The best camping in Blue Mesa Reservoir

·

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.

92% (1.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Down at the Hop Yard Camping

1. Down at the Hop Yard Camping

99%
(137)
12 sites · Tents, RVs · Montrose, CO
Wake up to the fresh aroma of hops, enjoys beers made with the hops grown next to your sleeping bag, have a campfire with an incredible view of the San Juan Mountains and open night sky, take a tour and learn about the unique world of hops, walk around an 18-foot tall, 32-acre hop trellis, and adventure in all that the Western Slope of Colorado has to offer. We also have 'Fridays on the Farm' every Friday until October 3rd from 4-9pm serving beer with our hops, a local food truck, live music, and yard games. Check our website for more details! We can open the beer barn on other nights, as well as offer tours, upon request! This is a perfect basecamp for adventure! The attractions are endless: Exploring Black Canyon NP, Curecanti NRA, and Gunnison Gorge NCA; fly fishing in gold metal waters; hunting; hiking, climbing, and traversing the Via Ferrata in the San Juan Mountains; rafting, kayaking, or SUPing on three different rivers, including a wave park right in town, as well as on reservoirs and lakes; relaxing in mineral-rich hot springs; shopping for unique souvenirs and gifts; and enjoying the activities, restaurants, and shopping of nearby Ouray and Telluride! If we're booked out, message us and we may have some backup spots! ; )
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Happy Canyon Ranch

4. Happy Canyon Ranch

1 site · Lodging · Montrose, CO
Happy Canyon Ranch is a hidden gem perched on the Uncompahgre Plateau in western Colorado, a wild and peaceful land where nature speaks in silence and sky. The terrain is dotted with Utah junipers and fragrant sagebrush, forming a high desert tapestry that glows in golds and greens under the sun. Perched along the canyon’s edge are massive safari tents, offering rustic luxury with sweeping views. From your canvas porch, you can often spot golden eagles riding the canyon thermals, drifting effortlessly above the rock-strewn cliffs. At night, the sky opens up into a cathedral of stars—pure, unpolluted, and endless—where the Milky Way is so clear it feels like you could reach out and touch it. The air is clean and crisp, scented with pine, earth, and sage. And rising in the distance, like a sentinel watching over the land, is the majestic Mount Sneffels—a 14,000-foot peak that shimmers with snow in spring and glows amber at dusk. This is not just a place. It’s an experience of stillness, scale, and sacred space. Happy Canyon Ranch is where the wild meets the soul.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$80
 / night
Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

6. Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

99%
(383)
8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hotchkiss, CO
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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Tomichi Creek Trading Post

7. Tomichi Creek Trading Post

100%
(2)
45 sites · RVs, Lodging · Garfield, CO
Make the Most of Your Next Outdoor Adventure Whether you're looking for an action-packed week of outdoor adventures, or a relaxing weekend away where you can breathe clear mountain air and observe beautiful wildlife, Tomichi Creek Trading Post is the place you want to be. ​ We are located in one of the most scenic areas of Colorado and the year-round list of things to do is limitless. If you're new to the area, we'll be happy to answer your questions and offer our recommendations for activities during your stay. ​ Our property is ride-in, ride-out to hundreds of miles of off-road trails, so you can unload at your site, and get out into the wild right away. And when you're at your site, you'll have just about everything you need close at hand. Gas and fuel, a well stocked store with gifts and souvenirs, a restaurant and bar, and even an EV charging station. We'll take great care of you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Coworking Space with Mountain Views

8. Coworking Space with Mountain Views

99%
(70)
6 sites · Tents, RVs · Montrose, CO
We bought a school house! 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 that we have converted into a coworking space is available for our guests to use from the hours of 9AM - 6PM. Unfortunately, we are on old agricultural land so the sites are in the direct sun during the day. Please be aware that it gets hot out here in the summer and take this into consideration when booking your stay with us. 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Zenzen Gardens

9. Zenzen Gardens

95%
(220)
14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Paonia, CO
Zenzen Gardens is now the official tasting room for Alfred Eames Cellars, a local winery located 3 miles south of Paonia. Come enjoy some local wines in the garden with a beautiful mountain view. Our tasting room is open May 1st to November 1st from 12 PM - 6 PM. We will be hosting several Farm to Table Dinners along with a Summer Concert Series, Water Lantern Festival and Masquerade.  There is veranda seating to enjoy the beautiful flower gardens and where you can access the internet. Wine tastings are offered daily 12pm-6pm. The veranda is open until 8pm. At the turn of the century, this farm was a dairy operation with its huge old red barn built in the 1880's. The property is pastoral, relaxing, rural and beautiful! It is surrounded by hay and alfalfa fields. It is very quiet with wide open spaces. You might see deer, fox, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Red Tail Hawks and Red Wing Blackbirds, just to name a few.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Hoskin’s Place

12. Hoskin’s Place

100%
(10)
1 site · RV · Crested Butte, CO
A lovely flat spot alongside our garage for a van, small RV, teardrop or truck camper. Electric and water. No available bathroom. This option is especially great since van/rv/trailer camping is not allowed on public streets or in public parking lots in the Town of Crested Butte. (Our spot is a great way to avoid the Marshal knocking on your window at 11 PM and asking you to move on. Yes it happens because we know the officers.) Gorgeous views, easy dog walks and a recreation path right nearby. Walking distance to downtown Crested Butte. Bikable to some of the best mountain biking in the USA. Available year-round, even in the deep snow. Nordic skiing right outside your door. Public transit nearby so you can get settled and leave your van/camper without all the pack up, unpack, leveling process. Local public transportation is great! Quiet dog-friendly neighborhood of locals. Sustainable! (Power is photovoltaic solar. 20 Amp. Not so well suited to AC units or electric heat) Trash, compost, recycling and potable water are available on site. Two blocks away is the CB dump station for sewer and non-potable/potable water except in winter months. A great spot to support evening and late night arrivals to avoid driving all over looking for a dispersed spot during busy times. Worry free! Easy walking distance to the Crested Butte Center for the Arts, Alpenglow (Mondays), Music on the Mountain (Wednesdays), Public House, wedding venues and other music venues, bars and nightlife. 1/2 a block from the Slate River and paddleboarding put-in. 1 block from Rainbow Park and playgrounds, soccer fields, etc. 2 blocks from the public/ski bus. Reliable high speed internet. This is a relatively small, site in town, not a spacious farm/acreage type of site or a campground. Crested Butte has a lot of dispersed camping available so this is ideal for vans and campers with a bathroom who want to camp within town limits and be able to walk everywhere.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night
Cedar Creek Lodging & RV Park

15. Cedar Creek Lodging & RV Park

90%
(5)
118 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Montrose, CO
Cedar Creek stands out as a unique destination near downtown Montrose, offering a serene and well-shaded RV park that caters to a variety of accommodation preferences. Whether you choose to stay in one of our charming tiny homes, park your own RV or van, indulge in glamping, or set up your tent right by the creek, you’ll find a perfect spot to unwind in nature. Our campground provides essential amenities to enhance your stay, including access to a bathhouse, laundry facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. With the beautiful surroundings, you can explore nearby natural features, enjoy swimming holes, and partake in various outdoor activities. Plus, you’ll be just a short distance from local restaurants and shops, making it easy to experience the best of Montrose. We look forward to welcoming you to Cedar Creek for a memorable getaway!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Sage View Ranch

18. Sage View Ranch

98%
(220)
24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Paonia, CO
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 :)
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Miller Flats

19. Miller Flats

88%
(4)
4 sites · Tents · Powderhorn, CO
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.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night

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.

92% (1.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Down at the Hop Yard Camping

1. Down at the Hop Yard Camping

99%
(137)
12 sites · Tents, RVs · Montrose, CO
Wake up to the fresh aroma of hops, enjoys beers made with the hops grown next to your sleeping bag, have a campfire with an incredible view of the San Juan Mountains and open night sky, take a tour and learn about the unique world of hops, walk around an 18-foot tall, 32-acre hop trellis, and adventure in all that the Western Slope of Colorado has to offer. We also have 'Fridays on the Farm' every Friday until October 3rd from 4-9pm serving beer with our hops, a local food truck, live music, and yard games. Check our website for more details! We can open the beer barn on other nights, as well as offer tours, upon request! This is a perfect basecamp for adventure! The attractions are endless: Exploring Black Canyon NP, Curecanti NRA, and Gunnison Gorge NCA; fly fishing in gold metal waters; hunting; hiking, climbing, and traversing the Via Ferrata in the San Juan Mountains; rafting, kayaking, or SUPing on three different rivers, including a wave park right in town, as well as on reservoirs and lakes; relaxing in mineral-rich hot springs; shopping for unique souvenirs and gifts; and enjoying the activities, restaurants, and shopping of nearby Ouray and Telluride! If we're booked out, message us and we may have some backup spots! ; )
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Happy Canyon Ranch

4. Happy Canyon Ranch

1 site · Lodging · Montrose, CO
Happy Canyon Ranch is a hidden gem perched on the Uncompahgre Plateau in western Colorado, a wild and peaceful land where nature speaks in silence and sky. The terrain is dotted with Utah junipers and fragrant sagebrush, forming a high desert tapestry that glows in golds and greens under the sun. Perched along the canyon’s edge are massive safari tents, offering rustic luxury with sweeping views. From your canvas porch, you can often spot golden eagles riding the canyon thermals, drifting effortlessly above the rock-strewn cliffs. At night, the sky opens up into a cathedral of stars—pure, unpolluted, and endless—where the Milky Way is so clear it feels like you could reach out and touch it. The air is clean and crisp, scented with pine, earth, and sage. And rising in the distance, like a sentinel watching over the land, is the majestic Mount Sneffels—a 14,000-foot peak that shimmers with snow in spring and glows amber at dusk. This is not just a place. It’s an experience of stillness, scale, and sacred space. Happy Canyon Ranch is where the wild meets the soul.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$80
 / night
Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

6. Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

99%
(383)
8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hotchkiss, CO
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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Tomichi Creek Trading Post

7. Tomichi Creek Trading Post

100%
(2)
45 sites · RVs, Lodging · Garfield, CO
Make the Most of Your Next Outdoor Adventure Whether you're looking for an action-packed week of outdoor adventures, or a relaxing weekend away where you can breathe clear mountain air and observe beautiful wildlife, Tomichi Creek Trading Post is the place you want to be. ​ We are located in one of the most scenic areas of Colorado and the year-round list of things to do is limitless. If you're new to the area, we'll be happy to answer your questions and offer our recommendations for activities during your stay. ​ Our property is ride-in, ride-out to hundreds of miles of off-road trails, so you can unload at your site, and get out into the wild right away. And when you're at your site, you'll have just about everything you need close at hand. Gas and fuel, a well stocked store with gifts and souvenirs, a restaurant and bar, and even an EV charging station. We'll take great care of you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Coworking Space with Mountain Views

8. Coworking Space with Mountain Views

99%
(70)
6 sites · Tents, RVs · Montrose, CO
We bought a school house! 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 that we have converted into a coworking space is available for our guests to use from the hours of 9AM - 6PM. Unfortunately, we are on old agricultural land so the sites are in the direct sun during the day. Please be aware that it gets hot out here in the summer and take this into consideration when booking your stay with us. 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Zenzen Gardens

