A-Lodge Salida: Your Evolving Basecamp for Colorado Adventures

A-Lodge has acquired Salida / Mt. Shavano KOA Property! Introduce

Introduction / Overview

A-Lodge Salida marks an exciting new chapter for a well-known camping property in the heart of Colorado's vibrant Arkansas River Valley. Formerly the Salida / Mt. Shavano KOA, this location has been acquired by A-Lodge, a brand celebrated for creating unique, community-focused outdoor lodging experiences. This transition signifies a commitment to enhancing the property, promising a blend of rustic charm and modern conveniences designed to serve as the ultimate basecamp for all your Colorado adventures.

Situated in the outdoor mecca of Salida, A-Lodge aims to cater to every type of traveler – from those seeking cozy cabins and full-hookup RV sites to peaceful creekside tent camping. While the property is currently undergoing a transformation, with ongoing improvements and additions, its core mission remains clear: to provide a welcoming and accessible hub for exploring the unparalleled recreational opportunities of the region. For Colorado locals, this evolving destination offers a familiar location with a fresh vision, poised to become a premier spot for relaxation and adventure alike.

Location and Accessibility

A-Lodge Salida is conveniently located at 16105 US-50, Salida, CO 81201, USA. This prime position places it just minutes from historic downtown Salida, a hub known for its vibrant arts scene, excellent dining, and direct access to the Arkansas River. The accessibility via US-50, a major highway, makes A-Lodge Salida an easy destination for travelers arriving from various parts of Colorado and beyond.

The location offers a perfect balance: feeling tucked into nature, with direct access to hiking, biking, fishing, and rafting, yet remaining incredibly close to town amenities. This makes it an ideal spot for those who want to immerse themselves in outdoor activities during the day and enjoy the comforts and culture of a charming Colorado town in the evening. Its strategic placement in the Arkansas River Valley also provides access to three mountain ranges and numerous 14ers, making it a fantastic central point for exploring the greater Central Rockies.

Services Offered

A-Lodge Salida, while undergoing improvements, is committed to offering a diverse range of services to accommodate various camping and lodging preferences, building upon the foundation of the former KOA property.

Variety of Accommodations: The property offers a wide selection of lodging options, including premium and primitive cabins, full-hookup pull-through RV sites (with 30 and 50 amp service), and peaceful creekside tent camping sites. This caters to different comfort levels and group sizes.
Clean Bathhouses: Guests can expect clean bathhouses, a key amenity for comfortable camping, ensuring access to showers and restrooms.
Shared Outdoor Spaces: The A-Lodge brand emphasizes a communal spirit, with shared outdoor spaces, including fire pits and picnic areas. These foster camaraderie among guests.
WiFi Access: While specific coverage areas may vary during the transition, WiFi is available near the lodge, allowing guests to stay connected if desired.
Pet-Friendly Facilities: A-Lodge Salida is a pet-friendly property, including a designated dog park, allowing furry companions to stretch and play. Pet fees may apply.
Laundry Facilities: The property offers laundry facilities, a significant convenience for longer stays or for refreshing gear after outdoor activities.
Adventure Concierge / Local Staff: Friendly and knowledgeable local staff are available to assist guests. They can help with booking local activities like rafting or guided fishing trips, recommend the best hikes and trails, and provide information on mountain biking and skiing options nearby, acting as an "Adventure Concierge."
Sanitary Dump Station: For RV campers, a sanitary dump station is available on-site, providing a convenient way to empty waste tanks.
Gas Grills: Some accommodations or communal areas may feature gas grills for convenient outdoor cooking.
Check-in / Check-out: Standard check-in is typically 3:00 PM, with check-out by 11:00 AM. Guests receive check-in instructions and an access code via email.

Features / Highlights

A-Lodge Salida, with its acquisition and ongoing transformation, presents several key features and highlights that make it an appealing destination for Colorado outdoor enthusiasts.

