Colorado · Camping
Camping in SALIDA, Colorado
Salida sits at the edge of some of the most accessible high-country camping in the Arkansas River valley, with the San Isabel National Forest filling in the mountains on nearly every side.
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Salida sits at the edge of some of the most accessible high-country camping in the Arkansas River valley, with the San Isabel National Forest filling in the mountains on nearly every side. The seven campgrounds near town cover a real range of situations: Monarch Park and Chalk Lake put you close to the Continental Divide, Collegiate Peaks drops you into the shadow of the 14,000-foot range it's named for, and Ohaver Lake gives you a small alpine lake right outside your tent door. Angel of Shavano Group is the one to book if you're coordinating a larger party, while Bassam Guard Station offers a more removed, cabin-style stay for those who want a roof but still want to be out in the forest. Cascade sits lower and tends to be a good shoulder-season option when the higher sites are still snowed in or muddy. Most of these campgrounds sit between roughly 8,000 and 10,000 feet, so even a July night will get cold — plan for temperatures that can drop into the 30s after dark regardless of what the Salida forecast says. The town itself is only 20 to 45 minutes from most of these sites, which makes it easy to resupply or grab a meal without committing to a full backcountry experience.
Frequently asked questions
When do these campgrounds near Salida typically open for the season?
Most of the higher sites — Monarch Park, Collegiate Peaks, and Chalk Lake — generally open sometime in late May or early June depending on snowpack and road conditions. Cascade tends to open earlier given its lower elevation. Check the San Isabel National Forest reservation system or call the Salida Ranger District before you drive up, because opening dates shift by a week or two from year to year.
Can I reserve a site in advance, or are these first-come, first-served?
Several of these campgrounds, including Collegiate Peaks and Monarch Park, accept reservations through Recreation.gov, and summer weekends fill up fast — sometimes weeks out. Angel of Shavano Group requires a reservation by design since it's a group site. Ohaver Lake has historically had some first-come sites, but availability changes, so check current status before assuming you can just show up on a Friday afternoon.
What gear do I need that I might not think to bring?
A warm sleeping bag rated to at least 20°F is the most common thing people underpack for this elevation range. Afternoon thunderstorms are routine in July and August, so a solid rain layer and a tarp or vestibule for your tent matter more here than at lower-elevation campgrounds. If you're at Ohaver Lake or Chalk Lake, a bear canister or bear box use is standard practice — check site-specific rules when you book.
Is Bassam Guard Station different from the other campgrounds on this list?
Yes, Bassam Guard Station is a historic guard station rental rather than a traditional tent or RV campground, so it sleeps a small group inside a structure. It books through Recreation.gov and tends to have limited availability. It's a good option if someone in your group has mobility limitations or if you want a base camp with a bit more shelter during unpredictable weather.
Are these campgrounds suitable for RVs or car camping, or are they more tent-oriented?
Monarch Park and Collegiate Peaks both accommodate RVs and larger setups reasonably well, though hookups are not available at most sites. Chalk Lake and Ohaver Lake have tighter access roads that make them better suited to smaller rigs and tent campers. Angel of Shavano Group is designed for larger parties but confirm size restrictions when you reserve, since forest road conditions vary.
