How much does camping cost at Dinner Station?

Camping fees at Dinner Station range from $18-$33.97/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dinner Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Dinner Station 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.

What is the best time to visit Dinner Station?

Dinner Station is open May 22 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 Dinner Station?

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

Can I have a campfire at Dinner Station?

Fire policies at Dinner Station: 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.

How many campsites does Dinner Station have?

Dinner Station has 22 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dinner Station?

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

What amenities are available at Dinner Station?

Dinner Station offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Dinner Station?

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

Dinner Station

4.30

111 reviews

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

Featured in:Swimming Camping Colorado

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,616 ft

Price

$18 - $33.97/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Opens Jun 20, 2025, ...

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

9,616 ft

Price

$18 - $33.97/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Opens Jun 20, 2025, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Dinner Station

$18.00 - $33.97 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $33.97; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $18.00; Standard Nonelectric Premium: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-642-0566camping@rrmofa.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

Dinner Station

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

Nearby places

Gunnison (45 miles, approximately 1 hour drive), Almont (35 miles, approximately 40-minute drive)

Weather at Dinner Station

Current alerts(5)

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.
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.
Opening and closing dates are weather permitting, please call 928-537-8888 for more information.

Best Time to Camp at Dinner Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliably mild weather (daytime highs typically 60–75°F, nights 30–40°F) and full access to the campground and nearby trailheads, making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, boating on Taylor Reservoir, and trout fishing on the Taylor River. Trails, OHV routes, and reservoir access are all at their peak, with wildflowers in the meadows and long daylight hours for exploring. Expect moderate to busy weekends and holidays—reservations are recommended for Jun 20–Sep 13 to secure a site Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season late June–mid Sept; busy and well-liked though ATV noise is common on weekends.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opens Jun 20, 2025, and closes Sep 13, 2025, for reservable camping. From Sep 14-30, the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

About Dinner Station

Dinner Station sits along the Taylor River in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest near Gunnison, managed by Recreation Resource Management of America. This high-elevation alpine campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, drawing visitors for fishing the Taylor River, hiking, mountain biking, and boating on nearby Taylor Reservoir. Reviewers consistently praise the river access and mountain views, though some note ATV traffic and aging facilities.

Dinner Station accommodates a mix of camping setups, primarily focused on single-family campsites. It features dry camping with vault toilets but no water or power hookups. The serene location by the Taylor River makes it ideal for tents and smaller setups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliably mild weather (daytime highs typically 60–75°F, nights 30–40°F) and full access to the campground and nearby trailheads, making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, boating on Taylor Reservoir, and trout fishing on the Taylor River. Trails, OHV routes, and reservoir access are all at their peak, with wildflowers in the meadows and long daylight hours for exploring. Expect moderate to busy weekends and holidays—reservations are recommended for Jun 20–Sep 13 to secure a site Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9616 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a valley where the Taylor River cuts through mixed conifer forest and high-altitude sagebrush meadows. Ponderosa and lodgepole pines provide shade at most sites, while the Sawatch Range fills the western horizon and the Collegiate Mountains rise to the east. Creek-side sites offer direct river access and mountain views. The elevation and surrounding peaks create a natural amphitheater that catches morning and evening light on the ridgelines.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One camping unit is allowed per standard single-family sites.

Groups

No group-specific camping facilities are mentioned.

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 via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityNo detailed information on accessibility features is provided.

Site SizeCampsites are generally sized for single-family occupancy.

PrivacyCampsites have varied privacy levels. One user noted, 'Our campsite, along the creek, was clean, private, forested and had impressive mountain views.

Total Campsites22 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose creek-side sites like #12 for privacy and access to water sounds. Meadow sites are ideal for expansive mountain views.

Best CampsitesSite 12 gets consistent praise for creek proximity, privacy, and mountain views. Meadow sites offer broader scenic views but less shade and potentially more ATV noise on weekends.

Need help booking Dinner Station?

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

Dinner Station Campground provides single-family campsites equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. Essential amenities include vault toilets, drinking water, and trash collection. Notably, the campground lacks flush toilets, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities. There have been concerns about the water availability: 'Pump was broken, then fixed. Water was full of silt.' Some visitors have reported that the potable water is unreliable, with one review noting, 'Don't be fooled, there is no potable water. USFS employee laughed, 'Who would want to drink this water?' The vault toilets are a common feature, but their maintenance is contentious. One camper wrote, 'Bathrooms were awful and not clean.' Still, another stated, 'Each campsite and vaulted toilet is very clean.' Firewood is available for purchase, and trash dumpsters are on-site for waste management. 'Don't Move Firewood' guidelines are encouraged to prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Dinner Station Campground offers a range of recreational activities. Fishing is a highlight, with the Taylor River accessible from within the campground, where anglers target rainbow and brook trout. Hiking and biking enthusiasts can explore nearby trails, including Doctor Park Trail, Taylor River Trail, and Taylor Vista Trail. Boating and swimming are available at Taylor Park Reservoir, located less than five miles away. Wildlife viewing is also common, with serene surroundings that encourage 'solitude' and a connection with nature.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided, but their maintenance varies: 'Bathrooms were awful and not clean,' contrasted with, 'Each campsite and vaulted toilet is very clean.'

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).

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

111 reviews

Satisfactory

Dinner Station is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are highly polarized. Positive feedback highlights the 'serene' environment, 'beautiful views,' and the 'friendly and helpful' camp hosts, Mike and Jan. Negative reviews often cite the lack of potable water and concerns over vault toilet cleanliness.

Review Summaries

Based on 111 reviews

What Campers Love

Campground hosts Mike and Jan are frequently praised for their hospitality, with one user describing them as 'the best camp hosts we have ever been fortunate enough to meet.' The river's proximity...

Based on 111 reviews

Common Concerns

The most significant complaints are about water availability ('No Usable Water'), vault toilet maintenance, and ATV noise in the surrounding area.

Based on 111 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite #12 is noted for its beauty but also cited in complaints about water issues. Campsites along the Taylor River receive consistent praise for their serene setting.

Based on 111 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing your own water due to unreliable potable water availability. For quieter stays, weekdays may be preferable to avoid weekend ATV traffic.

Based on 111 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season, with high ATV traffic and occasional water shortages. Reviews suggest that the campground is quieter and more serene during shoulder months.

Based on 111 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Camping at its very best. Mountain view with a rushing river.' - Doug Cain. 'Bathrooms were awful and not clean and there was no water available as stated.' - Adam M. 'Dinner Station is a great...

Based on 111 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 111 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet policies.

Based on 111 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want summer alpine camping with river fishing, mountain views, and access to Taylor Reservoir.

Skip if

You need potable water, modern restrooms, or a quieter setting away from ATV traffic.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.0

(19)

Rivers End

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Rivers End sits at 9,364 feet in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, offering high-elevation alpine camping with vault toilets and primitive tent sites. Visitors come for the scenic views, fishing opportunities, and tranquil atmosphere during the summer season when access is most reliable and alpine streams run full. The campground provides a quiet base for anglers and those seeking cooler mountain temperatures.

Dinner Station

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Dinner Station

Campground Map

Weather at Dinner Station

Current alerts(5)

Best Time to Camp at Dinner Station

Planning Tips

About Dinner Station

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Dinner Station?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Facilities

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Dinner Station

Current alerts(5)

Best Time to Camp at Dinner Station

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Dinner Station?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews