Mount Princeton

Star4.42
156 reviews
Mount Princeton Campground, Salida Ranger District Office, 5575 Cleora Rd, Salida, CO, 81201

Quick Facts

8,600 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open May 23–Septembe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mount Princeton
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $25 per night for all site types, including tent-only, RV nonelectric, and standard nonelectric sites during peak season (May 23–Sept 20)....
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 156 reviews

53 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

reservation

"User experiences at Mount Princeton Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment of 4.55 across reviews. Many campers praise the stunning views, proximity to Chalk Creek, and well-maintained facilities. Concerns mostly center on site layouts, lack of cell service, and occasional management issues."

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Campground Map

Mount Princeton Campground, Salida Ranger District Office, 5575 Cleora Rd, Salida, CO, 81201

Mount Princeton

Mount Princeton Campground, Salida Ranger District Office, 5575 Cleora Rd, Salida, CO, 81201

Driving directionsFrom Buena Vista, Colorado, take Highway 285 south to Nathrop. Turn west on County Road 162 and travel 7 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via County Road 162, which is paved. There are no indications of seasonal closures or significantly challenging terrain.
Nearby places
Buena Vista (15 minutes), Salida (short drive)
Nearby supplies
The Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, 4 miles from the campground, has a small convenience store. Buena Vista and Salida offer additional shopping options for groceries and supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Mount Princeton

Spring arrives gently at Mount Princeton, with crisp mornings averaging 25°F giving way to comfortable 53°F afternoons—perfect for hiking without the summer crowds. As summer unfolds, the campground becomes a coveted escape from valley heat, though visitors should embrace the digital detox that comes with no cell service. Mountain weather can shift like a mood, so pack layers and prepare for nature's spontaneous performances, from sudden afternoon showers to spectacular evening light shows.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sept: excellent weather and activities though busy on weekends.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Off-season praised for tranquility and good hiking weather.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring: crisp mornings, comfortable afternoons and good hiking; some snowmelt.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Sept 20; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23–September 20.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23–September 20, with reservations available starting June 24. First-come, first-served operation runs June 20–24.

About Mount Princeton

Nestled in the heart of Chalk Creek Canyon, Mount Princeton Campground invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. This intimate retreat features 19 thoughtfully spaced single-family sites, each offering a perfect balance of mountain sunshine and cooling shade beneath towering ponderosa pines and Douglas firs. The gentle murmur of nearby Chalk Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your outdoor adventure, while the surrounding wilderness beckons with endless possibilities for exploration and relaxation.
Mount Princeton Campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, such as tent camping and RV camping. Several sites are also wheelchair accessible. Specific group camping or luxury "glamping" options are not noted.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in: 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out: 12 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Mount Princeton Campground offers diverse recreational activities both within and near the campground. Campers can enjoy fishing in Chalk Creek and nearby Chalk Lake, hiking in the surrounding trails, or exploring the nearby ghost town of St. Elmo. ATV/UTV and 4X4 rides are also popular activities in the area, with routes like Mount Antero and Tincup Pass. "Nearby Chalk Lake is heralded as a great family fishing lake with rainbow, brook, and brown trout."
HikingHiking opportunities are abundant around the campground, including trails that lead to waterfalls, ghost towns, and scenic viewpoints. Specific trails mentioned include those leading to Cascade Falls and the old railroad track. "Great hikes near by too. Recommend the old railroad track hike that follows the southern wall of the valley."
FishingFishing is a major highlight, particularly in Chalk Creek and Chalk Lake. "Stream fishing is best above Cascade Falls, about 2 miles west of the campground." Popular catches include rainbow, brook, and brown trout, making it an ideal spot for families.
BikingThe area surrounding the campground is suitable for mountain biking, with trails leading to nearby landmarks like St. Elmo and Tincup Pass. Specific trail details are not provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is an enriching activity here, with multiple bird species such as Western Tanager and Green-tailed Towhee commonly spotted. One camper even reported a bear sighting.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVisitors should be bear-aware and secure food in vehicles or approved containers. The elevation may pose challenges for those unacclimated.

Weather at Mount Princeton

Reviews

4.4
156 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Mount Princeton is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User experiences at Mount Princeton Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment of 4.55 across reviews. Many campers praise the stunning views, proximity to Chalk Creek, and well-maintained facilities. Concerns mostly center on site layouts, lack of cell service, and occasional management issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 156 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the cleanliness of the vault toilets, helpfulness of the camp hosts, and the serene environment provided by Chalk Creek. "The rushing sound of Chalk Creek drowns out any road...
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Based on 156 reviews

Common Concerns

Some complaints include inaccurate site descriptions on the reservation system, proximity to vault toilets causing odor issues at certain sites, and management issues in specific years.
Based on 156 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend reserving creekside sites, such as sites #3, #4, and #5, for the best experience. Bringing cash for firewood purchases is also advised. "I would try and make a reservation ahead of...
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Based on 156 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest in summer, with weekends filling up by Friday. Campers commend the off-season for its tranquility. However, summer reviews note issues like odors from vault toilets and...
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Based on 156 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Our site #3 was beautiful and spotless." "The vault toilets were extremely clean—they clean them 3 times a day." "Be aware, there is no Internet or cell reception in the valley, so prepare to be...
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Based on 156 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites #3, #4, and #5 are particularly praised for their proximity to Chalk Creek. Site #4 is noted as tight for larger RVs. Sites #9-11 are flagged for odor issues due to their proximity to vault...
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Based on 156 reviews

Accessibility Features

Sites and vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but road conditions may pose challenges. "Several campsites are wheelchair accessible, and the vault toilets are also accessible."
Based on 156 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs on leashes are welcome, and the campground's natural setting is ideal for pet owners. "Tent and RV friendly. Dogs on leashes welcome."
Based on 156 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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