Hecla Junction Campground

Beautiful site-some close together. Great water access. We originally booked 1112 which said it was a 41 ft pull though along the road. Our trailer is 29 ft total. The “second loop “ has a very small sign that says tight turn. That’s an understatement! There was no way to get the trailer into the site because of the boulders that designate the space! Took us over 30 mins to get back out. Nauseating back and forth. The only other sites available for our time there were also on that loop but it was doable to make the turn but barely without trying to get into that original site. Had a vehicle been in the site in front of us we couldn’t have done it. Another rig came in a day after us and thankfully we were able to warn them off trying to get in there! When we told the park ppl, they had no idea but did let us switch sites. Very clean and peaceful place this time of year (late April). Looks like it would be very busy summer.

The trip in takes a bit longer than I had anticipated over the dirt road but it wasn’t difficult driving just slower with plenty of two-way traffic (mainly big busses and vans leaving the rafting pickup). Spots are great and have views of the river from above. The sound of rushing water was so nice sitting out during the day and relaxing into the evening.

We didn’t have good cell reception (Verizon) but that’s sort of the point with a place like this.

Bathrooms (pit vault) all clean and well cared for.

We did Buena, Salida and the Mt Princeton hot springs (during Covid) and had a blast. We did not raft but I wish we had - so many getting out moments from our spot.

It’s convenient , especially if you are rafting / kayaking (as I was) the Arkansas river

It’s clean but sparse, pit toilets, no water, let along hookups

Each site has a picnic table and is made with small gravel and is “nice”

Expensive, not only is it 25 per night but you also have to pay day use of 9 bucks and the rangers are around to check

You can avoid the additional 9 bucks if you have a annual pass that costs 80 bucks

Booster gave me 3 bars of LTE on Verizon

Went here during New Years weekend. The road to the campsite was plowed but snow packed and the roads at the camp site was mostly plowed but the sites themselves had a about 4-6 inches of powder on it.

Towed our TT down the dirt road leading up to it, and luckily enough no other vehicles on the road. Traveling through was mostly BLM land so some campers out there. Got to the grounds during the night and only one other spot was taken.

After a little bit of maneuvering and shoveling we got set up and settled in.

The setting was beautiful and quiet. Admittedly we didn’t research the area and weren’t fully prepared for this spur of the moment trip but it was serene, quiet and clean. No hookups, clean vault toilets, and pack it in pack it out.

Sites were fairly private and distant from one another. Each site had a fire pit/grill and table and I believe had all of them had tent pads.

All in al, had an awesome time, beautiful views, and a quick bald eagle sighting flying through the ravine.

Cell phone was spotty for both ATT and Verizon, but I think Verizon was a little more consistent.

Our site was right along the river, so we really enjoyed the view! The dirt road to the campground is a smooth 2 miles, but the hill is significant. Our Sequoia managed it well even towing the Airstream, but we were fortunate to never have to pass any other cars when we were going in or out.

The sites are spacious and private. Lovely landscape with the canyon walls, and the sound of the river is very peaceful. There were some annoying bugs towards evening, but they weren't biting. Lots of fishermen come here, and in the summer rafters enjoy the river. But in October, it was pretty quiet.

There's a nice hiking trail along the river that we took for a little ways, but other than that you're just here to enjoy the views and the quiet.

No water, dump, or trash pickup so be prepared. We filled with water in Poncha Springs at Crossroads of the Rockies Welcome center. Fresh water fill was free. Dump station was $10.

Absolutely no service on T-Mobile, but it sounds like no one has service here so do your research on local activities before you get to camp.

We mountain biked part of the Monarch Crest Trail (about 35 mins away), and it's worth the drive to Monarch Pass. You can hike the trail, and there is a tram too at the Continental Divide. The views were worth the lack of air!

Quiet, clean sites with view of the Arkansas River. Easy access via well maintained dirt/gravel road. No 4x4 needed.
Reservations are required though. After parking my small trailer in a spot (1102) I back tracked a few miles until I got cell service. Called the number given at the campground information board ((800) 244-5613) and easily reserved the site for the night. $28 for site, plus $9 cash for day use fee at the campground.
A little steep in price, but sites are large and clean and quiet. Just four other campers in the campground.

Stayed here over the weekend. Great location right along the Arkansas River. Dirt roads for about 2 miles, but it was one of the smoothest dirt roads we have ever been on. There are about 23 sites. Dry Camping, so no amenities. Bring plenty of water. There is a vault toilet but no dumpsters so pack-in, pack-out. The campground is a bit tight to maneuver through. The largest rig we saw was about 37ft or so. Each site had a picnic table, fire pit and large tent pad. At night it was very quiet and the star shined brightly. Great place for solar, we didn’t need to use our generator at all. Cell service for Verizon was very spotty. We would defiantly go back to this location.