OutReserve

Mount Princeton

Creek flowing through forest
campsite with picnic table and fire pit with blue sky and mountains in background.
Campsite with rees, picnic tableand fire pit
Campsite with picnic table, fire pit and mountains in background

About Mount Princeton

Mount Princeton Campground is located in beautiful Chalk Creek Canyon in central Colorado. This popular facility is within 4 miles of a private hot springs resort, making it an ideal location for rest and relaxation. "First come, first served" does not necessarily mean that the site will be available when you get there. Someone may get there before you. This is a popular campground and is normally full starting on Friday, sometimes as early as Thursday, so plan accordingly.

Number of accommodations: 13

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on May 15

Sites & Availability

13 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 003, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
004, Loop: MOUN
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 005, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 006, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 007, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 008, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 009, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 010, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 011, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 012, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 013, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 018, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 019, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night

Reviews (100)

What Guests Are Saying

Mount Princeton campground is praised for its beautiful location along Chalk Creek, clean and well-maintained sites, and friendly camp host, Randy, who ensures a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the variety of outdoor activities available nearby, including hiking and fishing, making it a great base for exploration. While some reported occasional odors from pit toilets and challenges with water availability, the overall experience is considered excellent, with many guests eager to return.

Review Summary

4.7
100 reviews
5
82.0%
82
4
10.0%
10
3
4.0%
4
2
2.0%
2
1
2.0%
2

Debbie V

Verified

July 13, 2021 Stayed at: 005, Loop: MOUN

5

Awesome time and place.

Richard H

Verified

July 7, 2021 Stayed at: 018, Loop: MOUN

5

This campground is beautiful and very well maintained. The camp host is the best we have ever been with. He is knowledgeable and extremely kind and helpful. We will book here as often as possible.

Demetrius O

Verified

June 30, 2021 Stayed at: 012, Loop: MOUN

5

The campground was extremely clean and it's our favorite place to camp. The camp host was friendly and checked in on us a few times. It's a great place to unwind and get away from our overcrowded city/state we live in now.

Lisa C

Verified

June 22, 2021 Stayed at: 007, Loop: MOUN

5

Great host this summer- Dick Jones keeps the place looking great and bathrooms clean and stocked!

Shanda A

Verified

June 19, 2021 Stayed at: 004, Loop: MOUN

5

Great camp are right next to the river. Host was very friendly and got us right into our spot. We've been here a couple times now and not been disappointed.

Brad M

Verified

June 15, 2021 Stayed at: 013, Loop: MOUN

4

Campground was well maintained. Camp host was great and informative. Bathrooms and overall campground were clean. We will definitely be going back.

Rachel S

Verified

June 14, 2021 Stayed at: 011, Loop: MOUN

5

A beautiful campsite right near the river! The bathrooms were clean, host was kind, sound of the river at night is amazing.

Emil A

Verified

June 13, 2021 Stayed at: 013, Loop: MOUN

5

It is a great small campground. Location is great to hike and go to hot springs.

Pavel O

Verified

June 12, 2021 Stayed at: 013, Loop: MOUN

5

We camped there at least four times over the last few years and it was always very enjoyable. The CG was very well kept by the host who was there until last year, and the new host is doing a commendable job as well. Thank you!

I am glad you replaced the rusty pipes on the water wells, but those hand pumps are still very hard to work. Any chance a power pump might be installed? However, this is a very minor inconvenience. We'll be back.

Randall P

Verified

June 8, 2021 Stayed at: 005, Loop: MOUN

5

One of the best campgrounds in the state. Perfect setting and outstanding campground host. Love this place.

Location Mount Princeton

Address:
Salida Ranger District Office
Salida, CO, 81201
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 38.7142 / -106.223

Elevation: 2621 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

The water system is closed at this campground. No water is available. Please bring all water necessary for the duration of your stay. Water can be obtained at nearby Chalk Lake CG if necessary.

General

Do not climb chalk cliffs

General

Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating

General

This is a high elevation facility; please use caution when traveling from lower elevations

General

No hookups available

General

Click here for more information on Pike and San Isabel National Forests

General

Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

General

If reservations are not available, some campsites are first come-first served, also called "Walk-up" sites. First-come, first-served sites must be occupied the SAME NIGHT they are paid for. These sites usually fill Friday evenings and through the weekends. Due to the remote nature of campgrounds, calling to check availability prior to arrival is not possible.

General

Camping and campfires are restricted in the Chalk Creek Canyon to the four developed campgrounds only. Cascade, Chalk Lake and Mount Princeton campgrounds take reservations. Iron City campground is first-come, first-served only.

General

Campers unable to find a campsite in a developed campground may camp above the townsite of St. Elmo on County Road 267( 4-wheel drive only) or near the Hancock townsite located 5 miles south on Forest Road 295. Additional camping is available in the Browns Creek area south of County Road 162 at the junction of County roads 270 and 272. Practice leave-no-trace (www.lnt.org) camping principles when dispersed camping.

General

Reservations can be made 6 months in advanced.

General

Two vehicles or one RV per site is included in the camping fee. $10.00 for a third vehicle. $10.00 fee for day use if not camping overnight. 

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations