Situated at the base of the 14,000+ foot Collegiate Peaks alongside the Arkansas River, Buena Vista is a beautiful place to camp. It’s teeming with outdoor recreation, with a slew of great campgrounds and free dispersed camping options.
The San Isabel National Forest contains much of the campgrounds, though there’s a fair share of private, state, and federal BLM camping too. From RV parks in-town with full hookups to riverside campsites perfect for your tent, you’ll find it in Chaffee County, between Buena Vista and Nathrop. The Arkansas River runs by both towns, providing epic whitewater rafting trips, along with trophy trout fishing.
List of camping by Buena Vista and Nathrop, CO, in order of proximity:
Camping by Arkansas River in Buena Vista and Nathrop
Arriving from the east via either Denver on US-285, or Colorado Springs on US-24 first leads you to Johnson Village. It’s a small truck-stop type of community at the junction of Highway 24 and Highway 285. Go north via US-24 and you’ll reach Buena Vista in a few minutes. Go south via US-285 and you’ll pass by tiny Nathrop before you even realize you’re in Nathrop. There’s camping in either direction from this junction.
Beginning near Leadville, the Arkansas River goes south to Buena Vista, Johnson Village, and Nathrop before heading east after it reaches Salida. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is a state park with several different day-use areas and some campgrounds along the course of the Arkansas River in the Rockies. One of the most popular stints of Arkansas is through Browns Canyon, a national monument and an awesome place to whitewater raft.
Mt. Princeton RV Park
Whether you’re looking to park your RV for a while amongst the scenic views of Mt. Princeton RV Park or you’re just planning to stay for a few days, you and your family will fall in love with quiet, scenic sites surrounded by mountains on all sides. This park also offers cabin rentals to make your stay even more luxurious.
- Closest Town: Buena Vista (2mi)
- Specs: Full hookup RV sites, cabins
- Amenities: Restrooms, shower, laundry, level pull-thru sites
- Recreation: Clubhouse, outdoor pavilion with grill, playground, near Arkansas River for whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing
- Reservations: Yes, call 719-395-6206
- Address: 30380 Co Rd 383, Buena Vista, CO 81211 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, take Hwy 24 west for a little over a mile. Turn right onto Co Rd 383 (there will be signs indicating the road) and follow it for a tenth of a mile. Mt. Princeton will be on your right.
Snowy Peaks RV Park & Rentals
Snowy Peaks RV Park may be one of the more premium campgrounds on our lists, but it’s full to the brimming with amenities, both onsite and within close proximity to the park. Located close to the heart of Buena Vista, this park is a great place to begin your adventures in Arkansas River Valley.
- Closest Town: Buena Vista (2mi)
- Specs: 96 premium and standard full hookup RV sites and 7 large tent camping sites
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, group fire pits, dump station, camp store with camper and trailer rentals
- Recreation: Horseshoe pit, playground, clubhouse with WiFi and treadmill, close to Arkansas River for kayaking, rafting, and fishing, wildlife viewing
- Reservations: Yes, call 719-395-8481
- Address: 30430 Hwy 24 N, Buena Vista, Colorado, 81211 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, take Hwy 24 west for about 1.5 miles. You’ll see signs for Snowy Peaks on your right–turn right just past the signs.
Turtle Rock Campground
Want to find the perfect weekend getaway without straying too far from Buena Vista? Just 3 miles down the road, you’ll find this quiet, clean, and free campground that has both primitive campsites and dispersed camping. While the amenities may be few, Turtle Rock Campground more than makes up for it with incredible views. As always, take care to pack out your trash and Leave No Trace, as well as always observing fire bans to avoid starting forest fires.
- Closest Town: Buena Vista (3mi)
- Specs: 20 free primitive camping and dispersed campsites
- Amenities: Vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, level parking spots
- Recreation: Hiking, wildlife viewing, canoeing and kayaking on the Arkansas River, close to other Buena Vista recreation
- Reservations: No, first come, first serve
- Address: CR 375, Buena Vista, CO, 81211 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, take Main Street west and make a left onto Colorado Ave. Follow this road until it becomes Co Rd 371, for about 2mi. Then, make a right onto Co Rd 375. Continue for almost a mile, then you will arrive at Turtle Rock Campground.
