Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Open — Open year-round for camping and recreation. Reservations available online and recommended due to demand. Some individual sites within the recreation area may close seasonally in winter. Limited to 14 days in any 28-day period.

About

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area encompasses a 152-mile stretch of the Arkansas River, making it one of Colorado's most distinctive linear recreation areas. This extensive park follows the river from the high mountains near Leadville through Buena Vista and Salida, down to Lake Pueblo on the edge of Colorado's plains. The area is nationally recognized for its world-class whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities and features 102 miles of Gold Medal trout fishing waters. The recreation area provides camping at eight developed campground areas distributed along Highways 24, 285, and 50, with over 300 campsites total offering basic amenities. Additional dispersed camping is available along the river for those equipped with portable toilet facilities. Beyond water sports, visitors enjoy hiking through deep canyons, mountain biking, rock climbing on the area's dramatic rock formations, wildlife watching for species including bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and American dippers, and even gold panning along the river's shores. The park office and visitor center are located in historic downtown Salida, where visitors can purchase passes, obtain information, and explore the gift shop. The recreation area's length and variety of terrain provide diverse experiences, from high alpine environments to broad valleys with towering mountain peaks, making it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Directions

The park is a linear recreation area following the Arkansas River for 152 miles along Highways 24, 285, and 50. The visitor center and office are located in downtown Salida at 307 West Sackett Ave., at the corner of G Street and Sackett Avenue.

Nearby Campgrounds