Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
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Located near central Colorado, the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is a popular destination for naturalists, whitewater rafters, kayakers, and anglers. The Arkansas River extends nearly 150 miles from Leadville, Colorado, to the Pueblo Reservoir and boasts an abundance of Class II-V rapids. Anglers can enjoy Gold Medal fishing for brown and rainbow trout, and treasure hunters can pan for gold. On land, visitors can enjoy everything from biking, hiking, horseback riding, and camping to picnicking, wildlife watching, rock climbing, and skiing. Set against the breathtaking Saguache and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the park has expansive valleys, deep canyons, tall mountain peaks, and beautiful riverside campgrounds.
Nearby cities:
Leadville, CO
Buena Vista, CO
Salida, CO
Cacón City, CO
Spring 27-70 F
Summer 43-85 F
Fall 20-75 F
Winter 12-46 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Campground Accommodations
Ruby Mountain Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: N/A
Other amenities: Picnic tables, firewood, toilets, trash receptacles, ADA accessible
Railroad Bridge Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: N/A
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: N/A
Other amenities: Picnic tables, toilets, trash receptacles, ADA access, tent pads, pull-through sites
Five Points Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: N/A
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: N/A
Other amenities: ADA accessible, picnic tables, toilets
Rincon Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: N/A
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: N/A
Other amenities: ADA accessible, picnic tables, toilets, pull-through sites, big-rig friendly
Vallie Bridge Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: N/A
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: N/A
Other amenities: Picnic tables, toilets
Hecla Junction Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: N/A
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: N/A
Other amenities: ADA access, picnic tables, drinking water available, alcohol permitted, fire pits, toilets, big-rig friendly, watercraft accessible
Point Barr Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: N/A
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 15 feet
Other amenities: ADA accessible, picnic tables, fire pits, trash receptacles, toilets
Salida East
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: N/A
Other amenities: ADA accessible, picnic tables, trash receptacles, toilets, pull-through sites, big-rig friendly
Arrowhead Point Campgrounds and Cabins
Arrowhead Point Campgrounds and Cabins is an impressive place that can accommodate RVs up to 60 feet in length. They have plenty of space and activities, and they honor the Good Sam Loyalty Program. Amenities that you may enjoy include:
• Camp store
• BBQ pavilion
• Kid's playground
• Free Wi-Fi
• Laundry facilities
• Restroom facilities
Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park
Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park is a homey campground that is beautiful, comfortable, and quiet. The creek is their main attraction, and they also offer a few activities as well as RV storage for $50 per month. Amenities that they offer include:
• Camp store
• Kid's playground
• Laundry facilities
• Restroom facilities
Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground
Located in the heart of the Rockies, Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground is 8,620 feet above sea level. They can accommodate RVs up to 60 feet long and offer up to 50 amps of power. Some of their amenities include:
• Souvenir shop
• Restroom facilities
• Laundry facilities
• Picnic and playground area
• Free Wi-Fi
• Riverfront tents
• Gold-panning sites
Bighorn Park
Located in Coaldale, Bighorn Park is an RV park as well as an outdoor resort with motel rooms, bunkhouses, and tents. They're RV rates range from $36 to $45 nightly or $216 to $270 weekly. They have great amenities such as:
• Free Wi-Fi
• Sewer hookups
• Cabins and motel rooms
• Gas grills
• Rafting
• Horseback riding
• Hot springs
What to Do at
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Arkansas River enthusiasts can take private boats or guided rafting trips on calm, scenic streams or roiling high water, while anglers can enjoy Gold Medal trout fishing when flows are low. The spectacular mountain scenery provides a wondrous opportunity to view local wildlife, and hikers, bikers, and horseback riders will have plenty of trails to explore. Visitors can bring their RVs to any major campgrounds spread throughout the park.
Inside Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
You won't get bored when you visit the AHRA as there are 152 miles of activities for you to check out. Since it's situated along the Arkansas River, you can expect plenty of boating and fishing activities no matter where you decide to camp along the river. You can also find plenty of places to swim or enjoy wildlife. While the AHRA is situated in the Rocky Mountains, there are quite a few different types of terrain, such as sand dunes, forests, and lush valleys. You can also find trails and caves to explore or test your athleticism by climbing the mountains.
Fishing
August through April is the best time to fish for brown trout in the Arkansas River. Anglers usually enjoy fishing when the waters are calm and clear, around dawn or from late afternoon to dusk.
Geocaching
Anyone with a smartphone or a hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) can enjoy geocaching, a high-tech scavenger hunt, at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. To play, search for hidden treasure, retrieve your prize from the cache, leave something in its place, and record it in the log.
Nature Watching
The AHRA is a haven for nature watchers who live to see elk, bighorn sheep, and the occasional moose. Birders may find warblers, finches, jays, herons, and larger birds of prey. Naturalists should remember to leave the animals undisturbed.
Stargazing
Visitors can enjoy breathtaking starry skies when the moon is waning, and the sky is clear. Park naturalists sometimes host weekend astronomy programs at the Salida East campground.
Flora and Fauna
Mule deer, mountain goats, and pronghorn antelope are among the fauna that live year-round in the AHRA. Peregrine falcons, hawks, and golden and bald eagles also nest in and migrate throughout the park. Notable plants include the Rocky Mountain juniper, Colorado pinyon, Ponderosa pine, and abundant, beautiful wildflowers.
Hiking
Hikers will enjoy the many trails, forest, backcountry hikes, and scenic vistas throughout the park. The AHRA Trails webpage and Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) map offer information about courses near various river access points.
Boating
The AHRA is famous for its whitewater excursions. Boaters of every age and skill level can take on everything from tranquil Class I and II waterways to thrilling Class IV and V rapids.
Swimming
Swimmers at whitewater parks and all swimmers under age 13 must wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. Check with park rangers for details about swimming in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area.
Climbing
The AHRA offers many challenging opportunities for experienced climbers. Beginners should seek assistance from outfitters who can provide equipment and guidance.
Biking
Mountain bikers can enjoy a variety of trails, terrain, and scenery in the Salida area and beyond. The Midland Trail follows a railroad grade established in the 1800s, while the Rainbow Trail offers stunning views of the river and the imposing Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Gold Panning
Many enjoy panning for gold along the Arkansas River. The Bureau of Land Management's Geology and Minerals website and Colorado Parks and Wildlife's gold panning page can help get you started.
How to Get to
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area has several access points along US-285 and US-50. There are also several state highways and local roads that enter the valley.
Entering Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
The AHRA is open year-round. Reservations can be made online or over the phone.
Daily Vehicle Pass : $10.0
Annual Vehicle Pass (Affixed) : $80.0
Annual Vehicle Pass (Hang Tag) : $120.0
Seniors Annual Pass : $70.0
Whether hunting for treasure, panning for gold, communing with nature, or just trying to catch the big fish, the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area offers lots of adventurous outdoor activities for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Peak tourist season in the AHRA usually lasts from mid-June through mid-August. Whitewater rafting and kayaking season typically runs from April through September, and fishing is usually best from September to April.
The AHRA has a healthy diversity of wildlife, including bluejays and goldfinch, great-horned owls, Peregrine falcons, golden and bald eagles, elk, mule deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and more.
Many of the 128 campsites in the AHRA have designated RV camping spots. Most of the sites have picnic tables and toilets and allow fires but do not offer electrical hookups or potable water.
Yes. The AHRA requires camping reservations. A $28.00 basic campsite fee and parking and entrance fee must be paid.
Pets are allowed at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area campsites at no additional charge. Dogs or cats must be leashed outdoors while their owners are on-site and never left unattended.
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