Turtle Rock Campground | Buena Vista, Colorado
If you’re interested in a beautiful (and free) campground around Buena Vista, Colorado, then I highly suggest you turn your wheels this way!
Turtle Rock Campground is just about a 10 minute drive from downtown Buena Vista. You wouldn’t know it by how secluded you feel. However, the road in has many deep holes so you do have to drive a little slower and pay close attention. A 4x4 is not required but it will definitely help you navigate.
We like to camp in the main area by large rock formations for the best explorations that are close by. Our first time camping here together two years ago, we awoke to several rock climbers discussing where they were going for lunch. Because of them, we now stop at the Eddyline Restaurant on South Main. They have updated their procedures during the pandemic and we actually really liked how they’re doing it! It’s to accommodate their low staff and make it a little easier for the servers. You go in, look at a menu and then order with the host/hostess. After putting in your order, they will seat you and servers will bring everything out to you. It’s a bit more streamlined in my opinion and we thanked them all for everything they are doing. They really appreciated it.
If you do stop at Eddyline Restaurant, you HAVE to get their Rocky Mountain Soda - Cola. It is made by them and it is hands down, the BEST cola I’ve EVER had. So obviously, I must snatch it every time I go!
Anyway, we went there for dinner and then sat next to the river just a few steps away. It was incredibly peaceful and we discussed how blessed and happy we were.
After we sat here til a little after sunset, we made our way back to our lovely camp site. This night was beautiful as we parked the car next to the fire pit with the trunk open. We laid there looking out and feeling the warmth from the flames. At one point, there were bats swooping around us catching nearby moths and bugs. A few times, I ducked because we all know that bats love hair and I wasn’t about to have that!
We stayed up late talking and listening to some spooky podcasts. These podcasts kept us going our ENTIRE drive to/from Colorado from Florida. Necronomipod is our absolute favorite because even if they’re talking about some dark stuff, they always seem to make it better by telling jokes and just being authentic. We love them. Shoutout to you guys; you’re the bee’s knees!
The following morning before we left, we stopped at another usual place: The Roastery. Because, well, of course I need my coffee! I actually get an iced chai there and it’s always the best. I love the Buena Vista area and Tyler and I definitely want to live here for a couple of months when we get our van (oh yes, we’re planning on vanlife when he graduates)!
Until next time, Buena Vista!