Three zones along the Arkansas River — convenient lodge sites, open river-adjacent spots, and shaded Upper River sites under dark Colorado skies.
Full hookups, Starlink Wi-Fi, and Arkansas River access at every site. Pricing varies by zone based on scenery and river proximity.
The most scenic part of the property. Shaded sites sit closest to the Arkansas River, with the best dark-sky conditions and strongest river atmosphere.
Starting from $75/night
In-season weekday starting rates. Weekend, holiday, and off-season pricing varies.
Best for: Guests who want the best combination of shade, river proximity, and dark-sky stargazing on the property.
Sized for RVs up to 25 ft. Longer rigs are a better fit for the Lower River or Lodge zones.
View Upper River SitesOpen sky, mountain views, and easy river access — more affordable than Upper River without giving up the outdoor feel.
Starting from $70/night
In-season weekday starting rates. Weekend, holiday, and off-season pricing varies.
Best for: Guests who want near-river camping and open views without paying for the premium Upper River spots.
The most practical option. Full hookups, easy pull-in access, and the shortest walk to the bathhouse, camp store, and lodge.
Starting from $65/night
In-season weekday starting rates. Weekend, holiday, and off-season pricing varies.
Best for: Guests who want a simple, reliable stay with easy access to on-site amenities — not looking to pay for premium scenery.
Not every site on this property feels the same — and the price difference reflects that. Use the map and zone breakdowns below to find the right fit.
Dark Sky River Lodge sits on the Arkansas River in Howard, Colorado — about 12 miles from downtown Salida. All RV sites include full hookups: water, 30/50 amp electric, and sewer. Sites are divided into three zones, each with a different location, scenery, and price point.
Some guests want the most scenic part of the property. Others want the simplest full-hookup stay with easy access. Pricing reflects where a site sits and what surrounds it. Use the map to get oriented, then click a site to see availability, or scroll down to the zone that fits.
The most scenic zone on the property — shaded, closest to the river, and best after dark.
Why guests choose this zone: The Upper River Zone sits closest to the Arkansas River, with natural shade and the best dark-sky conditions on the property. You can hear the river from your rig, fish from the bank in the morning, and stargaze with minimal ambient light at night. It's the most scenic part of the property — priced accordingly. Site 4 is the standout individual site if you want the top pick. Note: Upper River sites are designed for RVs up to 25 ft — if you're running something longer, the Lower River or Lodge zones will be a better fit.
The closest RV sites to the Arkansas River, with natural shade and the best dark-sky conditions on the property.
Best for: A solid first pick in the Upper River Zone — shaded pad, river nearby, open mountain views.
Full hookups (water / 30–50 amp electric / sewer)
Level pad with river access nearby
Shade from trees, open mountain views
Best for: Compact rigs wanting an Upper River site — review rig length before booking.
Full hookups (water / 30–50 amp electric / sewer)
Level pad, river access nearby
Tighter approach within the zone — best for rigs well under 25 ft. Call or text to confirm fit: (719) 626-1429.
Best for: Guests who want shade overhead and reliable dark-sky views after dark.
Full hookups (water / 30–50 amp electric / sewer)
Level pad with natural shade overhead
Good dark-sky position, near the river
Best for: The best individual site on the property — private deck, direct river views, and the top stargazing position.
Full hookups (water / 30–50 amp electric / sewer)
Private river-view deck
Best stargazing position on the property
Open views, near-river access, and a lower starting price than Upper River — the best scenery-to-cost ratio on the property.
Why guests choose this zone: The Lower River Zone is the practical middle ground. Sites sit near the river with open mountain views and easy trail access — less shade than the Upper zone, but more sky. If you want river proximity and real mountain views at a lower price, this zone gives you the best scenery-to-cost ratio on the property.
Open sky, mountain views, and easy river access — at a lower starting rate than the Upper River Zone.
Best for: Open mountain views and quick access to the river trail at a solid value.
Full hookups (water / 30–50 amp electric / sewer)
Level pad, near Arkansas River access trail
Open sky, wide mountain views
Best for: A well-rounded Lower River site — open sky, easy river trail access, and a good mountain backdrop.
Full hookups (water / 30–50 amp electric / sewer)
Level pad, open Colorado sky
Easy river access, mountain backdrop
Best for: Guests who want broad valley views and direct access to the river corridor trail.
Full hookups (water / 30–50 amp electric / sewer)
Level pad, near river corridor trail
Broad mountain and valley views
Best for: A straightforward Lower River pick — open sky, near river access, and wide mountain views.
Full hookups (water / 30–50 amp electric / sewer)
Level pad, open-sky setting
Near river access trail, wide mountain views
The most practical option on the property — full hookups, easy access, and the closest sites to the bathhouse and camp store.
Why guests choose this zone: The Lodge Zone is the most convenient option on the property. Easy pull-in access, the closest walk to the bathhouse and camp store, and reliable full hookups — all at the lowest starting rate. A good fit for anyone passing through, running a longer stay, or who just wants to plug in and keep it simple.
Full hookups and easy access — the shortest walk to the bathhouse, camp store, and lodge facilities.
Best for: Guests who want a clean, simple stay close to the bathhouse and camp store.
Full hookups (water / 30–50 amp electric / sewer)
Level pad, easy pull-in access
Short walk to bathhouse, camp store, and lodge
Best for: A reliable multi-night base with full hookups and easy access to everything on-site.
Full hookups (water / 30–50 amp electric / sewer)
Level pad, straightforward pull-in
Close to bathhouse, camp store, and lodge
Best for: Guests who want a no-fuss pull-in with hookups, bathhouse, and camp store nearby.
Full hookups (water / 30–50 amp electric / sewer)
Level pad, easy pull-in access
Near bathhouse, camp store, and lodge
Best for: Larger rigs that need wide, easy maneuvering room with full hookups.
Full hookups (water / 30–50 amp electric / sewer)
Level pad, wide-open pull-in space
Roomy site — good for longer rigs and slide-outs
Best for: A good Lodge Zone pick for longer stays — practical hookups and close to all on-site facilities.
Full hookups (water / 30–50 amp electric / sewer)
Level pad, convenient lodge access
Good pick for extended basecamp stays
Upper River for the most scenic, shaded experience on the property. Lower River for open views and near-river access at a lower price. Lodge Zone for full hookups, easy pull-in, and the closest access to the bathhouse and camp store. Not sure which fits? Call or text — we can help you choose quickly.
Interested in a longer stay? Ask about extended and monthly RV rates.