and dining district. The Salida Whitewater Park sits in the heart of downtown and features man-made whitewater features popular for stand-up paddleboards, bodyboards, and river surfing in summer. The Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center is billed as the largest indoor hot springs pool in the nation, with a 25-meter lap pool around 84°F and a warmer leisure pool near 98°F.
Higher up, mountain biking trails climb into the Arkansas Hills, and in winter Monarch Mountain draws skiers and snowboarders. Monarch is an independent ski area on the Continental Divide with a summit at 11,952 feet, about 800 acres of terrain, and an average annual snowfall around 350 inches.
Camping spots and RV parks near Salida, CO
When to visit Salida
- spring
March - May
52° / 28°F 19 mmWarming days; rafting outfitters open in May.
- summer
June - August
73° / 46°F 31 mmPeak rafting and camping; book sites well ahead.
- fall
September - November
54° / 28°F 14 mmCool and dry; aspen color in late September.
- winter
December - February
32° / 12°F 6 mmCold and dry; ski season at Monarch Mountain.
The rafting calendar drives Salida's busy season. Commercial rafting on the Arkansas generally runs May through Labor Day, with river levels driven by snowmelt from the Sawatch and Mosquito ranges. Flows peak in late May and June, then taper through summer to conditions better suited to families and first-time paddlers. Supplemental releases from Twin Lakes and Turquoise Lake reservoirs help maintain flows into mid-August before the river drops toward a lower base flow for more technical late-season paddling.
June is also festival time. Thousands attend the annual FIBArk whitewater festival, held in June when the Arkansas is swollen with spring runoff. Book RV sites well in advance for June and July weekends, since riverside sites go first.
Winter shifts the focus to skiing and hot springs. Lower elevations near town see relatively mild winter conditions, while higher terrain about 20 minutes west offers cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Fall brings quieter campgrounds, aspen color, and cool nights.
How to book a campsite near Salida
Private parks like Riverside RV Park, Salida RV Resort, Four Seasons RV Park, and Black Bear RV Park , Campground and Boutique Motel take reservations directly through their websites or by phone. Summer weekends fill fastest, and full-hookup pull-through sites near the river are the first to go. Reserve as early as possible for June and July.
For Salida East and other campgrounds inside Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, use Colorado Parks and Wildlife. CPW manages AHRA and requires reservations for all camping, which can be made online at cpwshop.com or by calling 1-800-244-5613. Reservations can be booked up to six months in advance.
All AHRA visitors also need a park pass in addition to the camping fee. Check current fire restrictions on the CPW site before arrival, since conditions in Chaffee County change quickly.
What to expect at Salida campgrounds
Sites range from full-hookup RV resorts near town to basic riverside state-run campgrounds. Salida East is a 25-site campground run by Colorado Parks and Wildlife through an agreement with the Bureau of Land Management. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 60 feet, all sites are reservable, and each includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. There are no hookups and no potable water at the campground, vault toilets are the only restrooms, and boat ramp access to the Arkansas River is a major draw. Pack water and plan on packing out trash.
Elevation matters. Salida sits near 7,000 feet, and higher AHRA sites climb from there, so nights run cool even in July. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, and wildfire restrictions can ban open flames on short notice. Bring layers, a propane stove as backup, and check the Colorado fire restrictions map before departure.
Own an RV? Earn up to $37,145/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Salida, CO
How do I choose the right campsite for my RV?
Start with the practical stuff: site length, the hookups you need, and whether it's a back-in or pull-through. Camping conditions in the U.S. vary by region and elevation, so check the local season, road access, and reservation requirements before you book. Federal campgrounds use Recreation.gov and state parks each have their own systems. Learn more.
How much are RV campsites near Salida, CO?
Campsite prices near Salida, CO depend on the type of campground. State park sites typically run $20-$45 with hookups. Private RV parks in town often run $40-$100, with tourist-hub locations charging more. Nearby Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management sites are usually $10-$25, often without hookups.
Is there any free camping near Salida, CO?
Free camping near Salida, CO depends on what federal public land is in driving distance. Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service land usually allows up to 14 days of dispersed camping at one spot. Check fire restrictions before you head out. Learn more about free camping.
Can I book a campsite through RVezy?
Not directly. RVezy doesn't handle campsite reservations, but each campground listing links to the operator's website or booking page when one's available.
What's the best time to go camping near Salida, CO?
Camping near Salida, CO works best in the shoulder seasons, with spring and fall hitting the sweet spot in most of the country. Summer is peak in northern climates; winter is peak in the southern and desert states. Local weather and elevation drive the specifics.
How far are RV campgrounds from Salida, CO?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of Salida, CO. The closest are: {closestCampgroundsWithDistance(3)}. Most U.S. cities have a state park or private RV park within an hour's drive.
Where are dump stations near Salida, CO?
Dump stations near Salida, CO are usually at private RV parks and state park campgrounds, sometimes for a fee if you're not staying overnight. RVDumpsites.net maps the nearest options.
What's the best time of year to rent a RV in Salida, CO?
Renting a RV in Salida, CO works best in the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) across most of the U.S. Peak rental demand runs June through August nationwide, while the snowbird stretch from December through March drives winter demand in the southern states and southwest deserts.
What's the best time of year to rent an RV in Salida, CO?
RV rentals in Salida, CO peak from June through August when school is out. Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) usually have better availability and lower rates. Winter is high season for snowbird destinations in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and southern California.
Can I have an RV delivered to my home or campground in Salida, CO?
Yes. Many RVezy hosts in the U.S. deliver and set up at your home, a campground, or a destination. It's especially useful for first-time renters and for trips into remote areas where backing in a big rig isn't fun.
Can the RV be delivered near Salida, CO?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near Salida, CO at your driveway, a campground, or wherever you're starting your trip. It saves you the drive and the setup.
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