Big Cimarron

102 Elk Creek, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Tucked away at the dramatic base of Black Canyon, East Portal Campground offers an intimate escape where the mighty Gunnison River whispers past 15 secluded campsites. Here, beneath a canopy of ancient box elder trees, adventurers discover a hidden gem accessed by a thrilling descent down one of Colorado's most memorable access roads. This quiet sanctuary combines raw natural beauty with fascinating glimpses of human ingenuity, where the historic Gunnison Tunnel stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering prowess.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Step back in time at Cimarron Campground, where the echoes of steam whistles and chugging locomotives still whisper through the pines. Nestled 20 miles east of Montrose, Colorado, this unique camping destination sits on the grounds of a historic narrow gauge railroad town, offering visitors a chance to sleep where railway workers once made their homes. The campground welcomes tent campers and medium-sized RVs on a first-come, first-served basis, with fascinating railroad exhibits just steps from your campsite. A short 1.5-mile journey leads to the sparkling waters of Crystal Reservoir near Morrow Point Dam, where adventure awaits.

Ponderosa Campground, Soap Creek Road, Colorado

Escape to Ponderosa Campground, where tranquility meets breathtaking vistas at the secluded northwest corner of Blue Mesa Reservoir's Soap Creek Arm. Perched at an elevation of 7,880 feet, this peaceful retreat beckons adventurers with diverse camping options—from convenient car camping and trailer sites to intimate walk-in tent spots that promise a true connection with nature. Here, solitude isn't just promised; it's delivered with panoramic views that stretch across Colorado's stunning high country.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Nestled in the shadow of towering canyon walls, Cimarron Campground offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and living history. This tranquil retreat welcomes both tent campers and medium-sized RVs, where the whistle of bygone locomotives seems to echo through the surrounding railroad exhibits. Each thoughtfully positioned site comes equipped with picnic tables, fire grates, and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Modern amenities including flush toilets, seasonal drinking water, and recycling facilities ensure comfort without compromising the authentic camping experience. With Crystal Reservoir's shimmering waters nearby and hiking trails beckoning from every direction, Cimarron serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring this remarkable corner of the American West.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Tucked away in a dramatic narrow canyon at the southernmost reaches of Blue Mesa Reservoir's Lake Fork Arm, Gateview Campground offers an intimate wilderness escape for adventurous tent campers. The journey here winds along a narrow gravel road that descends into this secluded haven, where towering canyon walls create a natural amphitheater at 7,538 feet above sea level. This hidden gem rewards those seeking solitude and authentic outdoor experiences far from the crowds.

County Rd 858, Montrose, CO 81401

Nestled within three enchanting loops named after Colorado's rich heritage—Chipeta, Ouray, and Sapinero—Silver Jack Campground invites you to experience camping beneath a cathedral of towering aspens and ancient spruce trees. With 60 thoughtfully placed campsites, this woodland retreat offers both intimate single-family spots and a dedicated group camping loop for larger gatherings. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and campfire ring, perfect for evening storytelling under the stars. Fresh drinking water flows throughout the campground, while nearby Silver Jack Reservoir sparkles just beyond the trees, and the rugged trails of Cimarron Ridge beckon adventurers to explore.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Discover your perfect outdoor escape where adventure meets tranquility. This campground offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts, families, and solo travelers alike. Whether you're seeking peaceful mornings by the campfire or thrilling days exploring nearby trails, you'll find exactly what you're looking for in this pristine natural setting.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Perched high above the charming mountain town of Ouray at 8,400 feet, Amphitheater Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's dramatic San Juan Mountains. This hidden gem provides front-row seats to one of the most spectacular alpine panoramas in the American West, where towering peaks cradle the valley below and morning light paints the surrounding cliffs in shades of gold and crimson.

2505 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO, 81401, USA

Tucked away in a pristine aspen grove at 9,000 feet, Jackson Guard Station invites you to step back in time to a simpler era of mountain living. This authentic Forest Service cabin, once home to hardworking ranger crews, now offers adventurers a chance to experience true wilderness solitude near the sparkling waters of Silver Jack Reservoir. Wake to the whisper of aspen leaves, spend your days exploring endless trails by foot or ATV, cast a line into crystal-clear waters, or track elk through golden meadows. When winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, strap on snowshoes for magical forest explorations. While the cabin provides cozy shelter with essential amenities, its lack of electricity and running water ensures an authentic backcountry experience that reconnects you with nature's rhythms.

10346 Hwy. 347, Montrose, CO 81401, USA

Perched on the dramatic South Rim of one of Colorado's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, this year-round campground invites adventurers to experience the raw beauty of the Black Canyon. Wake to golden sunrises illuminating sheer canyon walls, spend days exploring winding trails, and end each evening beneath a canopy of stars so brilliant they seem close enough to touch. The campground's thoughtfully designed loops nestle among fragrant scrub oak forests, offering modern conveniences like electric hookups alongside the timeless appeal of vault toilets. Keep your camera ready—curious deer often wander through camp at dawn, while lucky visitors might spot elusive bobcats, black bears, or the distinctive drumming of grouse echoing through the trees.

