Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd
4.297 reviewsBig Blue Campground - Gunnison RD
Quick Facts
9,800 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Open seasonally from...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
9,800 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Open seasonally from...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site. Donation requested.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
ProviderWhat Campers Say
4.29
Satisfactory
Based on 7 reviews
17 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewshiking
Some mention
crowded
"User reviews highlight Big Blue Campground as a remote, peaceful, and scenic destination. Many appreciate the lack of crowds, the proximity to wilderness trails, and opportunities to view wildlife. However, some note the challenging access road and lack of amenities such as potable water and firewood."
Fees & Passes at Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Maximum stay is 16 days.
Cancellation: Not applicable. The campground is first-come, first-serve.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official US Forest Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd
Mountain weather at nearly 10,000 feet brings its own dramatic personality to every camping experience. Crisp, star-filled nights give way to cool mornings year-round, making that first cup of coffee by the campfire especially rewarding. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms that roll through the peaks, painting the sky with dramatic clouds and filling the air with the scent of rain-washed pine. As one seasoned visitor notes, afternoon and evening showers become a reliable companion from late July onward, creating a rhythm of sunny mornings perfect for hiking and cozy afternoons listening to rain patter on your tent.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Peak season dates not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 27 through September 15.
- Current Alerts: "Fire ban was in place" during June per Pedro Pistaccio's review.
About Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd
Tucked away where Soldier Creek meets Blue Creek, this hidden mountain sanctuary serves as your gateway to the pristine Uncompahgre Wilderness. Here, ancient trails wind through towering spruce and shimmering aspen groves, beckoning hikers to explore one of Colorado's most untouched wilderness areas. With mechanized travel prohibited beyond the campground boundaries, the only sounds you'll hear are rustling leaves, babbling creeks, and the whisper of mountain winds through the forest canopy.
The campground caters to tent campers and offers a rustic, primitive experience. RVs are not recommended due to rough, narrow access roads.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded human history of this specific campground remains unwritten, the surrounding wilderness carries the timeless stories of Colorado's high country in every weathered rock and ancient tree.
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather at nearly 10,000 feet brings its own dramatic personality to every camping experience. Crisp, star-filled nights give way to cool mornings year-round, making that first cup of coffee by the campfire especially rewarding. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms that roll through the peaks, painting the sky with dramatic clouds and filling the air with the scent of rain-washed pine. As one seasoned visitor notes, afternoon and evening showers become a reliable companion from late July onward, creating a rhythm of sunny mornings perfect for hiking and cozy afternoons listening to rain patter on your tent.
ElevationPerched at 9,800 feet above sea level, this high-altitude haven offers a true mountain experience where the air is crisp, the stars seem close enough to touch, and wildflowers bloom in compressed seasons of intense beauty. At this elevation, crystal-clear mountain streams tumble through dense forests, and the thin air reminds you that you've truly escaped to the roof of Colorado.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has painted a masterpiece here, where groves of quaking aspen dance with lush pine forests in an ever-changing display of color and light. The campground overlooks a stunning valley vista, while high mountain creeks provide a constant soundtrack of rushing water. Dramatic talus slopes frame one side of the camp, while Big Blue Creek defines the other, creating a natural amphitheater of stone and water. Multiple trails lead south from camp, disappearing into the wilderness like invitations to adventure.
Geological RegionNestled in the heart of the Uncompahgre Wilderness region, this campground sits in a geological wonderland where ancient forces have sculpted a landscape of contrasts. Massive talus fields speak of centuries of freeze-thaw cycles, while Big Blue Creek has carved its patient path through the valley floor. The surrounding peaks and forests represent millions of years of mountain building, creating the dramatic Colorado high country that draws adventurers from around the world.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThere are no specific mentions of accessibility features, and vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.
Sites SizeThe sites are standard-sized tent sites, with parking aprons suitable for pop-up tents and slide-in RVs.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is surrounded by dense groves of spruce trees, offering a secluded and private setting.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest avoiding the campground without an SUV or truck due to rough roads. "Pop-up tents and slide-ins could access the campground," per general comments.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly listed, but the campground is first-come, first-serve.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly listed, but the campground is first-come, first-serve.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 16 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
General Comments state single sites, but maximum guests per site is not explicitly listed.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle loop layout between a talus slope and Big Blue Creek.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 27 through September 15.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve. "All spots were open" per user review by Linda Gann.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable. The campground is first-come, first-serve.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Blue Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities suitable for nature enthusiasts. Activities include hiking on trails leading into the Uncompahgre Wilderness, trout fishing in nearby streams, and picnicking.
