How much does camping cost at Cimarron Campground?

Camping fees at Cimarron Campground range from $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cimarron Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cimarron 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 Cimarron Campground before I book?

Yes! Cimarron Campground has 5 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 Cimarron Campground?

Cimarron Campground is open May 04 to October 13. 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 Cimarron Campground?

Cimarron Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cimarron Campground have?

Cimarron Campground has 21 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cimarron Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Cimarron Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Cimarron Campground?

Cimarron Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Cimarron Campground (Co)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cimarron Campground?

Fire policies at Cimarron Campground: STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES . Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood . CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit the National Invasive . Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.79

46 reviews

Quick Facts

6,895 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open season: June 5 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,895 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open season: June 5 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Cimarron Campground (Co)

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cimarron: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-641-2337

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Cimarron Campground (Co)

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

Cimarron Campground (Co)

38.4433, -107.5553

Nearby places

Montrose, CO: 20 miles (approximately 25-minute drive)

Weather at Cimarron Campground (Co)

Current alerts(3)

All sites are first-come first-served, and the campground rarely fills.
Cimarron Campground accomodates tents to medium sized RVs.
Railroad exhibits are adjacent to the campground, and Crystal Reservoir near Morrow Point Dam is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away.

Best Time to Camp at Cimarron Campground (Co)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable access to the canyon and Crystal Reservoir—daytime highs typically range from about 50–90°F with cool nights around 40–60°F—making water-based fishing and canyon hikes most pleasant. Afternoon thunderstorms are common at this elevation, but mornings are generally calm and prime for fishing trout in Crystal Reservoir or hiking the narrow-gauge railroad viewpoints. Expect the busiest crowds in July–August on weekends, so plan weekday visits or early/late‑s‑ Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season noted as summer; open and most reliable access, favorable temps and activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 04 to October 13. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: June 5 to October 14 (dates for first-come, first-served availability begin June 20). Winter closure from October 18 to May 15.

About Cimarron Campground (Co)

Cimarron Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Curecanti National Recreation Area, near Montrose and Crystal Reservoir. Operated by Recreation.gov, this small campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Visitors fish for trout in Crystal Reservoir, hike canyon trails, and explore nearby railroad exhibits in a quiet setting.

Cimarron Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping and RV camping. Sites are first-come, first-served, and the campground rarely fills, providing flexibility for visitors.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable access to the canyon and Crystal Reservoir—daytime highs typically range from about 50–90°F with cool nights around 40–60°F—making water-based fishing and canyon hikes most pleasant. Afternoon thunderstorms are common at this elevation, but mornings are generally calm and prime for fishing trout in Crystal Reservoir or hiking the narrow-gauge railroad viewpoints. Expect the busiest crowds in July–August on weekends, so plan weekday visits or early/late‑s‑ Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6895 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a canyon carved by the Cimarron River, with layered rock walls rising on either side. Crystal Reservoir fills a basin near Morrow Point Dam, offering trout fishing access. Geology here spans millions of years, visible in the striations of the canyon walls. The setting is quiet enough that reviewers mention hearing the river and little else. Some sites have views of the reservoir; others face the canyon walls or railroad exhibits.

Programs & ActivitiesThe historic Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit is adjacent to the campground, offering cultural and educational insights into the area's railroad history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Eight guests and two vehicles are allowed per standard campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made on-site using Scan & Pay through the Recreation.gov mobile app.

AccessibilityThe road is paved, and the parking pads are also paved. However, there are no designated ADA campsites.

Site SizeThe campground accommodates tents and medium-sized RVs. Sites are described as 'nice size and blacktopped' in one user review.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, but the campground's layout and spacing contribute to a generally quiet and peaceful atmosphere. One reviewer mentioned the campground was 'small, quiet, and empty,' enhancing the sense of seclusion.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites further from the utility room to avoid bright lights affecting nighttime views.

Best CampsitesSites away from the utility area and closer to the Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit get the fewest complaints. Some campers noted that sites near utility areas have bright lights that interfere with stargazing. The campground was described as small and often empty, so finding a quiet spot isn't hard.

Need help booking Cimarron Campground (Co)?

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

Cimarron Campground provides a well-rounded camping experience with a variety of amenities. It features seasonal potable water, flush toilets, a dump station, and trash/recycling collection. Each campsite includes picnic tables, fire grates, and fire rings. Notable for its cleanliness, several user reviews praise the well-maintained facilities. One visitor commented, 'The bathrooms here are really clean,' while another highlighted, 'Super clean bathroom facilities.' Although there are no shower facilities, the flush toilets are seasonal and noted for cleanliness. Accessibility for medium-sized RVs and the lack of cell service are also key considerations for visitors.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Cimarron Campground offers various recreational opportunities that cater to diverse interests. Visitors can explore nearby historic railroad exhibits, engage in hiking, and enjoy fishing at the nearby Crystal Reservoir. Wildlife viewing and stargazing are other popular activities, though light pollution near the utility room may be a minor issue for some campers. Reviewers highlighted activities such as hiking near the dam, exploring nearby trails, and enjoying the railroad exhibits.

Cultural and Educational Programs

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 Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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.

Fire PolicySTOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES . Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood . CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit the National Invasive

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling collection services are provided seasonally, contributing to the campground's overall cleanliness.

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

Rate Cimarron Campground (Co)

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

3.8

46 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Cimarron Campground (Co) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Cimarron Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising the cleanliness, quiet setting, and friendly campground hosts. The historic and natural attractions nearby are also highly appreciated. However, some complaints about light pollution and water quality (e.g., 'brown rusty water') were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 46 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean and well-maintained facilities, a quiet and serene environment, and nearby cultural and natural attractions. Visitors particularly appreciated the hiking opportunities...

Based on 46 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints are limited but include issues with light pollution from the utility room and occasional water quality concerns ('brown rusty water' reported by one reviewer).

Based on 46 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site feedback includes comments about the light near the utility room being too bright for stargazing but not affecting most sites. Sites are described as spacious and suitable for...

Based on 46 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing everything you need as there is no camp store on-site. Another tip is to enjoy the nearby hiking trails and rail exhibits. A reviewer suggested, 'Don't miss the rock...

Based on 46 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that summer is the most popular season for visiting, with daytime temperatures ranging from 50 to 90°F. Visitors appreciated the lack of crowds during these months. However, no...

Based on 46 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great place, small quiet and empty. Near the dam and a great hiking trail.' - Rebeka R.\n2. 'The bathrooms here are really clean too. Definitely worth the stop.' - Rebeka R.\n3. 'Excellent little...

Based on 46 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is somewhat limited, with no designated ADA campsites, though the paved roads and parking pads offer moderate accessibility.

Based on 46 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Cimarron Campground (Co)

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cimarron: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-641-2337

Go if

You want affordable forest camping with reservoir fishing access and don't mind seasonal operation.

Skip if

You need dark skies for stargazing or are sensitive to occasional road noise and utility lighting.

Nearby Campgrounds

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Cimarron Campground sits at 6,895 feet in Curecanti National Recreation Area near Montrose, Colorado, offering tent and RV camping with flush toilets and potable water. Summer brings reliable weather and easy access to Crystal Reservoir fishing, canyon viewpoints, and historic railroad exhibits, with warm days (70–85°F) and cool nights (40–50°F). The campground is known for clean facilities and attentive hosts, though some reviewers note rusty water and bright utility lighting.