Camping in Blue Mesa Reservoir
Colorado’s largest body of water offers great fishing, plus lakeside and boat-in camping.
- Blue Mesa Reservoir
94% (15871 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Blue Mesa Reservoir
12 top campgrounds in Blue Mesa Reservoir
94%
(9)
Riverside Vintage Campers
5 sites · Lodging26 acres · Ohio City, Gunnison
Just 20min from Gunnison, sit two Vintage 16ft Shasta Campers that have recently been renovated and updated. Inside the campers there are full size beds that convert into couches as well as a seating areas in the front for eating or reading. The campers have amenities like running water for hand washing, heat, and small fridges. Ohio City is a mecca for hiking, biking, ORV riding, and fishing making this the perfect jumping off point for all the recreation activities in the area.
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$99
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93%
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4 Leg Adventures Non Profit
8 sites · Lodging, Tents46 acres · Paonia, Delta
A Beautiful and quiet small ranch two miles from town and one mile from national forest. Our property is home of 4 Leg Adventures Non Profit. 4 leg Adventures offers conventional riding lessons, Alexander Technique Riding Lessons, and Trail rides for experienced riders. They also do Equine and wilderness based summer camps.
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$30
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Sage View Ranch
24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Paonia, Delta
After traveling the US in our motorhome for almost 5 years my husband Scott and I know the value of a smiling face and a helping hand after a day (or week) of travel. Exploring and experiencing this amazing country, its diversity and incredible people enhanced our lives in so many ways.
In mid 2017 we found out our first grandchild was on the way. Long story short we parked the RV and parked ourselves here in Paonia, CO. In December of that year, we moved onto this amazing property full time and started the long list of fix ups (the list is still long). lol
We are blessed to have our two adult sons and (aforementioned) grandson living on this property with us. Our philosophy is to live in the moment as the present is the gift. Whether enjoying a sunrise or a sunset or anytime in between you’ll likely find us outside most days.
In that, we love all that nature has to offer including fresh fruits and veggies, animals, beauty and fragrances.
Sage View Ranch is being created with the desire to have people experience the natural rustic beauty and magic of Paonia.
Scott and I look forward to meeting you :)
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$25
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Booked 3 times
Miller Flats
4 sites · Tents40 acres · Powderhorn, Gunnison
Miller Flats is a privately own home on 40 acres bordered on 4 sides by Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Powderhorn Wilderness is literally in the back yard. You will find hiking and biking trails plentiful. The Lake Fork of the Gunnison River is just across the street, with public access just two miles away. If you are looking for Jeep or ATV trails, they are less than a mile down the road. We are twenty miles from the spectacular Alpine Loop! And twenty-five miles from Blue Mesa Reservoir.
Tent sites include a firepit, and flat spot for tent. Water and electricity are available at the well house, but not the tent sites. Each campsite has a five gallon bucket of water, a camp potty with a removable bag that you dispose. There may be an outdoor shower available for an extra fee.
Please do not plan on using the firepit unless we have had recent rain and the camp host approves. The grass around the campsite is a wildfire waiting to happen since we have been in a severe drought since 2021. There is a pile of wood near the cabin driveway that you can use for campfires. Please make sure you have a way to extinguish your fire.
The road to the tent sites is BLM. It is not gravel, it is dirt. My car can get to most sites, but the camp host can help haul gear if you don’t want to drive down it. I have had several sedans drive the road, but if you have a low profile vehicle we can tote your supplies. Also, in spring the road may be muddy. Please have a 4 wheel drive. Just send me a message and we will make it work for you.
Satellite Wifi is available near the well house, but somewhat spotty. Not great for downloading movies or gaming. Some people get cell service at the top of the hill, but otherwise there is very little in the area.
Your tent sites are arranged around the property next to the wilderness and a BLM trail. You will be able to drive there. There is a log home on the center of the property, about a quarter mile or more away from the tent sites. We rent the property and a third of the time we are living on premises. There are gardens, barn cats, dogs and we are hoping to add a horse and a fuzzy cow. There are outdoor living areas between the log home and your sites.
If you are interested in more seclusion, please see the Private Valley campsite. It has a ridge between the cabin, other campsites and the well house.
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Spectacular Mountain Getaway
1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Ridgway, Ouray
5 acres of trees up on a hill with breathtaking views of the mountains, including the 14er peak, Mount Sneffels. Only 5 miles from the small mountain town of Ridgway, Colorado and only 30 miles from the famous mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. Friendly hosts willing to offer great advice about how to explore the area. The mountain views from the property makes you imagine you are in Nepal looking at one of the Himalayan Peaks!