9. Zenzen Gardens

95%
(220)
14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Paonia, CO
Zenzen Gardens is now the official tasting room for Alfred Eames Cellars, a local winery located 3 miles south of Paonia. Come enjoy some local wines in the garden with a beautiful mountain view. Our tasting room is open May 1st to November 1st from 12 PM - 6 PM. We will be hosting several Farm to Table Dinners along with a Summer Concert Series, Water Lantern Festival and Masquerade.  There is veranda seating to enjoy the beautiful flower gardens and where you can access the internet. Wine tastings are offered daily 12pm-6pm. The veranda is open until 8pm. At the turn of the century, this farm was a dairy operation with its huge old red barn built in the 1880's. The property is pastoral, relaxing, rural and beautiful! It is surrounded by hay and alfalfa fields. It is very quiet with wide open spaces. You might see deer, fox, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Red Tail Hawks and Red Wing Blackbirds, just to name a few.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Hoskin’s Place

12. Hoskin’s Place

100%
(10)
1 site · RV · Crested Butte, CO
A lovely flat spot alongside our garage for a van, small RV, teardrop or truck camper. Electric and water. No available bathroom. This option is especially great since van/rv/trailer camping is not allowed on public streets or in public parking lots in the Town of Crested Butte. (Our spot is a great way to avoid the Marshal knocking on your window at 11 PM and asking you to move on. Yes it happens because we know the officers.) Gorgeous views, easy dog walks and a recreation path right nearby. Walking distance to downtown Crested Butte. Bikable to some of the best mountain biking in the USA. Available year-round, even in the deep snow. Nordic skiing right outside your door. Public transit nearby so you can get settled and leave your van/camper without all the pack up, unpack, leveling process. Local public transportation is great! Quiet dog-friendly neighborhood of locals. Sustainable! (Power is photovoltaic solar. 20 Amp. Not so well suited to AC units or electric heat) Trash, compost, recycling and potable water are available on site. Two blocks away is the CB dump station for sewer and non-potable/potable water except in winter months. A great spot to support evening and late night arrivals to avoid driving all over looking for a dispersed spot during busy times. Worry free! Easy walking distance to the Crested Butte Center for the Arts, Alpenglow (Mondays), Music on the Mountain (Wednesdays), Public House, wedding venues and other music venues, bars and nightlife. 1/2 a block from the Slate River and paddleboarding put-in. 1 block from Rainbow Park and playgrounds, soccer fields, etc. 2 blocks from the public/ski bus. Reliable high speed internet. This is a relatively small, site in town, not a spacious farm/acreage type of site or a campground. Crested Butte has a lot of dispersed camping available so this is ideal for vans and campers with a bathroom who want to camp within town limits and be able to walk everywhere.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night
Cedar Creek Lodging & RV Park

15. Cedar Creek Lodging & RV Park

90%
(5)
118 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Montrose, CO
Cedar Creek stands out as a unique destination near downtown Montrose, offering a serene and well-shaded RV park that caters to a variety of accommodation preferences. Whether you choose to stay in one of our charming tiny homes, park your own RV or van, indulge in glamping, or set up your tent right by the creek, you’ll find a perfect spot to unwind in nature. Our campground provides essential amenities to enhance your stay, including access to a bathhouse, laundry facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. With the beautiful surroundings, you can explore nearby natural features, enjoy swimming holes, and partake in various outdoor activities. Plus, you’ll be just a short distance from local restaurants and shops, making it easy to experience the best of Montrose. We look forward to welcoming you to Cedar Creek for a memorable getaway!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Sage View Ranch

18. Sage View Ranch

98%
(220)
24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Paonia, CO
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 :)
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Miller Flats

19. Miller Flats

88%
(4)
4 sites · Tents · Powderhorn, CO
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.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night

Camper favorites in and near Blue Mesa Reservoir

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in and near Blue Mesa Reservoir

Stories from the community

Other options in and near Blue Mesa Reservoir

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping in Blue Mesa Reservoir guide

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.

Top parks in and near Blue Mesa Reservoir