24830 US Hwy 50

Perched on the north shore of Colorado's largest body of water, Elk Creek Campground offers an unparalleled gateway to Blue Mesa Reservoir's 96 miles of pristine shoreline. This jewel within Curecanti National Recreation Area beckons water enthusiasts and desert wanderers alike with its unique blend of aquatic adventures and high desert landscapes. Choose from electric or non-electric sites, each offering sweeping vistas where azure waters meet endless skies in the dramatic Colorado landscape.

102 ELK CREEK, GUNNISON, CO 81230, USA

Perched majestically near the Blue Mesa Reservoir's dam, Lake Fork Campground offers an unforgettable gateway to the stunning Curecanti National Recreation Area. While RV enthusiasts will find plenty of spacious sites to call home, adventurous tent campers can discover hidden pockets of seclusion among the sagebrush. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, or simply sitting back to watch the sun paint the Black Canyon walls in shades of gold and crimson, Lake Fork delivers the quintessential Colorado high-country experience.

29130 Hwy 50

Perched on the north shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir's eastern edge, Stevens Creek Campground offers a front-row seat to Colorado's high-country splendor. Just minutes from the charming town of Gunnison, this waterfront haven invites you to wake up to panoramic lake views and breathe in the crisp mountain air perfumed with wild sagebrush. Sun-drenched sites stretch along the shoreline, where the shimmering waters of Colorado's largest body of water meet endless skies.

21001 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA

Tucked away in the heart of Curecanti National Recreation Area, Red Creek Group Site beckons groups seeking an intimate escape into Colorado's high country. This hidden gem offers a perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility, where towering cottonwood trees create natural cathedral ceilings above your campsite. The gentle murmur of Red Creek mingles with the distant lapping of Blue Mesa Reservoir's waters, creating a soundtrack for unforgettable group gatherings under star-filled skies.

23935 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Escape to East Elk Creek Group Campsite, where your party of up to 50 adventurers can claim an entire corner of Colorado's high country wilderness. This exclusive group sanctuary sits beside the gentle murmur of East Elk Creek, offering the perfect basecamp for days filled with world-class windsurfing across Blue Mesa Reservoir's expansive waters. Whether you're casting lines for trophy fish, paddling kayaks through pristine mountain waters, or gathering around the campfire to spot elk and eagles, this secluded retreat promises memories that will last long after the embers fade.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Discover your perfect escape at Soap Creek Campground, where 21 thoughtfully designed sites await adventurers seeking authentic wilderness experiences. Choose from spacious pull-through sites ideal for RVs, secluded walk-in tent sites that immerse you in nature, or claim your spot along the creek's gentle waters. While Site #11 once offered the coveted riverfront RV experience, nature has temporarily reclaimed this spot as erosion works its magic around the fire pit. The campground maintains a rustic charm with vault toilet facilities, encouraging visitors to embrace the simplicity of outdoor living without running water—just you, your gear, and the great outdoors.

Escape to Mill Creek Campground, where towering spruce and fir trees mingle with shimmering aspens to create a natural sanctuary deep in the San Juan Mountains. This remote BLM-managed gem offers primitive camping at its finest, drawing adventurers who seek solitude beneath ancient forest canopies. Perched along the legendary Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Mill Creek serves as your gateway to world-class hiking trails and thrilling OHV routes that wind through some of Colorado's most spectacular high country.

210 West Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA

Tucked away along the rushing waters of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, Red Bridge Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's rugged beauty. This charming riverside retreat features just seven thoughtfully spaced campsites, each a private sanctuary complete with its own parking area, sturdy metal fire ring, and weathered picnic table perfect for morning coffee or evening meals under the stars. While you'll need to bring your own drinking water, the campground provides modern ADA-accessible vault facilities, ensuring comfort meets wilderness. Here, the soundtrack of flowing water replaces city noise, and the simplicity of unplugged living invites you to reconnect with nature's rhythms.

Lake Fork of The Gunnison River Recreation Area, Gunnison Field Office, 210 West Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Nestled within The Gate, one of Colorado's most dramatic geological wonders, this intimate 8-site campground offers an escape into a world sculpted by millennia of rushing water. Here, where the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River has carved its masterpiece through ancient rock, campers find themselves surrounded by towering stone walls that tell the story of the earth itself. With essential amenities including two vault restrooms and a hand-pumped well providing fresh mountain water, visitors can comfortably immerse themselves in this natural amphitheater while enjoying classic outdoor pursuits like streamside picnicking and casting lines into the crystalline waters below.

