RV camping in Blue Mesa Reservoir with wildlife watching
Colorado’s largest body of water offers great fishing, plus lakeside and boat-in camping.
98% (660 reviews)
- Blue Mesa Reservoir
98% (660 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Blue Mesa Reservoir
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12 top RV sites in Blue Mesa Reservoir with wildlife watching
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Tater's Black Canyon Campground
2 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Crawford, CO
Coming soon! Hot showers and toilets will be available end of May. 35 acres of mountain bliss shared with 2 humans, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 3 horses and 5 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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Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents35 acres · 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!
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Sage View Ranch
24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · 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 :)
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Wild Abandon Ranch
1 site · RV, Tent50 acres · Paonia, CO
Wild Abandon Ranch is a gorgeous 50 acre property that we just acquired in March of 2023. Sadly, the property had been abandoned and neglected for over 20 years and we are doing our best to breath some new life into her. We are chasing those land dreams! This property has a wild amount of potential and an endless story of labor and we hope to bring a new vision and purpose to this very special place.
The Hipcamp site is located down by the creek (on the SOUTH side of Minnesota Creek Rd) where you'll have total privacy and room to relax and explore. The deer trails are a great way to get lost amongst the trees and the rhythm of the creek.
Just down the road further on Minnesota Creek Road is direct access to National Forest. Our property is only 3.5 miles from the town of Paonia so you're oh-so-close yet so far away from it all. Paonia is central to the abundant North Fork Valley and there is so much to experience in this area. From hiking, biking, camping, or swimming to touring the many vibrant vineyards or galleries.
Your visit is directly contributing to this land's second chance. We hope you'll visit again and follow along in the evolution of Wild Abandon Ranch. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
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Zenzen Gardens
33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · 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 to October from 12 PM - 6 PM.
Every Thursday evening, from June to October, we host Tapas events from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring our local guest chef. Please note that there will be no Tapas events in August due to our Pickin' in the Park festivities!
The property is also a music venue with two performance sites in the barn and a stage by the pond. We also offer farm-to-table dinners throughout the summer, and tapas on Thursdays. Check out our calendar for concerts and dinner dates at www.zenzengardens.com
There is veranda seating to enjoy the beautiful flower gardens and where you can access the internet.
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.
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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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WESTERN Skies - Guest Ranch -
6 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Crawford, CO
Learn more about this land:We have 4 RV Slips available and a couple of camp areas available in our Juniper trees or out in the open field. We also have a walk out basement apartment with 2 bedrooms, shared bathroom and kitchenette and living room with pool table and darts. NO CAMPFIRES OF ANY KIND as we are in Stage 1 fire bans due to drought conditions. Smoking in designated areas only for the same reason. No exceptions!We are a short drive from the Black Canyon National Park, Crawford Reservoir, and multiple wineries. Tours to these are available for a nominal fee and by appointment.Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times while out and about on the property. Please clean up after your pets.
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Traveling Shamans Camp
1 site · Tent1 acre · Hotchkiss, CO
The Traveling Shamans Camp's mission is to provide sacred space and help facilitate shamanic ceremonies and experiences in western Colorado for shamans, artists, practitioners, healers & wisdom teachers.
Learn more about this land:
Traveling Shamans Camp is a ceremonial camp for shamanic artists, shamans, healers & wisdom teachers, in Hotchkiss, CO. Shamans Camp features ceremonies, sweat lodges, storytellers, journeying lodge, drum circles, and more. A bathroom with a shower is onsite and a grocery store and restaurants are close by. Campsite with electricity is available for a camper van. Use discount code ShamansCamp.
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Cumberland High Alpine Campsites!
5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Pitkin, CO
Learn more about this land:Flat rocky, high alpine grass tundra very exposed with some trees for cover! Incredible views! Top of the "top of the Rockies"! Most incredible view in Colorado! Hike, bike, 4 wheel, pictures, explore old mine workings!
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Rain Crow Farm
10 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Paonia, CO
Rain Crow Farm is a small, organic farm located in the pristine North Fork Valley on Colorado’s Western Slope. The campsites here are right along the river, surrounded by tall cottonwoods and stunning Mountain View’s. There is a shallow swimming hole and plenty of riverbank hangout spots. The farm is walking distance from Paonia and hiking, biking, fishing, wine tours and ATV tracks are all within a few miles reach. Campers who stay with us with have access to produce from the farm, including eggs, goat milk, and loads of fresh salad greens. Wake up to sound of birds and rivers’ flow.
Because of our diverse livestock, dogs must be on a leash at all times here. Thank you!
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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.
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RV camping in Blue Mesa Reservoir with wildlife watching 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.
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