Ruby Mountain Campground

Boondocking at it finest - pack out what you bring in. No water or dump; water is available on the way in from the south at Poncho Spring welcome center (150gal limit); $10 dump station with credit card (did fillup the water tanks, did not use the dump option). Most sites have amazing views of the Arkansas River and the mountain Peaks. This campground is on a hill, so most sights are going to require some leveling - except maybe the pull-thru. Sights are spacious, so you're not right next to each other. The remainder of the campsite is often terraced with a picnic table and fire pit. Pit toilets are avail and spotless. Mid-week, we had maybe 1 other neighbor. Sat and Sun am there's lots of river rafter traffic. As others have noted - a short section is a curved one lane road - one side is the river and the other a hill/rock formation - but not a big issue. Good Verizon service- was able to conduct work video calls and other internet streaming. There is a hike that starts in the camp area and river access. The river is moving, so keep that in mind for any water craft use.

Salida (SE) is a cute little town with some shopping - Natural Grocers, Safeway, Monarch is a nice hardware/farm store. Moonlight Pizza and Brew was a nice outing - make sure to sit at the bar and ask for Joe. Tell him the some interesting ppl in the bus say hello. Buena Vista (North) is also a nice town, smaller than Salida. Hiking trails start off at the park/rec field just east of town and get you up to a ridge. Recycling bins are also available there.

First of all, all vehicles have to have a daily pass (in addition to the camp site reservation) which is $9 cash. We had site 1322, which was the furthest away from others and furthest away from the high amount of cars at the river. We would stay again but only at site 1322. The others are way too close to each other and the traffic on the road.

Pros: nice fire pit, good amount of space for tent, bathrooms are clean, there are men’s/women’s changing rooms (no showers), easy access to the river.

Cons: very little shade, a bit expensive for what it is, no drinking water.

The views here never get old! If you like the collegiate peaks views plus the sound of the river come here! Fishing is good but during the day, depending on the time of the year, you will get the white water rafters. I enjoy watching them. There is good hiking a very shot drive or walk from the campground. People also come here for the ATV trails which are close but far enough not to bother the campground. Dry camping. No water. No trash. Pack it out. Bathrooms available.