Go if
You want high-elevation scenery with hiking and wildlife viewing access, and you're prepared for rough roads and pack-in-pack-out camping.
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$20 - $60/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
30 campsites
Season
Peak season: May 27 ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$20 - $60/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
30 campsites
Season
Peak season: May 27 ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
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You want high-elevation scenery with hiking and wildlife viewing access, and you're prepared for rough roads and pack-in-pack-out camping.
You need water hookups, trash service, or smooth access roads suitable for larger RVs.
Context for the broader area surrounding Oh Be Joyful Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.
The Gunnison Area includes the very popular Hartman Rocks recreation use area just a few miles SW of Gunnison. It consists of 160 acres at the "Base Area" managed by the City and County of Gunnison as well as an adjacent 8,000 acres of federal land managed by the BLM. It’s a paradise of desert mountain biking, hiking, motorcycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, trail running, and Nordic skiing. With miles of trails and roads maintained by the BLM and local Gunnison recreation groups, Hartman’s is one of western Colorado’s best kept secrets. With 40 miles of singletrack trails and 33 miles of road open to biking, beginning to advanced riders can find great trails to learn on. Newly added adaptive hand cycling trails and some wider single track trails provide great opportunities for hand cyclists who want to challenge themselves with fun berms and rollers. Hikers and trail runners can enjoy these same trails or branch out onto other trails. Named Hartman Rocks for the granite ridge that dominates the area, climbing routes and sites abound. Bolting is allowed, but climbers are encouraged to practice clean climbing whenever possible. Motor sports enthusiasts will enjoy motorcycling on 39 miles of trails and 33 miles of roads, and 4 wheel drive vehicles/ATVs can explore the roads. Trail maps are available. During the winter, Nordic skiers take advantage of 16 miles of trails maintained by Gunnison Nordic Club. Both classic and skate skiing options exist. When there is enough snow, snowmobiling on groomed trails and roads can be a great way to experience Hartman Rocks. Local groups are working to establish similar options for fat bikers. Now it’s mostly trails that are packed down and ridden in by snow shoes and more experienced fat bikers. The local bike shops can give you tips on where to ride.
Entrances are located off of State highway 32 and from State Highway 38.
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Best season: fall. Early fall delivers the best combination of crisp mountain weather, dramatic aspen color, and far fewer crowds than mid-summer — visit in September for prime conditions. Expect daytime highs in the 40s–60s°F and chilly nights that can drop into the 20s–30s; occasional early snow is possible, so pack layers. Hiking, fishing on the Slate River, and wildlife viewing (elk and mule deer movements increase) are at their peak, and campsites are easier to book than July/August. Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January
Early fall praised for crisp weather, aspen color and fewer crowds; recommended in Sept.
Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.
Drinking water, electric hook-ups and trash service are not available at Oh Be Joyful so bring your own water and plan to take your own trash with you when you leave.
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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.
Pulled from per-site mentions in 287 reviews.
Site 7: Quiet and tucked away with river access.
Site 26: Highly praised for being next to the Slate River.
Site 28: Offers privacy and proximity to the river but requires a walk-in.
Site 19: Described as the 'worst site' by multiple users due to its gravel surface and lack of a bear box.
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