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$45
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99%
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Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents35 acres · Hotchkiss, Delta
The House where we live is the corner stone of the Bruce Property and is on the Colorado Register of Historic Houses.The residence was constructed between 1905 and 1912, using red bricks made on the site. John and Sophia Bruce, early pioneers in the North Fork Valley, were first involved in cattle raising. The family later became successful fruit growers. Located along the West Elk Loop, a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway, the large two-story residence features a steeply pitched hipped roof with prominent attic dormers.As a guest of Riverwalk you will have full access to the river during your stay. In addition, there is the Riverwalk Trail System that skirts the North Fork of the Gunnison River from the top of the property, by the Riverwalk Yurt, (available on this site) meandering downstream past the Riverwalk TIPI (available on the site) passing the Grove Yurt (available on this site) and terminating at the bottom of the property with the sandy Riverwalk Beach. There is a trial that zigs through the Cottonwood Grove and zags back along the gentle Monitor Ditch skirting a newly planted grove of young trees.For RV Campers we provide 2- 30amp,1-50 amp and 1- 110-amp electrical services and potable water. There is a dump station available. There is also access to our heated shower house with running water and bathroom amenities (<3 min. walk, may be shared with other guests). The property is perfectly geared to groups of friends gathering in a central location between the onset of the Rockies and the termination high desert to the west. Friends or family will reserve both Yurts and the RV Site for a perfect reunion setting!
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Needle Creek Ranch
6 sites · Lodging, Tents160 acres · Pitkin, Saguache
Needle Creek Ranch is 160 acres secluded inside the Gunnison National Forest. We are just 1 mile from Needle Creek Reservoir with private access. Enjoy fishing, hunting, endless hiking and motorsports trails.
Head down the way and enjoy Blue Mesa Reservoir and endless water sports in the Gunnison Valley and Arkansas Valley.
Located at the end of the road you can enjoy private camping in one of the beautiful spots around the property.
Covered in aspen groves, cottonwood trees and lush pastures there is room for all types of campers. Come enjoy the sunsets of the Gunnison National Forest on a private ranch.
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$46
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95%
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Tater's Black Canyon Campground
2 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Crawford, Delta
35 acres of mountain bliss shared with 2 humans, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 horses and 3 chickens. Eggs may be available upon request. Incredible views and dark skies make the perfect respite for just hanging out, climbing in the Black, foodie time in the North Fork Valley or pretty much whatever you like to do.
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$33
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Coworking Space with Mountain Views
5 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Montrose, Montrose
We bought a school house! The property was was built in 1945 and has been recently renovated, just south of Montrose and sits on almost 15 acres of farmland. Our long-term plan is to build out a full campground on the property, but in the interim we will be offering boondocking. While we are under construction on the outdoor space, the main building is available for our guests to use. Inside the building we have Fiber internet, bathrooms, and coworking space. Please remember, we are under construction, so there is quite a bit happening around the campground outside during the day.
We have several options for HipCampers. We have several large trees which you can park under and will have partial shade throughout the day with mountain views or if you want full sun and would prefer to be out by our creek, we have that too! Please note that there is only one camping structure allowed per site (one tent, one rv, one van, etc.). Since we are under construction we ask that you use caution when pulling into the lot. Our property is also on a bike trail that connects to 70 miles of (mostly paved) bike trails across the town of Montrose. Please reach out with any questions. We look forward to hosting you!
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$35
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Meadows of San Juan RV Resort
112 sites · RVs30 acres · Colona, Montrose
Meadows of San Juan is located in Colorado's high desert region and is conveniently situated near some of the area's most popular attractions, including Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Ouray Hot Springs, and Colorado National Monument.
Our RV park is family, pet, and big rig-friendly, with 120 spacious Full Hook-Up Pull-thru or Back-in Sites equipped with 30 amp and 50 amp service. Each site features a picnic table, complimentary Wi-Fi, and stunning Colorado views. You can even stay hooked up if you're only staying for one night.
Our vacation cabins are cozy and comfortable, featuring wooden decks, a full bed, and a set of twin bunks that can accommodate up to four people. Each cabin comes with a small kitchenette equipped with a cooktop and refrigerator, and a charcoal grill and picnic table are available outside. The cabins also have a full bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet.
For a more rustic camping experience, we offer primitive cabins that sleep four comfortably with two bunk beds and an air mattress, but no heat, electricity, kitchen, or bathroom.
We offer a range of amenities and activities for guests to enjoy, including a seasonal indoor/outdoor pool, billiards, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and pedal karts. Other amenities include WiFi, propane, a general store where firewood is sold, and access to communal fire rings for campfire nights. For families with children and pets, there is a playground and a "Bark Park" for off-leash exercise. The resort also has an event center available for groups, reunions, weddings, and other celebrations.
The scenic views and beauty of Montrose, CO enhance your camping experience with added value. Discover and explore the authentic Colorado experience with Meadows of San Juan RV Resort as your ideal "home base".
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$50
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Campfire Ranch on the Taylor
2 sites · Tents10 acres · Gunnison
We believe campgrounds should be more fun, more accessible and more inclusive for all kinds of campers - that's why we started Campfire Ranch to make camping easier. Our campground is nestled between the granite walls of Taylor Canyon alongside the Taylor River in central Colorado, halfway between Gunnison and Crested Butte, CO. If you've never been to the area, get ready to be amazed, with over 2,500 square miles of public land, 700+ miles of singletrack trail and countless rivers, creeks and lakes to explore. We'll see y'all in the woods!
