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

Big Cimarron 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.

Are there showers at Big Cimarron?

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

Are dogs allowed at Big Cimarron?

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

What amenities are available at Big Cimarron?

Big Cimarron offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Big Cimarron

4.23

18 reviews

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Camping Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Quick Facts

8,648 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,648 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Big Cimarron

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

camping@rrmofa.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Big Cimarron

38.2592, -107.5455

Weather at Big Cimarron

Best Time to Camp at Big Cimarron

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, driest weather at Big Cimarron—daytime highs are often in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F—making it ideal for camping, exploring the dramatic geology, and wildlife viewing. Wildflower meadows and open ridgelines are at their peak in July–August, and animals are most active in the cool mornings and evenings. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends since the site is first-come, first-served, and plan for possible Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is noted as best season with warm days, crisp nights and reliable access.

Planning Tips

About Big Cimarron

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.

Big Cimarron Campground offers standard non-electric overnight camping suitable for tents or other traditional camping setups. All reservations are made first-come, first-served, and some payments can be completed via a QR code using the Recreation.gov app.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, driest weather at Big Cimarron—daytime highs are often in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F—making it ideal for camping, exploring the dramatic geology, and wildlife viewing. Wildflower meadows and open ridgelines are at their peak in July–August, and animals are most active in the cool mornings and evenings. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends since the site is first-come, first-served, and plan for possible Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation8648 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe surrounding terrain is a geological showcase. Ancient rock formations and mountain ridges reveal layers of Earth's past, creating what feels like a natural museum. The area supports healthy populations of black bear, elk, and mule deer, often visible in the cool mornings and evenings. Wildflower meadows and open ridgelines peak in July and August.

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Amenities available

Big Cimarron Campground is a first-come, first-served site that requires visitors to arrive in person to claim and purchase their campsite. The campsite payment may utilize a QR code via the Recreation.gov mobile app, which should be downloaded ahead of time due to limited or no cellular service in the area. This campground is described as less visited and boasts an average sentiment score of 4.92 overall and 4.75 for campground-specific reviews. Visitors appreciate its 'clean and peaceful' atmosphere and its 'serenity and beauty.'

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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.

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

18 reviews

Satisfactory

Big Cimarron is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Big Cimarron Campground is highly praised for its serene environment, cleanliness, and opportunities to experience wildlife in a tranquil setting. Users highlight its peaceful surroundings, with an overall sentiment score of 4.92.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Strongly positive reviews focus on the campground's tranquility, cleanliness, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. One camper described the setting as 'beautiful and away from the other campers.'...

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to download the Recreation.gov mobile app in advance due to limited or no cellular service in the area. This app may be necessary for on-site payments via QR code.

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Specific seasonal trends are not detailed in the review content.

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Very chill place to camp. And the workers do a great job with keeping it a chill place.' (Trevor Ratliff, 2021) 2. 'I have camped here several times. Serenity and beautiful. I saw a bear, elk,...

Based on 18 reviews

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Big Cimarron

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