Gypsum Campground

3.93

45 reviews

2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO, USA, 81637

Quick Facts

6,250 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open annually from M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Colorado River Valley Field Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

6,250 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open annually from M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Colorado River Valley Field Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Gypsum Campground

$10.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are either $10/night per site for individual campsites or $20/night as mentioned in some reports. The group site fee is $4 per person...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$40.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(970) 876-9000

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What Campers Say

3.93

Mixed Reviews

Based on 45 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomslocation

Some mention

noise

"Gypsum Campground has a mix of positive and negative reviews. While visitors appreciate the natural beauty and affordability, there are complaints about highway noise and long-term parked campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO, USA, 81637

Gypsum Campground

2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO, USA, 81637

Driving directionsI-70 Exit 140 at Gypsum and turn south. Turn right on the frontage road (Old Highway 6) and go 1.5 miles past the roundabout. Take a left to the Gypsum Recreation Area.

The campground is readily accessible from Interstate Highway 70, which provides paved roads leading to the site. However, some gravel roads exist within the campground, offering primitive camping and fishing access.

Nearby places

Gypsum is the nearest town (approx. 1.5 miles), Vail (approx. 35 miles), and Eagle (approx. 10 miles).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are available in Gypsum, which is approximately 1.5 miles away, providing groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Gypsum Campground

Time your visit perfectly to experience the Eagle River at its finest during the prime floating season from late May through July, when snowmelt transforms the waterway into a rafting paradise. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for riverside relaxation, while autumn paints the surrounding landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons. The campground embraces a well-deserved winter slumber from November 15 to May 15, when snow blankets the region in peaceful solitude. Despite the area's reputation for dry winters, occasional snowfall creates a stunning contrast against the rugged terrain.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Prime floating season late May–July; excellent river access though busier and noisier in peak months.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open through Nov 15; calmer crowds and scenic fall views with continued fishing opportunities.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens May 15; late spring snowmelt creates rafting opportunities, early spring access limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (open May 15–Nov 15).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Floating season occurs from late May through July, suggesting peak visitor activity.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open annually from May 15 to November 15.
Current Alerts: The campground closes for winter between November 15 and May 15.

About Gypsum Campground

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Eagle River, Gypsum Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Colorado wilderness experience. This hidden gem operates on a first-come, first-served basis, offering primitive camping that puts you in direct contact with nature's raw beauty. Whether you're casting a line from the walk-in fishing access points, navigating the river's thrilling rapids, or simply watching golden eagles soar overhead, this riverside retreat serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures.

Gypsum Campground is a primitive campground designed to accommodate various camping styles, including RV and tent camping. All sites are first-come, first-serve.

Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure unfolds in the shadow of one of Colorado's most fascinating geological wonders—Dotsero's dormant volcanic crater. This sleeping giant, along with its ancient lava flow, tells a dramatic story of the Earth's fiery past, making your campsite not just a place to rest, but a front-row seat to millions of years of geological history.

Weather and SeasonsTime your visit perfectly to experience the Eagle River at its finest during the prime floating season from late May through July, when snowmelt transforms the waterway into a rafting paradise. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for riverside relaxation, while autumn paints the surrounding landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons. The campground embraces a well-deserved winter slumber from November 15 to May 15, when snow blankets the region in peaceful solitude. Despite the area's reputation for dry winters, occasional snowfall creates a stunning contrast against the rugged terrain.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery, the campground's mountain setting promises that crisp, clean air and star-filled skies that make Colorado camping legendary.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Eagle River serves as the campground's liquid lifeline, its gentle murmur providing a natural soundtrack to your stay. Thoughtfully placed native bushes create intimate, semi-private camping spots that blend seamlessly with the landscape. Wildlife enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise—watch for the graceful dance of blue herons along the riverbank, the majestic flight of bald eagles overhead, and the playful antics of ducks and geese in the shallows. The dramatic backdrop of Dotsero's volcanic formations adds an otherworldly element to an already spectacular natural canvas.

Geological RegionGypsum Campground sits at a remarkable geological crossroads where the flowing waters of the Eagle River meet the ancient volcanic legacy of Dotsero. This unique Colorado location showcases the dynamic forces that shaped the American West—from the patient erosion of river valleys to the explosive volcanic activity that left its mark in frozen lava flows. It's a place where every rock tells a story and every vista reveals another chapter in the Earth's ever-evolving narrative.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at any time due to the first-come-first-serve policy.

Check-out

Check-out is not explicitly mentioned, but the first-come-first-serve nature implies vacating early to avoid losing a spot.

Stay Limit

May-August: 7 days
September-November: 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 9 guests, 2 vehicles, and 2 tents allowed per standard campsite.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 25 people at $4 per person per night, with a minimum total charge of $40 per night.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground contains 10 single overnight sites with additional day-use picnic areas.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as there is no reservation system.

Walk-in AvailabilityEntirely walk-up; sites are first-come-first-serve with no reservation system.

Cancellation PolicyAs a first-come-first-serve campground, reservations and cancellations are not applicable.

AccessibilityRestrooms are ADA accessible according to official descriptions.

Site SizeThe campground offers standard-sized sites that can accommodate up to nine people, two vehicles, and two tents per site.

PrivacyPrivacy is variable, with some campsites separated by bushes providing decent privacy, while others are close together and open, as mentioned by users.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites with bushes for more privacy if highway noise is a concern.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Gypsum Campground offers activities such as fishing, rafting, wildlife viewing, and sightseeing. Visitors can access the Eagle River for fishing or enjoy observing local wildlife such as ducks, geese, blue heron, bald eagles, and other raptors. The nearby Dotsero area provides additional geological sightseeing opportunities like an inactive volcanic crater.

FishingThe Eagle River offers fishing opportunities, with one user noting trout jumping out of the water late in the evening, although they described the fish as 'a little finicky.'

BoatingRafting is a popular activity during the floating season that typically runs from late May through July.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as ducks, geese, blue heron, bald eagles, and raptors can be observed. One user even reported seeing a moose in their camp.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsProximity to Interstate Highway 70 may lead to considerable noise. Wildlife such as moose are occasionally spotted near campsites.

Active AlertsThe campground closes for winter between November 15 and May 15.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies mentioned in the source.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No official quiet hours; user reviews suggest highway noise persists between 11 PM to 5 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely located in Gypsum or Eagle, including hospitals, police stations, and fire departments.

Trash & RecyclingNo details provided about trash and recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesDirect access to the Eagle River, and trout are visible jumping out of the water.

Camp HostNo onsite staff or service available.

Weather at Gypsum Campground

Reviews

3.9

45 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Gypsum Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Gypsum Campground has a mix of positive and negative reviews. While visitors appreciate the natural beauty and affordability, there are complaints about highway noise and long-term parked campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 45 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic location along the Eagle River, affordable at $10 per night, clean restrooms, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Based on 45 reviews

Common Concerns

Highway noise due to proximity to I-70, campsites being too close together, and long-term parked campers detracting from the camping experience.

Based on 45 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring earplugs to mitigate noise from I-70, double up on sleeping bags for colder nights, and visit during the quieter seasons for a more private experience.

Based on 45 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Campground is more crowded during peak seasons, and highway noise was mentioned to quiet down late at night (11 PM - 5 AM).

Based on 45 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Each campsite has a picnic bench. Beautiful views!' - Isabel H. 2. 'Economically priced at $10. Decent privacy with bushes.' - Elizabeth 3. 'Noisiest campground I’ve ever stayed in.' - Terry...

Based on 45 reviews