216 N. Colorado Street, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Perched high in the alpine wilderness at 9,600 feet, the Alpine Ranger Station beckons adventurers with two charming semi-rustic cabins nestled among towering evergreens. These cozy mountain retreats blend rustic charm with modern comforts, featuring solar-powered lighting, fully equipped kitchens with propane stoves and refrigerators, and crackling potbelly wood stoves that warm both body and soul. A convenient bathhouse with vault toilet ensures comfort even in this remote paradise, while panoramic mountain vistas and endless outdoor adventures await just beyond your doorstep.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Nestled in a tranquil valley 17 miles west of Gunnison, Colorado, Dry Gulch Campground offers an intimate escape beneath a canopy of towering cottonwood trees. This charming, small-scale campground welcomes both tent campers and medium-sized RVs to its shaded sites, where the rustling leaves create nature's own soundtrack. Each first-come, first-served site comes thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table and metal fire pit, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. While the amenities remain refreshingly simple—clean compost toilets and fresh water—the real luxury here is the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to disconnect from the digital world.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Experience the authentic charm of spontaneous adventure at this first-come, first-served campground, where your perfect campsite awaits those who arrive ready to explore. Simply drive in, choose your ideal spot among the available sites, and settle into your outdoor home away from home. Making your stay even more convenient, you can quickly secure your site using the Recreation.gov mobile app's Scan and Pay feature—just scan the QR code at your chosen campsite and you're all set for your wilderness escape.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Nestled in a pristine natural setting, this campground offers an unforgettable escape where adventure meets tranquility. Whether you're seeking solitude under starlit skies or thrilling outdoor activities with family and friends, you'll discover the perfect basecamp for creating lasting memories. Wake to birdsong and fresh mountain air, spend your days exploring scenic trails, and end each evening around a crackling campfire as nature's symphony plays in the background.

28555 Highway 550, Ridgway, Colorado, 81432, United States

Nestled in the heart of Colorado's stunning landscape, Ridgway State Park beckons adventurers with 283 thoughtfully designed campsites and 3 cozy yurts spread across three distinct campgrounds. Whether you're casting a line into pristine waters, launching your boat for a day of exploration, or hitting scenic trails that wind through high desert terrain, this outdoor paradise delivers endless possibilities. After a day of adventure, you'll appreciate the park's exceptional amenities – from spotless bathrooms and convenient laundry facilities to welcoming visitor centers staffed with local expertise.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

Tucked away in Colorado's rugged backcountry, Angel Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience for adventurous souls seeking solitude. This primitive gem features 15 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with sturdy tent pads, fire rings, and grills for memorable evenings under the stars. The journey here requires a high-clearance vehicle navigating mountain roads that wind through stunning terrain—a small price for the tranquility that awaits. Leave the trailers and big rigs behind; this is a sanctuary designed for those who travel light and dream big.

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison RD

Tucked away where Soldier Creek meets Blue Creek, this hidden mountain sanctuary serves as your gateway to the pristine Uncompahgre Wilderness. Here, ancient trails wind through towering spruce and shimmering aspen groves, beckoning hikers to explore one of Colorado's most untouched wilderness areas. With mechanized travel prohibited beyond the campground boundaries, the only sounds you'll hear are rustling leaves, babbling creeks, and the whisper of mountain winds through the forest canopy.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

Tucked away in a pristine valley where two magnificent wilderness areas converge, Hidden Valley Tent Campground beckons to those seeking an authentic backcountry experience. This tent-only sanctuary rests in the embrace of the Powderhorn and La Garita Wilderness areas, where ancient trails wind through untouched forests and the melodic sounds of Cebolla Creek provide nature's soundtrack. Here, backpackers and hiking enthusiasts discover their gateway to adventure, with miles of wilderness trails branching out like veins through the heart of Colorado's high country.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

Perched at the gateway to some of Colorado's most spectacular alpine adventures, Thistledown Campground serves as basecamp for mountaineers drawn to the legendary Mount Sneffels and explorers seeking the rugged beauty of the Weehawken Trail. This intimate mountain retreat caters primarily to tent campers who appreciate its authentic backcountry character, though small RVs can navigate the compact sites with care. Wake to the sound of rushing creeks and spend your days discovering wildflower meadows, challenging jeep trails, and endless mountain vistas that have made this spot a cherished secret among Colorado's outdoor enthusiasts.

Mary E Campground - Norwood RD

Nestled among towering pines, Mary E Campground offers 20 thoughtfully spaced campsites where the scent of evergreens mingles with campfire smoke. Each numbered site comes equipped with its own fire ring and picnic table, creating the perfect basecamp for your mountain adventures. While you'll need to bring your own water, portable toilets and waste disposal are conveniently provided. Small trailers and RVs up to 22 feet can navigate the forest roads here, making it accessible for various camping styles. The surrounding trails beckon hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike, while your four-legged companions are welcome to join the adventure on a leash.

216 N. Colorado Street, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Ponderosa Campground, Soap Creek Road, Colorado

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison RD

Curecanti National Recreation Area

102 Elk Creek, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

County Rd 858, Montrose, CO 81401

2505 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO, 81401, USA

28555 Highway 550, Ridgway, Colorado, 81432, United States

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Lake Fork of The Gunnison River Recreation Area, Gunnison Field Office, 210 West Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

210 West Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA

102 ELK CREEK, GUNNISON, CO 81230, USA

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

10346 Hwy. 347, Montrose, CO 81401, USA

21001 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA