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Sweetwater River Resort

Cotopaxi, Colorado


11 RV Sites, 4 Cabins, 6 Tent Sites, 1 Glamping Site

5.01 reviews
Sweetwater River Resort occupies 31 private acres along a half-mile of the Arkansas River in Cotopaxi, Colorado — a stretch of Highway 50 where the river cuts through the Bighorn Sheep Canyon between Cañon City and Salida, delivering some of the most dramatic high-desert river scenery in the American West. With frontage on both sides of the Arkansas and a setting in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Sweetwater River Resort is one of the most scenically positioned camping destinations in Colorado. Accommodations span rustic cabins, pioneer cabins, deluxe cabins, glamping tents, four traditional motel rooms, and a Big House perched above the river — suitable for large groups who want a private space with kitchen amenities and wraparound river views. RV sites and tent sites round out the options for guests bringing their own shelter. The bath house provides hot showers near the property entrance, and the half-mile of Arkansas River frontage on both banks gives guests unfettered access for fishing, wading, and riverside relaxation throughout the day. Pets are welcome. The Arkansas River at Cotopaxi flows through the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area — a state park extending the length of the river's Colorado run that protects and provides access to some of the most celebrated whitewater in the country. Gold Medal fishing on the Arkansas draws fly anglers who prize its brown and rainbow trout, while kayakers and paddlers of all skill levels navigate the Bighorn Sheep Canyon section that runs directly through the Sweetwater property. Royal Gorge, 30 minutes west in Cañon City, is one of Colorado's most dramatic natural landmarks — a 1,000-foot-deep canyon crossed by the world's highest suspension bridge, with the Royal Gorge Route Railroad running along the canyon floor for a scenic ride unlike anything above ground. Salida, 30 minutes east, is one of Colorado's most vibrant mountain towns — art galleries, local restaurants, live music, and 14er access fill the kind of afternoon that makes Salida worth a full day of exploration. Forty-five miles of 4x4 and ATV trails at Texas Creek and the Rainbow Trail near Westcliffe extend the outdoor recreation for guests with off-road capability. Sweetwater River Resort is open through the Colorado camping season, with summer delivering the widest combination of river recreation — from whitewater rafting with the outfitters concentrated along the Highway 50 corridor to fly fishing the Gold Medal Arkansas to hiking the Sangre de Cristo foothills. The sweetwater river resort's position exactly between Cañon City and Salida makes it a natural base for exploring two of the Arkansas Valley's most appealing communities in any direction.

What does this place offer

  • Biking
  • Bird/Wildlife Watching
  • Boat Docks
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Dog Park
  • Fishing
  • Fishing Pier
  • Full Hookup
  • Hiking
  • Offroading Nearby

Select your site to book online


5.0
Overall rating

1 reviews
S
SiegfriedLittleton, CO
September 2025
Nice campground along the Arkansas River. The 30 amp site for my 17-foot RV was great. Could use an upgrade to the picnic table. Literally fall out of your camper and the fishing is right there. Caught a number of bruiser brown trout and also lucked out with a beautiful 19-inch rainbow. Only drawback is the r...Show more

Location

24871 US Hwy 50 W, Cotopaxi, CO, 81223-9605, United States


Things to know

Check-in: 2:00 PM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Rules

Check-In Procedure - Check-In: 02:00 PM - Check-Out: 11:00 AM - While each park attempts to accommodate your exact spot request, the on-site manager has the ultimate decision for spot placement. Initial Deposit Policy - At the time of booking, 100% of the reservation balance will be collected. - Payment for all retail items and gift certificates will also be collected. Credit Card Security - Your credit card information is stored and processed securely. - Click here for more information about credit card security. Children Policy - Children are welcome with an accompanying adult. - Children aged 2 and under stay free. - Children under 10 must be accompanied to the community bathrooms by an adult. - Never leave small children unsupervised near the river. Pet Policy - Pets are welcome. - Pets must weigh under 50 pounds. - All pets are required to be on a leash. - Please pick up after your pet anywhere on the property. - No pets are to be left outside unattended. - Pets are not allowed in any building. - Never leave your pet outside unattended. - Please always keep your pet on a leash. - While a little barking is to be expected, incessantly barking dogs are not allowed. - Scoop the poop! Store Policy - Sweetwater office/store hours vary. - Please check with the office for current hours. Quiet Hours - Designated quiet hours between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am are strictly enforced. Visitors/Additional Guest Policy - Guests exceeding the maximum allowed for your site/cabin/room must be reported to the front office in advance of arrival. - Additional guests will be charged a Day Use Fee. Smoking Policy - All Sweetwater buildings are non-smoking. - If you choose to smoke, please do so outside and dispose of cigarette butts properly (not in your campfire ring). - If you choose to smoke inside your room or cabin, a smoking fee may be imposed. Trash Policy - Please dispose of all trash in the dumpster bins provided. - Burning trash in campfire rings or permanent grills is not allowed. - An extra cleaning fee for non-combustible matter left behind may be imposed. Safety Policy - You and only you are responsible for your own safety. - Please observe the posted signs, including the speed limit and bridge signs. - Mountain weather is unpredictable. - Be prepared. - Wear appropriate attire and footwear. - Bring maps and adequate water. - Let someone know where you are going and when you will return. - Reasonable replacement/cleaning costs for room/property damage/excessive dirt--including by pets, and/or missing Sweetwater property will be charged to your credit card. Fire Rings Policy - Fires are allowed in established fire rings only. - NEVER leave your fire unattended. Speed Limit - Speed limit 9mph ATV Policy - ATVs must be driven by a licensed driver and not exceed the 9 mph limit in the park. Shower Policy - Limit shower time. - Turn off faucets, lights, and air conditioners when you leave. Firearms Policy - Discharging of firearms, weapons, or fireworks on Sweetwater property is strictly prohibited. Fishing Policy - Fishing: It is your responsibility to know and obey all Colorado Laws. Wildlife and Nature Protection Policy - The Arkansas River is a Colorado State Park. - It is unlawful to drop cans, paper, water bottles, or anything else into the river. - Help us conserve our natural resources. - All Sweetwater wildlife is protected as part of its riparian ecosystem, INCLUDING SNAKES. - Anyone killing or harming any wildlife in any way will be asked to leave immediately without a refund. - Ignorance is not an excuse. - The most important rule of all: Have Fun! - If you had a great time, Post on social media!

Cancellation Policy

MODERATE If the guest cancels at least 1 week before your check-in day and time, they will receive a full refund (minus Spot2Nite convenience or resort fees). If the guest cancels within the 1 week before check-in, there will be no refund.