Lodgepole (Taylor River Canyon Near Gunnison, Colorado)
4.6156 reviewsGUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO
Quick Facts
Price
$18/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
22 campsites
Season
Open season starts J...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$18/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
22 campsites
Season
Open season starts J...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsLodgepole (Taylor River Canyon Near Gunnison, Colorado)
$18.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
All sites cost $18 per night during both peak season (June 20–September 13, 2025) and first-come, first-serve season (September 14–September 30,...
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Standard Site Fee$18.00
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$18.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider970-642-0566camping@rrmofa.com
What Campers Say
4.61
Top-Rated
Based on 56 reviews
38 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanshadefriendlysites
Some mention
noiseroad noise
"User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, cleanliness, and accessibility to the Taylor River. Common praises include the attentiveness of hosts and the peaceful environment, though road noise and the condition of vault toilets were noted as drawbacks by some."
Fees & Passes at Lodgepole (Taylor River Canyon Near Gunnison, Colorado)
$18/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum consecutive stay allowed is 14 nights.
Cancellation: Standard reservations may be canceled with a $10 fee. Late cancellations incur additional penalties,...
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 Lodgepole (Taylor River Canyon Near Gunnison, Colorado)
The canyon's natural architecture creates a microclimate that keeps summer days pleasantly warm while nights bring that crisp mountain air perfect for campfire stories and stargazing. Morning mist often clings to the river, creating ethereal scenes as the sun crests the canyon walls. The protective embrace of the surrounding pines and canyon walls moderates temperatures, making hot afternoons comfortable and cool evenings refreshing. As autumn approaches, golden light filters through the forest, and winter transforms the landscape into a wonderland where snow dusts the pine boughs and silence deepens.
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: Open season starts June 20, 2025, and closes September 30, 2025. Peak season is June 20–September 13, with reservations required. First-come, first-serve sites are available from September 14–September 30.
About Lodgepole (Taylor River Canyon Near Gunnison, Colorado)
Tucked away in the heart of Taylor River Canyon, Lodgepole Campground offers an intimate escape where towering pines whisper secrets and the river's gentle melody sets the rhythm for your days. This hidden gem provides the perfect basecamp for anglers casting lines into pristine waters and hikers eager to explore winding mountain trails. Here, beneath a canopy of dense lodgepole pines that filter sunlight into dancing patterns, each campsite becomes a private sanctuary where the only sounds are birdsong and the rustling of wind through needles.
The campground provides options for tent camping and non-electric RV camping. It is a small, well-maintained facility primarily suited to families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Historical SignificanceThis corner of Colorado holds stories etched into every trail and ridge. The nearby Fossil Ridge Wilderness preserves not just pristine ecosystems but also the legacy of early explorers and settlers who traversed these mountains. The historic Summerville Trail, winding through the wilderness, follows routes once used by miners and pioneers seeking fortune and new beginnings in the Colorado high country. Today, these paths invite modern adventurers to walk in the footsteps of history while creating their own mountain memories.
Weather and SeasonsThe canyon's natural architecture creates a microclimate that keeps summer days pleasantly warm while nights bring that crisp mountain air perfect for campfire stories and stargazing. Morning mist often clings to the river, creating ethereal scenes as the sun crests the canyon walls. The protective embrace of the surrounding pines and canyon walls moderates temperatures, making hot afternoons comfortable and cool evenings refreshing. As autumn approaches, golden light filters through the forest, and winter transforms the landscape into a wonderland where snow dusts the pine boughs and silence deepens.
ElevationNestled within the dramatic walls of Taylor River Canyon, the campground occupies a sweet spot where mountain grandeur meets accessibility. The canyon location creates a unique environment where the elevation provides that quintessential Colorado mountain experience - crisp air, stunning vistas, and proximity to alpine adventures - while remaining sheltered from the more extreme conditions found at higher altitudes.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted a masterpiece here, where ancient lodgepole pines stand like cathedral pillars against dramatic rocky cliffs that tell geological stories millions of years in the making. The Taylor River threads through the landscape like liquid silver, its pools and riffles home to native trout and visited by deer at dawn and dusk. Just beyond, Taylor Park Reservoir sparkles like a sapphire, offering paddlers and anglers expansive waters framed by mountain peaks. The adjacent Fossil Ridge Wilderness extends the natural canvas, where pristine ecosystems support everything from soaring raptors to delicate wildflowers that paint the meadows in summer's palette.
Geological RegionThe Taylor River Canyon showcases Colorado's geological drama, where millennia of water and weather have carved through ancient rock to create this spectacular gorge. Towering cliffs reveal layers of Earth's history while providing nesting sites for birds of prey and creating the perfect acoustic chamber for the river's song. The surrounding lodgepole pine ecosystem thrives in this protected canyon environment, creating dense forests that transition into the diverse habitats of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness. This remarkable geological setting offers visitors a front-row seat to the ongoing story of how water, wind, and time continue to shape the Rocky Mountain landscape.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for visitors with disabilities are not explicitly detailed in the source material.
Sites SizeThe campsites are generally spacious and shaded by tall lodgepole pines. Some sites are described as large and can accommodate both RVs and tents.
Sites PrivacyThe dense pine trees provide a good degree of privacy between campsites, though the proximity to the main road means some sites are less secluded.
