Dinner Station
4.3753 reviewsGUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO
Quick Facts
Price
$18 - $20/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
22 campsites
Season
Opens Jun 20, 2025, ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$18 - $20/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
22 campsites
Season
Opens Jun 20, 2025, ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsDinner Station
$18.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $18-$20 per night depending on seasonality and reservation status. Discounts may apply for certain passes. Additional fees for reservation...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
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$20.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider970-642-0566camping@rrmofa.com
What Campers Say
4.37
Recommended
Based on 53 reviews
23 Google reviews
Most mentioned
views
"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."
Fees & Passes at Dinner Station
$18 - $20/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival, subject to a $10 cancellation fee...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Recreation Resource Management of America website.
Best Time to Camp at Dinner Station
Summer transforms Dinner Station into an alpine paradise, where moderate temperatures and crystalline skies create the perfect canvas for outdoor adventures. During peak season, the campground pulses with the energy of ATV explorers kicking up dust clouds along the backcountry roads, their engines echoing through the valley. As autumn approaches, golden aspens paint the hillsides before winter's fierce grip closes the mountain passes, leaving the campground to slumber beneath deep snows until spring's return.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
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: June 20, 2025 - September 13, 2025.. 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.
- Current Alerts: No active alerts noted, although water pump issues have been flagged in recent reviews.
About Dinner Station
Where the Taylor River whispers through the Upper Taylor Park valley, Dinner Station Campground beckons adventurers to a place where history meets high-country recreation. This cherished mountain retreat draws mountain bikers and off-road enthusiasts to its shaded havens beneath towering pines, while the nearby Taylor Reservoir sparkles like a sapphire jewel in the Colorado wilderness. Here, dusty trails give way to peaceful evenings under star-filled skies, creating the perfect basecamp for those seeking both adrenaline and tranquility.
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.
Historical SignificanceLong before modern adventurers discovered these trails, weary stagecoach travelers paused here to rest their horses and share tales of the journey from Aspen. Dinner Station earned its name as a vital waypoint along the historic transportation routes that connected Colorado's mining communities through Taylor Park. Today, campers can almost hear the echoes of creaking wagon wheels and frontier conversations carried on the mountain breeze.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Dinner Station into an alpine paradise, where moderate temperatures and crystalline skies create the perfect canvas for outdoor adventures. During peak season, the campground pulses with the energy of ATV explorers kicking up dust clouds along the backcountry roads, their engines echoing through the valley. As autumn approaches, golden aspens paint the hillsides before winter's fierce grip closes the mountain passes, leaving the campground to slumber beneath deep snows until spring's return.
ElevationPerched high in Colorado's rarified air, the campground offers a natural air conditioning system that transforms summer heat into cool mountain comfort. From this lofty vantage point, visitors are treated to sweeping panoramic views that stretch across endless peaks, while the thin air reminds everyone they've truly escaped to the roof of the Rockies.
Natural Features and SceneryA living tapestry unfolds at Dinner Station, where stately ponderosa and lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral above each campsite. The silvery-green sagebrush carpets the valley floor, releasing its distinctive fragrance after afternoon thundershowers. The Taylor River serves as the campground's constant companion, its melodic flow providing nature's soundtrack while the majestic Sawatch Mountains stand sentinel in the distance, their peaks catching the first light of dawn and the last glow of sunset.
Geological RegionCradled in the embrace of Upper Taylor Park, this remarkable landscape tells the story of ancient geological forces. The campground sits at the crossroads of ecosystems, where ponderosa and lodgepole pine forests meet high-altitude sagebrush meadows along the life-giving Taylor River. To the east, the western flanks of the Collegiate Mountains rise dramatically, their granite faces bearing witness to millions of years of wind, water, and ice. The mighty Sawatch Range dominates the horizon, completing a 360-degree theater of Colorado's most spectacular mountain scenery.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo detailed information on accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeCampsites are generally sized for single-family occupancy.
Sites 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 CampsitesChoose creek-side sites like #12 for privacy and access to water sounds. Meadow sites are ideal for expansive mountain views.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Standard check-in is at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12 PM.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground comprises both creek-side and meadow sites. Sites are spaced for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpens 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.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable only during first-come, first-served season from September 14, 2025, onwards.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival, subject to a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
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
Several trails are nearby, such as Doctor Park Trail, Taylor River Trail, and Taylor Vista Trail, catering to both off-road bikers and hikers.Fishing
Fishing is a major activity, with the Taylor River offering opportunities to catch rainbow and brook trout.Swimming
Swimming opportunities are available at the nearby Taylor Park Reservoir, where a boat ramp and rentals enhance the experience.Biking
The campground is a favorite among mountain biking enthusiasts, with numerous off-road trails in the vicinity.Boating
Boating is facilitated at Taylor Park Reservoir, which has a boat ramp and offers boat rentals.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is noted as a serene activity within the campground, with many visitors appreciating the natural setting.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are detailed.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are not explicitly mentioned but may be possible at Taylor Park Reservoir.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated metal rings. Firewood must be sourced locally.
- Quiet hours not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsNotable hazards include dust from ATV traffic, and the water pump being non-functional or producing silt-filled water.
Active alertsNo active alerts noted, although water pump issues have been flagged in recent reviews.
Weather at Dinner Station
11
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services likely located in Gunnison (45 miles away), including hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 20, 2025 - September 13, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are located on-site. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Taylor River. Taylor Park Reservoir is 4 miles south, accessible for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include water issues (non-potable water and broken pumps), old vault toilets, frequent ATV traffic, and some conflicts with camp hosts.
HostHosts Mike and Jan are frequently praised for their hospitality, cleanliness, and helpfulness. Negative reviews mention conflicts with older hosts.
Campground Map
GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO
Driving directionsFrom Gunnison, Colo., travel north on Colorado Highway 135 for 10 miles to Almont. Turn right (northeast) onto Taylor Canyon Road and continue 35 miles. The campground entrance is on the left.
The campground is accessible via paved roads until the gravel road leading to the site. The gravel road is described as well-maintained, with notable dust due to ATV traffic.Nearby places
Gunnison (45 miles, approximately 1 hour drive), Almont (35 miles, approximately 40-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are accessible at Taylor Park Trading Post, located about 4 miles from the campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
53 reviews
Dinner Station is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 53 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 53 reviewsShow more
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 53 reviewsPro 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 53 reviewsSeasonal 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 53 reviewsCamper 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 53 reviewsShow more
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 53 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 53 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies.
Based on 53 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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