Learn more about this land:
*We will open May 19th for the 2023 season!*
Camp and adventure in the Gunnison-Crested Butte valley at Campfire Ranch on the Taylor. Book now on our website for additional availability and site details at: Campfireranch.co - we feature walk-in tent only campsites, convenient amenities, demo camping equipment and a full Adventure Concierge service!
Please contact us before booking if you are seeking a family focused experience - we do not have a kids area or playground and require that children under the age of 16 be in the company of an adult at all times due to our proximity to Co Rd 742 and the Taylor River. No multi-room tents are allowed at camp, we simply don't have the room, the largest tent size we can accommodate is 12'x12' - please inquire if you have specific tent questions.
You can check-in with us anytime after 3pm the day of your reservation, please message us if you need to check-in after 8pm. All campers will be required to sign our release of liability waiver before camping (parents/guardians will have to sign for minors in your group) - you can review these terms and rules on our website: CampfireRanch.co
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Marble Mountain Yurt
1 site · Lodging1 acre · Marble, Gunnison
Enjoy hut-style glamping at its finest in our modern mountain yurt. Bask in the sun and take in the stunning panoramic mountain views on our one-acre property above the quirky town of Marble, CO. With immediate access to public lands and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, biking, lakes, rivers, and BBQ in Colorado, there is truly something for everyone to love!
The heated bathhouse features a toilet and foot pump sink.
Purified drinking water is available from May - September.
You must bring your own water from October - April.
The kitchen features an oven/range and basic cooking and serving supplies. There is no refrigerator, so please bring your own cooler and ice.
Campfires are allowed, but it is your responsibility to determine if there is a fire ban in effect. Firewood may be available or dead wood can be collected on the property. There is a picnic table nestled in the scrub oaks. We only rent one side and the entire property is private to you!
We do have neighbors, but the property is pretty well tucked away. You may see the occasional vehicle or hiker on the road or hear someone doing some yard work, but it is generally very quiet and secluded at the yurt.
Our neighbors have chosen to live in Marble for its privacy and tranquillity. Please show them respect by keeping the noise down and leaving them be.
If you have questions or need help, call us from the yurt landline.
Winter camping experience/equipment and a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle with severe snow-rated tires and chains may be required to access the yurt Oct-April. During large snow events, driving to the yurt may be impossible in any vehicle. Skiing to the yurt may be an option Dec - Feb. Gear sleds are available at the yurt for your use.
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$225
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Dog-friendly getaways
Under $50
Star Hosts in Blue Mesa Reservoir
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping in Blue Mesa Reservoir guide
In the high mountain desert between Gunnison and Montrose, Blue Mesa Reservoir is the largest body of water in Colorado. Part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, the 29-mile-long reservoir offers 96 miles of shoreline surrounded by canyons and mesas. Stocked with fish and home to the largest kokanee salmon hatchery in the country, the fishing is legendary. Visitors also come to go boating, paddling, windsurfing, and swimming, as well as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife spotting. Campers can choose from more than 10 lakeside and boat-in campgrounds around the reservoir, with many more options available elsewhere in Curecanti National Recreation Area and Gunnison National Forest nearby.
Where to Go
Sapinero Basin
At the western end of the reservoir is the Sapinero Basin, with three arms branching off north and south, and four campgrounds. The largest campground in the area, Lake Fork, offers 90 tent and RV sites, along with a marina and an information center. The Ponderosa campground can be found along the Soap Creek Arm while the West Elk Creek boat-in campground can be found along the West Elk arm.
Cebolla Basin
Centrally located, the Cebolla Basin is home to the Dillon Pinnacles and Elk Creek Campground, offering 160 sites for tents and large RVs, with fire rings and picnic tables. It’s also the only campground with electric hookups. Near the Elk Creek Visitor Center are a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, and a seasonal marina and restaurant. The basin is also home to the Red Creek, Dry Creek, and East Elk Creek Group Campground, plus the Cebolla Creek boat-in campground.
Iola Basin
On the eastern end of the reservoir, the Iola Basin is home to the Stevens Creek Campground, with 53 tent and RV sites. The Turtle Rock boat-in campground can also be found in this area, along with several picnic areas, two boat launches, and the Lake City Bridge.
Curecanti National Recreation Area
To the west of Blue Mesa are two other lakes that form part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area—Morrow Point Lake and Crystal Lake. Just west of Blue Mesa, Morrow Point offers two boat-in campgrounds at Curecanti Creek and Hermits Rest. Further west, Crystal Lake offers one boat-in campground and two developed campgrounds for tents and RVs, including East Portal, at the far western end of Curecanti National Recreation Area and just below Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Gunnison National Forest
To the northwest of Blue Mesa River is the Gunnison National Forest, spanning more than 1.6 million acres. In addition to plenty of space for dispersed backcountry camping, there are more than 30 developed backgrounds that offer tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. The closest developed campgrounds to Blue Mesa Reservoir include Soap Creek Campground, with 21 campsites, Lake Irwin Campground, with 25 campsites, and the Lost Lake Campground-Paionia, with 18 campsites.
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