How much does camping cost at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground?

Camping fees at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground range from $20-$34/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground before I book?

Yes! Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground has 16 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground?

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground is open May 18 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground?

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground?

Fire policies at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground: There is NO wood collection or firewood sales in the park. Don't Move Firewood : Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground have?

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground has 102 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground?

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground?

Popular activities at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground

4.42

581 reviews

10346 Hwy. 347, Montrose, CO 81401, USA

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Camping Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison#1 Camping Near Canyonlands National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$20 - $34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

102 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$20 - $34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

102 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground

$20.00 - $34.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $34.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$34.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-249-1914 EXT 425blca_info@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground

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Campground Map

10346 Hwy. 347, Montrose, CO 81401, USA

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground

10346 Hwy. 347, Montrose, CO 81401, USA

Nearby places

Montrose: approximately 15 miles (24 minutes), Denver: approximately 250 miles (4 hours)

Weather at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground

Current alerts(8)

Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
Cell phone reception is unreliable in the area.
Check out time is 11:00 a.m.
Due to wildfire damage, there is no set date to reopen Loops B & C at the South Rim Campground in 2026.Â Please visit the park website's Current Conditions page for more information and rehabilitation status updates.

Best Time to Camp at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather for rim hiking, long daylight for exploring overlooks, and the warmest nights at 8,000 ft — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s °F (18–28 °C) and evenings cooling into the 30s–40s °F (0–9 °C). Trails, viewpoints, and visitor services are fully accessible, and stargazing is excellent because of high elevation and dark canyon depths. Book early (reservations open April 15) because this is the busiest time and afternoon monsoon storms can bring sog Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Shoulder season with cooler temps and good views; fewer crowds reported compared to summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 18 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground

Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim Campground sits at 8,000 feet on the rim of one of Colorado's most dramatic gorges, operated by the National Park Service near Montrose. The large campground offers electric hookups and serves as base camp for rim hiking, wildlife viewing, and ranger-led programs among scrub oak that provides natural site separation. Campers report frequent sightings of mule deer and black bears, and the high-elevation location delivers exceptional stargazing above the canyon's dark depths.

The South Rim Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping with electric hookups, and first-come-first-served sites during the off-season. Group camping, cabin lodging, or glamping options are not available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather for rim hiking, long daylight for exploring overlooks, and the warmest nights at 8,000 ft — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s °F (18–28 °C) and evenings cooling into the 30s–40s °F (0–9 °C). Trails, viewpoints, and visitor services are fully accessible, and stargazing is excellent because of high elevation and dark canyon depths. Book early (reservations open April 15) because this is the busiest time and afternoon monsoon storms can bring sog Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation8000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe canyon drops away from the rim in shadowed cuts so narrow that sunlight barely reaches the Gunnison River below. Walls of Precambrian schist and gneiss. Some of the oldest exposed rock in North America. Frame views that make you step back from the edge. Scrub oak covers much of the rim, creating pockets of shade between open meadows. Mule deer browse near campsites at dawn. Black bears pass through in berry season. Blue grouse flush from underbrush with startling noise. The elevation means thin air and big temperature swings between sun and shade.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges are available within the campground. Only camping facilities are provided.

Programs & ActivitiesRangers conduct night sky tours, geology talks, and bat presentations at the amphitheater.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One truck or car per site.

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly supported at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov website, app, contact center, or in person.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites, grills, vault toilets, and parking are available.

Site SizeSite sizes vary. Official descriptions indicate suitability for tents and smaller RVs, while user reviews note some sites may be cramped or awkwardly shaped.

PrivacyPrivacy is mixed; scrub oak and foliage provide separation at many sites, but others are described as close together or lacking shade.

Total Campsites102 campsites

Recommended SitesLoop B sites feature electric hookups and privacy. Loop A offers access to trails and amphitheater shows.

Best CampsitesLoop B sites like B007 and B013 get mentioned for privacy and amenity access. Loop A has cell service at certain spots. Site 22 specifically. Reviews note that early arrival helps you claim better sites, since size and spacing vary widely across the campground.

Need help booking Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Campsites are open year round, but drinking water is only available mid-May through mid-October. Electric hookups are in Loop B and available year around. There are no water hookups or dump station at South Rim Campground.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

This campground offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, birding, stargazing, and ranger-led educational programs. Seasonal activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during winter.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available; vault toilets are the only option. Users report that the vault toilets are generally clean, well-stocked, and maintained but have issues such as flies and odors.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers provided at most sites for safe food storage.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

581 reviews

Recommended

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground has mixed reviews highlighting its scenic location, wildlife, and star-filled night skies. Complaints focus on small campsite sizes, limited water availability, lack of shower facilities, and noise from neighboring sites. Vault toilets are praised for cleanliness but noted for issues such as flies.

Review Summaries

Based on 581 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 581 reviews.

Site A007Loved
Site A007 is praised for partial shade and wind protection from scrub oak.
Site B015Loved
Site B015 provides privacy due to its location near scrub oak and the periphery.
Site C010Mentioned
Site C010 is noted for proximity to bathrooms and star-gazing opportunities.

What Campers Love

Users praise the location close to hiking trails, scenic canyon views, ranger-led programs, and privacy offered by scrub oak separating sites. Wildlife sightings, including bears and mule deer, added...

Based on 581 reviews

Common Concerns

Key complaints include cramped and awkward site layouts, limited water availability, lack of flush toilets and showers, unreliable cell reception, noise from neighboring sites, and absence of...

Based on 581 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend filling RV tanks before arrival, bringing sufficient water, using red headlamps for stargazing, and buying firewood en route to the park. Early arrival is advised for better...

Based on 581 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight busy campground conditions but stunning night skies and canyon views. Winter visitors praise activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing but note the...

Based on 581 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Canyon was amazing, must be seen in person to appreciate." "The vault toilets smelled pretty good." "The scrub oak between sites created private campsites." "No access to firewood in the park, pick...

Based on 581 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited accessibility features were noted. Older visitors and those with disabilities found hiking options limited and trails difficult.

Based on 581 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Several users appreciated pet-friendly features like allowing dogs on specific trails and near overlooks.

Based on 581 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want National Park Service camping with electric hookups, rim trail access, and don't mind cool mountain nights.

Skip if

You need reliable cell service, spacious sites, or guaranteed water availability throughout your stay.

Nearby Campgrounds

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East Portal Campground

Curecanti National Recreation Area

East Portal Campground sits at the bottom of Black Canyon of the Gunnison, directly on the Gunnison River in Curecanti National Recreation Area. This small, budget-friendly campground offers vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables for tent and RV campers. The steep, winding East Portal Road descends into the canyon, delivering visitors to a quiet riverside setting prized for fishing, rafting put-ins, and dramatic canyon walls.