Lake Camping in Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado: Best Lake Campsites 2024

United States
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Colorado
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Blue Mesa Reservoir

98% (598 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Blue Mesa Reservoir

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

93%

(7)

FestiVille: Juniper Springs

1 site · RV, Tent44 acres · Crawford, CO

We are happy to welcome you to nearly 44 acres of wild terrain and gorgeous views with 4 swimming ponds. A piece of land like no other around, Juniper Springs boasts ponds and gorgeous creeks connecting them, lichen covered rocks resembling castle ruins, wildflowers in the meadows and cacti on the high grounds. Run by a non-profit project we offer add-ons for breakfast, picnic lunches, massage, horseback tours, permaculture classes, art workshops and more! **Note as of March 1st 2024 we have a damaged drive that is only passable by higher clearance vehicles. Our composting toilet is also being updated. Both of these will be back in action by May 1st.

100%

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Campfire Ranch on the Taylor

2 sites · Tents10 acres · CO

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

Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

7 sites · Lodging22 acres · Paonia, CO

Formerly known as the North Fork Tipi Haven, this 22 acres was once owned by International sculptor Lincoln Fox, and built by Mr. Wooten in the early 1900's as an apple orchard, Old Moon Acres is now home to Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven. The North Fork Valley of the Gunnison River, encompassing Crawford, Hotchkiss and Paonia, was an important fruit orchard area in the late 1800's and well into the early 1900's. The valley's climate is a banana belt, perfect for fruit with the cold air coming down from the mountains at night and the heat from the mesas warming up the valley during the day. Coal mines up the road in Bowie and Somerset paid better, so many of the orchards languished over the years. Since the closing of all the mines but one, today the NFV is home to the largest concentration of organic farms in the state of Colorado as well as becoming a state Creative District serving the multitudes of artist and creatives that call the valley home. There are many pick-your-own peaches, cherries, apples, pears, nectarines and if we are lucky, apricots, in the valley. Delicious Orchards, 1 mile down Hwy 133, is an excellent place to pick your own, drink local hard cider and listen to live music on the weekend over a wonderful brunch. It is all about the farms, cattle, art, music, outdoor adventure, fun and relaxation here in the North Fork Valley. The tipis are custom made by the Colorado Yurt Company in Montrose, Colorado where they have been making yurts, tents and tipis since 1976. The tipis are expertly designed and made with custom paintings invoking the animal spirits that inhabit our land. These are a Sioux design tipi as the Ute's mainly lived in wiki-ups until they were introduced to the tipi in the 1800's. The Ute's appropriated the tipi design from the Sioux or Plains Natives. We have solar showers (solar bags of water heated by the sun during the day) available for free. Showers are also available at the local laundromat in Hotchkiss. Our goal is to awaken your sense of wonder by sleeping out in nature and waking up to the Colorado blue sky in clean, clear air at 5500 ft. You can visit the many high altitude wineries, fruit orchards, organic farms, farm-to-table restaurants, great music, interesting movies at the community owned Paradise Theater, art at the Creamery Arts Center in Hotchkiss, stand-up paddle boarding, WSSUP, at Crawford reservoir, mountain biking in Grand Mesa, hiking in the West Elks, rafting down the Gunnison river in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, fishing up canyon in the coolness of the forest or relaxing in one of many hot springs within an hour of us. Colorado Detours is highly recommended by us to take you and yours on a hiking, farm, wine, or geology tour of the area. Aspen, Crested Butte (over Kebler Pass), Glenwood Springs, Gunnison, Ouray, Grand Junction, Ridgeway and Telluride all are about an hour or two away by car. Welcome to Colorado.

Tater's Black Canyon Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Crawford, CO

Hot showers and toilets are now available! (more details to follow). 35 acres of bliss shared with 2 humans, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 horses and 3 chickens. Eggs may be available upon request. Black Canyon National Park is a short drive to the west. Conveniently located to Crawford and the North Fork Valley to wineries, music fests and local eateries. 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.

Oasis RV Resort & Cottages

71 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Gunnison, CO

Oasis RV Resort & Cottages Gunnison Lakeside offers a beautiful location for short and long-term RV vacationers all year round. Our facilities include free Wi-Fi, electric and sewer hookups, pure drinking water, and shaded sites. Take advantage of the coin-operated guest laundry. We also offer RV and boat storage, a dog park, a picnic area with tables, and on-site propane sales. Enjoy the convenience of our general store selling such items as groceries, toiletries, fishing tackle, RV supplies, as well as souvenirs. We are conveniently located right across from beautiful Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest body of water, and Kokanee salmon fishery, and just 12 miles west of Gunnison on Highway 50 between mm 146 and 145. Our park’s location offers lake views and high country scenery being only a few miles away from Gunnison River, and Dos Rios Golf Club, and we share a border with Curecanti National Recreation Area. So you are only a short drive away from a boat ramp and marina. Local dining establishments include Garlic Mikes, Mario's, OL' Miners Steakhouse, 5 B's BBQ, Gunnison Pizza Co., and The W Cafe! We offer great rates to make your RV Park camping experience more affordable and enjoyable.

10 top lakeside campgrounds in Blue Mesa Reservoir

Booked 14 times

Oasis RV Resort & Cottages

71 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Gunnison, CO

Oasis RV Resort & Cottages Gunnison Lakeside offers a beautiful location for short and long-term RV vacationers all year round. Our facilities include free Wi-Fi, electric and sewer hookups, pure drinking water, and shaded sites. Take advantage of the coin-operated guest laundry. We also offer RV and boat storage, a dog park, a picnic area with tables, and on-site propane sales. Enjoy the convenience of our general store selling such items as groceries, toiletries, fishing tackle, RV supplies, as well as souvenirs. We are conveniently located right across from beautiful Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest body of water, and Kokanee salmon fishery, and just 12 miles west of Gunnison on Highway 50 between mm 146 and 145. Our park’s location offers lake views and high country scenery being only a few miles away from Gunnison River, and Dos Rios Golf Club, and we share a border with Curecanti National Recreation Area. So you are only a short drive away from a boat ramp and marina. Local dining establishments include Garlic Mikes, Mario's, OL' Miners Steakhouse, 5 B's BBQ, Gunnison Pizza Co., and The W Cafe! We offer great rates to make your RV Park camping experience more affordable and enjoyable.

Campfire Ranch on the Taylor

2 sites · Tents10 acres · CO

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

Tater's Black Canyon Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Crawford, CO

Hot showers and toilets are now available! (more details to follow). 35 acres of bliss shared with 2 humans, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 horses and 3 chickens. Eggs may be available upon request. Black Canyon National Park is a short drive to the west. Conveniently located to Crawford and the North Fork Valley to wineries, music fests and local eateries. 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.

Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

7 sites · Lodging22 acres · Paonia, CO

Formerly known as the North Fork Tipi Haven, this 22 acres was once owned by International sculptor Lincoln Fox, and built by Mr. Wooten in the early 1900's as an apple orchard, Old Moon Acres is now home to Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven. The North Fork Valley of the Gunnison River, encompassing Crawford, Hotchkiss and Paonia, was an important fruit orchard area in the late 1800's and well into the early 1900's. The valley's climate is a banana belt, perfect for fruit with the cold air coming down from the mountains at night and the heat from the mesas warming up the valley during the day. Coal mines up the road in Bowie and Somerset paid better, so many of the orchards languished over the years. Since the closing of all the mines but one, today the NFV is home to the largest concentration of organic farms in the state of Colorado as well as becoming a state Creative District serving the multitudes of artist and creatives that call the valley home. There are many pick-your-own peaches, cherries, apples, pears, nectarines and if we are lucky, apricots, in the valley. Delicious Orchards, 1 mile down Hwy 133, is an excellent place to pick your own, drink local hard cider and listen to live music on the weekend over a wonderful brunch. It is all about the farms, cattle, art, music, outdoor adventure, fun and relaxation here in the North Fork Valley. The tipis are custom made by the Colorado Yurt Company in Montrose, Colorado where they have been making yurts, tents and tipis since 1976. The tipis are expertly designed and made with custom paintings invoking the animal spirits that inhabit our land. These are a Sioux design tipi as the Ute's mainly lived in wiki-ups until they were introduced to the tipi in the 1800's. The Ute's appropriated the tipi design from the Sioux or Plains Natives. We have solar showers (solar bags of water heated by the sun during the day) available for free. Showers are also available at the local laundromat in Hotchkiss. Our goal is to awaken your sense of wonder by sleeping out in nature and waking up to the Colorado blue sky in clean, clear air at 5500 ft. You can visit the many high altitude wineries, fruit orchards, organic farms, farm-to-table restaurants, great music, interesting movies at the community owned Paradise Theater, art at the Creamery Arts Center in Hotchkiss, stand-up paddle boarding, WSSUP, at Crawford reservoir, mountain biking in Grand Mesa, hiking in the West Elks, rafting down the Gunnison river in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, fishing up canyon in the coolness of the forest or relaxing in one of many hot springs within an hour of us. Colorado Detours is highly recommended by us to take you and yours on a hiking, farm, wine, or geology tour of the area. Aspen, Crested Butte (over Kebler Pass), Glenwood Springs, Gunnison, Ouray, Grand Junction, Ridgeway and Telluride all are about an hour or two away by car. Welcome to Colorado.

FestiVille: Juniper Springs

1 site · RV, Tent44 acres · Crawford, CO

We are happy to welcome you to nearly 44 acres of wild terrain and gorgeous views with 4 swimming ponds. A piece of land like no other around, Juniper Springs boasts ponds and gorgeous creeks connecting them, lichen covered rocks resembling castle ruins, wildflowers in the meadows and cacti on the high grounds. Run by a non-profit project we offer add-ons for breakfast, picnic lunches, massage, horseback tours, permaculture classes, art workshops and more! **Note as of March 1st 2024 we have a damaged drive that is only passable by higher clearance vehicles. Our composting toilet is also being updated. Both of these will be back in action by May 1st.

The Farm...

7 sites · RVs10 acres · Montrose, CO

Statigicly located in the heart of Base Camp Montrose Valley, Close to Tulluride ,Million DollarHighway, Black Canyon, and San Juan Mountains. Horse Country & ATV country. Ride to BLM land on county roads.Learn more about this land:Great location, near trail head, Small Working horse farm in rural setting, Gateway to the San Juans, creek side camping, Black Canyon nearby, Farm Community, Historic Montrose and surrounding area. 420 freindly. ADD $5.00 ELECTRIC per night

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Marble Mountain Yurt

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Marble, CO

NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR THE 2024 SEASON (May-October)! A little about our reservation process. We accept two group reservations per week: 1) A discounted mid-week booking (Checking-in Tuesday or Wednesday) for 1-2 nights minimum (depending on the season) 2) A weekend booking starting Thursday, Friday, or Saturday weekly with a 2-3 night minimum. 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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Mountain View Cabin

1 site · Lodging15 acres · Ridgway, CO

This beautiful log home rental has spectacular views of the Cimarron and the San Juan Mountains. It provides free level II car charging. It is a fully furnished mountain retreat with everything you will need for a comfortable, affordable stay. Private road with lots of wildlife. Beautiful old Cottonwood trees with an old tire swing. A creek runs through the pasture keeping the grass lush and green. The cattle enjoy the panoramic mountain views. Far enough away from civilization, yet walking distance to town! Located on a working cattle farm with lots of wildlife. Only 26 miles from the nearest airport. 2 miles to the famous Ouray Hot springs. 9 miles to Ouray, an easy drive to the Ice Climbing Park off of Camp Bird Mine Rd. and Imogene Pass, renowned for Jeeping and 4x4s. 35 Miles from the Ski Lifts in Telluride. Join us at our beautiful Mountain View Cabin. Learn more about this land: This beautiful log home rental has spectacular views of the Cimarron and the San Juan Mountains. It is a fully furnished mountain retreat with everything you will need for a comfortable, affordable stay. Quiet, yet within walking distance to town.

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Hollow Horn Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Hotchkiss, CO

This old orchard/grazing land has been neglected for over a decade. Over run with invasive elm trees and prairie dogs it has been in serious need of help. As new stewards of the land we have already taken steps to reclaim this land's former glory. Elm trees removed and prairie dog numbers down we have seeded the land to radishes (soil structure) and legumes (nitrogen) to focus on soil health so that it can support a future planting of high elevation vineyards for wine production.Learn more about this land:Our farm is 22 acres of mostly pasture land that we plan on developing into high elevation vineyards. We have a whole slew of animals...goats, cows, chickens, turkeys, and a couple of farm dogs. Nestled in the beautiful North Form Valley on the Western slope of Colorado between Aspen & Telluride, you'll find spectacular views of the West Elk Mountains and many of the mesas and valleys that make up this region. Folks dont realize that the West Elks is an established AVA and we have some phenomenal wineries in the area including Stone Cottage, Jack Rabbit Hill Farms and Azura all well within 20min drive..... Mesa Winds Winery is practically our neighbor and is a walk or 3min drive. Amazing opportunities to float, swim, kayak, paddle board and fish gold medal waters just 10min away at pleasure park. Hiking, biking, climbing are all exceptional here. Eagle rock shelter is the oldest known archeological site in CO and top 5 in USA and its 15-20 min drive and 1/4 mile hike! A true outdoors paradise! We have 4 amazing neighbors and you can see their homes from most of our property but they are far enough that you will forget they are there.

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Red Earth Ranch

9 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Hotchkiss, CO

Red Earth Ranch is a four generation working ranch with other family parcels located throughout Colorado. This particular 40 acre parcel was lovingly created by the family patriarch over 30 years ago. As a firefighter and an avid outdoorsman, he worked to extensively fire mitigate and recreate the land into a wildlife sanctuary. Through countless hours of land development in cooperation with the National Wildlife Foundation, Mule deer Association, and The Division of Wildlife, this property is being honored in his memory by sharing this special place with you. Welcome to Red Earth Ranch.Learn more about this land:Welcome: to Red Earth located in a quaint farm to table community filled with orchards, vineyards, farms and ranches. An area rich in history and filled with beauty. Tons of outdoor activities to choose from both on site and within a short drive or a fun day trip. Ask us, we'll point you in the right direction. Designated Sites: We provide clean and quiet campsites in a few different areas on the acreage. We're sure to have a special spot you'll love....among the cedars away from it all or close to the babbling creek are just a few of the different type sites available to you. Around our mini oasis, the pond is always a favorite. We provide dry camping only. We have designated only camp sites . We no longer allow wandering off accommodations. Please do not ask. We are a safe private community and we are very aware of our guests and particularly women solo travelers, creating safe distances following covid guidelines and thoughts on security. Parking: Driving to or near the camp site to set up and then we require you park in our secure parking area available for our guests. Thank you for understanding. The drive in is tight and we want to take all precautionary measures to allow room for emergency vehicles access. The only exceptions are vans and suv camper top vehicles or trailers obviously. We have specific sites for you. We provide dry camping only. PLEASE NOTE GENERATORS ARE WELCOME, our listing is incorrect.Cooking: A communal propane grill and a dozen tables are available for everyone's enjoyment. Located near the grill is a chuckwagon box of grilling utensils, paper plates, salt and pepper etc. If you need something please ask. An outdoor community sink with potable water is available. Please be kind and follow the instructions at the sink. A community fire ring is a fun way to enjoy smores and make friends with all of our guests. Plan on booking to enjoy our Smores n Stars Party near sunset.Facilities: A private restroom with sink and toilet but no shower, located inside our home is available to our guests during the daytime hours. Emergency only between dusk and dawn due to no outside lighting to and from your campsites to the lodge. Dry camping facilities are your responsibility during the night. (If you are needing more availability for facilities please book as a guest on our ABNB site for inside the home accommodations.) If you need help or suggestions, we always provide to our guests a feeling of welcome. We are always open to suggestions as we grow and change with our guests needs. Please keep in mind the lodge home is an ABNB. Some areas will be separated for our HipCamp guests and our ABNB guests.We're so much more... Our ranch is for all ages, and best enjoyed by adults seeking a summer camp atmosphere of ECO Nature Therapies based on our Indigenous Teachings. We have an extensive walking path system to accommodate our guests, a native prayer circle, ECO friendly places of meditation and healing, and just plain enjoying the Colorado fresh air. Quiet self led nature walks or Indigenous led ceremonial medicine walks are also available. Ask us. Remember, we are also an ABNB providing a service to those wishing to experience nature and other therapies. As our camping guests these services are available to you also. Ask us.Blessings and safe travels.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

97%

(33)

Gunnison National Forest

Crested Butte, Colorado

88%

(20)

Uncompahgre National Forest

Ophir, Colorado

100%

(2)

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Gunnison, Colorado

94%

(16)

Grand Mesa National Forest

Cedaredge, Colorado

84%

(25)

Rio Grande National Forest

Alpine, Colorado

92%

(56)

White River National Forest

Fulford, Colorado

89%

(72)

San Isabel National Forest

Smeltertown, Colorado

Paonia State Park

Marble, Colorado

Lakeside camping in Blue Mesa Reservoir guide

Overview

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.