Soap Creek

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Escape to the untamed beauty of Big Cimarron, where adventure begins the moment you arrive. This hidden gem operates on a first-come, first-served basis, offering spontaneous travelers the chance to claim their perfect spot among nature's grandeur. No reservations needed—just pack your gear and let the open road lead you to this wilderness sanctuary.

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Escape to one of Colorado's best-kept secrets at this intimate 13-site campground, where pinyon and juniper trees shelter your stay along the dramatic North Rim. This first-come, first-served gem offers the kind of solitude that's increasingly rare in our national parks, with a ranger station nearby during summer months to help orient your adventure.

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.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Tucked at the base of the dramatic Black Canyon of the Gunnison, East Portal Campground offers an intimate 15-site retreat where towering canyon walls meet the rushing Gunnison River. This hidden gem sits within Curecanti National Recreation Area, accessible only through Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park via the winding East Portal Road—a seasonal route that closes each winter, making this a true warm-weather destination.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Gunnison National Forest's Paonia Ranger District, Lost Lake Campground beckons adventurers to discover its hidden alpine paradise. Here, beneath the towering peaks of the Ruby Mountain Range, families gather around crackling campfires while days are spent exploring winding trails and casting lines into the crystal-clear waters of three pristine lakes—Lost Lake Slough, Dollar Lake, and Lost Lake itself. This first-come, first-served gem offers an authentic backcountry experience where modern amenities take a backseat to raw natural beauty. Pack your water bottles and embrace the simplicity of camping as it was meant to be, with no potable water on-site but endless opportunities for adventure.

Box 147, Crawford, Colorado, 81415, United States

Nestled in Colorado's stunning western landscape, Crawford State Park beckons adventurers with its pristine camping facilities and soul-stirring mountain vistas. Here, where crystal-clear waters mirror towering peaks, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned between two of Colorado's natural treasures—the dramatic Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the expansive Blue Mesa Reservoir. Wake to birdsong in this tranquil haven where modern amenities meet unspoiled wilderness, creating the ideal basecamp for your Colorado adventure.

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.

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

Perched beside the crystal-clear waters of its namesake lake, Lake Irwin Campground beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of Colorado's high country. At 10,200 feet, this alpine sanctuary invites you to cast a line into pristine waters, explore winding mountain bike trails, or paddle silently across the mirror-like lake in your kayak or canoe. Towering Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir create a natural cathedral overhead, their ancient branches whispering stories of the wilderness that surrounds you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Fore

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Curecanti National Recreation Area

210 West Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA

102 Elk Creek, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

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

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison RD

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Ponderosa Campground, Soap Creek Road, Colorado

21001 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA

102 ELK CREEK, GUNNISON, CO 81230, USA

23935 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

24830 US Hwy 50

29130 Hwy 50

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Box 147, Crawford, Colorado, 81415, United States

Curecanti National Recreation Area

10346 Hwy. 347, Montrose, CO 81401, USA