How much does camping cost at Pumphouse Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Pumphouse Recreation Area are $10 - $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Pumphouse Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Pumphouse Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pumphouse Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Pumphouse Recreation Area has 3 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 Pumphouse Recreation Area?

Pumphouse Recreation Area is open April 01 to November 29. 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 Pumphouse Recreation Area?

Pumphouse Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Pumphouse Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pumphouse Recreation Area. 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 Pumphouse Recreation Area?

Pumphouse Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pumphouse Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Pumphouse Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pumphouse Recreation Area

3.82

39 reviews

C-Report Card

Featured in:Fishing Colorado

Quick Facts

6,991 ft

Price

$10 - $75/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Fees are required fo...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,991 ft

Price

$10 - $75/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Fees are required fo...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Pumphouse Recreation Area

$10.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day Use: $10.00; Group Sites : $75.00; Standare Nonelectric: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

970-724-3000blm_co_kr_webmail@blm.gov

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Campground Map

Pumphouse Recreation Area

39.9873, -106.5085

Weather at Pumphouse Recreation Area

Current alerts(1)

All campsites must be reserved through Recreation.gov . Camping is limited to 7 consecutive days Campsites must be attended within 24 hours of the 1st reserved day or may be cancelled.

Best Time to Camp at Pumphouse Recreation Area

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to hiking, fishing, and boating — expect warm sunny days (typical highs 70–85°F) and cool nights (40–50°F), ideal for day hikes and evening stargazing. Water levels are generally good for fishing and small-boat recreation, wildflowers at higher meadows linger into June, and trails are fully open. Expect moderate crowds on weekends and holidays, so weekday visits or early mornings provide a quieter experience. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: full hiking, fishing, boating access; temps 70–85°F but crowded.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to November 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Fees are required for day use and camping between April 1 - November 30. Campgrounds are closed with no service between December 1 - March 31.

About Pumphouse Recreation Area

Pumphouse Recreation Area sits in mid-elevation forest along the Colorado River near Kremmling, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The campground offers tent sites, RV sites, and group camping with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for river access, fishing, and hiking, with friendly camp hosts maintaining order during the busy summer season.

The campground offers tent and RV campsites with designated group camping areas. There are 18 single campsites and 2 group campsites available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to hiking, fishing, and boating — expect warm sunny days (typical highs 70–85°F) and cool nights (40–50°F), ideal for day hikes and evening stargazing. Water levels are generally good for fishing and small-boat recreation, wildflowers at higher meadows linger into June, and trails are fully open. Expect moderate crowds on weekends and holidays, so weekday visits or early mornings provide a quieter experience. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation6991 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies terrain shaped by millions of years of geological activity. Ancient rock formations reveal layers of prehistoric seas and volcanic episodes. Weathered cliffs rise above the Colorado River corridor, which has carved its path through sedimentary deposits and polished river stones smooth over time. Many sites overlook the river. The landscape continues to evolve as water and weather work the exposed stone. Elevation here is 6,991 feet, creating a high-desert environment where vegetation adapts to the rocky substrate and river moisture.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging facilities such as cabins or hotels are not mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational opportunities are available along the Gore Canyon Ranch Trail, focusing on the area's history, wildlife, and responsible recreation.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Group campsites can accommodate up to 30 people and include the first two vehicles. Additional vehicles require an additional fee.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityAccessible boat ramps, campsites, and parking are available, along with accessible grills and vault toilets.

Site SizeCampsites 1-8 have back-in/pull-in parking spaces limited to 35 feet or less. Campsites 9-18 typically accommodate parallel parking for two vehicles and small trailers.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site, with many sites offering views of the river. For example, site #13 is noted as 'easy and fairly level,' with a view of the river.

Amenities available

The campground has a seasonal potable water system that may be in operation between mid-April to mid-November (not available for trailer hookups or filling of Recreational Vehicle and Travel Trailer filling). Potable water may be available May - October. However, do not rely on this as the water source for your trip's needs as it is not always operational. There are no electric hook-ups and cell service is non-existent without a booster.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Pumphouse Recreation Area offers various recreational opportunities centered around the Colorado River and its scenic surroundings. Activities include floating downriver through calm flat water and Class III whitewater rapids, wade fishing along the riverbank, hiking trails, and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsThe campground does not have flush toilets. 'Each campsite has access to vault toilets, which are maintained and kept clean.'

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.

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

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From Booking Sources

3.8

39 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Pumphouse Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews generally praise the campground's cleanliness, the helpfulness of the camp hosts, and its proximity to recreational activities like rafting and fishing. However, some dissatisfaction was noted about the temporary unavailability of drinking water.

Review Summaries

Based on 39 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 39 reviews.

Site #13Loved
Site #13 is particularly praised for its level parking and river view.
Site #1Mentioned
Site #1 is described as being close to the lake and suitable for short stays.

What Campers Love

Many users commend the campground's cleanliness and the camp hosts' friendliness. For example: 'Camp host Barb was great! She controls the madness!!' and 'Camp host are informative regarding wildlife...

Based on 39 reviews

Common Concerns

The main complaint is the temporary unavailability of potable water due to construction: 'Not having water and no hope of it getting replaced this season was very disappointing!'

Based on 39 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest bringing sufficient water supplies due to the unreliable water system. Early reservations are advised for popular dates.

Based on 39 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months seem to be the most popular owing to the availability of water-based activities and pleasant weather. However, reviews during this time also mention crowded conditions, especially on...

Based on 39 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great place to camp and put in for rafting.' (Kim N, 7/18/2023) 2. 'We stayed in site #13 with our 27' trailer. Easy and fairly level site that parks along the road (no backing in). Beautiful...

Based on 39 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campground facilities, including accessible parking, boat ramps, and vault toilets, are appreciated for accommodating individuals with mobility challenges.

Based on 39 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews focused on pet-friendly features.

Based on 39 reviews

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Pumphouse Recreation Area

$10.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day Use: $10.00; Group Sites : $75.00; Standare Nonelectric: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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

970-724-3000blm_co_kr_webmail@blm.gov

Go if

You want river access for fishing or rafting in a managed campground with helpful hosts and clean facilities.

Skip if

You need off-season camping or prefer remote backcountry sites without seasonal gate closures.

Nearby Campgrounds

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4.5

(70)

Radium Recreation Area

Radium Recreation Area, County Road 11, Bond, CO, 80423

Radium Recreation Area sits along the Colorado River near Bond, operated by the BLM's Kremmling Field Office. This mid-elevation campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with direct river access for boating and fishing. Facilities include flush and vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, though shade is limited and train noise from nearby tracks can be significant at night.

Pumphouse Recreation Area

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