Ruby Mountain - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area campground
Ruby Mountain - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area
Reservations are accepted at Ruby Mountain - Arkansas Headwaters State Recreation Area, allowing visitors to secure their preferred campsite in advance. This is especially recommended during peak seasons, as the campground tends to be in high demand. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. However, it's important to note that Colorado's unpredictable weather patterns can change rapidly, so it's advisable to come prepared with appropriate gear for varying conditions.
While camping at Ruby Mountain, campers can explore the stunning natural beauty of the Arkansas River Valley and its surrounding mountains. The area offers opportunities for hiking and biking, with scenic trails that lead to breathtaking views. Fishing enthusiasts will also find abundant trout in the nearby Arkansas River, making it an ideal spot for angling. However, visitors should be cautious of potential wildlife encounters, as the campground is situated in a natural habitat. It is important to properly store food and maintain a safe distance from wildlife to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.
What's on-site at Ruby Mountain - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of Ruby Mountain - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby Mountain | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Mushroom Gulch Site 1 | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Hecla Junction - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Hecla Junction | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Bassam Guardstation/Cabin | ✓ | ✗ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of Ruby Mountain - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas River Near Nathrop | 470 cfs | → |
| Arkansas River At Salida | 380 cfs | → |
| Arkansas River Below Granite | 371 cfs | → |
| Arkansas River Near Wellsville | 444 cfs | → |
| Clear Creek Above Clear Creek Reservoir | 120 cfs | → |
| Arkansas River At Granite | 150 cfs | → |
Nearby snow depths
NRCS SNOTEL stations within reach of Ruby Mountain - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area -- relevant when planning a shoulder-season or alpine trip.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | 24h Snowfall | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nathrop 1.9 Wsw | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Nathrop 3.3 Wsw | 0.0 in | -0.5 in | → |
| Buena Vista | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Saint Elmo | 1.0 in | 1.0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Saint Elmo | 1.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Salida 1.8 Ssw | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Parks
- Mcphelemy Park
- Wilderness Collegiate Peaks
- Thonhoff Park
- Spinney Mountain State Park
- Wilderness Fossil Ridge
- Eleven Mile State Park
Boat launches
- Ahra - Ruby Mountain Rec Sits
- Cr 300 22504, Nathrop
- Ahra - Fishermans Bridge Rec Site
- Ahra - Hecla Junction Rec Site
- Cr 194 Chaffee County
- Ahra - Stone Bridge Rec Site
Fishing spots
- Chalk Lake Fishing Site
- Cottonwood Lake (Buena Vista)
- Cottonwood Lake
- Baldwin Lake
- Riverside Ponds (Mt. Ouray Swa)
- Frantz Lake Swa
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Ruby Mountain - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Ruby Mountain - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area
Can I make reservations at Ruby Mountain - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area?
Yes -- this campground accepts reservations. Snoflo recommends booking early for peak season; check the operator (Recreation.gov / state park system / private operator) for the booking window and cancellation policy.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to Ruby Mountain - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of Ruby Mountain - Arkansas Headwaters State Rec Area.