Diverse Lodging Options: The ability to choose from cabins (premium and primitive), RV sites (full-hookup, pull-through), and tent sites means there's an option for almost every kind of traveler and budget, from those seeking comfort to more primitive experiences.
Proximity to Outdoor Recreation: Its location is truly a highlight. A-Lodge Salida offers instant access to a vast array of outdoor adventures, including world-class mountain biking (singletrack), whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, fishing in Gold Medal waters, hiking to nearby 14ers, and winter sports at Monarch Mountain.
Minutes from Downtown Salida: The convenience of being just minutes from historic downtown Salida allows guests to easily access local restaurants, breweries, shops, and cultural attractions, blending outdoor adventure with town charm.
Communal Spirit: The A-Lodge brand is built around fostering a communal atmosphere. Shared spaces like fire pits and an Adventure Concierge encourage guests to connect, share stories, and plan adventures together.
Pet-Friendly Environment: The inclusion of pet-friendly accommodations and a dedicated dog park makes it an excellent choice for those who want to bring their four-legged companions on their Colorado adventures.
Ongoing Property Improvements: While some aspects may still be undergoing renovation (as suggested by past reviews of the property under previous ownership), the new acquisition by A-Lodge signals a commitment to significant improvements, which will continually enhance the guest experience.
Rustic Yet Convenient: A-Lodge Salida aims to strike a balance between a rustic outdoor feel and modern conveniences, offering amenities like clean bathhouses and WiFi while maintaining a connection to nature.

Contact Information

Address: 16105 US-50, Salida, CO 81201, USA

Phone: (719) 888-8113

Mobile Phone: +1 719-888-8113

It is recommended to check their official website or call directly for the most current information regarding available amenities, booking policies, and ongoing property developments.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Colorado locals, A-Lodge Salida represents an exciting and evolving destination perfectly positioned to serve as a comprehensive basecamp for exploring the best of the Arkansas River Valley and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Its acquisition by A-Lodge signals a renewed commitment to creating a welcoming and adventurous hub, building on the established presence of the former KOA property.

The suitability for locals is multifaceted. Firstly, its strategic location just minutes from downtown Salida, yet offering immediate access to trails and the Arkansas River, means residents can seamlessly transition from urban comforts to wilderness adventures. This convenience is invaluable for weekend getaways or longer stays. Secondly, the diverse range of lodging options – from cabins to RV and tent sites – ensures that A-Lodge Salida can cater to varying preferences and budgets, making outdoor recreation accessible to a broad spectrum of local adventurers.

While the property is undergoing a transition, and past experiences under previous management may have presented challenges (such as the deeply unsettling interaction described by Black guests, which underscores the importance of ongoing bias training and consistent policy enforcement by the new ownership), the A-Lodge brand's emphasis on community, outdoor access, and continuous improvement suggests a positive trajectory. It's an opportunity for locals to support a property dedicated to fostering inclusive and enjoyable outdoor experiences. The pet-friendly amenities, communal spaces, and dedicated staff ready to assist with adventure planning further cement its appeal. A-Lodge Salida is poised to become a go-to spot for Colorado residents seeking comfort, community, and unparalleled access to the wild heart of their home state.

A-Lodge has acquired Salida / Mt. Shavano KOA Property! Photos

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A-Lodge has acquired Salida / Mt. Shavano KOA Property! Location

A-Lodge has acquired Salida / Mt. Shavano KOA Property!

