How much does camping cost at Pitkin?

Camping fees at Pitkin range from $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Pitkin first-come first-served or reservation?

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

What is the best time to visit Pitkin?

Pitkin is open July 07 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 Pitkin?

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

Are dogs allowed at Pitkin?

Pets are not allowed at Pitkin. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Pitkin?

Pitkin offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Pitkin

4.18

17 reviews

Pitkin

Quick Facts

9,390 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,390 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Pitkin

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

N/A

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Pitkin

38.6117, -106.5032

Weather at Pitkin

Best Time to Camp at Pitkin

Best season: summer. Mid-summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, most comfortable weather at this 9,390 ft campground — expect daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F and nights dropping into the 30s–40s. Trails, wildflowers and general backcountry access are at their peak from July through August, and afternoon thunderstorms are common so plan activities for mornings. Crowds are moderate compared with Front Range gateways, but sites are first-come, first-served so arrive early in the day to secure a spot. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Described as best season; daytime 60s–70s°F and peak season July 07–Sep 30.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 07 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Pitkin

Pitkin Campground sits at 9,390 feet in Colorado's mountains near the small town of Pitkin. Sites are first-come, first-served, so arrive early in the day during summer to avoid getting shut out. Cell service is limited or nonexistent, and you'll need the Recreation.gov app downloaded in advance to use the QR code payment system.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Mid-summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, most comfortable weather at this 9,390 ft campground — expect daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F and nights dropping into the 30s–40s. Trails, wildflowers and general backcountry access are at their peak from July through August, and afternoon thunderstorms are common so plan activities for mornings. Crowds are moderate compared with Front Range gateways, but sites are first-come, first-served so arrive early in the day to secure a spot. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation9390 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies high-elevation terrain characteristic of Colorado's central mountains. At 9,390 feet, the air is noticeably thinner and nights stay cool even in July. Wildflowers peak from mid-July through August when snowmelt recedes and alpine meadows come alive. Afternoon thunderstorms build over nearby peaks most summer days, bringing brief downpours and dramatic cloud shows.

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Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

This campground is first-come, first-served; visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for campsites by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app and the Scan and Pay feature; you must download the Recreation.gov mobile app prior to arrival.

Potable water

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

17 reviews

Satisfactory

Pitkin is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Review Summaries

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Pitkin

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid 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

N/A

Go if

Mid-July through August campers who can roll in on a Friday morning and don't mind cold nights in the 30s. The wildflower bloom and afternoon thunderstorm light shows are real, and crowds stay thinner than anything near the Front Range.

Skip if

Arriving on a summer weekend afternoon almost guarantees a full campground with no backup plan. No cell service also means you must download the Recreation.gov app before you leave home or you can't pay on-site.

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Reservable

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Campgrounds

Pitkin

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Pitkin sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>The area surrounding Pitkin Campground is popular for four-wheel driving in the Summer and Fall months. Many 4-wheel drive, high-clearance roads exist in this mountainous region. The area north and east of Pitkin was part of the mineral belt that extends into Leadville. Many of the 4-wheel drive roads were created by miners over 100 years ago. Pitkin campground is also used as a winter trailhead for snowmobilers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. There are 22 campsites.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 9,400 ft. This attractive campground is composed of two loops and two spurs in a large stand of Lodgepole pines. One is small and tightly configured. The other loop, above Quartz Creek, is large and has mostly pull-throughs, widely spaced. The spur with sites 10 through 14 is located along the creek and has no turnaround. Campground features an ORV-friendly attitude and lantern posts. Exploring the nearby town of Pitkin is a good day trip activity. Firewood is available for a fee. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Seasons & access

Open May 13 through October 1.

RV information

The parking aprons are gravel. There are several grey water disposal

Directions

From Pitkin, CO, take Forest Rt. 765 (dirt) north 0.3 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.

National Forest: Gunnison National Forest
Ranger District: Gunnison
Elevation: 9400
Rate: $18 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: May 23 – Sept. 29