Salida - Mt. Shavano KOA

This is a KOA Journey, which I think is the basic KOA.

The sites are small for a 40' motorhome, and some of the sites (like the one we were in) have all the hookups in the FRONT of the site, making it harder to get sewer and electricity connected.

The laundry is only $2/load, which is cheap compared to other places now.

It is about 8-10 miles from the Poncha Springs/Salida area, and very close to the highway.

We ended up arriving very late because we were delayed from an accident. But the campground called and let us know how to do a late check in. This was so helpful! The sites were not private but they were just fine for an overnight and the mountains were beautiful. We stayed here because I70 was closed due to mudslides so we needed to detour around to avoid independence pass since this pass is very tight for any rig over 35 feet (truck and travel trailer). A small playground is there too for kids!

We live full time, and are trying to limit our travel. Chose this KOA as we could book a longer stay, AND had space available over the July 4 weekend. Also had laundry on site. The campground has good access to Monarch Pass, Poncha Springs, Salida and the Arkansas River.

The first week, from time to time we noticed a strong sewer smell. This morning awoke to a very strong smell, and saw standing water, coming from a manhole cover on the lower access road. Very strong smell of sewage, and obviously coming from a septic tank below. Probably caused by the number of campers over the weekend. And clearly not a first time occurrence.

This KOA obviously doesn’t have the sanitation capability needed to support the park. Unusual to see this from a KOA.

We stayed here for 3 days while skiing at Monarch mountain, about 15 minutes away. It’s not the kind of place where we would spend a lot of time at the camp site, but for a place to stay while seeing the area, it was perfect. They had a great system setup to keep the water hookups from freezing in mid January. Planning to stay again for future ski trips.

Staff here is very friendly and sites are level and clean. Very easy check-in and guided us to our spot. Our site was at the “top of the hill” and water pressure was weak. Sites are gravel, and has been very dry here so was very dusty. Nice cabins here. I didn’t see a creek as it is very dry. When asked if there was a discount for AAA or Good Sam. Was told there are new owners and they haven’t decided what they are going to do. Can tell they are making improvements. Probably would not stay here because the price is way too high for what you get. No TV access unless you have satellite. WiFi is fair.

We had dinner in Salida and drove out to this campground. They host were incredibly nice and helpful always checking if we had any needs. We chose an electric only site and backed in right next to the creek, this was a great situation as we have a five-year-old and he was able to play by the water and with the kids across the creek in the tent spaces. Nice views and a good flat site, as we left and drove west we did see the next campground that we may try next time but have no complaints about this visit.

We were on our way to a wildlife management area and decided to stay here 1night so we could use their facilities ( laundry and water ).

Laundry was $2/wash $2/dry. The dryer didn’t dry anything cotton.

The sites are fairly nice lined up in a stair step fashion up the mountainside. Picnic tables and fire rings.

The host couple were super friendly and accommodated an early check in with no problem.

Nice walking trails that are dog friendly but there was A LOT of dog poop left. I sure wish people would pick up after their dogs.

We were in a 33’ MH with toad. Plenty of room.

Even tho it’s right off 50 there’s little to no road noise.

I would've expected a bit of a discount as there was only 20psi water pressure as a new well was just put in. New owner/management are very nice. Since new owners, no discounts (Good Sam etc) are currently offered) Convenient location, clean facilities, nice laundry. We stayed here as we were checking out nearby boondocking locations. Great internet/cell. Some larger pull throughs, gravel/dirt, mostly level. We have a 40' 5th wheel.