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Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area/Ruby Mountain Campground
Overview
Ruby Mountain Campground serves as a premier gateway to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, offering a rugged and authentic Colorado experience. Situated along the banks of the Arkansas River, this park is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and is known for its stunning vistas of the Collegiate Peaks. It provides a peaceful retreat for travelers who prefer natural beauty over commercial resort distractions. The park is a central hub for those looking to immerse themselves in the high-country landscape of Chaffee County.
Location & Surroundings
Located in the small community of Nathrop, Colorado, the campground sits at an elevation of approximately 7,700 feet. The landscape is characterized by its high-desert terrain, dotted with piñon pines and junipers, providing a stark and beautiful contrast to the rushing waters of the Arkansas River. Its strategic position between the towns of Buena Vista and Salida ensures that visitors are never too far from local services, yet feel completely tucked away in the mountain valley.
Amenities & Park Features
As a rustic destination, Ruby Mountain focuses on the essentials of outdoor living. The campground offers vault toilets and basic drinking water during the peak season. Each site is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. While there are no electrical or sewer hookups, the park features a highly convenient boat ramp and changing facility, making it a favorite for those transporting rafts or kayaks for river excursions.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is always within reach at Ruby Mountain. The campground provides direct access to Browns Canyon National Monument, where hikers and photographers can explore dramatic granite walls and diverse wildlife. For those seeking relaxation, the nearby Mount Princeton Hot Springs offer a rejuvenating soak just a short drive away. Anglers will appreciate the Gold Medal fishing waters, while whitewater enthusiasts can tackle the world-class rapids that the Arkansas River is famous for.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for self-contained RVers who enjoy dry camping and appreciate a quiet, dark-sky environment. It is a perfect fit for outdoor adventurers such as rafters, kayakers, and hikers who prioritize location and river access over modern luxuries. If your travel style involves waking up to the sound of moving water and spending your days exploring the backcountry, Ruby Mountain offers the simple, scenic atmosphere you are looking for.
Amenities
- Tenting
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Mary Cernik
Freaking amazing river access, I love this place so much. Beautiful, serene, I found a piece of jasper!
Jason Frey
The location offers beautiful scenery and some truly lovely views, but unfortunately, that’s where the positives end. The noise level is overwhelming. From sunrise to sunset, there were constant sounds of quads, motorcycles (both on and off road), construction, and people driving in just to use the bathrooms. The campsites are arranged with little to no privacy; from my spot at site #1315, people frequently walked through or around my camp area. It felt more like a crowded rest stop than a peaceful getaway. The bathrooms were also in very poor condition. I understand that campground facilities can have a certain odor, but these smelled strongly of ammonia, as if they hadn’t been cleaned in quite some time. In addition, the campground is bordered by private property on both sides, which made it feel confined rather than remote or open to nature. Overall, while the views are nice, the lack of privacy, high noise level, and poorly maintained facilities made for a disappointing stay. I wouldn’t recommend this campground and won’t be returning.
Karen McGrath
If I could give a minus , I would. After driving 2.5 hours, my site was occupied! No people there, no host. Ridiculous. Went home. E mailed them to no avail. 😡
Lienna OLEKSIYENKO
Extremely clean and well maintained spot by the river, overlooking Mt Princeton and Mt Antero. Beautiful views and proximity to the water make it very convenient.
Alison Demzon
This has to be the most beautiful campground we have been at. The downsides are there is no hookups of any kind, so bring your own water and power, and there is no trash pickup, so pack it in, pack it out. Past that the views are the best I have seen, the sites are setup wonderfully, and there is the Arkansas River right there, and Brown's Canyon right next door.