One Mile

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Escape to Oh Be Joyful Campground, where mountain serenity meets riverside bliss just 5 miles from the charming town of Crested Butte, Colorado. This intimate 30-unit retreat hugs the eastern banks of the pristine Slate River, offering a perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness immersion. Choose from 14 RV sites with modern conveniences, 15 secluded walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more authentic experience, or gather your tribe at the spacious group site. Named after the melodious Oh Be Joyful Creek that cascades through the area, this campground serves as your gateway to thundering waterfalls, meadows painted with wildflowers, and trails that wind through some of Colorado's most breathtaking mountain scenery. Here, elk and deer are your neighbors, and each sunrise brings new adventures right to your tent flap.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Escape to Cement Creek, where the convenience of modern camping meets untouched wilderness. This first-come, first-served haven welcomes spontaneous adventurers with easy QR code payment through the Recreation.gov app, ensuring your spot in paradise is just a scan away.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Cold Spring Campground welcomes adventurers on a first-come, first-served basis through an innovative QR code system. To secure your spot in this wilderness retreat, you'll need to be physically present at the campground to complete your reservation through the app. Be prepared for limited cellular connectivity in some areas of the campground—a reminder that you're truly escaping into nature's embrace. This digital-meets-wilderness approach ensures fair access while preserving the spontaneous spirit of outdoor exploration.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Discover your perfect escape at this welcoming first-come, first-served campground where spontaneity meets convenience. Simply arrive, choose your ideal spot, and settle into nature's embrace. Payment is refreshingly simple with modern QR code technology or traditional cash options available onsite, making your check-in process as smooth as the mountain breeze.

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Tucked away in the heart of Colorado's rugged backcountry, Iron City Campground offers an intimate escape with just 15 sites, where the whispers of mining history blend with the rumble of modern-day ATV adventures. This hidden gem near the ghost town of St. Elmo provides the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both thrilling trail rides and serene mountain solitude in the stunning Chalk Creek Canyon.

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Nestled in the heart of untouched wilderness, this campground offers an authentic outdoor experience where modern conveniences meet natural splendor. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat from city life or an adventure-filled basecamp for exploration, you'll find exactly what you're looking for among towering trees and starlit skies. Each campsite has been thoughtfully positioned to provide privacy while maintaining easy access to shared facilities and scenic trails.

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Nestled within a cool canopy of whispering Aspen and towering Lodgepole Pine, Parry Peak Campground offers an intimate mountain escape where the melodic rush of Lake Creek's whitewater serves as nature's soundtrack. This hidden gem draws fly-fishing enthusiasts casting for native trout and adventurous souls preparing to tackle the legendary Continental Divide Trail. With its first-come, first-served sites, this peaceful retreat rewards those who arrive early with prime spots beneath the dancing shade of Colorado's iconic trees.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Welcome to a hidden gem where adventure begins the moment you arrive. This pristine campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, offering the authentic camping experience of discovering your perfect spot upon arrival. Simply drive in, explore the available sites, and claim your home away from home for the night. Modern convenience meets wilderness tradition with our innovative QR code payment system - just scan with the Recreation.gov mobile app to secure your site. Pro tip: Download the free Recreation.gov app before you venture out, as cellular service can be spotty in these beautifully remote locations. Once you're here, let nature's symphony replace your playlist and the star-studded sky become your entertainment.

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Discover your perfect outdoor retreat where adventure meets tranquility. This pristine campground offers an unforgettable escape into nature's embrace, featuring well-maintained sites nestled among towering trees and scenic vistas. Whether you're seeking a weekend getaway or an extended wilderness experience, you'll find everything needed for a memorable stay, from spacious camping areas to convenient amenities that enhance your outdoor adventure without compromising the authentic camping experience.

SALIDA RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE, 5575 CLEORA RD, SALIDA, CO 81201, USA

Nestled at 9,800 feet where Middle Cottonwood Creek whispers through stands of shimmering aspen and towering conifers, this high-country haven serves as your gateway to Colorado's spectacular Sawatch Range. Wake to the sound of rushing water and spend your days exploring legendary hiking trails, casting lines into pristine mountain streams, or simply breathing in the crisp alpine air beneath the shadow of Cottonwood Pass.

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

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.

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

Perched beside the crystal-clear waters of its namesake lake, Lake Irwin Campground beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of Colorado's high country. At 10,200 feet, this alpine sanctuary invites you to cast a line into pristine waters, explore winding mountain bike trails, or paddle silently across the mirror-like lake in your kayak or canoe. Towering Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir create a natural cathedral overhead, their ancient branches whispering stories of the wilderness that surrounds you.

