Ruby Mountain Campground near Nathrop, Colorado
Tucked right along the rushing waters of the Arkansas River, Ruby Mountain Campground is one of Chaffee County’s best-kept secrets for a quick mountain getaway. Perfectly positioned between the vibrant mountain towns of Buena Vista and Salida, this scenic spot offers front-row seats to world-class rafting and stunning views of the Collegiate Peaks. Whether you are pitching a tent in a sheltered walk-in site or parking a camper on the upper terraces, finding the right spot can make or break your experience with the afternoon winds. From sunset ridge hikes to morning coffee by the boat ramp, here is what it is really like to spend a weekend at Ruby Mountain.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
At A Glance: Ruby Mountain Campground at AHRA State Park
Rating: 3 out of 5 for tent in RV site, likely 4 out of 5 for walk-in tent site
Vibe: Fantastic for families and rafters, with campers and RVs suited to the upper tiers and sheltered “hike-in” sites well-suited for tents
Skip It If: You are looking for a quiet or secluded location or if you have an extra larger RV or travel trailer
Elevation: ~7,640 feet
Location: Near Nathrop, Colorado, tucked between Buena Vista and Salida along the Arkansas River (map)
Reservations: Available through Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPWShop.com) on a 6-month rolling calendar
Cost: $28/night + Colorado State Park Pass (or a $10 daily vehicle pass)
Season: Year-round, access and comfort varies a lot by with the seasons
Vehicle Accessibility: Narrow gravel roads with some single-lane sections — raft company buses and trailers get through fine, but expect tight turns
Maximum Vehicle Length: Most sites fit standard vehicles and mid-sized trailers up to roughly 35–40 feet; a few sites run longer
Water Access: No potable drinking water or dishwashing sinks
Restroom Type: Vault (pit) toilets and changing facilities, no flush toilets or showers
Campfire Regulations: Fires allowed in established metal fire rings only, pack in your own firewood
Wildlife Considerations: Critical winter wildlife habitat — bighorn sheep and mule deer are common, mountain lions are present too, so food needs to be secured properly
Amenities & Extras: Easy access hiking trails behind/above the campground, riverside access via trails or a short drive, spotty but usable cell service
Would We Return: Absolutely, if we needed to stay in the area with easy access to Buena Vista and Salida
Before You Book Anything…
The free family camping packing list is the one I actually use while I load the car. It covers shelter, layers, first aid, kid gear, and the kitchen stuff that’s easiest to forget.
No strings, just adventure.
Finding a Piece of Riverfront Paradise at Ruby Mountain Campground
If you’re planning a camping trip to Chaffee County, you already know the draw: world-class rafting, stunning views of the Collegiate Peaks, and that distinct, laid-back vibe that connects Buena Vista and Salida. Tucked right along the Arkansas River within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Ruby Mountain Campground makes the perfect base camp.
It was a short 2-day, 1-night trip, but the weather was fantastic, so we were truly able to make the most of it. Here is what it’s really like to camp here, plus a few insider tips to help you choose the right site.
The “Impulse” Site: RV Heaven vs. Tent Reality
My initial plan for this mini camping getaway was to snag a “hike-in” campsite right next to the river. When I logged in to make the reservation, I noticed that site 1307 was available for just Friday night. It was labeled as a “prime” condition rating and showed photos with the river nearby, so I made an impulse decision.
I am happy with our experience at site 1307 and it would be a fantastic site for a camper or RV. However, we were in our tent, and the “hike-in” sites were more protected from the afternoon wind that blew into the evening.
Because of that breeze, we ended up taking our small cook stove and dinner fixings down to the day-use area. This space was near the hike-in sites, and the added tree protection helped made cooking much easier. Pip played by the water while I prepped dinner, and it ended up being the perfect solution for us.
Sunsets, Cactus Buds, and Ridge Views
After dinner, we ventured out on a sunset “croc walk” around the campground. We found a trail leading up the hillside between sites 1301 and 1302.
The trail took us up to the top of the ridge and provided stunning views of the sunset setting behind the Collegiate Peaks. We saw a lot of prickly pear cactus and mountain ball cactus. In early May, they both had plenty of buds but no blooms yet, teasing a spectacular late-spring show for anyone visiting a few weeks later.
Second Breakfast While Watching Rafters
The next morning at camp, we noticed a lot of vehicles arriving with rafts. We ate breakfast, packed up, then headed over to the day-use area, which was right next to the river put-in.
We ate second breakfast while watching guides and individuals prep rafts for Brown’s Canyon. It turned out to be the ultimate morning entertainment. I’ve only been on a river raft a handful of times, but Pip was full of questions. I answered the best I could… then texted a rafting friend with a request to put a kid-friendly rafting trip on our summer calendar.
A Tale of Two Towns
One of the best reasons to camp at Ruby Mountain Campground is its location—it sits almost perfectly right in the middle of Chaffee County’s best mountain stops. We book-ended our trip to Ruby Mountain with a day in Buena Vista (playground, bike park, and Chocolatte ice cream treats) and a day in Salida (playground, river watching, picnic lunch).
Whether you’re bringing a family, towing a trailer, or pitching a tent for a quick weekend escape, Ruby Mountain Campground serves up a quintessential Arkansas River experience. Just pack a wind jacket, enjoy second breakfast by the boat ramp, and don’t skip that ridge trail at sunset!
Meals We Cooked: Ramen Noodles, Cheese Quesadillas, Brown Sugar Oatmeal, Tortilla Roll Ups
Gear We Used: Marmot Tungsten 4P Tent, Hikenture 4″ Sleeping Pad, Folding Camp Seat, Kid-Sized Camp Chair, 4ft Folding Table, Collapsible Camp Chair, Ozark Trails Butane Camp Stove
Places We Visited: Chocolatte Ice Cream & Coffee Shop, Buena Vista River Park, Salida Riverview Park
Let’s Make Packing Easier
I love lists. I live for lists. And I want to share my lists. I have uploaded my color coordinated packing list and I want to send it to you. It has everything you need for a family camping trip. It’s all on one page, it’s detailed without being overwhelming, and I don’t use it to sell you anything but a great adventure. Promise.