Elephant Rock Campground
The four old railroad tunnels leading into Elephant Rock Campground make the drive alone worth it, but the stunning views and choice of comfortable campsites will encourage you to stay at this free Forest Service camping spot. Nearby you’ll find a launching spot for whitewater rafters, so this is the perfect site for anyone planning a river adventure. Be sure to pack your trash out, observe fire bans, and obey the principles of Leave No Trace while at this site.
- Closest Town: Buena Vista (3mi)
- Specs: 12-15 free primitive pull-thru campsites, won’t fit big rigs when full
- Amenities: Level gravel campsites, access to the river
- Recreation: Close to Buena Vista and the Arkansas River for fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and wildlife viewing
- Reservations: No, first come, first serve
- Address: Co Rd 371, Buena Vista, CO 81211 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, take Main St west until you reach Colorado Ave, then turn left. Continue along this road (which becomes Co Rd 371) for about 3mi, then Elephant Rock Campground will be on your left.
Arkansas River Rim Campground
For a cozy stay not far from central Buena Vista, Arkansas River Rim is a top-notch campground and RV spot with nearby access to the Arkansas River to make the most of your stay in the valley. This campground features free WiFi, as well as restrooms and showers to make your vacation more comfortable.
- Closest Town: Buena Vista (5mi)
- Specs: Electric RV sites, shaded tent campsites, and cabins
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, dump station, WiFi
- Recreation: Access to the Arkansas River for kayaking, rafting, and fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing
- Reservations: Yes, call 719-395-8883
- Address: 33198 Hwy 24 N, Buena Vista, Colorado, 81211 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, follow Hwy 24 west for almost 5 miles. The campground will be just off of Hwy 24, on your right.
Arrowhead Point Camping Resort
Activities abound at Arrowhead Point Camping Resort, located just 7 miles down the road from Buena Vista. Families and kids will love the playground and free WiFi, along with the activity booking available onsite featuring free shuttle service. Don’t miss out on this beautiful RV park and campground!
- Closest Town: Buena Vista (7mi)
- Specs: Full-hookup RV sites, tent camping, yurts, cabin rentals
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, laundry, camp store, large event pavilion with BBQ, children’s playground, espresso bar, WiFi
- Recreation: Activity booking onsite with free shuttle service including zipline tours, guided fishing, horseback riding, rafting, and more
- Reservations: Yes, at BookYourSite.com
- Address: 33975 US Hwy 24 N, Buena Vista, Colorado 81211 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, take Hwy 24 west for about 3 miles. Turn left onto Co Rd 384 and continue for a little over a mile, then take a right on Co Rd 361. 3 miles later, take a right to get back on Hwy 24, this time heading east. The campground will be right off of the highway, on your right.
Railroad Bridge Campground
The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is chock full of incredible campgrounds, but Railroad Bridge is perhaps one of the most beautiful with easy access to the river as well as restrooms and changing areas to facilitate your time there.
- Closest Town: Buena Vista (6mi)
- Specs: 14 primitive campsites
- Amenities: 2 vault toilets, 2 changing areas, fire pit, tent pads, picnic tables
- Recreation: Close to Arkansas River for rafting and fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing
- Reservations: Yes, at CPWShop.com
- Address: 33827 Co Rd 371, Buena Vista, CO 81211 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, take Hwy 24 until you reach Main Street. Head north on N Colorado Ave until it becomes Co Rd 371. Continue for about 6 miles until you reach the campground and the railroad bridge it’s named for.
Rafter’s Roost Campground
Quiet and secluded, the campsites at Rafter’s Roost will do well for any camper looking to find some outdoor recreation on the nearby Arkansas River. Look into the cabins if you’d like a more luxurious stay, featuring garage doors that open right onto the river.
- Closest Town: Buena Vista (3mi)
- Specs: Cabins and pull-thru campsites for primitive camping and small RVs (none over 23′)
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, group gathering area with fire pit, BBQ, and picnic tables
- Recreation: Rafting rentals onsite, close to Arkansas River for fishing and hiking
- Reservations: Yes, call (719) 395-1937
- Address: 26832 CR 310, Buena Vista, CO, 81211 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, take Highway 24 east for about 3 miles, staying on the road when it turns left. Make a right onto Arizona St, then turn left onto Co Rd 310. Rafter’s Roost is at the end of the road–keep straight to get there.
Buena Vista KOA Journey
KOA campgrounds are always reliable for those looking to RV across the country, and the Buena Vista KOA Journey is no exception to that rule. With a large number of RV sites to fit any of your specific needs and primitive campsites with incredible views, you’ll never be bored at this gorgeous and amenity-filled campground.
