Area AttractionsKayaking, Rafting, Hiking, Fishing, and Much More is Just Minutes Away!
Buena Vista, at 7,954 feet above sea level, is known as the "Playground of the Rockies". The area offers white water rafting, hot springs, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, ghost towns, rock climbing, kayaking, jeeping, skiing, snowmobiling, wildlife viewing, prospecting and more. If not casually enjoying the historical downtown area with it's quaint shops, art galleries and Historical Museum, or pondering Buena Vista's railroad heritage at the Buena Vista Model Railroad Society model railroad exhibit, one might spend time wandering the Arkansas River, fishing the abundant lakes and mountain streams, or climbing a 14,000' mountain peak. At any time of day, enjoy a delicious meal at any of the area's favorite restaurants which offer anything from old fashioned hamburgers and soft-served ice cream to family style meals, healthy choices and fine dining options. Within easy driving distance for day trips are gambling halls in Cripple Creek, Blackhawk and Central City, a day of serious shopping at the Silverthorne Outlet Stores or a visit to world famous Aspen. For those who choose to stay close to 'home', a myriad of activities are available year-round in the Buena Vista area.
Fishing
Arkansas River Rim Camground & R.V. Park sits about 30 yards off the Arkansas River, which is home to some of the best fly fishing in Colorado. You can also drive north about 10 minutes to Clear Creek Resevoir and a little further off Hwy 82 is Twin Lakes. Other good fishing spots in Cottonwood Lake about 10 minutes north of Buena Vista off Cottonwood Pass.
Hiking the 14er's
Arkansas River Rim Camground & R.V. Park runs adjacent with the Sawatch Mountain range, giving easy and close access to eight of the highest peaks in all of Colorado! These are commonly referred to as the 14ers and offer climbs to the top of Colorado!
Kayaking
The Arkansas River Rim Campground is a favorite among kayakers as you can get in and out of the Arkansas River at the campsite on two of the bset kayak runs along the river with nothing more than a short 30 yard walk down to the river. You can drive upstream to access the Numbers kayak run (class IV-V). If you put in at the campsite, you can do the Fractions kayak run (class III - IV) and get out at Buena Vista. There is no better campsite for kayakers than Arkansas River Rim!
White Water Rafting
If you're not into going solo, there are several rafting companies that operate near within 4 miles of the campgrounds that offer guided trips down the Numbers, Browns Canyon, and more!
Twin Lakes
About a 20 minute drive North of the campsite is the Independance Pass that takes you over the Continental Divide to Aspen. There you will find the small town of Twin Lakes (1 gas station). This area offers a great mountain biking, superb fishing and one of the more relaxing tour activities in Twin Lakes Interlaken Boat Tours. This tour takes you across Twin Lake on a boat and around the abandoned, historic Interlaken Hotel that is being restored. There you'll learn about the history of mining industry and this iconic destination and lifestyles of the the people who frequented the hotel. Use this link to learn more about Twin Lakes Interlaken Boat Tours.
