Angel Creek Campground - Ouray Rd

4.59

79 reviews

Featured in:Camping Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison Primitive Camping Colorado

Quick Facts

8,547 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Late May through lat...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,547 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Late May through lat...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Angel Creek Campground - Ouray Rd

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$10 per camp unit per night. Interagency Senior/Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount on camping fees.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 79 reviews

61 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsspacioushikingsites

"User reviews provide mixed feedback about Angel Creek Campground. While most enjoy its proximity to Ouray and the scenic views, concerns are raised about vault toilet cleanliness and foot traffic through certain campsites. Multiple reviews emphasize the necessity of high-clearance vehicles for access."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Angel Creek Campground - Ouray Rd

38.0022, -107.6941

Driving directionsTravel south on State Highway 550 from Ouray, CO. Turn right at end of town on Canyon Creek road (County Road 361). Turn right on FSR 853.81 to campground.

Access requires high-clearance vehicles due to deep potholes on the road. 2WD vehicles can navigate but some sections require finesse.

Nearby places

Ouray, CO: approximately 7-8 minutes by car.

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies are best sourced from Ouray, CO, which is about a 5-minute drive away. There is a True Value hardware store in town.

Best Time to Camp at Angel Creek Campground - Ouray Rd

Angel Creek reveals different personalities with each passing season. Summer welcomes campers with crisp mornings around 40°F that warm to pleasant 70°F afternoons—perfect for hiking and creek-side relaxation. As autumn arrives, frost paints the landscape in crystalline beauty before winter's snow transforms the area into a pristine wonderland. Late fall through early spring brings freezing temperatures and frequent snowfall, creating a dramatic backdrop for those brave enough to venture into the cold. The shoulder seasons offer spectacular beauty but demand proper preparation and cold-weather gear.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer temps ~40°F–70°F; good hiking but bear and ATV/dirtbike traffic noted in reviews.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CO

Spring and fall preferred for quieter visits; campground remains open through late Fall.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 16% in CO

Spring cited as a preferred quieter season though early access may be limited by road conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground typically closed late Fall–late May; winter camping possible but access is difficult.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Late May through late Fall.

About Angel Creek Campground - Ouray Rd

Tucked away in Colorado's rugged backcountry, Angel Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience for adventurous souls seeking solitude. This primitive gem features 15 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with sturdy tent pads, fire rings, and grills for memorable evenings under the stars. The journey here requires a high-clearance vehicle navigating mountain roads that wind through stunning terrain—a small price for the tranquility that awaits. Leave the trailers and big rigs behind; this is a sanctuary designed for those who travel light and dream big.

Angel Creek Campground accommodates primitive camping, tent camping, and small group camping. RVs and large trailers are not recommended due to the rough road conditions requiring high-clearance vehicles.

Weather and SeasonsAngel Creek reveals different personalities with each passing season. Summer welcomes campers with crisp mornings around 40°F that warm to pleasant 70°F afternoons—perfect for hiking and creek-side relaxation. As autumn arrives, frost paints the landscape in crystalline beauty before winter's snow transforms the area into a pristine wonderland. Late fall through early spring brings freezing temperatures and frequent snowfall, creating a dramatic backdrop for those brave enough to venture into the cold. The shoulder seasons offer spectacular beauty but demand proper preparation and cold-weather gear.

ElevationPerched high in Colorado's majestic mountain country, Angel Creek Campground sits at an elevation where the air is crisp and the views stretch endlessly. While the exact elevation remains part of the mystery, campers will feel the altitude in the thin mountain air and cooler temperatures that define this high-country retreat.

Natural Features and SceneryAngel Creek babbles through the heart of this mountain sanctuary, its crystal-clear waters providing a soothing soundtrack to your wilderness escape. Towering peaks frame the campground like ancient sentinels, while dramatic canyons carve deep shadows across the landscape. This is prime black bear territory—these magnificent creatures call these mountains home, reminding visitors that they're guests in a wild and untamed ecosystem. The interplay of rushing water, soaring granite walls, and dense forest creates a natural amphitheater of breathtaking beauty.

Geological RegionSet within Colorado's dramatic mountain landscape, Angel Creek Campground occupies a geological wonderland where ancient forces sculpted towering peaks and carved deep canyons over millions of years. The campground rests in a valley where Angel Creek has patiently etched its path through the rocky terrain, creating a diverse ecosystem where water, stone, and sky converge in spectacular fashion.

Best Campsites

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Stay Limit

Unlimited stay length indicated. Some reviews suggest people camp for extended periods.

Groups

No specific details provided regarding group camping capacities or configurations.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutCampsites are spacious and spread out with gravel tent pads, some offering better views than others.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first come, first serve. Good luck finding an available one during free weekends.

AccessibilityNo detailed information about accessibility features provided. User reviews do not specifically address this aspect.

Site SizeThe campsite descriptions vary, with one review mentioning 'spacious and spread out sites,' while another noted one site as 'dinky.' Tent pads are gravel-based and level.

PrivacyPrivacy varies across campsites. Some are 'spacious and spread out,' while others experience foot traffic due to unmarked trails, as highlighted in one review about campsite #12.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site #12 if you want privacy. It has an unmarked trail leading through it, causing foot traffic.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Angel Creek Campground offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and creek exploration. Several trails are accessible nearby, as noted in authoritative sources and user reviews. Campers mentioned hiking along the creek and exploring rock climbing opportunities off the trails.

HikingHiking trails are available nearby. One user review stated, 'We go and hike the creek all the time!' Another mentioned its proximity to Mt Sneffels hiking trails.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are available, especially for bear sightings, as highlighted by multiple user reviews: 'Definitely black bears, plan accordingly,' and 'Watch out for the summer bears.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are common, requiring campers to store food securely. Deep potholes on the road may pose a hazard for low-clearance vehicles.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated fire rings. Gathering firewood is encouraged.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available on-site. Visitors are required to pack in and pack out their garbage.

Water FeaturesClose to Angel Creek. Most sites are not directly on the river, but the river can be heard from the campground.

Camp HostGuests have praised the summer camp hosts as being accommodating and helpful.

Weather at Angel Creek Campground - Ouray Rd

Reviews

4.6

79 reviews

Top-Rated

Angel Creek Campground - Ouray Rd is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews provide mixed feedback about Angel Creek Campground. While most enjoy its proximity to Ouray and the scenic views, concerns are raised about vault toilet cleanliness and foot traffic through certain campsites. Multiple reviews emphasize the necessity of high-clearance vehicles for access.

Review Summaries

Based on 79 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights from user reviews include affordability ($10 per night), stunning views, spacious and spread-out campsites, and proximity to hiking trails and Ouray. One user noted, 'Lovely campsite up in...

Based on 79 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints involve vault toilet maintenance, lack of trash disposal facilities, foot traffic through campsite #12, and the challenging road conditions requiring high-clearance vehicles. One...

Based on 79 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing insect repellents and fly tape due to persistent flies, high-clearance vehicles for navigating rough roads, and planning for bear-safe food storage. One review suggested,...

Based on 79 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight bear activity and ATV/Dirtbike traffic. Winter camping is possible but requires high-clearance vehicles for access. Spring and fall are preferred for quieter seasons...

Based on 79 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We ended up finding this campsite after Amphitheater was completely full. So glad we did!' 2. 'I stayed at Angel Creek Campground with my wife and three sons for two nights last week. Arriving on...

Based on 79 reviews