Coaldale Campground

About

Coaldale Campground sits on the banks of Hayden Creek in San Isabel National Forest, about 15 miles east of Salida along Highway 50. This small, quiet campground offers just 10 sites in a natural setting thick with gamble oak, juniper, and cottonwood trees. Sites 1-5 are walk-in tent camping sites, while the remaining sites feature small parking areas suitable for vehicles or short RVs up to 25 feet. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Amenities are minimal: a vault toilet is available during peak season, but there is no potable water. Campers must bring their own water and dispose of trash at Hayden Creek Campground, located one mile south. The area is designated bear country, requiring secure food storage in locked vehicles. Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM with checkout at noon. Nearby recreation includes fishing in Hayden Creek and access to the Rainbow Trail, a 100-mile path along the edge of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Hayden Creek Campground, one mile south, offers additional camping options in the same scenic corridor.

Directions

From Salida, travel 15 miles east on Highway 50 toward Canon City. Just outside Coaldale, turn right at signs for Cutty's Resort and Hayden Creek onto Fremont County Road 6. Travel south on CR 6 toward Hayden Pass. Pass Cutty's Resort on the left; the campground is approximately 0.25 miles past the resort.