Browns Canyon National Monument
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Browns Canyon National Monument is geographically stunning with pink granite cliffs and deep river canyons. It offers superb water recreation and Gold Medal trout waters, where you can catch trout and enjoy the Rocky Mountain backdrop. You will generally need a reservation if you stay in developed campgrounds, like Ruby Mountain campground. However, you can stay for free in dispersed camping areas like Aspen Ridge Road. This BLM public land is accessible via unpaved roads and rugged terrain. The main entry point is off U.S. Highway 285. Winter snow and ice can impact your trip, and road closures are possible during hard freezes.
Quick Facts About RVing in Browns Canyon National Monument
● RV Friendly: Yes ● Max RV Length: 35 feet ● Camping Type: Both ● Reservations: Yes, for developed areas ● Hookups: None ● Dump Station: Nearest dump station at Poncha Springs Crossroads Welcome Center ● Potable Water: Bring your own ● Cell Service: Spotty ● Pets: Allowed, must be leashed ● Roads: Dirt and rock ● Best Season: Summer and early fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
● Nearby developed and dispersed camping options ● Easy access to Buena Vista and Salida for fuel, groceries, and supplies ● Good basecamp for rafting, kayaking, fishing, and hiking ● Dark skies for stargazing from or near camp ● Convenient stop on a longer Colorado RV road trip ● Access to scenic public lands without being far from town services
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Turret Trail
The Turret Trail is an out-and-back trail featuring a river and beautiful mountain views. The elevation gain is 1,089 feet. Dogs are allowed on the trail.
Length: 6.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fistful of Dollars and Few Dollars More Trail Loop
The Fistful of Dollars Trail and the Few Dollars More Trail together form a loop that is pleasant to walk and offers lovely views and possible wildlife sightings. The elevation gain is only 269 feet, so it is great for beginner hikers. Dogs must be kept on a leash.
Length: 2.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
Browns Creek Waterfall Trail
The Browns Creek Waterfall Trail can be busy, but it is worth it for the view of the spectacular waterfall at the end of the trail. The trail winds through meadows and pine and aspen forests. Small log bridges allow the crossing of Browns Creek. The elevation gain is 941 feet.
Length: 6.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
The Arkansas River within Browns Canyon National Monument is a world-class fishing location. Brown and rainbow trout are plentiful. This section of the river has been designated a Gold Medal Trout Fishery. A Colorado fishing license is required. Other regulations may apply as well, so check with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
Climbing
Some climbing opportunities exist in Browns Canyon National Monument. There are quartzite and granite domes, monoliths, and boulders. However, access to these areas is long and difficult. Logjam Wall is only accessible by boat, and the Staircase Towers climbing area requires a walk along a beach and up a wash. Check on current conditions before heading out.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife can be spotted throughout Browns Canyon National Monument. Mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, snakes, and lizards are at home in the park. Elk, mule deer, and wild turkey can often be seen in the meadows and hillsides. Dry gulches, springs, and streams are good places to see coyotes or bears, and be sure to check the cliffs for falcons and eagles. Several trails, such as the Turret Trail and the Catkin Gulch Trail, are known for wildlife sightings.
Picnicking
There are many designated picnic areas within the park, but you can also picnic anywhere you find a pleasant spot. The mountain views along many of the trails are a wonderful backdrop to an enjoyable lunch.
Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting is a very popular activity along the Arkansas River in the park. The river has the most commercial rafting activity of any river in the United States. Check with the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) for more information about whitewater rafting opportunities.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
The Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the park, Ruby Mountain Campground and Hecla Campground, only offer basic campsites with no hookups. For a better RV camping experience, you can find full hookups and a dump station at nearby Chalk Creek Campground and RV Park. Mount Princeton RV Park also offers full hookups.
Developed Campgrounds
For an easier RV stay near Browns Canyon, Ruby Mountain and Hecla Junction are the two main developed campgrounds to consider. Ruby Mountain has 22 campsites, while Hecla Junction has 23 sites. Both put you close to the Arkansas River and the monument. Amenities include picnic tables, restrooms, changing facilities, and boat ramps. This is dry camping with no hookups. Reservations are required for developed Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area campgrounds. Before you arrive, use this RV checklist to make sure you have the essentials for your stay.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is available along Aspen Ridge Road for free. The stay limit is 14 days within a 28-day period. However, you can move to other BLM public lands to extend your stay in the region. All campers must adhere to Leave No Trace principles, and manage their own trash. The roads leading to these areas are unpaved dirt roads, so proceed with caution. All RVers must comply with fire restrictions and emerging fire bans. Due to wildfire risks, all campfires must be within fire rings.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
● Camper Vans: A camper van is a great choice for visiting Browns Canyon National Monument. Its smaller size makes it easier to handle narrow roads, tighter turns, and smaller camping areas. ● Travel Trailers: Models under 22 feet with a higher clearance are a good choice for this area. You’d need a four-wheel-drive truck or SUV for traveling on rugged terrain. ● Fifth Wheels: The turning radius could be restrictive when turning around on narrow and unpaved surfaces. An SUV with a trailer hitch may be a better choice for towing a fifth wheel. ● Class A Motorhomes: Class A motorhomes are typically larger, and they require a wider turning radius. They are better suited for paved and more spacious areas. ● Class B Motorhomes: A Class B motorhome is one of the easiest RVs to use around Browns Canyon. Its compact size makes it well suited to tighter roads, smaller campsites, and day trips around the area. ● Class C Motorhomes: By choosing a model under 24 feet, you can maneuver well and manage gravel access roads. However, this type of RV may not be suitable for rugged terrain.