Colorado Chaffee County Salida U.S. 50

16105 US-50, Salida, CO 81201, USA

A-Lodge has acquired Salida / Mt. Shavano KOA Property! Reviews

This is my second consecutive weekend staying at this location. My first visit was peaceful and enjoyable, which is why we chose to return. However, this most recent experience was the complete opposite.On the morning of our departure, my friend and I checked out of our cabin about 30 minutes before the official 11:00 AM checkout time. To avoid interfering with the cleaning crew, we decided to have breakfast in the picnic area, specifically the small wooden hut tucked away in that section of the campground.Just before we were about to leave, a woman—whom we believe to be the owner—approached us abruptly and aggressively, demanding to know why we were still on the campground. Her body language was tense, and her tone was accusatory rather than inquisitive. It was clear she did not assume we were guests or that we belonged there.As two Black men traveling in a predominantly white area, we are, unfortunately, familiar with the coded ways racial bias manifests. Rather than politely inquiring about our presence, she scrutinized us. She did not ask if we needed assistance or assume we were simply finishing our stay; instead, her tone suggested she viewed us as trespassers.When I explained that we had checked out of Cabin 2 earlier and were just finishing breakfast, she did not take my response at face value. Instead, she asked, “Then why aren’t you at your cabin?”—a question that disregarded the fact that we had already vacated the space out of courtesy for the cleaning staff. I may have overlooked KOA’s policy stating that departing guests cannot use shared facilities before leaving, yet she treated us as if we were violating a rule.Her demeanor became increasingly hostile, and she insisted we leave. We complied, but her lingering presence made the situation worse, as if she was ensuring we actually left. When I quietly told my friend how unnecessary and snarky her behavior had been, she overheard and interjected defensively, further escalating the situation.This was not a case of an employee simply enforcing campground policies—it was selective enforcement with racial undertones. We had done nothing wrong. We were paying guests, abiding by all posted rules, yet we were met with hostility and suspicion rather than the warm hospitality KOA is known for.I want to be clear: I do not believe every negative interaction is necessarily about race. However, the combination of her accusatory tone, refusal to assume we were paying guests, and insistence on our immediate departure made it painfully evident that we were treated differently. As a Black traveler, I have experienced this pattern in predominantly white spaces, where my mere presence is questioned or perceived as suspicious.I appreciate the many positive experiences I’ve had at KOA locations, but this one was deeply unsettling. I encourage KOA to take steps to ensure that all guests—regardless of race—are treated with dignity and respect. Specifically, I recommend:1. Bias Training for Staff and Management – Ensuring that interactions with guests are based on policy enforcement, not personal biases.2. Clear and Consistent Policy Enforcement – If post-checkout facility use is prohibited, it should be clearly stated and uniformly enforced.3. Hospitality-Focused Approach – Staff should be trained to engage guests with a welcoming and service-oriented demeanor, rather than suspicion.4. Accountability for Guest Complaints – Encouraging guests to report discriminatory experiences and ensuring those reports lead to meaningful action.While I will not be returning to this particular KOA location, I appreciate the company’s role in providing an oasis for travelers and will continue to visit other locations. However, I hope KOA takes this feedback seriously to prevent future guests from experiencing similar treatment.
Mar 31, 2025 · Dusty Raymond
A-Lodge needs some time to get this place into shape. When we arrived we thought it was abandoned. Stray dogs running around, bathhouse filthy, pool crumbling. They had some junk gear for sale. Overall it was ok, but Jeesh, for 60 bucks to camp you expect more.
Jun 10, 2025 · Tony Burfield
Reservation for several sites at a time was easy and the female staff on the phone was accommodating and pleasant.Location was good and they have gone through a remodel of the campsites, so that was nice. Sites were pretty level and hookups were newer and in full working order.Cabins were newer as well and in good repair.All was fine until the evening male live in campsite babysitter, who was reeking of pot, just had to throw his weight around and was extremely rude, bossy on immaterial things, and had to insert himself in every aspect of your stay. (what are you doing, why are you here, where did you get that wood, pull forward more, make sure your dog is on a leash [which it was] whose tools are those, when are you expecting to be on site and off site, don't put chairs there [by the fire], ect) This really put a damper on the attractiveness of this campground and could have been over looked if it was just a onetime event because he was high, however during our several day stay this was an every day occurance which also had the added bonus of him moving our campsite items around when we were off site.As the Tripadvisor reviews, and the prior Google reviews show, the owners are aware of this male child in an adults body and have yet to remove him from their staff, it is clear that they don't care how this effects their reviews and the loss of customers that will steer clear from making a reservation and will certainly not return. too sad because we are in the latter group, and otherwise this is a great campground ruined by one person.Public bathrooms need brought up to the same remodel standards as the overall park, they are a little tired.
Oct 07, 2024 · Jim I.
Very nice campground with astounding, friendly staff. I have been on site for 6 months. I had to laugh at reading some of the reviews.There are campground rules to follow and to many people come in the park thinking these rules don't apply to them.Such as taking items from other sites that aren't occupied at the moment, speeding, chopping down the campground trees because they don't want to buy wood, starting huge bonfires that aren't safe for anyone around. So yes, if you come in the park thinking the rules don't apply to you, you will most likely get a talking to and deservedly so. The rules are here to keep everyone safe and to keep the grounds nice.
Oct 15, 2024 · Lane B
The cabin we had wasn't very clean and had a black widow in it granted. That was okay. I took care of that. The restrooms and showers were disgusting with random hygiene bottles, and a filthy floor. Hair clogged drains, and the floor was atrocious. The cherry on top was how tiny the showers are if you are over six feet you are in for an adventure. I was banging my elbows and all. Not the worst experience at a KOA but certainly not the best...
Jul 16, 2024 · Maximus D. Meridius