Gold Creek Campground - Gunnison Rd

4.58

21 reviews

Quick Facts

10,039 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open while roads are...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

10,039 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open while roads are...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Gold Creek Campground - Gunnison Rd

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this campground; it is free to use.

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

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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 21 reviews

19 Google reviews

"The reviews for Gold Creek Campground highlight its seclusion, natural beauty, and the variety of outdoor activities available. Users appreciate the free access and the peaceful setting but note the lack of signage and the long dirt road leading to the site."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Gold Creek Campground - Gunnison Rd

38.6550, -106.5745

Driving directionsFrom Gunnison, Colorado, take US Highway 50 east for 11.5 miles to Parlin. Then turn left onto Colorado Road 76 and travel 8.7 miles to Ohio City (limited or no services). Then travel north for 7 miles on Forest Road 771.

The campground is accessible via dirt roads. User reviews note the lack of signage and a challenging drive: "Hard drive up the mountain and no signage on the way made me unsure I was even on the right path." Another reviewer states, "The dirt road was long, but it's a beautiful campground when you finally arrive."

Nearby places

Gunnison (11.5 miles, approximately 20-minute drive). Parlin (11.5 miles). Ohio City (8.7 miles

limited or no services).

Nearby supplies

Limited supplies in Ohio City. For groceries, camping supplies, and other essentials, travelers should rely on Gunnison, Colorado, which is approximately 11.5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Gold Creek Campground - Gunnison Rd

Gold Creek transforms dramatically with the seasons, from a snow-blanketed winter wonderland where temperatures plunge and only the hardiest adventurers venture, to a vibrant summer sanctuary where wildflowers bloom and warm sunshine filters through the forest canopy. July and August bring the most reliable weather for camping, with clear mountain skies and comfortable temperatures that make it perfect for stargazing around the campfire. Even during the busy Fourth of July weekend, visitors report finding peaceful spots among the trees, a testament to this hidden gem's ability to maintain its tranquil character throughout the summer camping season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summers are pleasant, easier access and site remains uncrowded even on holidays.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Glowing aspens indicate excellent fall color viewing and scenic appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Site typically opens in late May; access and conditions improve as roads clear.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Snow-blanketed and roads often impassable; access limited to experienced visitors.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open while roads are accessible; typically opens in late May.

About Gold Creek Campground - Gunnison Rd

Tucked away in Colorado's pristine backcountry, Gold Creek Campground offers adventurers a true wilderness escape without the crowds. This free dispersed camping gem sits at the doorstep of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area, where towering spruce and fir trees mingle with shimmering aspens to create a natural cathedral. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear mountain streams, navigating rugged four-wheel drive trails, or setting off on foot or horseback into the surrounding wilderness, Gold Creek delivers the authentic Rocky Mountain experience. As one enchanted visitor put it, this spot is "very secluded and gorgeous" – and with vault toilets but no fees, it's a rare find that even seasoned campers celebrate for remaining blissfully uncrowded during peak summer holidays.

Gold Creek Campground provides first-come, first-serve camping. It is primarily suited for dispersed camping, offering a rustic and natural experience. The campground does not have a camp host, and there are no fees for use.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the fascinating remnants of Colorado's mining heritage scattered throughout the Gold Creek area. Just down the road, ghostly abandoned mines and weathered log cabins tell the story of determined prospectors who once called these mountains home. An entire neighborhood of miners' cabins stands as a haunting testament to the backbreaking work and frontier dreams that shaped this region. For history enthusiasts and curious explorers alike, these atmospheric ruins offer a captivating glimpse into the Old West, where fortunes were sought and communities carved out of the wilderness.

Weather and SeasonsGold Creek transforms dramatically with the seasons, from a snow-blanketed winter wonderland where temperatures plunge and only the hardiest adventurers venture, to a vibrant summer sanctuary where wildflowers bloom and warm sunshine filters through the forest canopy. July and August bring the most reliable weather for camping, with clear mountain skies and comfortable temperatures that make it perfect for stargazing around the campfire. Even during the busy Fourth of July weekend, visitors report finding peaceful spots among the trees, a testament to this hidden gem's ability to maintain its tranquil character throughout the summer camping season.

