RV Rental Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, CO

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Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area lies in central Colorado, close to the towns and cities of Salida, Canon City, and Buena Vista. Taking its name from the Arkansas River that passes along the shoreline of the park, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area has become the hotspot for white water rafting and kayaking. So much so that it is seen as one of the most popular places for it in the entire United States. The Arkansas River also offers visitors to Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, not only a place for boating but a place to fish and be at one with nature.

Lying on the outskirts of the city of Salida, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is perfectly situated between an idyllic riverside view and the convenience of a modern city. This combination makes Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area an ideal place to take an RV rental in Colorado. Accessing the recreation area with a rental RV couldn’t be easier, both highways 285 and 50 intersect close by. Rent a camper near Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area and see why it has become one of the most visited spots along the Arkansas River. Search for an RV in Chaffee County to start your Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area adventure.

Getting Outdoors

As Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area lies along the mighty Arkansas River, it has slowly grown into a must-visit place for budding fishermen and women in central Colorado. Many fantastic fishing spots can be found on either side of the banks, and more secluded ones can be found within a short walk of the campsites. The Arkansas River is home to a wide variety of freshwater game fish and will never fail to surprise you. Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area campers can find rainbow trout, brown trout, and hybrid trout here in abundance. Other species include catfish, largemouth bass, and northern pike.

One of the main attractions of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is its nationally famous white water rapids. Visitors can find Class V and Class IV rapids on sections of the river, these are ideal for expert and experienced rafters and kayakers. Those who are new to kayaking in rapids and fast-flowing rivers will also find milder Class I and Class II sections of the Arkansas River. The inclusiveness makes Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area the perfect place for all levels of kayakers. Those motorhome camping without boats of there own can rent kayaks on-site for a small fee.

As well as the riverside recreation Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area also boasts a fine environment for hiking and exploring nature. The vast recreation area holds miles of hiking trails, cycling trails, and routes for horseback riding. This area of central Colorado lends itself perfectly for those who love to meander through woodland, foothills, and green pastures. This also gives campers a perfect chance to catch sight of wildlife such as bighorn sheep and mule deer.

Camping at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Those RV camping at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area will find a handful of RV parks all within a short distance of the river and park. Wilderness Expeditions RV Park & Campground is a perfect place to set up camp. Partial hookups are provided here; these include 20, 30 amp electrical and water hookups. On-site facilities include flushing toilets, shower blocks, a dump station, fire rings, and picnic tables. There are also many pull-thru sites at Wilderness Expeditions RV Park & Campground, meaning all sizes of rigs are welcomed here.

Another ideal site is the Four Seasons RV Resort, a little further downriver. Full hookups are provided to RV campers here. These include a 20, 30, 50 amp electrical, water, and sewage hookup. Facilities here at this campground include a dump station, showers, flushing toilets, laundry services, and free WiFi. Pets are welcome on the campsite but must be kept on a leash at all times.

Exploring the Area

Once campers have had their fill of the great Arkansas River and all that comes with it, be sure to head to the nearby city of Salida for a little sight-seeing. Salida Museum is a great place to spend a few hours when in the city. The museum houses an array of exhibitions and artifacts that strive to preserve the history of this part of Colorado. Known as the heart of the Rockies, the local area has a rich and colorful past that can be viewed in all its manifestations here at the Salida Museum.

Families who fancy a warming escape from the crisp Rocky Mountains should make for the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center. This is the largest indoor hot springs facility in the entire United States, and a swim here will not be forgotten in a hurry. You and the family can enjoy a relaxing dip in the heated pool, whatever the ages. Parents will be safe in the knowledge that the children will be constants ly supervised by a team of lifeguards when in the heated pool.

Those looking for more thrill-seeking activities may wish to visit the Browns Canyon Adventure Park a few miles north of Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. Here the whole family can join in activities, including a fast zip-line course - sure to get the pulses racing. The highlight of the park is an obstacle course high in the sky, which includes 66 unique obstacles and seven zip-lines. Pick the course that is right for you, whatever your ability, and you are sure to have a thrilling and adrenaline-inducing day out.

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Popular nearby hiking trails and campgrounds


  • Hiking TrailLocation
  • Monarch Spur Trail, COSalida, CO
  • Tenderfoot Hill Trails, COArkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, CO
  • Race Track Trail, COSan Isabel National Forest, CO
  • Lost Trail, COSan Isabel National Forest, CO
  • North Backbone Trail, COSalida, CO
  • Little Rainbow, COSan Isabel National Forest, CO
  • Rainbow Trail from Bear Creek Loop, COArkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, CO
  • Marshall Pass and Poncha Creek, COSalida, CO
  • Rainbow Trail, COSan Isabel National Forest, CO
  • Mount Shavano, Mount Antero, Mount Princeton, Mount Yale, Mount Harvard, Mount Oxford, and La Pata Peak Trail, COSan Isabel National Forest, CO

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