Oh Be Joyful Campground

4.39

354 reviews

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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

Opens BLM site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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

Opens BLM site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Oh Be Joyful Campground

$20.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary depending on the site type: $20 per night for individual tent or RV sites (non-electric), and $60 per night for group tent-only...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$60.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-642-4940null

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What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 354 reviews

118 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlocationhiking

Some mention

reservation

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Oh Be Joyful Campground

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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.

The access road (BLM Road 3220) to the campground is steep and rough, and may not be suitable for larger low-clearance rigs. Reviews consistently note this challenge, with one camper describing it as "a little like driving on the moon!"

Nearby places

Crested Butte (5 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Nearby supplies

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Best Time to Camp at Oh Be Joyful Campground

Perched at 9,000 feet, Oh Be Joyful offers a refreshing escape from summer heat, with crisp mountain air and temperatures that invite you to break out your favorite flannel. Summer afternoons often bring dramatic thunderstorms that roll through the valley, painting the sky with nature's own light show before giving way to crystal-clear evenings perfect for stargazing. Spring transforms the Slate River into a powerful force as snowmelt rushes down from the peaks, creating an exhilarating soundtrack for your stay. When autumn arrives, the mountainsides explode into a tapestry of gold and amber as aspens put on their annual spectacular show, making fall camping here an unforgettable experience.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season with wildflowers, hiking, biking and water activities; highly popular in summer.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Popular in fall for foliage; campground remains open through Sept 30 and reviews note strong fall appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Early/late spring visits may offer solitude but road/accessibility issues and campground largely closed pre-May 27.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 27–Sept 30; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 27, 2025 - September 30, 2025. 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.
Current Alerts: null

About Oh Be Joyful Campground

Escape to Oh Be Joyful Campground, where mountain serenity meets riverside bliss just 5 miles from the charming town of Crested Butte, Colorado. This intimate 30-unit retreat hugs the eastern banks of the pristine Slate River, offering a perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness immersion. Choose from 14 RV sites with modern conveniences, 15 secluded walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more authentic experience, or gather your tribe at the spacious group site. Named after the melodious Oh Be Joyful Creek that cascades through the area, this campground serves as your gateway to thundering waterfalls, meadows painted with wildflowers, and trails that wind through some of Colorado's most breathtaking mountain scenery. Here, elk and deer are your neighbors, and each sunrise brings new adventures right to your tent flap.

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.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsPerched at 9,000 feet, Oh Be Joyful offers a refreshing escape from summer heat, with crisp mountain air and temperatures that invite you to break out your favorite flannel. Summer afternoons often bring dramatic thunderstorms that roll through the valley, painting the sky with nature's own light show before giving way to crystal-clear evenings perfect for stargazing. Spring transforms the Slate River into a powerful force as snowmelt rushes down from the peaks, creating an exhilarating soundtrack for your stay. When autumn arrives, the mountainsides explode into a tapestry of gold and amber as aspens put on their annual spectacular show, making fall camping here an unforgettable experience.

ElevationAt nearly 9,000 feet above sea level, Oh Be Joyful Campground offers the authentic high-country experience that Colorado is famous for. The thin mountain air adds an invigorating quality to every breath, while cooler temperatures provide welcome relief even on summer's warmest days. First-time high-altitude visitors should take it easy on arrival, allowing their bodies to adjust to the elevation while soaking in the spectacular views that come with camping among the clouds.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up in a verdant valley where towering peaks stand sentinel on either side, their slopes adorned with nature's finest artwork. The campground's setting is nothing short of magical, with the Slate River providing a constant, soothing melody as it flows past your campsite. Spring and summer transform the landscape into Colorado's premier wildflower showcase, where purple Columbine (the state flower) mingles with fiery Indian Paintbrush and delicate Avalanche Lilies to create a living kaleidoscope. The interplay of rushing water, wildflower meadows, and dramatic mountain vistas creates an ever-changing canvas that photographers and nature lovers find irresistible.

Geological RegionTucked into the heart of Gunnison County, Colorado, Oh Be Joyful Campground occupies a stunning valley carved by the persistent flow of the Slate River through ancient mountain terrain. This geological wonderland showcases the raw beauty of the Rocky Mountains, where millennia of erosion and uplift have created the dramatic peaks and gentle valleys that define the landscape. The campground serves as a front-row seat to one of nature's most impressive floral displays, with spring and early summer bringing waves of wildflowers that carpet the hillsides. Columbine, Indian Paintbrush, and Avalanche Lilies transform the valley into a botanical paradise, their vibrant blooms a testament to the unique conditions created by this high-altitude ecosystem.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

After 2:00 PM

Check-out

Prior to 2:00 PM

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

Site layoutThe campground features 14 RV sites, 15 walk-in tent sites, and one group campsite. Walk-in sites are generally more secluded, while RV sites offer easier access.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is unlikely during peak season as the campground is usually full. Reservations are highly recommended.

Cancellation PolicyScan and Pay camping payments are non-refundable, and no modifications or cancellations are allowed.

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.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

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.

HikingHiking is a highlight here, with trails like the Oh Be Joyful trail leading to Blue Lake and other scenic waterfalls. "The Oh Be Joyful trail is 13 miles out and back, but you can choose your own adventure," one camper shared. Trails range from easy walks to challenging multi-day hikes.

FishingFishing opportunities abound in the nearby Slate River and surrounding waterways. One reviewer described the area as 'a great location to fish.'

BikingMountain biking is a popular activity, with trails like the Coal Train and Lower Loop accessible directly from the campground. The area is praised for its biking opportunities, making it a great base camp for cyclists.

BoatingKayaking is a notable activity in the Slate River near the campground. However, there are no specific details about boat ramps or docking facilities.

Wildlife viewingThe campground and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife, including deer and bears. 'We had a young doe run through on the pathway between campsites,' one visitor noted. Bear sightings are common, emphasizing the importance of using bear-proof food storage.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRiver water levels rise during spring runoff, creating swift and potentially dangerous conditions. Bears are prevalent, necessitating proper food storage. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.

Active Alertsnull

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.

Fire PolicyFires are only allowed in designated metal fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM

Emergency Servicesnull

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.

Water FeaturesLocated along the Slate River. Some sites, such as 23 and 26, provide direct riverfront access.

Camp HostMixed reviews regarding hosts. Some describe them as "helpful," while others recount issues with hosts failing to enforce rules or double-booking sites.

Weather at Oh Be Joyful Campground

Reviews

4.4

354 reviews

Recommended

Oh Be Joyful Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 354 reviews

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 354 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 354 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 354 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 354 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 354 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 7: Quiet and tucked away with river access. Site 19: Described as the 'worst site' by multiple users due to its gravel surface and lack of a bear box. Site 26: Highly praised for being next to...

Based on 354 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 354 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 354 reviews

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