TAYLOR PARK RES, GRAND MESA, ALMONT, CO 81210, USA

Perched above the sparkling waters of Taylor Park Reservoir, Lakeview Gunnison Campground beckons adventurers seeking the perfect blend of mountain serenity and outdoor excitement. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, launching your boat for an afternoon cruise, or returning from dusty off-road trails, this well-appointed campground serves as your basecamp for Colorado high-country exploration. Choose from electric sites for modern convenience or embrace a more rustic experience at non-electric spots, all while enjoying essential amenities that make your stay comfortable without compromising the wilderness experience.

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

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.

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Taylor River, Rosy Lane Campground beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts to discover their perfect mountain retreat. Here, the gentle rush of the river provides a natural soundtrack to days filled with adventure – cast your line into crystal-clear waters teeming with trout, paddle through scenic stretches perfect for kayaking, or explore winding trails that reveal the area's hidden treasures. Each thoughtfully spaced campsite sits beneath a protective canopy of trees, creating intimate outdoor rooms where memories are made around crackling campfires and under star-filled skies.

5575 CLEORA RD, SALIDA, CO 81201, USA

Nestled at the foot of majestic Monarch Ridge, Monarch Park Campground beckons families and adventurers to experience Colorado's high country at its finest. Here, where the South Fork Arkansas River whispers through pine-scented meadows and pristine mountain ponds reflect endless skies, you'll discover a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Cast a line into crystal-clear waters, explore winding trails that lead to breathtaking vistas, or simply sit quietly as elk and deer emerge from the forest shadows at dawn.

24830 US Hwy 50

Perched on the north shore of Colorado's largest body of water, Elk Creek Campground offers an unparalleled gateway to Blue Mesa Reservoir's 96 miles of pristine shoreline. This jewel within Curecanti National Recreation Area beckons water enthusiasts and desert wanderers alike with its unique blend of aquatic adventures and high desert landscapes. Choose from electric or non-electric sites, each offering sweeping vistas where azure waters meet endless skies in the dramatic Colorado landscape.

29130 Hwy 50

Perched on the north shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir's eastern edge, Stevens Creek Campground offers a front-row seat to Colorado's high-country splendor. Just minutes from the charming town of Gunnison, this waterfront haven invites you to wake up to panoramic lake views and breathe in the crisp mountain air perfumed with wild sagebrush. Sun-drenched sites stretch along the shoreline, where the shimmering waters of Colorado's largest body of water meet endless skies.

23935 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Escape to East Elk Creek Group Campsite, where your party of up to 50 adventurers can claim an entire corner of Colorado's high country wilderness. This exclusive group sanctuary sits beside the gentle murmur of East Elk Creek, offering the perfect basecamp for days filled with world-class windsurfing across Blue Mesa Reservoir's expansive waters. Whether you're casting lines for trophy fish, paddling kayaks through pristine mountain waters, or gathering around the campfire to spot elk and eagles, this secluded retreat promises memories that will last long after the embers fade.

LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO, 80461, USA

Step back in time at Crescent Mining Camp, where weathered cabins from the 1890s gold rush era stand as silent witnesses to Colorado's mining heritage. Nestled alongside a babbling creek with the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop, these historic structures offer adventurers a unique blend of rustic charm and outdoor excitement. The camp has become a haven for off-road vehicle enthusiasts, with nearby OHV trails bringing the rumble of engines to this mountain retreat—perfect for thrill-seekers, though those seeking solitude may want to explore during quieter weekday periods.

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Nestled high in the Colorado Rockies at 9,600 feet, Twin Peaks Campground offers adventurers a true mountain escape among whispering aspens and towering lodgepole pines. This first-come, first-served gem sits just moments from the pristine Twin Lakes Reservoir, where the rushing waters of Lake Creek provide a natural soundtrack to your stay. Wake up to breathtaking views of the majestic Sawatch Range, with convenient access to legendary trails leading to the Continental Divide and Mount Elbert, Colorado's highest peak. Your friendly campground host keeps firewood stocked and ready, ensuring cozy evenings under the star-filled mountain sky.

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Perched at a breathtaking 11,000 feet, North Fork Campground stands as the crown jewel of high-altitude camping in the Salida Ranger District. This remote wilderness escape hugs the pristine north shore of North Fork Reservoir, where adventure truly begins where the pavement ends. The journey here demands a high-clearance vehicle to navigate the rugged mountain roads, but as seasoned visitors will tell you, 'The trek to get there is well worth the experience.' This primitive campground offers a genuine backcountry experience with no trash services, inviting only those seeking authentic mountain solitude.

Cty Rd. 742, Taylor River Canyon, Gunnison, CO, 81231, USA

High in the Taylor River Canyon, where the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests converge, Lottis Creek Campground awaits at a breathtaking 8,600 feet. Here, adventure beckons from every direction—cast a line into crystal-clear mountain streams, navigate thrilling four-wheel drive trails, or explore endless hiking paths that wind through pristine wilderness. This mountain sanctuary perfectly balances accessibility with the raw beauty of Colorado's high country.

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Adventure awaits at this charming campground where spontaneity meets the great outdoors. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, this hidden gem rewards early birds and spontaneous travelers alike. Simply arrive at the campground entrance, where friendly staff will help you select and secure your perfect spot among nature's splendor. No advance reservations needed – just pack your gear, hit the road, and let the journey unfold.

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Nestled beneath towering lodgepole pines and quaking aspens, Parry Peak Campground beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of Colorado's high country. This intimate first-come, first-served haven sits alongside the rushing waters of Lake Creek, where the melodic sounds of whitewater create nature's soundtrack. Anglers cast their lines in the crystal-clear waters while hikers set off to explore the nearby Continental Divide Trail, all under the watchful gaze of majestic Parry Peak. Whether you're seeking solitude among the aspens or planning your next alpine adventure, this mountain retreat offers an authentic backcountry experience. Firewood is available for purchase to keep your evening campfires glowing.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Escape to this hidden gem where spontaneity meets adventure! Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, this campground rewards early birds and those seeking authentic outdoor experiences. Simply arrive, choose your perfect spot among the towering pines, and claim your piece of wilderness. Modern convenience meets rustic charm with our QR code payment system - just scan with the Recreation.gov mobile app using the Scan and Pay feature, and you're ready to start making memories under the stars.

810 FRONT ST, Leadville, CO, USA, 80461

Escape to Dawson Cabin, where rustic mountain charm meets breathtaking wilderness at the foot of majestic Ervin Peak. This secluded retreat in Clear Creek Canyon invites you to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in Colorado's raw beauty. Wake to panoramic mountain vistas, explore winding trails that lead to forgotten mining relics, and end your days under a canopy of stars in this authentic backcountry sanctuary.

Campgrounds - Taylor Park Area, Campfire Ranch on the Taylor

Escape to Campfire Ranch on the Taylor, where the art of tent camping reaches new heights in Colorado's breathtaking Gunnison Valley. This carefully curated, tent-only retreat invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's simple pleasures. Wake up to the aroma of fresh pancake breakfasts wafting through the pines, gather around crackling fires fueled by complimentary firewood, and let the sound of the Taylor River lull you to sleep under star-studded skies. With pristine drinking water at your fingertips and meticulously maintained sites nestled among towering trees, this isn't just camping—it's an elevated outdoor experience that honors the timeless tradition of sleeping under canvas.

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Nestled in the heart of pristine wilderness, this campground offers an unforgettable escape where modern conveniences meet untamed nature. Wake up to the gentle rustle of leaves and birdsong, spend your days exploring scenic trails, and end each evening gathered around a crackling campfire under a canopy of stars. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, our thoughtfully designed sites provide the perfect basecamp for creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Tucked away along the gentle curves of the Gunnison River, Almont Campground offers an authentic back-to-basics camping experience that's becoming increasingly rare. This intimate riverside retreat features just ten sites—five drive-up spots welcoming trailers and RVs (though without hookups) and five secluded tent-only sites nestled among the trees. Here, the amenities are refreshingly simple: vault toilets and the soothing soundtrack of flowing water. Without trash service or running water, this hidden gem attracts those seeking genuine solitude and an unfiltered connection with Colorado's wild beauty.

