Is Vallie Bridge Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Vallie Bridge Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Are there showers at Vallie Bridge Campground?

Vallie Bridge Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Vallie Bridge Campground?

Fire policies at Vallie Bridge Campground: Campfire rings/grill grates provided at sites; gathering firewood is not permitted—bring your own firewood and follow local fire restrictions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Vallie Bridge Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Vallie Bridge Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Vallie Bridge Campground?

Vallie Bridge Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Vallie Bridge Campground?

Popular activities at Vallie Bridge Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Vallie Bridge Campground

3.83

48 reviews

Featured in:Forest Camping Colorado

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Vallie Bridge Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Fees apply; current rates and payment processed through the Colorado Parks & Wildlife reservation site.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Plan a trip to Vallie Bridge Campground

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Campground Map

Vallie Bridge Campground

38.3913, -105.7730

Nearby places

Salida (nearest town for supplies)

Coaldale (nearby) — distances not specified

Nearby supplies

Salida, CO (nearest town for supplies)

Weather at Vallie Bridge Campground

Best Time to Camp at Vallie Bridge Campground

Like much of Colorado's high country, Vallie Bridge experiences the full personality of mountain weather throughout the year. Summer brings ideal conditions for river activities with warm, sunny days perfect for rafting and fishing, though you'll want to pack layers for cool evenings around the campfire. Spring and fall can surprise you with swift weather changes and occasional wind gusts funneling through the valley, while winter visitors should be prepared for cold snaps and snow—the Arkansas Valley keeps you honest in every season.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer brings ideal conditions for river activities and warm sunny days for rafting and swimming.

Planning Tips

About Vallie Bridge Campground

Nestled along the rushing Arkansas River near Coaldale, Vallie Bridge Campground puts you right on the water's edge in Colorado's Upper Arkansas Valley. This intimate riverside retreat features gravel tent pads with classic camp amenities—picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets—where the river becomes your backyard playground for rafting adventures, casting a line, or simply cooling off on a summer day.

Crushed-gravel tent pads with picnic tables and fire rings along the Arkansas River; sites are closely spaced with minimal shade.

Weather and SeasonsLike much of Colorado's high country, Vallie Bridge experiences the full personality of mountain weather throughout the year. Summer brings ideal conditions for river activities with warm, sunny days perfect for rafting and fishing, though you'll want to pack layers for cool evenings around the campfire. Spring and fall can surprise you with swift weather changes and occasional wind gusts funneling through the valley, while winter visitors should be prepared for cold snaps and snow—the Arkansas Valley keeps you honest in every season.

Natural Features and SceneryWake up to the sound of the Arkansas River flowing just steps from your tent, with mountain ridges rising on both sides to frame this scenic valley corridor. The river is truly the star here—accessible banks invite you to wade in, launch your raft, or try your luck fishing the current. While shade trees are limited, the open landscape showcases sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and gives you an unobstructed connection to the big Colorado sky.

Geological RegionUpper Arkansas River Valley (Arkansas River corridor between surrounding hills)

Scenic ViewsScenic Upper Arkansas River valley and surrounding mountain views along the river corridor.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsColorado Parks & Wildlife reservation system (cpwshop.com / UseDirect)

Best CampsitesSites are generally similar (flat crushed‑gravel tent pads with picnic tables and fire rings). Reviewers recommend reserving adjacent sites if you want a buffer from neighbors; no specific sites recommended in source material.

Need help booking Vallie Bridge Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Vault toilets, crushed-gravel tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings/grill grates, and boat access to the Arkansas River. No potable water or electrical service available; no trash service reported.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Primary recreation centers on the Arkansas River (rafting, kayaking, fishing) with supporting activities including hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, picnicking and OHV travel in the broader recreation area.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsStrong river current and active river traffic; frequent wind and limited shade; tightly spaced sites with limited privacy; limited services (vault toilets only, no potable water or electrical hookups); gathering firewood is prohibited. No trash service at site—pack out trash.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.8

48 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Vallie Bridge Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors generally praise the campground for outstanding Arkansas River access, scenic views, and well‑kept facilities. Common complaints note very close site spacing, limited shade, frequent wind, distant toilets, and limited onsite services (no potable water, no trash pickup).

Review Summaries

Based on 48 reviews

What Campers Love

Excellent river access for rafting, kayaking and fishing; clean, maintained sites with crushed‑gravel tent pads, picnic tables and fire rings; convenient access from Hwy 50 and proximity to Salida...

Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

Sites are close together with little privacy and few trees (limited shade). No water or electrical hookups, vault toilets rather than full restrooms and some sites require a short walk to the...

Based on 48 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Many reviews describe flat, crushed-gravel tent pads and individual picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Several reviewers note campsites are very close together (one said it's perfect if you...

Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve sites in advance and consider booking adjacent sites for group privacy; bring all drinking water and supplies, pack out trash, expect wind and temperature swings, and check reservations and...

Based on 48 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviewers warn that windy conditions can be strong ("brace yourselves") and some noted it can be too cold for tenting at times, so expect chilly/windy weather during cooler seasons. River recreation...

Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

"It's right on the Arkansas river! Tent camping only."; "No trash pickup, toilets are far."; "Sites are very close together — reserve multiple sites if you want space."

Based on 48 reviews

Accessibility Features

Facilities are primitive: reviewers report no water or electrical hookups and vault toilets that require a short walk from sites. While rangers/staff are described as friendly, the reviews do not...

Based on 48 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Multiple reviewers mention bringing dogs and appreciate the open space to let dogs stretch and play after long drives, calling it a favorite stop when traveling with pets.

Based on 48 reviews

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Go if

Rafters, kayakers, or trout anglers who want direct river access and don't need hookups. The crushed-gravel pads and fire rings are well-kept, Salida is close for water and supplies, and booking sites 10-11 together gets a group some breathing room.

Skip if

Anyone who needs potable water on-site, wants shade or privacy, or struggles with wind. Sites are elbow-to-elbow, there's no trash pickup so everything packs out, and morning highway noise reaches several sites. Declining recent reviews suggest something's slipping.

Nearby Campgrounds

Coaldale Campground is a very small, high-elevation primitive site along Hayden Creek in Colorado's PSICC recreation area near Coaldale. With vault toilets, walk-in tent sites, and creekside shade from cottonwoods and gamble oaks, it offers quiet access to hiking and stargazing. Note that some past reviews mention temporary closures, so confirm current status before planning a visit.