Shavano Campground: A Primitive Camping Experience in Salida, CO

52 reviews

8467-9463, Co Rd 250, Salida, CO 81201, USA
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Shavano Introduce

Shavano Campground is a hidden gem for campers seeking an authentic outdoor experience in the beautiful mountain town of Salida, Colorado. Located at 8467-9463 Co Rd 250, this primitive campground offers a mix of rugged terrain and breathtaking natural scenery, making it a perfect spot for adventurers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Shavano Campground is part of the broader category of campgrounds and RV parks, providing services and facilities tailored to outdoor enthusiasts. While this campground itself is primitive, it offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the simplicity of camping. The site features numerous campsites, each equipped with fire rings for those looking to experience the great outdoors in a more natural setting.

The environment at Shavano Campground is one of its most notable characteristics. Nestled in the Colorado Rockies, the campground offers stunning views, particularly during sunset, as noted by recent visitors. The area is characterized by scrub and rocky terrain, which may require careful setup for tents or other camping gear. However, this setting adds to the charm of the location, offering a true taste of nature.

Shavano Campground is ideal for those who prefer primitive camping without modern amenities. While there are no hookups or facilities on-site, the campground provides enough space and freedom for campers to enjoy their stay. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own supplies, as the site operates on a leave-no-trace principle. The availability of fire rings makes it easier for guests to cook and stay warm during cooler evenings.

One of the standout features of Shavano Campground is its remote location, which offers peace and quiet. The dirt access road, while not too rough, requires careful navigation, especially in areas with large cobblestones and drainage ditches. However, this adds to the adventurous spirit of camping here. Visitors have noted that the Verizon cell service in the area is surprisingly good, allowing for occasional connectivity if needed.

Shavano Campground is a great option for campers looking to spend one or two nights in the area. The relatively level and quiet campsites provide a comfortable base for exploring nearby attractions, such as hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic drives. The campground's proximity to Salida makes it an ideal starting point for adventures in the surrounding region.

Customer feedback highlights both the positive aspects of Shavano Campground and areas for improvement. Recent reviews praise the stunning sunsets and the peaceful atmosphere of the site. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to experience primitive camping while still having access to basic necessities like fire rings. However, some have noted the presence of trash at certain sites, which underscores the importance of leaving no trace and cleaning up after oneself during visits.

Overall, Shavano Campground offers a unique and authentic camping experience for those willing to embrace the challenges of primitive camping. With its stunning views, peaceful setting, and proximity to outdoor activities, it is a must-visit destination for campers exploring Salida and the surrounding area.

Location

Colorado Chaffee County Salida County Road 250

Customer Reviews

4.0

52 reviews

Shulgi Adad

Jun 06, 2023

Stayed here for the first time recently (2023-06-03) and really enjoyed it. There are quite a few campsites, most with fire rings. Unfortunately we did see a bit of trash at many sites (we did stop and clean a few), but thankfully not all sites had this issue. This is primitive camping, aside from the fire ring, if you don't bring it, you won't have it. There is lots of scrub and the ground is rocky, but shouldn't probe difficult to set up. We used a car awning staked out and we saw multiple tents as we drove around looking for a good spot. Excellent views (stunning sunsets), recommend stopping if you need a place for a night or two.

Richard Petyk

Sep 15, 2022

I spent two nights here at two different spots. Each was relatively level and quiet. Verizon service was great 👍. The dirt access road wasn't too rough, large cobbles with some drainage ditches to avoid, but just drive slow and pick your line. Stayed here in a front-wheel drive ram promaster with A/T tires.

JC & Tammy RV living (Living on the road!)

Aug 13, 2023

Peaceful, beautiful and one of the most relaxing places we’ve visiting in our travels! Close to town for shopping but far enough away for the night sky to shine bright. Our stay was during a Meter shower, it was truly amazing.

Meghan Heneghan

Apr 10, 2024

Beautiful views and lots of big flat designated camp spots with fire rings. It seems like they recently worked on the area, so stay in the designated spots! Google Fi service worked great and the road was doable in my low clearance van

Steve Johnson

Jul 30, 2019

Excellent place to camp, and it's free. Spent 10 days here. Good Verizon 4G signal here. Temperature stays about 7-8 degrees cooler than in Salida. Lots of others camped here too, but everyone is still spread out. Beautiful views of mountains, and even more breathtaking sunsets. Very quiet at night, and very few flying insects, no mosquitoes spotted here. County Road 250 is the road into here, and does get washboarded and can be bumpy with rocks. But still, I towed a 28 foot trailer with only 2WD, so it's very doable.

Noelle McGarvey

May 28, 2021

So beautiful here. We’ve stayed a two nights, a couple weeks apart. There are plenty of boondocking spots and if you keep following the road, it’ll take you to the Mt Shavano hike. It’s a 14’er that’s popular for hiking.