Turtle Rock Campground
Turtle Rock Campground, located at an elevation of 8290 feet, is 3.5 miles north of Buena Vista, Colorado. Campers appreciate the area for its recreation opportunities within Fourmile Recreation Area and the Arkansas Headwater Recreation Area. Turtle Rock Campground is open from March 1st until November 30th. Situated within a pinion juniper woodland setting, 24 small campsites sit at the base of Turtle Rock Granite Formation. Large RVs and travel trailers over 35 feet are not recommended.
Sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 22, 23 and 24 are first-come, first-served. The other sites take reservations.
More like this: first-come in Colorado · reservable in Colorado · pets allowed in Colorado · group sites in Colorado
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 18 |
| Tent-only | 4 |
| Walk-in | 1 |
| Group sites | 1 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 35 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
20 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Type | Entry | Fits, ft | People / vehicles | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Standard | Back-in | 25 | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 2 | Standard | Back-in | 24 | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 3 | Standard | 25 | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 4 | Standard | Back-in | 35 | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 5 | Standard | Back-in | 35 | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 6 | Standard | Back-in | 35 | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 7 | Tent only | Back-in | 20 | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 13 | Standard | Back-in | 33 | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 14 | Standard | Pull-through | 35 | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 15 | Standard | Back-in | 33 | 8 / 2 | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 35 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
The campsites at Turtle Rock Campground are small, RVs and Trailers longer than 35 feet aren't recommended. This 24-site campground including 1 Group Site, and 1 double vault toilet. Individual sites are limited to 2 vehicles and 8 people. Group site is limited to 4 vehicles and 20 people. Each campsite includes a parking space, a metal fire ring and a picnic table. Most sites are designed for tent or van camping. Large camp trailers and RVs under 35 feet can access the campground are accommodated with some pull-through sites. Campsites 1, 2, 3, 4, 22, 23, and 24 are First Come, First Serve, pay for the site at the pay station immediately after occupying the site. There is no guarantee that these sites will be available when you arrive. Campsites 5-21 are Reservable 3 Months in advance, if there isn't a current reservation on the day of, sites are available on a First Come, First Serve basis payable at the Pay Station for one night only. Campsites 7-12 are Tent Only, campsites 14 and 20 are Pull-Throughs, Sites 4, 5, 14, 19, 20 and 21 are large enough for RV’s and Trailers up to 35’.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
From Buena Vista, CO, travel north on Highway 24, turn right onto E Arkansas ST, turn left onto County Road 371, in 2.2 miles turn right onto County Road 375, in.8 miles turn left into the Turtle Rock Campground entrance.
| Nearest town | Buena Vista, Colorado |
| Area | Recreation.gov lists no exact point for this campground. The recreation area is at 38.77° N, 105.34° W. Call the office before you drive. |
Fire nearby
- PrescribedO'Brien 2 Broadcast Rx
15 mi from the campground · 267 acres
- PrescribedRainbow Gulch Rx
24 mi from the campground · 912 acres
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Explore
Video
A Tour of Turtle Rock Campground
Natural features
The Collegiate Peaks Mountains form dramatic vistas of the Upper Arkansas River Valley, enhancing the view from the campground. Turtle Rock is a prominent granite feature attracting rock climbers and hikers seeking a view of the Arkansas River below. The campground is nestled within a pinon pine and juniper woodland which covers the rolling hills of the Fourmile Recreation Area.
Recreation
Turtle Rock Campground offers easy access to the namesake rock formation, which is beloved by rock climbers. Various route difficulties can be found on Turtle Rock as well as other smaller granite formations in the area. Hiking, mountain biking and OHV riding are recreation activities accessed from the campground.
Nearby
The Fourmile Recreation Area is known for its robust trail system supporting hiking, trail running, biking and OHV riding. The Upper Arkansas River Valley is home to Central Colorado's iconic recreation including whitewater rafting and play park, 14ers, biking, hiking, fishing, festivals, concerts and so much more.
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Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Turtle Rock Campground?
For some sites. Sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 22, 23 and 24 are first-come, first-served. The other sites take reservations.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Turtle Rock Campground?
Check-in 1:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Turtle Rock Campground have?
24 sites, including 18 standard sites without power, 4 tent-only sites, 1 walk-in site, and 1 group site.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Turtle Rock Campground?
The longest site here provides 35 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are pets allowed at Turtle Rock Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Turtle Rock Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Turtle Rock Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there are 2 active fires within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one.
Source: Fire nearby
What is there to do at Turtle Rock Campground?
Turtle Rock Campground offers easy access to the namesake rock formation, which is beloved by rock climbers. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Turtle Rock Campground?
Buena Vista, Colorado. The Fourmile Recreation Area is known for its robust trail system supporting hiking, trail running, biking and OHV riding.
Source: Getting there