Hiking
Several hiking trails are accessible from the campground, such as Big Blue Trail #232, Ridge Stock Driveway Trail, and Alpine Trail. These trails primarily lead into the Uncompahgre Wilderness, where mechanized and motorized travel is prohibited. Hikers can enjoy scenic routes through aspen and spruce forests.Fishing
Fishing is available in nearby creeks and ponds with populations of brook and cutthroat trout. User reviews mention the abundance of brook trout in the creek.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, with sightings of deer, moose, bears, and mountain lions mentioned in user reviews. Free-range sheep also roam the vicinity, adding to the wilderness experience.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable since the campground is open seasonally from mid-June to October.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking are not supported at this site.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Noted fire bans during Level 2 restrictions. Campfires may be prohibited seasonally.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards include bears, mountain lions, and roaming deer as per user reviews. "Watch for bears," per Marc M. Another review mentions free-range sheep roaming in the area.
Active alerts"Fire ban was in place" during June per Pedro Pistaccio's review.
Weather at Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd
16
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 74%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 13 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are not listed, but Sapeniro may have some emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates not explicitly mentioned.
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' campground, meaning visitors must carry out all their trash and recycling.
Proximity to water featuresBig Blue Creek runs near the campground, but creeks were "close to dead due to the drought," per Pedro Pistaccio. No lakes or swimming areas.
Common complaintsComplaints include rough access roads, lack of water availability, and crowded conditions during peak times. "The road from Lake City to this campground was very narrow...it would have been dangerous," per Linda Gann. "No water nearby," noted in multiple reviews.
HostHost information not listed.
Campground Map
Big Blue Campground - Gunnison RD
Driving directionsFrom Sapeniro, CO, take US Rt. 50 west 9.2 miles to Forest Access/Alpine Plateau Road sign (Forest Rt. 867). Turn left at sign onto gravel road (Rt. 867) and go 21 miles to "T" intersection (Forest Rt. 868). Turn right onto Rt. 868 and go 4.7 miles into campground. NOTE: After first 6 miles on Forest Service roads, they become intermittently rough, rocky and single-lane with few turnouts.
Drive ten miles north on State Road 149 to Forest Road 868. Turn left on to FDR 868 and drive nine miles. After first 6 miles on Forest Service roads, they become intermittently rough, rocky and single-lane with few turnouts.Nearby places
Sapeniro, Colorado - Approx. 9.2 miles to Forest Access, then 21 miles to campground
Nearby supplies
No nearby information explicitly provided for groceries, camping supplies, or fuel. Campers should plan to bring their own essentials.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
7 reviews
Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Big Blue Campground as a remote, peaceful, and scenic destination. Many appreciate the lack of crowds, the proximity to wilderness trails, and opportunities to view wildlife. However, some note the challenging access road and lack of amenities such as potable water and firewood.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently mention the campground's serene and secluded atmosphere, scenic views, and proximity to excellent hiking trails. Wildlife sightings, including moose and bears, are also praised.
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Criticisms focus on the rough condition of the access road, the absence of potable water, and the limited availability of essential amenities. A few users also commented on the vault toilets' lack of...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing plenty of water, bug spray, and rain gear due to the site's lack of potable water and frequent summer rains. Ensuring a reliable vehicle for the rough access road is also...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular time for camping, with warm days and cool nights. However, users report frequent afternoon and evening rains in July and August. Nighttime temperatures can drop...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- "Brook trout are plentiful in the creek. It will rain in the afternoons and nights from late July onwards." - S. Furstenfeld
- "Absolutely loved this campground! Bears, Big Bull Moose, deer, fox,...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites are well-shaded and surrounded by spruce trees, offering privacy. Some parking aprons accommodate small RVs, but larger trailers are discouraged due to the narrow access road.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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