Free Camping 
Bureau of Land Management free camping in Colorado allows dispersed camping outside of developed campgrounds. They request that you choose a site that has hardened ground and no vegetation where others have camped before you. Use existing fire rings where possible, and be aware of local fire regulations.
RV Rentals Near Browns Canyon National Monument Plan your next adventure
Planning your Browns Canyon National Monument BLM trip
You can practice dispersed BLM RV camping within Browns Canyon National Monument as long as you are ready to rough it in your RV without hookups. Be sure to come prepared with your own water, camping lanterns, flashlights, warm sleeping bags, and the like. Unless you have a generator on your RV, you will need to do without electricity for lighting and keeping warm.
To store food, either hook a small fridge up to your generator or use a cooler filled with ice to keep your food from spoiling. Be sure to store your food in a safe place that will not attract bears. To cook the food, you can build a small fire or use a kerosene stove.
You may find that you enjoy being self-sufficient and not depending on a developed campground. Camping at this BLM site gives you the privacy of a remote location in the middle of nature. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Browns Canyon National Monument is a fairly remote destination, so it's best to stock up before heading toward camp. Buena Vista and Salida are the closest towns for fuel, groceries, propane, and other supplies. RVers will need to bring their own water to Browns Canyon National Monument. The nearest dump station is Snowy Peaks RV Park, which is about 20 minutes away. The cell service is spotty, so download maps and campground information in advance. RVers are allowed to use generators when camping near Browns Canyon National Monument.
Leave No Trace 
If you decide on disbursed camping on BLM lands, you must abide by their policy of "leave no trace." Don't leave anything behind at your campsite. Pack all garbage out of the site, and bury or pack out all human waste. Don't destroy plants and other natural features. Pick a campsite that has already been camped on before so that you don't have to clear out new areas.
Browns Canyon National Monument Location
To drive to Browns Canyon National Monument from Pueblo, take US-50 west. Turn right onto CO-291, and then turn right onto US-285. Turn right onto Colorado Road 301, and then turn right onto Colorado Road 300. Be prepared as all roads leading to the site are unpaved. Drive carefully, and watch for blind corners.
Address: Salida, CO 81201
Ready to visit Browns Canyon National Monument? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at Browns Canyon National Monument
● Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your RV. Head out to the River Bench Trail for a 5.5-mile hike along the Arkansas River. ● Afternoon: Take a 15-mile drive to Buena Vista via U.S.-285. You can stop at the Buena Vista Whitewater Park for kayaking. Grab a quick lunch. ● Evening: Drive 25 minutes south to Salida and take a stroll around Riverside Park. Return to the national monument as it is a dark sky park. It's a perfect location for stargazing as you enjoy dinner at your RV campsite.
Nearby Attractions
● The Towns of Salida and Buena Vista: The towns of Salida and Buena Vista offer full-service RV parks with beautiful views of the mountain range. You’ll find many restaurants, shops, and craft breweries. Salida is about 30 minutes away, and Buena Vista is about 15 minutes away. ● Mount Princeton Springs: These geothermal mineral soaking pools can provide rejuvenation for sore muscles and relaxation. Mount Princeton is about 17 minutes away. ● St Elmo Ghost Town: This late 1800s mining camp is well-preserved and offers a walk through history. You can learn about the mining industry and its early history. St Elmo Ghost Town is 40 minutes from the national monument. ● Browns Canyon Adventure Park: You’ll find zip-lines and aerial ropes at Browns Canyon Adventure Park. Browns Canyon Adventure Park is 9 minutes away from the monument.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the access fees and camping fees for Browns Canyon National Monument? Currently, there aren’t any access fees to enter the area around Browns Canyon National Monument. There aren’t camping fees for the dispersed camping lands. The camping fees for developed public lands and established RV parks and resorts can vary. Is Browns Canyon National Monument accessible year-round? Browns Canyon National Monument is open 24 hours a day, year-round. However, snow and ice during the winter can impact the area between November and April. Stay mindful of road closures and weather-related hazards that could impact your trip to the area. What vehicles are allowed inside Browns Canyon National Monument? Currently, only non-motorized vehicles are permitted inside Browns Canyon National Monument. You must park your RV in a designated parking area. However, you can ride a mountain bike into the region. Are you allowed to bring pets to Browns Canyon National Monument? Yes, pets are allowed at Browns Canyon National Monument and BLM public lands and campgrounds. However, you are required to keep your pets on a leash whenever outside of your RV. Visitors are responsible for their pets at all times. When is the best time to visit Browns Canyon National Monument? The best times to visit Browns Canyon National Monument are spring and fall. The temperatures in spring and fall are pleasant. Snow and ice are likely during winter, and summer temperatures can get extreme.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
Planning a terrific trip to Browns Canyon National Monument starts with renting the right RV. Camper vans and Class B motorhomes are the best choices for the terrain around this region. Roads are unpaved and aren’t best for low-clearance RV models, and larger models could make it harder to turn around. The recommended RV length for this area is 35 feet or less. The best time to visit is spring and fall because the temperatures are more comfortable, and you will avoid winter snow and ice. When you rent an RV, it's sometimes possible to get extras like delivery to your preferred campground. Browse RV rentals in Buena Vista to find the best RV for your trip to Browns Canyon National Monument.