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites farther from the road (e.g., #007 and #008) provide quieter experiences. Pull-through sites like #007 are convenient for RVs.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 2 PM local time.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12 PM local time.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay allowed is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Recreation Use Fee allows one camping unit per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground parallels the road, with most sites located close to the Taylor River across the street. Sites shaded by lodgepole pines vary in size and spacing.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts June 20, 2025, and closes September 30, 2025. Peak season is June 20–September 13, with reservations required. First-come, first-serve sites are available from September 14–September 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, including the website and mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve sites are available during the off-peak season (September 14–September 30).
Cancellation PolicyStandard reservations may be canceled with a $10 fee. Late cancellations incur additional penalties, including forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lodgepole Campground offers a rich variety of recreational activities, including rafting, fishing, and hiking. The nearby Taylor River provides opportunities for leisurely kayaking, while the Fossil Ridge Wilderness area is just a mile south, offering trails for exploration. Taylor Park Reservoir, located within 10 miles, expands the range of activities to include boating and swimming.
Hiking
The campground is close to several hiking trails such as the Summerville and South Lottis trailheads, which provide access to the scenic Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area. Additional off-road trails, including Doctor Park Trail and Taylor Vista Trail, are also nearby.Fishing
Fishing is highly popular, with the Taylor River offering opportunities to catch rainbow and brook trout. Campers have noted easy fishing access right across the road.Swimming
Swimming is available at the nearby Taylor Park Reservoir, which is within 10 miles of the campground.Biking
Off-road biking is accessible via trails such as the Doctor Park Trail. Reviews do not provide in-depth detail about trail conditions or biking difficulty.Boating
The Taylor Park Reservoir offers boating opportunities, including boat rentals and a launch ramp. Activities such as kayaking and rafting are also popular on the Taylor River.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as birds and deer are often seen in the campground, contributing to the area's natural appeal.Winter Activities
Winter activities were not detailed; the campground appears designed primarily for summer use.Water Sports
Rafting and kayaking are available on the Taylor River, providing options for non-motorized water sports.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed, with fire rings provided at each site. Firewood must be purchased locally to avoid spreading pests.
- Quiet hours are enforced starting at 9 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsProximity to the road may pose noise disturbance. Wildlife sightings are common but manageable. Vault toilets in Sites 10–15 have been reported to have unpleasant smells in some user reviews.
Weather at Lodgepole (Taylor River Canyon Near Gunnison, Colorado)
15
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 69%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services
Nearest hospital is in Gunnison, approximately 22 miles from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 20, 2025 - September 13, 2025
Trash and recyclingNo specific information on trash and recycling facilities was provided; general camping etiquette suggests packing out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresTaylor River is directly across the road from the campground, offering fishing and rafting opportunities. Taylor Park Reservoir is 10 miles away, with boating and scenic views.
Common complaintsRoad noise and proximity are frequently mentioned as drawbacks. Vault toilets in certain sections have been criticized for poor maintenance. During peak season, some sites may lack privacy.
HostThe campground hosts are highly praised for their hospitality, maintenance efforts, and friendliness across multiple reviews.
Campground Map
GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO
Driving directionsFrom Gunnison, Colo., travel north on Highway 135 for 10 miles to Almont. Turn right (northeast) onto Taylor Canyon Road and proceed 12 miles to the campground entrance, which is on the right.
Good accessibility from paved roads. The route includes well-maintained highways and Taylor Canyon Road, which provides direct access to the campground. Seasonal access may depend on weather conditions.Nearby places
Gunnison (22 miles), Almont (14 miles)
Nearby supplies
Camping supplies, fuel, and groceries are available at the trading post near Taylor Park Reservoir, about 10 miles from the campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
56 reviews
Lodgepole (Taylor River Canyon Near Gunnison, Colorado) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, cleanliness, and accessibility to the Taylor River. Common praises include the attentiveness of hosts and the peaceful environment, though road noise and the condition of vault toilets were noted as drawbacks by some.
Review Summaries
Based on 56 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is praised for its cleanliness, good maintenance, and the friendly and attentive camp hosts. Many users appreciated the proximity to the Taylor River, the scenic surroundings, and the...
Based on 56 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative aspects include road noise, as the campground is located close to the main road. Some users mentioned issues with the vault toilets' odor, especially near sites 10-15. A few campers noted...
Based on 56 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing earplugs if road noise might be bothersome. Additionally, purchasing firewood off-site at Taylor Reservoir Trading Post can save money. Campers also suggest arriving early...
Based on 56 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is most popular during the summer peak season. Reviews note that traffic noise is less of an issue at night during the off-peak season. Late summer and early fall bring quieter, more...
Based on 56 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Very clean and the beautiful Taylor River is right across the road.'
2. 'The camp host was very nice and keeps the campground incredibly clean.'
3. 'Great little campground. Very clean and the...
Based on 56 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #7: Pull-through site with easy access.
Site #11: Described as spacious and clean but near vault toilets, which some reviewers found unpleasant. Site #15: Located near the road with noticeable...
Based on 56 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews explicitly focused on accessibility features.
Based on 56 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and no specific complaints or issues regarding pets were mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 56 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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