Is Dry Gulch Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Dry Gulch Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Dry Gulch Campground before I book?

Yes! Dry Gulch Campground has 6 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.

Are there showers at Dry Gulch Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Dry Gulch Campground?

Cell phone service at Dry Gulch Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Dry Gulch Campground have?

Dry Gulch Campground has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Dry Gulch Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Dry Gulch Campground?

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

Dry Gulch Campground

3.27

11 reviews

This campground is currently closed

It's marked closed by the operator right now, so it isn't taking reservations. We keep the page up so you can still read reviews, photos, and details and plan for when it reopens.

Quick Facts

7,560 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,560 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Dry Gulch Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

cure_info@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Dry Gulch Campground

38.4841, -107.1884

Nearby places

Gunnison (17 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Montrose (approximately 1 hour), Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (approximately 1 hour)

Weather at Dry Gulch Campground

Best Time to Camp at Dry Gulch Campground

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable and comfortable weather for exploring the volcanic formations around Dry Gulch — expect daytime highs around 65–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s, with full leaf‑out of the cottonwoods providing welcome shade. This is peak time for hiking to Dillon Pinnacles and the Bay of Chickens, with long daylight hours and easy access to trails. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends (the campground is small and first‑come, first‑served), and plan hikes for mornings — Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Listed 'best season: summer'; reliable comfortable daytime temps and busy, popular use.

Planning Tips

About Dry Gulch Campground

Dry Gulch Campground sits at 7560 feet in Curecanti National Recreation Area near Gunnison, Colorado, with 9 sites serving as a quiet base for hiking to Dillon Pinnacles and the Bay of Chickens. Operated by the National Park Service, it offers vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables for both tent and RV campers. Shaded by cottonwoods, sites are spacious but fill quickly on summer weekends.

Dry Gulch Campground is primarily designed for traditional camping, with facilities to accommodate tents and medium-sized RVs. All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are no provisions for luxury or group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable and comfortable weather for exploring the volcanic formations around Dry Gulch — expect daytime highs around 65–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s, with full leaf‑out of the cottonwoods providing welcome shade. This is peak time for hiking to Dillon Pinnacles and the Bay of Chickens, with long daylight hours and easy access to trails. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends (the campground is small and first‑come, first‑served), and plan hikes for mornings — Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation7560 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a sheltered valley at 7,560 feet, shaded by large cottonwoods that provide a cool canopy against the surrounding high-desert landscape. Beyond the grove, the Dillon Pinnacles rise to the east: volcanic rock formations that tower over the terrain in jagged spires. The Bay of Chickens recreation area sits nearby, named for its unusual geology and offering another pocket of exploration in this patchwork of cottonwood valleys and volcanic outcrops.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations like cabins or lodges are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Typical limit for sites is up to 8 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as Dry Gulch is exclusively first-come, first-served.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious enough for multiple tents and additional equipment, such as pop-up canopies.

PrivacyThe campsites are shaded by large cottonwood trees, providing a decent level of privacy.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure sites, especially during weekends. Site #7 is recommended for space and proximity to restrooms.

Best CampsitesSite 7 gets the most mentions in reviews: spacious enough for multiple tents and a pop-up canopy, close to the vault toilets and water, and with good tree placement for hammocks.

Amenities available

Dry Gulch Campground offers basic facilities suitable for traditional camping. It can accommodate both tents and medium-sized RVs, but all sites are first-come, first-served. The campground has amenities such as a horse corral, water spigots, metal fire pits with grills, and picnic tables. User reviews highlight the convenience of having access to clean bathrooms and potable water. Sites are well-shaded by cottonwood trees and are described as spacious enough for multiple tents and additional equipment like canopies.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available at the campground.

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are available for food storage and are included in the camping fee.

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

3.3

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Dry Gulch Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Dry Gulch Campground are generally positive, with visitors appreciating its secluded atmosphere, spacious sites, and well-maintained facilities like clean vault toilets. However, the campground's limited capacity and the first-come, first-served system can be a drawback during peak times. The spotty cell service is noted, but it is still functional enough for basic needs like calls and music streaming.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciated the campground's 'super clean' vault toilets, potable water availability, and well-shaded, spacious campsites. The proximity to local attractions like the Dillon Pinnacles and...

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned that the campground could use more sites, as it fills up quickly on busy weekends. Another drawback is the lack of on-site firewood, although rangers occasionally make wet wood...

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #7 is highlighted as being particularly spacious, with room for multiple tents, a cooking area, and a canopy.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend arriving early, especially on busy weekends, to secure a spot. Bringing your own firewood is advised since the available wood is often wet. It’s also suggested to bring a tablecloth...

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews suggest the campground is busiest during holiday weekends and summer months. The secluded nature and shade provide comfort during warmer weather.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Wonderful little spot for traditional camping.' - Sam Lang - 'Rangers were extremely friendly!!! Great advice and really accommodating.' - Sam Lang - 'Great Campground with super clean compost...

Based on 11 reviews

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Dry Gulch Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite 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

cure_info@nps.gov

Go if

You want a quiet, well-maintained spot with potable water and easy access to Dillon Pinnacles trails.