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Discover your perfect outdoor escape at this hidden gem nestled in nature's embrace. Whether you're seeking adventure-filled days or peaceful nights under starlit skies, this campground offers an authentic wilderness experience that reconnects you with the great outdoors. Wake to birdsong and fresh mountain air, spend your days exploring scenic trails, and gather around crackling campfires as darkness falls. From solo travelers seeking solitude to families creating lasting memories, this natural sanctuary welcomes all who yearn for the simple pleasures of camping life.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Nestled in a tranquil valley 17 miles west of Gunnison, Colorado, Dry Gulch Campground offers an intimate escape beneath a canopy of towering cottonwood trees. This charming, small-scale campground welcomes both tent campers and medium-sized RVs to its shaded sites, where the rustling leaves create nature's own soundtrack. Each first-come, first-served site comes thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table and metal fire pit, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. While the amenities remain refreshingly simple—clean compost toilets and fresh water—the real luxury here is the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to disconnect from the digital world.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Experience the freedom of spontaneous adventure at this innovative campground where modern technology meets outdoor tradition. Simply arrive, scan, and secure your perfect spot using our cutting-edge QR code system that puts you in control of your camping experience. No reservations needed—just show up ready for adventure and claim your space with a quick smartphone scan.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Discover your perfect basecamp where adventure meets tranquility. This hidden gem offers an authentic outdoor experience with modern amenities, creating the ideal balance for both seasoned campers and families seeking their first taste of wilderness. Wake up to crisp morning air and fall asleep under a canopy of stars, all while enjoying easy access to hiking trails, scenic vistas, and natural wonders that define this remarkable landscape.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Gunnison National Forest's Paonia Ranger District, Lost Lake Campground beckons adventurers to discover its hidden alpine paradise. Here, beneath the towering peaks of the Ruby Mountain Range, families gather around crackling campfires while days are spent exploring winding trails and casting lines into the crystal-clear waters of three pristine lakes—Lost Lake Slough, Dollar Lake, and Lost Lake itself. This first-come, first-served gem offers an authentic backcountry experience where modern amenities take a backseat to raw natural beauty. Pack your water bottles and embrace the simplicity of camping as it was meant to be, with no potable water on-site but endless opportunities for adventure.

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Nestled at the breathtaking upper reaches of Taylor Park, Dorchester Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's high country wilderness. This hidden gem, managed by the Gunnison Ranger District, beckons adventure seekers with its perfect blend of rugged accessibility and pristine natural beauty. Ten thoughtfully spaced campsites accommodate both tent campers and RV enthusiasts, each furnished with sturdy picnic tables and grills for memorable outdoor meals. At 9,800 feet, this mountain sanctuary serves as your gateway to endless adventures—whether you're carving through backcountry trails on your OHV, casting a line into the crystal-clear Taylor River, or exploring the area's legendary mountain biking terrain.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

Tucked away in the heart of Taylor Canyon, Granite Tent Campground offers an intimate escape where the rushing waters of the Taylor River provide nature's soundtrack. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers on a first-come, first-served basis with six secluded tent sites nestled beneath towering canyon walls. Whether you're casting a line into the pristine waters, scaling the nearby rock faces, or preparing for a thrilling rafting adventure, this tent-only sanctuary serves as your perfect basecamp for exploring the canyon's endless outdoor possibilities.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

White River National Forest

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness just 11 miles southeast of Aspen, Portal Campground offers an intimate escape with only 5 secluded campsites. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to Colorado's high-country adventures, where narrow mountain roads lead to endless possibilities for hiking untouched trails, conquering challenging mountain bike routes, exploring rugged terrain on ATVs or motorcycles, casting lines in crystal-clear waters, and saddling up for horseback journeys through alpine meadows.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

Tucked away in Colorado's pristine backcountry, Gold Creek Campground offers adventurers a true wilderness escape without the crowds. This free dispersed camping gem sits at the doorstep of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area, where towering spruce and fir trees mingle with shimmering aspens to create a natural cathedral. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear mountain streams, navigating rugged four-wheel drive trails, or setting off on foot or horseback into the surrounding wilderness, Gold Creek delivers the authentic Rocky Mountain experience. As one enchanted visitor put it, this spot is "very secluded and gorgeous" – and with vault toilets but no fees, it's a rare find that even seasoned campers celebrate for remaining blissfully uncrowded during peak summer holidays.

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

TAYLOR PARK RES, GRAND MESA, ALMONT, CO 81210, USA

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

SALIDA RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE, 5575 CLEORA RD, SALIDA, CO 81201, USA

Cty Rd. 742, Taylor River Canyon, Gunnison, CO, 81231, USA

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

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PSICC

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29130 Hwy 50

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

Campgrounds - Taylor Park Area, Campfire Ranch on the Taylor

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Campgrounds - Taylor Park Area, Campfire Ranch on the Taylor

Escape to Campfire Ranch on the Taylor, where the art of tent camping reaches new heights in Colorado's breathtaking Gunnison Valley. This carefully curated, tent-only retreat invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's simple pleasures. Wake up to the aroma of fresh pancake breakfasts wafting through the pines, gather around crackling fires fueled by complimentary firewood, and let the sound of the Taylor River lull you to sleep under star-studded skies. With pristine drinking water at your fingertips and meticulously maintained sites nestled among towering trees, this isn't just camping—it's an elevated outdoor experience that honors the timeless tradition of sleeping under canvas.