- Closest Town: Buena Vista (4mi)
- Specs: 19 full hookup RV sites, 22 RV sites with water and electric, 9 electric-only RV sites, 20 primitive campsites including 1 teepee, group camping, and cabins
- Amenities: Bathhouse, water, dump station, recycling, water treatment shed, laundry, cookhouse, and dump station
- Recreation: Playground, dog park, basketball court, volleyball court, horseshoes, bike trail, and hiking trail
- Reservations: Yes, at KOA.com
- Address: 27700 Co Rd 303, Buena Vista, CO 81211 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, take Hwy 24 east for about four miles, staying on 24/285 when the road turns left. Turn left onto Co Rd 303 and follow it for about a 1/3rd of a mile, then the KOA will be on your left.
Chalk Creek Campground and RV Park
Creekside tent campsites and RV sites near the creek give Chalk Creek Campground and RV Park a tranquil and serene feel. Don’t be fooled, however–this park is close enough to all of the sites that Buena Vista and Nathrop offer while offering a peaceful getaway.
- Closest Town: Nathrop (1mi), Buena Vista (8mi)
- Specs: Full hookup RV sites, smaller electric-only RV sites near the creek, tent camping on Chalk Creek
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, laundry
- Recreation: Playground, camp store, close to beautiful Chalk Creek, horseshoe pits
- Reservations: Yes, at ChalkCreek-Campground.com
- Address: 11430 Co Rd 197, Nathrop, CO 81236 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, take Highway 24 east for about 2.5 miles. Keep straight at the fork to continue onto 285 South and drive for about 5 miles. Turn left onto Co Rd 197 and the campground will be on your right.
Ruby Mountain Campground
Another site within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is Ruby Mountain Campground, located 5 miles from Nathrop and 9 miles from Buena Vista. You won’t find much more than a few bathrooms and changing areas for amenities, but its proximity to the river more than makes up for it. Check out this popular spot for boaters and rafters, but be sure to reserve ahead.
- Closest Town: Nathrop (5mi), Buena Vista (9mi)
- Specs: 22 primitive campsites
- Amenities: 4 vault toilets, 2 changing areas, fire pits, tent pads, and picnic tables at each site
- Recreation: River access for boaters and rafters, hiking, wildlife viewing
- Reservations: Yes, at CPWShop.com
- Address: County Road 301, Nathrop, CO 81236 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, head east on Hwy 24 for a little over 2 miles. Continue straight to head south on Hwy 285 and continue for another 3.5 miles. Take a left onto Co Rd 301 and continue for half a mile. Turn right onto Co Rd 300 and follow that road for another 2.5 miles to arrive at Ruby Mountain Campground.
Camping by Cottonwood Pass in Buena Vista
The incredible summer route over to Gunnison County on Cottonwood Pass is a must-have if you’ve never done it. It’s now completely paved and suitable for nearly all vehicles. It’s super easy to reach from downtown Buena Vista, just take County Road 306 West and it’ll start winding up the pass soon enough. On the way there are few places to camp, including free, dispersed camping on both sides of Cottonwood Pass in the San Isabel (east side) and Gunnison (west side) national forests.
Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn and Spa
During the cooler months, soaking in a hot spring in the Colorado sunshine is one of the most relaxing activities you can find. At Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn and Spa, those who are looking to spend a night in the great outdoors will enjoy their tent camping and small RV options
- Closest Town: Buena Vista (6mi)
- Specs: 5 primitive campsites large enough for an 18′ RV with no RV hookups as well as hotel lodging and cabins
- Amenities: Access to hot springs included with camping and hotel stays, dry sauna, spa services
- Recreation: Soaking in natural hot springs, fishing in Cottonwood Creek, hiking, wildlife viewing
- Reservations: Yes, call 719-395-6434
- Address: 18999 Co Rd 306, Buena Vista, CO 81211 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, take Main St west until it becomes State Hwy 306. Follow 306 for 4.5 miles and then Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn and Spa will be on your right.
Cottonwood Lake Campground
Cottonwood Lake is a popular spot for fishers and boaters, and Cottonwood Lake Campground is typically the spot where they hang their heads each night after a day in the sunshine. This no-frills campground offers two vault toilets and tent pads for each spot, but not much else. If you want to truly be in the great outdoors, Cottonwood Lake Campground is an excellent selection.
- Closest Town: Buena Vista (11mi)
- Specs: 25 primitive campsites
- Amenities: 2 vault toilets, tent pads, picnic tables
- Recreation: Fishing and boating on Cottonwood Lake, hiking, wildlife viewing
- Reservations: No, first come, first serve
- Address: Co Rd 344C, Nathrop, CO 81236 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, head west onto Main St until it becomes State Hwy 306. Continue on 306 for about 6 miles, then turn left onto Co Rd 344. After about 4 miles, continue straight onto 344C to arrive at the campground.
Collegiate Peaks Campground
Collegiate Peaks Campground is a well-known Forest Service camping spot located just off Hwy 306 that offers easy access to Middle Cottonwood Creek for fishing. Featuring a huge variety of primitive campsites with tent pads and fire pits, Collegiate Peaks Campground is the perfect starting point for your adventures around Buena Vista.
- Closest Town: Buena Vista (11mi)
- Specs: 56 primitive campsites along 3 loops
- Amenities: Vault toilets, potable water (limited supply), tent pads, picnic tables, fire pits
- Recreation: Fishing on Cottonwood Creek, hiking access to Ptarmigan Lake and Denny Creek
- Reservations: Yes, call 877-444-6777 or visit Recreation.Gov
- Address: Hwy 306, Buena Vista, CO, 81211 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, head west on Main St until it becomes State Hwy 306. Keep going on this road for another 10 miles to find yourself at Collegiate Peaks Campground.
FREE – Dispersed Camping on Cottonwood Pass/Count Roady 306
Cottonwood Pass is one of the best places to camp for free near Buena Vista. There are dispersed campsites on both the west and east sides of the divide directly on Cottonwood Pass. Check both sides of the street for preexisting campsites, The south side will have the creek running by. Clean up after yourself and treat your national forest with respect.
- Closest Town: Buena Vista (7+mi)
- Address: Co Rd 306, Buena Vista, CO 81211 (Map)
- Directions: Follow County Road 306 at least 5 or 6 miles west of downtown Buena Vista at the junction of Highway 24. After you hit the San Isabel National Forest, after passing Cottonwood Hot Springs, you’ll begin to see places to pull your car over and check for preexisting campsites.
Camping by Chalk Creek Canyon in Nathrop
Take Chalk Creek Drive thirty minutes west from Nathrop on Highway 285 and you’ll dead end at Saint Elmo, one of Colorado’s best-preserved ghost towns. On the route through Chalk Creek Canyon, you’ll pass by a few campgrounds, but no dispersed camping back here. There are some other gems to discover though, including Mt. Princeton Hot Springs and Agnes Vaille Falls.
Mt. Princeton Campground
Looking to climb one of the gorgeous 14ers surrounding Buena Vista? Try out Mt. Princeton Campground for a place to lay your head for the night–it’s located near the trailhead for those who want to try their luck with mountain climbing, as well as close to Chalk Lake for fishing and boating.
- Closest Town: Nathrop (9mi), Buena Vista (13mi)
- Specs: 19 primitive campsites
- Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, tent pads
- Recreation: Nearby Chalk Lake for fishing and boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, mountain climbing
- Reservations: Yes, at Recreation.gov
- Address: Chalk Creek Dr, Nathrop, CO, 81236 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, head west on Main Street, then turn onto Rodeo Rd/Co Rd 321. Continue for 8 miles, then turn right onto Co Rd 162. Follow this road for almost 4 miles, then Mt. Princeton Campground will be on your right
Cascade Campground
A perfect place to settle if you’re looking to explore Cascade Falls, Cascade Campground offers a total of 21 campsites for you to pitch your tent or pull your RV into. Enjoy fishing above the falls or the hike the variety of trails available in the area.
- Closest Town: Nathrop (10mi), Buena Vista (13mi)
- Specs: 21 primitive campsites
- Amenities: Vault toilets, drinking water, fire pits, picnic tables, and tent pads
- Recreation: Fishing above Cascade Falls, hiking, wildlife viewing
- Reservations: Yes, at Recreation.gov
- Address: Co Rd 162, Salida, CO 81201 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, head west on Main St until you reach Co Rd 321/Rodeo Rd. Turn left and follow the road for about 8 miles. Turn right onto Co Rd 162 and continue for 5 miles, then Cascade Campground will be on your left.
Iron City Campground
Iron City Campground is not only a nice site for a night’s stay, it also features the historic Iron City cemetery on the west side of the campground for visitors to explore. Conveniently located near St. Elmo, a ghost town that attracts visitors from all over, this campground is a great one for history buffs as well as weary travelers.
- Closest Town: Nathrop (17mi), Buena Vista (20mi)
- Specs: 15 primitive campsites
- Amenities: Vault toilet during peak season, drinking water, picnic tables, tent pads
- Recreation: Historic Iron City cemetery at the west side of the campground, close to historic St. Elmo, hiking, wildlife viewing
- Reservations: No, first come, first serve
- Address: Co Rd 292, Nathrop, CO 81236 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, head west on Main St until you hit Rodeo Rd. Turn left, and follow Rodeo Rd/Co Rd 321 for 8 miles. Turn right onto Co Rd 162, then continue for another 11 miles. Turn right onto Co Rd 292 and continue for a half mile to arrive at Iron City Campground.
Camping by Clear Creek Reservoir near Granite
Only 15 miles north of Buena Vista on US-24 leads you to Clear Creek Reservoir and County Road 390. Following CR 390 west past the reservoir leads you to a lot of free, dispersed camping with the San Isabel National Forest. The dirt drive is fine for a 2WD vehicle, though it can become a bit rutted. There are primitive roadside spots, just look for an existing fire ring and private property signs. Even if you don’t camp here visit the ghost towns along the route.
Clear Creek Reservoir and Campground
If you’re looking for a place to cool off on a hot summer weekend, Clear Creek Reservoir is not only great for fishing–it features a free Forest Service campground. Although there are no facilities or water at this campground, the views of the mountains and reservoir alone make this free site worth a visit. Don’t forget to pack out your trash, take care to observe fire bans, and Leave No Trace at this campground.
- Closest Town: Granite (4mi), Buena Vista (17mi)
- Specs: 20 free primitive campsites
- Amenities: Tent pads, lake access
- Recreation: Fishing and water recreation in the reservoir, hiking, wildlife viewing
- Reservations: No, first come, first serve
- Address: 23303 Co Rd 390, Buena Vista, CO 81211 (Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista, take Hwy 24 W for about 15 mi, then turn left onto Co Rd 390. Continue for a tenth of a mile, then the campground will be on your left.
FREE – Dispersed Camping on County Road 390
County Road 390 in Buena Vista provides excellent dispersed camping opportunities on much of the route. Look for places to pull over and check for preexisting spots, which can be found along Clear Creek. Campsites appear not too far past Clear Creek Reservoir. There are four ghost towns to visit to visit, including Beaver City, Vicksburg, Rockdale, and Winfield, the last is where the road basically ends, nearly ten miles back from US-24. You can continue on 390 to a few backcountry hiking trails.
- Closest Town: Granite (4mi), Buena Vista (17mi)
- Address: 23303 Co Rd 390, Buena Vista, CO 81211(Map)
- Directions: From Buena Vista take US-24 north for 15 miles. Make a left onto County Road 390 at Clear Creek Reservoir. Follow this road, which parallels Clear Creek, upstream. There are preexisting campsites alongside the road. Watch for private property.
Consider Salida, Leadville or Fairplay
Situated south of Buena Vista, Salida is another Arkansas River-side town. There are some riverside campgrounds near Salida, which make a great base for exploring Buena Vista as well. The towns are only located thirty minutes apart via US-285. Salida features a larger historic district than Bueny, so there’s a bit more in terms of businesses, but each town provides more than enough for a camping weekend
Little more than thirty minutes north of BV on US-24 sits Leadville at over 10,000 feet in elevation. On the route up from BV, you’ll find lakeside camping at Twin Lakes, a nice base located between cities. It’s also the gateway to Independence Pass to Aspen. In Leadville, there’s a large downtown rich in mining history and tourist attractions. The headwaters of the Arkansas River start close to town.
East of Buena Vista is the high desert of South Park and its county seat, Fairplay. If driving in from Denver or Colorado Springs, you’ll probably pass right on through, making it a convenient base closer to home. Fairplay is within a 45-minute drive of BV so whether you’re whitewater rafting for the day or just checking out Chaffee County, it’s easy to day trip in. There are several good campgrounds in Fairplay, which also put you closer to Breckenridge.
Those are among the best places to camp around Buena Vista and Nathrop, in Chaffee County, Colorado. Enjoy your stay in this region with beautiful views!
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