Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Open year-round, 24 hours daily. All developed campgrounds require reservations via cpwshop.com or 1-800-244-5613, available same-day up to six months in advance. Federal and county fire restrictions apply; check the Colorado Fire Restrictions map before arrival.
Red Flag Warning issued June 16 at 1:04PM MDT until June 16 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from noon to 9 PM MDT Wednesday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 220, 222, 223 and 224. * TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until 9 PM MDT this evening. For the second Red Flag Warning, from noon to 9 PM MDT Wednesday. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. The strongest winds will occur Wednesday afternoon. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 9 percent. * IMPACTS...Elevated fire danger is expected. Fires will catch and spread rapidly and erratically.
Red Flag Warning issued June 16 at 1:04PM MDT until June 17 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from noon to 9 PM MDT Wednesday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 220, 222, 223 and 224. * TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until 9 PM MDT this evening. For the second Red Flag Warning, from noon to 9 PM MDT Wednesday. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. The strongest winds will occur Wednesday afternoon. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 9 percent. * IMPACTS...Elevated fire danger is expected. Fires will catch and spread rapidly and erratically.
About
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area stretches 152 miles along the Arkansas River from Leadville to Pueblo Reservoir, jointly managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Bureau of Land Management. The river corridor is recognized as one of the nation's top whitewater destinations, offering everything from gentle Class II floats to challenging Class V rapids, along with 102 miles of Gold Medal trout fishing. Developed campgrounds are distributed across six river sections. Ruby Mountain (22 sites) and Hecla Junction (23 sites) serve the Buena Vista to Salida stretch near Browns Canyon National Monument. Salida East offers 33 sites including a yurt. Point Barr (12 sites) is the only location where gold panning is permitted. Rincon has 8 sites, and Vallie Bridge provides 16 tent-only walk-in/boat-in sites with an accessible fishing pier. All developed sites include vault toilets, potable water, picnic tables, grills, and trash service; most offer RV hookups. Dispersed camping is available throughout AHRA outside developed areas. Dispersed campers must provide portable toilet devices, bring fire containers (rock rings prohibited), and observe the 14-day limit per 28-day period. Fire restrictions follow federal and county regulations, with the most restrictive applying.
Directions
The visitor center is located at 307 West Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201. Campgrounds are distributed along US-24/US-285 (Leadville to Buena Vista) and US-50 (Buena Vista to Pueblo). Ruby Mountain and Hecla Junction are accessed from US-285 between Buena Vista and Salida.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $28 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 85ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (719) 539-7289 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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