Is Sunshine first-come first-served or reservation?

Sunshine 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 Sunshine?

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

How many campsites does Sunshine have?

Sunshine has 17 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sunshine?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sunshine. 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 Sunshine?

Sunshine offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Sunshine

4.57

61 reviews

Top 8%Summer

A-Report Card

Scenic Views

Quick Facts

9,580 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,580 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Sunshine

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

N/A

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Sunshine

37.8895, -107.8885

Weather at Sunshine

Best Time to Camp at Sunshine

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to high-elevation trails and geological features — expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and cool nights 30–45°F. Trails, streams, and rock formations are easiest to reach after snowmelt, making hiking, geology exploring, and wildlife viewing at their peak. Weekends can be moderately busy, but weekdays remain peaceful, and all campground facilities are most likely to be open. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in US

Best season: summer; reliable weather, full trail access and top reviewer season.

Planning Tips

About Sunshine

Sunshine sits high in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, offering alpine views and access to trails and geological features. This small campground is managed by the Forest Service and provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables for tent and RV campers. Visitors come for the overlook trail, clean facilities, and quiet mountain setting during summer months.

Sunshine Campground is a first-come, first-served facility offering 17 campsites, primarily suitable for smaller RVs, trailers, and tents.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to high-elevation trails and geological features — expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and cool nights 30–45°F. Trails, streams, and rock formations are easiest to reach after snowmelt, making hiking, geology exploring, and wildlife viewing at their peak. Weekends can be moderately busy, but weekdays remain peaceful, and all campground facilities are most likely to be open. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation9580 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies high-elevation terrain shaped by volcanic activity, glaciation, and erosion over millions of years. Rugged cliffs, exposed geological layers, and mineral deposits attract rock hounds and geology enthusiasts. Views from camp and the nearby overlook trail are frequently mentioned in reviews, with sunsets particularly impressive. The surrounding forest provides shade and habitat for deer and other wildlife commonly spotted at dawn.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

7Days

Groups

No group sites are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

AccessibilityAccessibility details are not available.

Site SizeCampsites are reported as suited to smaller trailers, RVs, and tents. One reviewer mentioned that the sites are well spaced, while others noted that some sites are larger and more private than others.

PrivacyThe level of privacy varies by site. For example, site 5 is described as 'big and very private,' while other reviews indicate that some sites are close together.

Total Campsites17 campsites

Need help booking Sunshine?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Sunshine Campground offers basic amenities suitable for a remote camping experience. 'This is a small but lovely campground' with several reviews praising the cleanliness and maintenance, as well as the helpfulness of the camp hosts. Basic facilities include vault toilets, dumpsters, and picnic tables at each site. However, there is no running water currently as the water system is 'OUT OF COMMISSION and is being repaired.' Porta potties have been temporarily provided, and reviews note that they are 'always clean and well kept.' There is no cell service for T-Mobile users, and there is no Wi-Fi available.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Sunshine Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and wildlife viewing. The campground's proximity to Telluride makes it an excellent base for exploring the area.

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 ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground offers vault toilets.

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.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

61 reviews

Top-Rated

Sunshine is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Sunshine Campground is highly regarded for its cleanliness, beautiful views, and excellent camp hosts. The average sentiment is very positive, with users frequently mentioning the peaceful atmosphere and proximity to Telluride.

Review Summaries

Based on 61 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews highlight the 'breathtaking views,' 'clean facilities,' and 'friendly and accommodating hosts.' The overlook trail is particularly popular for its scenic views. Several reviewers appreciated...

Based on 61 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints include the lack of potable water, occasional issues with the camp host's demeanor, and the limited privacy at certain sites. One reviewer noted an unpleasant encounter...

Based on 61 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5 is described as 'big and very private,' and site 9 is also recommended. Visitors suggest that sites near the overlook trail offer the best views.

Based on 61 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend downloading the Recreation.gov app before arrival due to limited cell service. Site 5 and site 9 are highly recommended for their privacy and views. Visitors also suggest visiting...

Based on 61 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and early fall are the most popular seasons, with campers praising the views and access to nearby attractions. The campground can fill up quickly during peak seasons and special events like...

Based on 61 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Very nice small CG. 17 sites most suited to smaller TTs /RVs and car truck tent campers.' - Greg D. Lind. 2. 'Beautiful, wonderfully kept, and the hosts were amazing.' - Erika Yates. 3. 'The...

Based on 61 reviews

Accessibility Features

There is no detailed feedback from users about accessibility features.

Based on 61 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and some reviewers mentioned positive experiences camping with their dogs.

Based on 61 reviews

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Sunshine

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campgrounds

Sunshine

A-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 94% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 40 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A+.Staff & hosts
Grade A.Belonging
Grade A.Getting there

Watch-outs

Grade C-.Booking
Grade C-.Things to do
Grade B-.Facilities

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Colorado grades overall

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Sunshine sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

Sunshine Campground is a single loop, paved campground with 15 campsites nestled in a dense aspen forest featuring a small mountain lake.  Maximum spur length - 35 feet.  A spectacular view of Sunshine Peak is visible from many sites. The campground is convenient to Telluride and its many shops and restaurants.No water available for 2024 season.

About the campground

The elevation is 9,560 ft. The campground is a single loop among aspen with grass understory and has a dispersed camping feel. The campground is convenient to Telluride, its shops and a cook's night out.

Seasons & access

Open May 23 through October 1.

RV information

The parking aprons are gravel. The interior road is narrow and rough. The loop is tear-drop shape making a second pass for RVrs impossible.

Directions

From Telluride, CO, take State Rt. 145 west 2.8 miles to where Rt. 145 splits left to Rico, CO. Turn left at Rico sign and go 5 miles to campground sign. Turn right into campground.

National Forest: Uncompahgre National Forest
Ranger District: Norwood
Elevation: 9560
Rate: $18 per day
Maximum Stay: 7
Open Season: May 23 – Sept. 29