River access draws anglers and paddlers to Railroad Bridge Campground, which sits alongside the Arkansas River north of Buena Vista. The campground features approximately 30 sites that accommodate both RVs up to 60 feet and tent campers, with full hookups available for recreational vehicles. A large boat launch provides direct access to the Arkansas River's whitewater sections.
The campground operates with a mix of drive-in sites and walk-in tent spots positioned closer to the riverbank. Steve & Ashley G. note the facility "has terrific walk-in tent sites along the river as well as group picnic facilities." Heavy vehicle traffic from rafting shuttles and tour buses continues until around 5 p.m. during peak season, as this serves as a popular put-in and take-out point for commercial river operations.
The dirt access road remains flat and graded, though some GPS routes may direct larger RVs through low-clearance tunnels. Sites closest to the water fill quickly during summer weekends. Most camping spots offer limited shade, making sun protection essential. The facility includes vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with a camp host present during operating season. Reservations are available April through October, while the campground stays open year-round for those willing to brave winter conditions without services.
Description
The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is one of the nation’s most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking and home to the most commercially rafted river in the United States, the Arkansas River! Tumbling 4,650’ in 152 miles, boaters can find anything from roaring Class IV and V rapids, to milder Class II and III sections, which are ideal for beginner and family trips. AHRA also offers a world-class trout fishery and sightseeing within the Upper Arkansas River Valley as well as abundant opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, wildlife watching, horseback riding, mountain biking and OHV travel.
AHRA operates eight campgrounds along the Arkansas River, all of which have boat ramps for raft and kayak access.
Please visit the Arkansas Headwaters website for current conditions and more information: https://ahra.mobi/park
By making a reservation with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, you are agreeing to read and abide by all rules stated in this purchase flow and on the confirmation letter.
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There is no water, electricity, or firewood available in the campgrounds.
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The gathering of firewood in the campground is NOT permitted.
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Facilities at AHRA Campgrounds include vault toilets, tent pads, grills, and picnic tables.
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Motor craft are NOT permitted on the river.
Please use www.cpwshop.com or call (800) 244-5613 to make, cancel, or change reservations or make any license, pass, or retail purchases. ReserveAmerica.com has limited functionality for CPW customers.
Per CPW regulation, no individual may camp or park a motor vehicle, trailer or camper on a state park for more than fourteen (14) days in any twenty-eight (28) day period on a single park. For the purposes of this regulation, an individual is defined as any person who has occupied a site, whether or not they are formally listed on the reservation as the reserving party or primary occupant.
Any reservations made with one or more days outside of the 6-month reservation window will be frozen to changes for 14 days from the date the reservation was made.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Colorado weather can be unpredictable: be prepared for a variety of weather conditions including extreme hot and cold temperatures, wind, rain, and snow (even in the summer). CPW does not grant exceptions to the refund policy for weather conditions.
Please use www.cpwshop.com to make, cancel, or change reservations or make any license, pass, or retail purchases. ReserveAmerica.com has limited functionality for CPW customers. **No-show policy:** If you are unable to occupy your site on the first day of your reservation, please call the park office in order to notify park staff. Otherwise, your reservation will be considered a "no-show" and your site may be resold. "No-show" reservations are ineligible for a refund for those nights or days passed and the fees for any nights or days passed will be retained.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundRailroad Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is located in Colorado
Directions
Unlike most other Colorado State Parks, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) does not have one set of driving directions to get to the park. This is because the AHRA is actually a linear recreation area that follows the Arkansas River for 152 miles from the high mountains near Leadville, Colorado, to Lake Pueblo, on the edge of Colorado plains. There are a number of highways and roads entering the valley. Along the way, the AHRA has eight basic campgrounds, numerous picnic areas, fishing and boating access points and trail access. PLEASE NOTE: You _do not_ need to check in at the visitor center prior to your arrival if you are camping. You may go directly to the campground.
Address
307 W Sackett Ave
Salida, CO 81201
Coordinates
38.92271037022809 N
106.16970001345229 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/3/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 4/3/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 56 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 10 min from Pueblo, CO
- 2 hrs 14 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 24 min from Boulder, CO