Skip if

You need guaranteed availability on summer weekends or dry firewood.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.9

(14)

East Elk Creek Group Campsite

23935 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

East Elk Creek Group Campsite sits in the high-elevation alpine country of Curecanti National Recreation Area, near Gunnison. Operated by the National Park Service, this small group-only site offers privacy and direct access to Blue Mesa Reservoir for boating and fishing. Fall brings kokanee salmon runs and brilliant aspen color, making it a prime spot for wildlife viewing and fishing along the shore.

Elk Creek Campground sits at 7,540 feet on the shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area, operated by the National Park Service. This large campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with electric hookups and a dump station, serving as a base for boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. Reviewers praise spacious, level sites and nightly ranger talks, though wind and limited shade are common trade-offs at this high-elevation alpine setting.

$24.00 - $34.00 / night

21001 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA

Red Creek Group Site sits in Curecanti National Recreation Area near Gunnison, offering high-elevation alpine access to Blue Mesa Reservoir. Operated by the National Park Service, this group-only campground provides vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables for organized gatherings. Visitors fish the reservoir, hike nearby trails, and watch wildlife along the water's edge.

Stevens Creek Campground

29130 Hwy 50

Stevens Creek Campground sits on the shores of Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area, about 20 miles west of Gunnison. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing on Colorado's largest body of water, with spacious sites and clean facilities maintained by friendly hosts.

Ponderosa Campground (Co)

Ponderosa Campground, Soap Creek Road, Colorado

Ponderosa Campground sits at 7,880 feet in Curecanti National Recreation Area, offering budget-friendly tent, RV, and primitive sites with direct access to Blue Mesa Reservoir. This small, seasonally operated campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a high-elevation alpine setting. Visitors launch boats, paddle the reservoir, and watch wildlife during summer months when conditions are most reliable.

102 ELK CREEK, GUNNISON, CO 81230, USA

Lake Fork Campground sits on the shores of Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service. This large, high-elevation alpine campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. Visitors fish, boat, hike, and watch wildlife along the reservoir, with fall bringing vivid aspen color and quieter shorelines.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Soap Creek sits at 7,740 feet in a remote corner of Colorado where cell service drops out and the first-come, first-served tradition still applies. The campground draws visitors willing to trade convenience for solitude. Download the Recreation.gov app before you arrive. You'll need the offline QR code to pay.

Red Bridge Campground

210 West Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA

Red Bridge Campground sits along the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River near Lake City, managed by the BLM's Gunnison Field Office. This very small, primitive riverside site offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables but no potable water. Campers come for riverside fishing, fall aspen color along the Silver Thread Byway, and exceptional stargazing in a quiet high-elevation setting.

Lake Fork of The Gunnison River Recreation Area, Gunnison Field Office, 210 West Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

The Gate Campground sits within a dramatic rock formation along the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, managed by the BLM Gunnison Field Office near Lake City. This high-elevation alpine spot offers primitive tent camping with vault toilets and potable water, drawing anglers to fish for trout in the river below. Summer brings the most stable conditions, with daytime temperatures in the mid-60s to low-80s and cool nights dropping into the 30s and 40s.

Cimarron Campground (Co)

Curecanti National Recreation Area

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.

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.

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison RD

Big Blue Campground sits at 9,800 feet where Soldier Creek meets Big Blue Creek, offering 11 primitive tent sites surrounded by dense spruce groves. The campground is the trailhead for the Uncompahgre Wilderness, where mechanized travel is prohibited. Access requires navigating a narrow, rough road that some visitors find challenging.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Almont is a small, high-elevation campground along the Gunnison River in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Shaded sites with fire rings and picnic tables accommodate tents, RVs, and primitive setups, with direct river access for fishing and wildlife viewing. Summer brings sunny days in the mid-60s to upper-70s and cool nights, though afternoon thunderstorms are common and road noise carries through the canyon.

Campgrounds - Taylor Park Area

Campgrounds - Taylor Park Area, Campfire Ranch on the Taylor

Campgrounds - Taylor Park Area sits at 8,500 feet in the Gunnison National Forest near Almont, Colorado, operated by Campfire Ranch. This small high-elevation alpine campground offers tent and primitive camping with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers fish nearby waters and enjoy personalized service including welcome goodie bags and activity recommendations.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Big Cimarron sits in high-elevation alpine terrain within Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, offering tent and RV camping in a quiet, forested setting known for wildlife sightings. Reviewers consistently praise the tranquility and cleanliness, with bears, elk, and mule deer frequently spotted around camp. Summer brings wildflower meadows, crisp nights, and the most reliable access to this remote mountain campground.

Reservable

39.936 km

No fees available

Campgrounds

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Dry Gulch Campground

About Curecanti National Recreation Area

Context for the broader area surrounding Dry Gulch Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Located on the Western slope of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Curecanti includes three reservoirs in the Upper Gunnison River Basin (Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal). There are opportunities for hiking, boating, kayaking, camping, fishing, paddle-boarding, windsurfing, wildlife watching, and many other recreational activities.

Directions

Curecanti is located between the Colorado towns of Gunnison (to the east), Montrose (to the west), and Lake City (to the south). The West Elk Mountain Wilderness area borders Curecanti to the north. U.S. Highway 50 runs the length of Curecanti east to west.