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Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Pines Campground offers an authentic high-country camping experience at 9,200 feet. This intimate campground features just 11 sites along the babbling South Fork of the Michigan River, where the sound of rushing water provides nature's soundtrack to your mountain retreat. While beetle kill has opened up the forest canopy, creating sun-drenched sites perfect for stargazing, visitors appreciate the campground's easy accessibility and rustic charm. As one camper noted, it's a 'great little campground' that delivers simplicity and natural beauty in equal measure.

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Perched in the heart of the Trappers Lake Recreation Area, Trapline Campground offers 11 thoughtfully arranged sites along a single loop, where the landscape opens up to endless Colorado skies. Unlike the dense forest campgrounds below, Trapline embraces its high-altitude setting with sun-drenched sites that bask in natural light from dawn to dusk. Here, the commanding presence of the Flat Tops Wilderness stretches across the horizon, creating a backdrop that transforms with each passing hour as shadows dance across ancient peaks and valleys.

WHITE RIVER

Nestled in a tranquil Rocky Mountain valley, Camp Hale Memorial Campground offers 15 intimate campsites where history and wilderness converge. This hidden gem welcomes tents, trailers, and RVs alike, providing a peaceful retreat enhanced by attentive campground hosts who ensure every visitor feels at home. Adventure seekers will appreciate the direct access to the legendary Colorado Trail, making this modest campground a perfect basecamp for mountain exploration.

FS 520, CREEDE, CO 81130, USA

Nestled along the pristine banks of the Rio Grande River, River Hill Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Colorado wilderness experience. This beloved riverside retreat serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits—cast a line into crystal-clear waters teeming with trout, explore winding trails that disappear into the backcountry, or launch your kayak for a peaceful paddle. Just steps from your campsite, trailheads lead directly into the magnificent Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest designated wilderness area.

806 W. Hallam

Tucked away in the shadow of Colorado's most photographed peaks, Silver Bar Campground offers an intimate escape into the wilderness with just four secluded tent sites. This hidden gem invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Rockies. Each walk-in site comes thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for a memorable stay: sturdy picnic tables for mountain-side meals, bear-proof lockers to safely store your provisions, and stone fire rings where stories come alive under starlit skies. The gentle murmur of Maroon Creek provides nature's soundtrack, while vault toilets ensure basic comfort without compromising the pristine environment.

15571 County Road T5 La Jara, CO 81140

Tucked away in the heart of the Rio Grande National Forest, Conejos Campground serves as a hidden gem for those seeking a more intimate camping experience. While originally designed as an overflow area for the busier Mix Lake and Spectacle Lake campgrounds, this cozy loop has developed its own devoted following among anglers and nature enthusiasts. The campground's prime location offers direct access to the pristine waters of the Conejos River, where trout dance beneath the surface, and provides an easy gateway to the mirror-like waters of nearby Spectacle Lake.

San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

Perched at 7,643 feet in the Colorado high country, Target Tree Campground serves as your gateway to the Southwest's most treasured destinations. Just a scenic drive from the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park and the vibrant mountain towns of Mancos and Durango, this historic campground takes its name from a fascinating chapter in Ute Indian history. Here, centuries-old Ponderosa pines still bear the distinctive scars from when Ute hunters honed their marksmanship skills, while these same majestic trees provided life-sustaining sap and bark that supplemented their traditional diet.

102 Elk Creek, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Tucked away at the dramatic base of Black Canyon, East Portal Campground offers an intimate escape where the mighty Gunnison River whispers past 15 secluded campsites. Here, beneath a canopy of ancient box elder trees, adventurers discover a hidden gem accessed by a thrilling descent down one of Colorado's most memorable access roads. This quiet sanctuary combines raw natural beauty with fascinating glimpses of human ingenuity, where the historic Gunnison Tunnel stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering prowess.

LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO 80461, USA

Perched on the eastern shore of the stunning Turquoise Lake, Molly Brown Campground invites adventurers into a world of towering lodgepole pines and crystal-clear mountain waters. Named after Leadville's legendary 'Unsinkable' Molly Brown, this high-altitude haven serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits—from early morning fishing expeditions to sunset hikes along pristine mountain trails. Here, the majestic peaks stand as silent sentinels while you launch your boat into the turquoise waters or simply lose yourself in the tranquil forest setting.