Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

State Park in Salida, CO

Hours:

Park:  Open 24 hours a day, year-round

Visitor Center:  Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Entrance Fees:

Daily Vehicle Pass: $​10
Individual Daily Pass: $4

Animals Permitted:

  • Leashed Dogs
  • Service Animals
  • Horses

Park Address:

307 West Sackett Ave.
Salida, CO 81201-1654
United States

Contact:

719-539-7289

[email protected]

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

State Park in Salida, CO

Hours:

Park:  Open 24 hours a day, year-round

Visitor Center:  Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Entrance Fees:

Daily Vehicle Pass: $​10
Individual Daily Pass: $4

Animals Permitted:

  • Leashed Dogs
  • Service Animals
  • Horses

Park Address:

307 West Sackett Ave.
Salida, CO 81201-1654
United States

Contact:

719-539-7289

[email protected]

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Construction Closures: Parkdale Boat Ramp, Ruby Mountain -

Parkdale Boat Ramp will be under construction from 1/13/25 through 4/15/25. Ruby Mountain Recreation Site is closed 9/1/2024 through 5/1/2025. There is a full road closure of County Rd. 300 near MM 2.2 at the entrance into Browns Canyon; and, full river closure of the Arkansas River from Fisherman's Bridge continuing Southeast to Ruby Mountain Campground. County Rd. 300 and this section of Arkansas River are closed to all vehicle, water craft and foot traffic as a result of unstable slope conditions encountered  during construction. The full road and river closure will continue until project completion.

Tent camping at AHRA

Tent camping at AHRA

Camping and Lodging

Stay at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA)

Our campgrounds are spread throughout our 152-mile-long park along Highways 24, 285 and 50.  

Camping is allowed by reservation only at all AHRA developed campgrounds. Reservations may be made on the day of arrival or up to six months in advance. Advance reservations are recommended due to demand and spotty cellular/data service throughout the AHRA. 

Dispersed camping is also available along the Arkansas River. Dispersed campers in these areas must provide their own portable toilet device that is designed to carry human waste, and they must have their own fire container if having a fire. Rock fire rings are prohibited. Stays are limited to 14 days in any 28 day period.

At This Park

Three people sitting by a campfire

At This Park

Camping at Railroad Bridge

Railroad Bridge offers visitors basic campsites.

Two people and a dog, relaxing in front of a camper van

At This Park

Camping at Ruby Mountain and Hecla Junction

Ruby Mountain and Hecla Junction offer visitors basic campsites.

A tent being assembled at a campsite

At This Park

Camping at Salida East, Point Barr and Rincon

Salida East, Point Barr and Rincon offer visitors basic campsites.

Two people at a campsite

At This Park

Camping at Vallie Bridge and Five Points

Vallie Bridge and Five Points offer visitors basic campsites.

People relaxing at their campsite, along side the river

Dispersed Camping on AHRA Land and Federal Land

Dispersed camping is available throughout AHRA outside of developed campground and day-use areas. Popular locations include Granite Rock, Stone Cabin, Rapid Number 4, The Wall, Rapid Number 5 1/2, Boulderfield, Rapid Number 6, Riverside, Elephant Rock, Tunnel View, Browns Canyon National Monument, Woody’s Claim, Rainbow Route, Red Wall, Badger Creek, Five 1/2 Points, Texas Creek, Lazy J, Bootlegger,  Cottonwood, and Maytag.

For camping on National Forest land, contact the USFS Salida Ranger District. For camping on Bureau of Land Management Land or information on Browns Canyon National Monument, contact the Bureau of Land Management Royal Gorge Field Office.