How much does camping cost at Oh Be Joyful Campground?

Camping fees at Oh Be Joyful Campground range from $20-$60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Oh Be Joyful Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Oh Be Joyful Campground 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Oh Be Joyful Campground before I book?

Yes! Oh Be Joyful Campground has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Oh Be Joyful Campground?

Oh Be Joyful Campground 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 Oh Be Joyful Campground?

Oh Be Joyful Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Oh Be Joyful Campground have?

Oh Be Joyful Campground has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Oh Be Joyful Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Oh Be Joyful Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Oh Be Joyful Campground?

Oh Be Joyful Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Oh Be Joyful Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Oh Be Joyful Campground?

Fire policies at Oh Be Joyful Campground: Please save or print a copy of your reservation confirmation prior to arrival. There is no cell service at this campground. Check-in time is after 2:00 p.m. on the first day of the reservation. Check-out time is prior to 2:00 p.m. on the last day of the reservation. If the reservation holder doesn't show up on the first day of the reservation, the campsite is released at check-in time (2 pm) the next day. There are no hookup services, no trash collection services and no potable water. Bring your. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.30

287 reviews

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Top 5%Fall

C+Report Card

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Hiking Camping

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$20 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Peak season: May 27 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on BLM Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$20 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Peak season: May 27 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on BLM Official Website

Get Directions

Oh Be Joyful Campground

$20.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group campsites: $60.00; RV Nonelectric: $20.00; Walk to campsite: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$60.00

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

970-642-4940kacarson@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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Oh Be Joyful Campground

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Nearby places

Crested Butte (5 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Driving directionsFrom the town of Crested Butte, drive north on Gothic Road. (County road 317) towards Mount Crested Butte. Cross the Slate River and turn left on Slate River Road (County Road 734). Follow this up the valley for approximately 5 miles to BLM Road 3220. Turn left onto BLM Road 3220 and continue for approximately 0.3 miles to Oh Be Joyful Campground. BLM Road 3220 is steep and rough; low clearance vehicles and larger RVs may want to scout the road before driving down to the campground.

Weather at Oh Be Joyful Campground

Best Time to Camp at Oh Be Joyful Campground

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

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 5% in US

Rated 'best season': early fall offers prime aspen color, crisp weather and fewer crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season: May 27 to September 30. The campground closes outside of this range, and no bookings are available during the offseason.

About Oh Be Joyful Campground

Oh Be Joyful Campground sits along the Slate River near Crested Butte, managed by the BLM at high alpine elevation. This small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and bear-proof lockers. Visitors come for waterfall access, hiking trails, and fall aspen color, with elk and mule deer sightings common in September.

Oh Be Joyful Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations, including RV sites, walk-in tent sites, and a group site. The variety caters to different types of campers, though the absence of amenities like water and electricity makes it ideal for those seeking a more rustic experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest 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

Elevation9000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Slate River carves through a narrow valley flanked by peaks, its constant flow audible from most campsites. Spring and early summer bring waves of wildflowers. Columbine, Indian Paintbrush, Avalanche Lilies. That blanket the hillsides in purple, orange, and white. The river runs high with snowmelt through June, then settles into clearer flows by late summer. Walk-in sites get you closest to the water. Elk and mule deer move through the area regularly, especially in fall.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available on-site; the campground is strictly for tent, RV, or group camping.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14-Day Max Stay

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsites are limited to 8 people.

Groups

The group site features large tent platforms and accommodates multiple tents. However, reservations for the group site should be confirmed, as some users reported unclear reservation policies.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible campsites, accessible vault toilets, and trail parking.

Site SizeSites are generally spacious, with tent pads and areas large enough to accommodate trailers or RVs where permitted. Some walk-in sites provide additional privacy and proximity to the river.

PrivacyPrivacy varies depending on the site. Walk-in tent sites are well spread out and quiet, while others, such as site 17, are described as "in the middle of all the other ones" with little to no privacy. Reviewers recommend choosing sites on the outside for more seclusion.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and scenic views, choose walk-in sites like 28, 25, or 23. Drive-up sites closer to the river provide easier access but may have less shade.

Best CampsitesSite 23 sits directly on the river with open views. Site 26 also borders the Slate River. Site 2 offers more privacy and scenery. Walk-in sites generally provide better spacing and proximity to water than RV sites. Avoid site 17, which reviewers describe as surrounded by other sites with little privacy. Outside sites along the perimeter offer more seclusion than interior spots.

Need help booking Oh Be Joyful Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

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.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Oh Be Joyful Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Oh Be Joyful trail and access to the Raggeds Wilderness provide ample opportunities for exploration, while the Slate River and waterfalls enhance the overall experience. "The Oh Be Joyful trail to Blue Lake directly from the campground is very popular," one visitor noted.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at each campsite to ensure safe storage of food and scented items in bear country.

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).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyPlease save or print a copy of your reservation confirmation prior to arrival. There is no cell service at this campground. Check-in time is after 2:00 p.m. on the first day of the reservation. Check-out time is prior to 2:00 p.m. on the last day of the reservation. If the reservation holder doesn't show up on the first day of the reservation, the campsite is released at check-in time (2 pm) the next day. There are no hookup services, no trash collection services and no potable water. Bring your

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m to 8:00 a.m

Trash & RecyclingNo trash collection services are provided. Visitors must pack out all trash. Bear-proof food storage lockers are available at each site, but campers need to manage waste disposal independently.

Cell CoverageCell phone service at the campground is described as "spotty," though some visitors, particularly those with certain carriers like Xfinity, reported being able to make calls or send texts. Reliable internet access is rare, prompting recommendations to download trail maps in advance.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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.

Reviews

Rate Oh Be Joyful Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.3

287 reviews

Satisfactory

Oh Be Joyful Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, proximity to outdoor activities, and rustic charm. While many praise the clean vault toilets and well-maintained sites, common complaints include the challenging access road, lack of water and trash services, and occasional overcrowding. The campground's popularity often results in limited privacy and issues with site management.

Review Summaries

Based on 287 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 287 reviews.

Site 7Loved
Site 7: Quiet and tucked away with river access.
Site 26Loved
Site 26: Highly praised for being next to the Slate River.
Site 28Loved
Site 28: Offers privacy and proximity to the river but requires a walk-in.
Site 19Issues noted
Site 19: Described as the 'worst site' by multiple users due to its gravel surface and lack of a bear box.

What Campers Love

Scenic location along the Slate River with access to waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildflowers. Bear-proof food storage lockers are appreciated, and vault toilets are often described as clean. The...

Based on 287 reviews

Common Concerns

Rough access road, absence of potable water and trash services, and limited privacy in certain sites. Overcrowding and site management issues, such as double-booking and lack of enforcement of quiet...

Based on 287 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and trash bags. Choose walk-in sites for more privacy and proximity to the river. Be prepared for rough road conditions and consider scouting the access road if driving a...

Based on 287 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is highly popular in summer and fall due to wildflowers and fall foliage. Early and late season visits may offer more solitude but come with risks of road accessibility difficulties...

Based on 287 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The CLEANEST bathrooms I've ever had while tent camping!" "For $10/night you can’t beat it!" "Rough road down, but worth it for the trails and views."

Based on 287 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites and vault toilets are available, but uneven terrain and the steep access road may pose challenges. Some vault toilets are noted as being better maintained than others.

Based on 287 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Bear-proof storage and vigilance are necessary due to wildlife presence, and cow grazing in the area may distract pets.

Based on 287 reviews

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Oh Be Joyful Campground

$20.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group campsites: $60.00; RV Nonelectric: $20.00; Walk to campsite: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$60.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-642-4940kacarson@blm.gov

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.

Skip if

You need water hookups, trash service, or smooth access roads suitable for larger RVs.

Nearby Campgrounds

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

Lake Irwin sits at high elevation in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest near Crested Butte, operated by Recreation Resource Management of America. The alpine campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers hike, fish for trout, bike, and paddle non-motorized boats on the lake during the summer season.

Oh Be Joyful Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Oh Be Joyful Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Oh Be Joyful Campground

Best Time to Camp at Oh Be Joyful Campground

Planning Tips

About Oh Be Joyful Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Oh Be Joyful Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

How campers graded it

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Directions

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Ask Camp Sage about Oh Be Joyful Campground

Best Time to Camp at Oh Be Joyful Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Oh Be Joyful Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns