How much does camping cost at Amphitheater?

Camping fees at Amphitheater range from $28/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Amphitheater first-come first-served or reservation?

Amphitheater 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Amphitheater before I book?

Yes! Amphitheater has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Amphitheater?

Amphitheater is open May 17 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Amphitheater?

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

How many campsites does Amphitheater have?

Amphitheater has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Amphitheater?

Pets are not allowed at Amphitheater. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Amphitheater?

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

What activities can I do at Amphitheater?

Popular activities at Amphitheater include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Amphitheater (Co)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Amphitheater?

Fire policies at Amphitheater: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.56

399 reviews

Top 5% in COSummer

Scenic ViewsStargazingGreat Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison#1 Mountain Camping Colorado Summer Camping Colorado +1 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Amphitheater (Co)

$28.00 - $28.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV NONELECTRIC: $28.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $28.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $28.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Amphitheater (Co)

38.0225, -107.6617

Nearby places

Ouray (2 miles, ~5 minutes), Montrose (~40 miles, ~1 hour), Ridgway (~10 miles, ~15 minutes)

Weather at Amphitheater (Co)

Current alerts(6)

Click here for more information on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
Extra Vehicles: Cannot be paid for in advance - upon arrival coordinate with the host for payment and where to park.
FIRST COME FIRST SERVE sites must be booked in person. DO NOT call to determine availability, as they are only available on-site.
Late Arrivals: campers are not considered a "no-show" until 24 hours after arrival date check in time. Our policy is that your site will not be released before that.

Best Time to Camp at Amphitheater (Co)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather at 8,400 ft — expect crisp mornings warming to roughly 65–75°F and evenings dipping into the low 40s°F. Trails are snow-free and wildflowers and alpine meadows are at their peak, making hiking and wildlife viewing (elk, marmots, raptors) especially rewarding. Note that late‑July and August can produce afternoon mountain thunderstorms, and mid‑summer is the busiest time with most sites reservable (June 24–Sept 13). Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 5% in CO

Summer is the sweet spot: trails snow‑free, wildflowers peak, campground popular and booked.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 17 to September 30. 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.

About Amphitheater (Co)

Amphitheater sits at 8,400 feet in the San Juan Mountains near Ouray, Colorado, operated by Recreation Resource Management of America. This small, high-elevation alpine campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for the mountain views, wildlife viewing (elk, marmots, raptors), and access to hiking, fishing, and biking trails in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather at 8,400 ft — expect crisp mornings warming to roughly 65–75°F and evenings dipping into the low 40s°F. Trails are snow-free and wildflowers and alpine meadows are at their peak, making hiking and wildlife viewing (elk, marmots, raptors) especially rewarding. Note that late‑July and August can produce afternoon mountain thunderstorms, and mid‑summer is the busiest time with most sites reservable (June 24–Sept 13). Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMassive gray cliffs surround the campground, exposing layers of volcanic ash and lava flows built up over millions of years. Gambel oak and conifers soften the rock faces. Mule deer browse through camp at dawn. Chipmunks and songbirds are constant company. Elk, marmots, and raptors appear regularly on nearby trails and meadows.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site allows one camping unit only.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, either online or via their app.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed, but the terrain and some campsite designs may make it challenging for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeMost sites are small and best suited for tent camping or small trailers. One user commented, 'Sites are best suited to small to medium rigs.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Several reviews highlight seclusion: 'Campsites feel secluded,' but some noted that 'a lot of the sites are close together.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #24 offers views of the amphitheater and the valley below. Site #11 is noted as quiet and well-shaded. Site #20 provides a mix of privacy and views.

Best CampsitesSites #24 and #11 get frequent mentions in reviews for their views and layout.

Need help booking Amphitheater (Co)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Amphitheater Campground offers a range of amenities suitable for rustic camping near Ouray, CO. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets, potable water, and trash collection services are provided. 'Restrooms are clean but the camp caretaker does not like minorities,' mentioned one reviewer, highlighting a negative experience with staff. However, many users praised the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the maintenance of the campground overall. The campground has no showers, but nearby Ouray Hot Springs offers shower facilities for $4. Firewood is not explicitly mentioned as available for purchase on-site, and there are no laundry facilities. The cell phone service is limited, with one reviewer stating, 'Cell service is site dependent, but just one Verizon bar at site 12.' Accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges might be a concern based on some reviews.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available. Some concerns about the dumpsters being overfilled were noted, which could lead to bear problems.

Cell CoverageCell service varies depending on the site. A user noted, 'Cell service is site dependent, but just one Verizon bar at site 12.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

399 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 399 reviews.

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

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want high-elevation mountain scenery, wildlife encounters, and trail access with attentive camp hosts during summer months.

Skip if

You need modern restrooms, private sites, or camping outside the peak summer season.

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Thistledown Campground - Ouray Rd

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

Thistledown Campground sits at 8,547 feet in the Canyon Creek drainage near Ouray, offering eight sites for $10 per night. Small RVs fit, but the compact sites favor tents. Mount Sneffels looms overhead, and the campground is a jumping-off point for Yankee Boy Basin and the Weehawken Trail.

Amphitheater (Co)

Real-Time Availability

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Real-Time Availability

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Weather at Amphitheater (Co)

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Amphitheater (Co)

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About Amphitheater (Co)

Best Campsites

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Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Amphitheater (Co)

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Amphitheater (Co)

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Amphitheater (Co)?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns