Amphitheater (Co)

Star4.67
399 reviews
Scenic ViewsStargazingGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Season opens on June...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation Resource Management of America site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Amphitheater (Co)
$28.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates are $28/night across all site types (Standard Nonelectric, Tent Only Nonelectric, RV Nonelectric). Rates do not reflect taxes,...
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Standard Site Fee$28.00
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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Provider
928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com
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What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 399 reviews

177 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhikingfriendly

"User reviews highlight the campground's stunning views, excellent hiking opportunities, and friendly camp hosts. However, some complaints about the condition of vault toilets and limited cell service were noted."

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Campground Map

Amphitheater (Co)

38.0225, -107.6617

Driving directionsFrom Ouray, travel approximately 2 miles south on Highway 550. Watch for the campground sign and turnoff road to the left.
The campground is accessible via a paved road off Highway 550, which is steep and narrow in some areas. Visitors should exercise caution, especially when driving larger vehicles.
Nearby places
Ouray (2 miles, ~5 minutes), Montrose (~40 miles, ~1 hour), Ridgway (~10 miles, ~15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies can be found in Ouray, CO (~2 miles). The town features grocery stores, camping supplies, fuel stations, and a variety of restaurants.

Best Time to Camp at Amphitheater (Co)

Summer arrives gently at this elevation, bringing crisp mornings that warm to pleasant 71°F afternoons perfect for mountain adventures. As evening approaches, temperatures dip to a refreshing 41°F, ideal for campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. With sunshine gracing the campground 86% of the time, you'll enjoy mostly clear days, though be prepared for nature's afternoon drama when thunderstorms roll across the peaks, bringing brief but spectacular displays of lightning and rain.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 6% in CO

Open June 1; summer offers pleasant days (~71°F), direct trail access and peak season popularity.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 16% in CO

Fall sees less crowding and is ideal for quieter visits while scenery remains strong.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Season opens June 1; spring (pre-June) access is not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; season ends Sept 30.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 1st - September 13th, with peak season rates of $28/night.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Season opens on June 1st and closes September 30th. Reservable dates run June 24th - September 13th. First-come, first-served dates follow from September 14th.
  • Current Alerts: The campground is closed during winter. One review notes seasonal closures due to rockslides on Highway 550.

About Amphitheater (Co)

Perched high above the charming mountain town of Ouray at 8,400 feet, Amphitheater Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's dramatic San Juan Mountains. This hidden gem provides front-row seats to one of the most spectacular alpine panoramas in the American West, where towering peaks cradle the valley below and morning light paints the surrounding cliffs in shades of gold and crimson.
Amphitheater Campground offers sites primarily for tent camping, with some accommodating small trailers and RVs. Sites are suitable for single-family use and are set in a rugged, natural environment.
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Reserving a campsite

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Stay Limit
You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is a hub for outdoor recreation, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and off-road activities. Several trails, such as the Upper Cascade Falls Trail and Baby Bath Tubs Trail, can be accessed directly from the campground. The nearby town of Ouray offers additional recreational opportunities, including hot springs and festivals.
HikingHiking is a major draw at Amphitheater Campground. Many trails, including the Upper Cascade Falls Trail and Baby Bath Tubs Trail, start directly from the campground. A reviewer noted, 'Fun nearby trails and a quaint downtown area.' Others appreciated the direct access to hiking trails without needing to drive.
Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant, with deer frequently sighted near campsites. One reviewer shared, 'We had multiple deer come right up near our tent.'
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is a noted concern due to non-bear-proof dumpsters. Steep and narrow access road may pose challenges for larger vehicles. Afternoon thunderstorms can occur.
Active AlertsThe campground is closed during winter. One review notes seasonal closures due to rockslides on Highway 550.

Weather at Amphitheater (Co)

Reviews

4.7
399 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Amphitheater (Co) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's stunning views, excellent hiking opportunities, and friendly camp hosts. However, some complaints about the condition of vault toilets and limited cell service were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 399 reviews

What Campers Love

Stunning views, friendly and helpful camp hosts, clean and well-maintained sites, abundant wildlife, and excellent hiking trails nearby. One reviewer stated, 'The camp hosts were the BEST. Absolutely...
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Based on 399 reviews

Common Concerns

Smelly vault toilets, tight and small campsites, limited cell service, and accessibility challenges. One user noted, 'Pit toilets are extraordinarily stinky.'
Based on 399 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book early as sites fill up quickly. Bring cash, as some transactions are cash-only. Visit nearby Ouray for additional amenities and activities.
Based on 399 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is highly popular during summer, with most sites fully booked. Fall sees less crowding, making it an ideal time for visitors seeking a quieter experience. Winter closures limit access...
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Based on 399 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Amazing views in all directions, and a good amount of room between sites.' 2. 'Some sites have little privacy, however, site 20 was a great mix of views and privacy.' 3. 'The vault toilets were...
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Based on 399 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 24: 'An amazing view of the valley on one side and the amphitheater on the other.' Site 20: 'A perfect mix of views and privacy.' Site 35: 'Stellar views of Ouray.'
Based on 399 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are mixed. The terrain and site designs may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Based on 399 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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Amphitheater (Co)