ElevationPerched high in the Rocky Mountain highlands, Gold Creek Campground sits at an elevation where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and the alpine environment creates a refreshing retreat from the heat of lower elevations. This lofty position among Colorado's peaks provides not only cooler temperatures and pristine air but also serves as your launching point into true high-country adventure.

Natural Features and SceneryGold Creek Campground rests in a stunning tapestry of Colorado's most iconic landscapes, where dense stands of aromatic spruce and fir create shadowy groves interspersed with glowing aspen trees that dance in the mountain breeze. The surrounding Rocky Mountain highlands unfold in every direction, while hidden alpine lakes dot the nearby wilderness like sapphires, each offering exceptional fishing and moments of profound solitude. As the gateway to the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area, the campground provides immediate access to miles of unspoiled trails perfect for hiking and horseback riding, where wildflower meadows, rocky peaks, and pristine streams create an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty.

Geological RegionSet within the majestic Rocky Mountain highlands along the southeastern edge of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area, Gold Creek occupies a remarkable geological crossroads. Here, ancient granite peaks rise above forests of spruce, fir, and aspen that have claimed the mountainsides for centuries. The area's numerous alpine lakes, carved by glaciers and cradled in rocky basins, offer some of Colorado's most scenic fishing spots. This diverse landscape represents millions of years of geological forces at work, creating the dramatic terrain that makes this corner of the Rockies such a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Groups

There is no information about group sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDispersed camping layout with no predefined campsites or reservation system.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve basis; no reservation system is utilized.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for this campground.

Site SizeThe exact measurements and sizes of campsites are not provided.

PrivacyReviews suggest the campground is secluded and provides a quiet environment, with one user describing it as 'very secluded and gorgeous!

Recommended SitesUser reviews recommend the campground for its seclusion and proximity to Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area. One reviewer used it as a base camp for backpacking: "Used it as a base camp to backpack Fossil Ridge.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Gold Creek Campground can partake in a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and four-wheel driving. These activities make the campground ideal for adventure enthusiasts. The campground's proximity to the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area offers additional opportunities for backpacking and exploring pristine wilderness areas.

HikingThe campground provides access to hiking trails, particularly within the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area, which is described as a 'haven for hikers and backpackers.' Mechanized or motorized vehicles are not allowed on these trails, ensuring a serene hiking experience.

FishingSeveral alpine lakes near the campground offer fishing opportunities amidst the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain highlands.

BikingMountain biking is explicitly mentioned as one of the activities available at Gold Creek Campground.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife presence, lack of potable water, and challenging dirt road access. User reviews highlight the need for preparation: "Bring your own toilet paper."

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

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services should be sought in Gunnison, Colorado, which is approximately 11.5 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingNo information is available regarding trash and recycling facilities. Campers should plan to pack out what they pack in.

Water FeaturesSeveral alpine lakes are nearby, offering fishing opportunities. The campground also has a creek, as mentioned in user reviews: "There is a nice creek, and good bathrooms."

Weather at Gold Creek Campground - Gunnison Rd

Reviews

4.6

21 reviews

Top-Rated

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

The reviews for Gold Creek Campground highlight its seclusion, natural beauty, and the variety of outdoor activities available. Users appreciate the free access and the peaceful setting but note the lack of signage and the long dirt road leading to the site.

Review Summaries

Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

- 'Very secluded and gorgeous!' - 'Great dispersed campground. No charge.' - 'The best trip for those in Colorado who love history with a withering abandoned mine down the road.' - 'Beautiful...

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of signage on the way to the campground, making navigation challenging. - Long dirt road to access the site. - Absence of a camp host, which sometimes leads to rowdy behavior from other...

Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own toilet paper. - Ensure you have a reliable map or GPS as signage is limited. - Be prepared for a long dirt road; consider a vehicle suitable for such terrain.

Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is noted as less crowded even during peak times like July 4th weekend. Summers are highlighted for their pleasant weather and easier access, while winter conditions may make the road...

Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Once you get to the top, it's very secluded and gorgeous!' - 'No charge, vault toilet and empty July 5/6th 2022.' - 'Used it as a base camp to backpack Fossil Ridge.'

Based on 21 reviews