Best Campgrounds in Buena Vista CO

Buena Vista sits between the Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas River, offering wide open skies, mountain views, and river access — all features that make it an ideal destination for campers. The town provides access to well-established campsites with amenities and primitive sites for those looking to disconnect.

If you're planning a stay in this part of Colorado, here's a guide to the best campgrounds in Buena Vista CO. Each one offers its own atmosphere, access points, and perks worth noting before you book or arrive.

Turtle Rock Campground is located just off County Road 304 and offers proximity to Buena Vista and the surrounding trail systems. The sites are spread across open terrain with a backdrop of tall granite formations. You’ll find large pull-through spots and quiet tent pads, making it a good option for RVs and car camping.

This campground has direct access to hiking and biking routes, including the Fourmile Travel Management Area. You’re also only a five-minute drive from downtown Buena Vista, where you can stop into shops like Sundance and Friends or browse handcrafted items at Rock Run Gallery. The balance between town access and natural setting makes Turtle Rock an easy pick for those wanting some flexibility during their stay.

Located north of Buena Vista on Highway 24, Arrowhead Point offers a more structured camping experience. There are full hookup RV sites, tent pads, and on-site cabins. The property also features a small store, a laundry facility, and a communal outdoor kitchen. This spot checks several boxes if you're looking for convenience without going too far from outdoor activities.

Nearby, you’ll find the Buena Vista Disc Golf Course and Cottonwood Pass access. The site’s layout provides more privacy than many other campgrounds. After a day outdoors, you can head into town for a meal and some shopping at Deerhammer Distillery or browse outdoor apparel at CKS Main Street. Campgrounds in Buena Vista CO that offer extra amenities with direct access to natural and commercial attractions are limited, making Arrowhead Point stand out.

Just north of town and accessed via County Road 371, Railroad Bridge Campground sits alongside the Arkansas River. It offers direct river access, large sandy tent pads, and a rustic, minimal setup. Sites are first-come, first-served, and often fill quickly during rafting season. There's no electricity, but the peaceful river setting draws weekend and longer-stay campers.

The site is just a short drive to the North Buena Vista shops and services. It's also close to trailheads that lead up into the Collegiate Peaks. Railroad Bridge Campground is a solid choice for those looking to avoid large crowds and get closer to the water without sacrificing a quick drive into town. Local boutiques, such as Sundance Office Supply and The Trailhead, are available for last-minute gear or gifts.

Cottonwood Lake Campground is about 6 miles west of Buena Vista on County Road 344. Tucked into a forested area near a scenic alpine lake, it offers cooler temperatures and easy access to water-based recreation. The campsites are shaded and spaced out, giving each group a bit more privacy than typical roadside locations.

This site is popular for paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. The road up to the campground is gravel but accessible to most vehicles. On your way back into Buena Vista, stop at Wesley & Rose for a meal or shop for unique finds at Sundance and Friends. Campgrounds in Buena Vista CO with direct lake access and a quiet forest backdrop are rare, making Cottonwood Lake Campground a standout.

Located near Nathrop, just a short drive south of Buena Vista, Chalk Creek Campground offers shaded campsites along the creek. This site includes a mix of cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups. The camp store has essentials, and the grounds are well-maintained with picnic tables and fire rings.

The campground is close to Mount Princeton Hot Springs and is a convenient launch point for exploring Cottonwood Pass or Browns Canyon. After hiking or soaking, head into Buena Vista to explore upscale shops like The Midland Stop or pick up gear at CKS Main Street. Chalk Creek Campground is ideal for those looking to stay near the water with easy access to town and mountain trails.

Ruby Mountain Campground is located southeast of Buena Vista along County Road 301. It’s a small site with direct access to the Arkansas River, making it ideal for those planning to fish or launch a raft. The terrain is more open and rocky, with fewer trees than Cottonwood Lake or Turtle Rock, but the views of the river and surrounding bluffs make up for it.

This site is less than 20 minutes from the center of town. Visitors can explore art and jewelry at Rock Run Gallery or pick up fresh-roasted coffee at Midland Stop before heading out for a hike or paddle. Ruby Mountain is best for campers looking for quick river access in a scenic but straightforward setting.

The Fourmile Campground Travel Management Area is a network of dispersed campsites east of Buena Vista along CR 375 and surrounding roads. There are no formal amenities, but the open spaces and designated fire rings provide a reliable setup for experienced campers. The area is popular with overlanders, car campers, and tent campers looking for seclusion.

While no stores or water sources are nearby, the area is close enough to Buena Vista to make quick supply runs. You’ll also find access points to motorized and non-motorized trails throughout the region. After a day in the Fourmile Area, stop by The Blend for coffee or walk through Vino Salida for a tasting experience. Among the most flexible campgrounds in Buena Vista CO, Fourmile is great for people who want to set their own pace.

Located just off Highway 285 and adjacent to River Runners at Browns Canyon, this campground provides walk-in tent sites and RV access just steps from the Arkansas River. It's one of the few campgrounds offering true riverside camping with immediate access to whitewater rafting tours and a riverside bar and grill.

This site allows you to spend the day on the river and then relax with food and drinks without leaving the campground area. It’s a short drive from the shopping and dining options in Buena Vista’s South Main neighborhood. Stores like Deerhammer Distillery and Trailhead can provide anything you need for your next day of adventure.

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