North Fork Campground (Salida, Co)
4.189 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsNorth Fork Campground (Salida, Co)
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
4.18
Satisfactory
Based on 9 reviews
26 Google reviews
Most mentioned
scenery
"Reviews highlight the campground's remote location, stunning views, and excellent fishing opportunities. However, the rough access road and limited amenities are frequently mentioned as challenges."
Fees & Passes at North Fork Campground (Salida, Co)
Free
Campsite fees
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.
Best Time to Camp at North Fork Campground (Salida, Co)
Experience the magic of four distinct seasons, each painting the landscape with its own unique palette. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and mild temperatures perfect for hiking, while summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for swimming and outdoor activities. Fall transforms the campground into a photographer's paradise with brilliant foliage, crisp air, and cozy campfire weather. Winter offers its own serene beauty, with opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through a peaceful, snow-covered wonderland.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
About North Fork Campground (Salida, Co)
Nestled in the heart of pristine wilderness, this campground offers an unforgettable escape where modern conveniences meet untamed nature. Wake up to the gentle rustle of leaves and birdsong, spend your days exploring scenic trails, and end each evening gathered around a crackling campfire under a canopy of stars. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, our thoughtfully designed sites provide the perfect basecamp for creating lasting memories with family and friends.
The North Fork Campground offers primitive camping options and is suitable for tents, RVs, and dispersed camping in the surrounding area.
Historical SignificanceThis land holds centuries of stories within its soil, once serving as a gathering place for indigenous peoples who followed seasonal hunting and foraging routes through these valleys. Later, early settlers established homesteads nearby, leaving behind stone foundations and old-growth orchards that visitors can still discover today. The campground preserves this rich heritage through interpretive trails and educational programs, allowing modern adventurers to connect with the generations who found sustenance and solace in these same forests and meadows.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of four distinct seasons, each painting the landscape with its own unique palette. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and mild temperatures perfect for hiking, while summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for swimming and outdoor activities. Fall transforms the campground into a photographer's paradise with brilliant foliage, crisp air, and cozy campfire weather. Winter offers its own serene beauty, with opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through a peaceful, snow-covered wonderland.
ElevationPerched at an ideal elevation that offers the best of both mountain and valley experiences, the campground sits high enough to provide sweeping vistas and refreshing mountain air, yet remains easily accessible year-round. This perfect positioning creates a unique microclimate where cool mornings give way to comfortable afternoons, and evening temperatures invite cozy gatherings around the fire. The varied terrain offers everything from gentle, family-friendly paths to more challenging routes that reward hikers with panoramic views stretching for miles.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering pines create natural cathedrals, crystal-clear streams babble through moss-covered rocks, and meadows burst with seasonal wildflowers. Ancient rock formations tell geological stories millions of years in the making, while diverse ecosystems support everything from delicate butterflies to majestic birds of prey. Hidden waterfalls reward those who venture off the beaten path, and sunset viewpoints offer front-row seats to nature's daily finale as the sky transforms into a canvas of orange, pink, and purple hues.
Geological RegionSet within a fascinating geological crossroads, the campground showcases millions of years of Earth's history written in stone. Dramatic rock formations reveal ancient seabeds lifted skyward, while mineral-rich outcroppings sparkle with quartz and mica. Glacial activity carved distinctive valleys and deposited massive boulders that now serve as natural landmarks and climbing opportunities. This unique geological heritage creates diverse habitats and stunning visual features, from smooth granite slabs perfect for sunbathing to mysterious caves and overhangs that spark the imagination of visitors young and old.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThis campground is not universally accessible. The rough terrain and high elevation make it challenging for individuals with mobility impairments.
Sites SizeSites are reported as standard, with enough space for two vehicles or one RV per site.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies, as some sites are clustered closely while others are more secluded. User reviews recommend utilizing dispersed sites along the road for better privacy.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Groups
No group-specific sites or accommodations are explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The North Fork Campground offers recreational activities centered around its alpine setting and proximity to the North Fork Reservoir. The primary activities include fishing, hiking, and enjoying scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Wildlife viewing and photography are also popular here.
Hiking
This area offers access to high-altitude trails, with scenic views of the Continental Divide. However, trails are rugged and may require good physical condition. Some user reviews mention nearby waterfalls and mines as points of interest, though these are described as 'hidden' and poorly marked.Fishing
Fishing is a highlight of this campground, with users reporting catching rainbow and cutthroat trout. Quotes include: 'Fishing is phenomenal,' and 'Caught 4 trout in 10 mins.' The reservoir is ideal for angling, and nearby creeks also offer good opportunities.Boating
The reservoir is suitable for paddling, floating, and other recreational boating activities. However, the lack of docking facilities implies that these activities are limited to smaller watercraft.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible here, though details on specific species are sparse. The alpine environment provides opportunities for photography of landscapes and occasional sightings of wildlife.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned. Due to high elevation, snow may be present during colder months, making this area potentially suitable for snowshoeing.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are suitable given the reservoir's size and calm conditions.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Weather at North Fork Campground (Salida, Co)
15
°F
Dec 8
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 21.1 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash services are available at this campground. Visitors must adhere to 'Pack it In, Pack it Out' principles.
Campground Map
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.2
9 reviews
North Fork Campground (Salida, Co) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's remote location, stunning views, and excellent fishing opportunities. However, the rough access road and limited amenities are frequently mentioned as challenges.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Top positive aspects include 'phenomenal fishing,' 'beautiful scenery,' and 'remote alpine environment.' Many reviewers also praised the reservoir and nearby creeks for angling and paddling.
Based on 9 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common issues revolve around the rough and rocky road to the campground, lack of trash services, and limited amenities such as pit toilets and poor signage.
Based on 9 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include preparing adequately for the rugged access road, bringing high-clearance vehicles, and paying fees at Angel of Shavano Campground before arrival. A review states: 'Make sure...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is most popular during the summer months when fishing and paddling conditions are ideal. Winter accessibility is challenging due to snow and rough roads. 'Opening date is tentative...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The trek to get there is well worth the experience when you make it up there!' - Nicole Donatto
2. 'The road from Angel of Shavano campground is extremely rocky and rough. High-clearance vehicles...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some reviews recommend dispersed sites along the road for better privacy. Specific site numbers are not mentioned.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is limited due to the rugged terrain and lack of universal facilities. One user stated, 'The campground is not universally accessible.'
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not provide specific insights regarding pet policies or pet-related features.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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