Beach Camping Near Gunnison, Colorado, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2026

Set up your tent on Gunnison’s beaches with over 560 options that put you right near the water. Average spots run $46 a night, with some as low as $35 if you’re watching your budget. You’ll find campsites that let you drift off to the sound of the river and wake up steps from sandy shores. Top picks include Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river (292 reviews), Goodview Campground at RMOC (10 reviews), and Sweet Retreat (5 reviews). Facilities like hot showers, flush toilets, and permitted campfires make it easy to stay comfortable after a day out. Between wildlife-watching, fishing, and winter snow sports, you’ll never run out of things to do. Bring sunscreen—the Gunnison sun doesn’t mess around.

95% (35)

Top-rated campgrounds near Gunnison

Set up your tent on Gunnison’s beaches with over 560 options that put you right near the water. Average spots run $46 a night, with some as low as $35 if you’re watching your budget. You’ll find campsites that let you drift off to the sound of the river and wake up steps from sandy shores. Top picks include Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river (292 reviews), Goodview Campground at RMOC (10 reviews), and Sweet Retreat (5 reviews). Facilities like hot showers, flush toilets, and permitted campfires make it easy to stay comfortable after a day out. Between wildlife-watching, fishing, and winter snow sports, you’ll never run out of things to do. Bring sunscreen—the Gunnison sun doesn’t mess around.

95% (35)

Top-rated campgrounds near Gunnison

1. Sweet Retreat

100%

(6)

47mi from Gunnison · 4 sites · Lodging

This cabin is up to par with meeting the safe at home corona virus standards for cleaning. This great little turn of the century bungalow has it all. This home has recently been renovated to have all the upgraded amenities while still preserving that classic historical feel. Large amounts of trails out your back door. One will have easy access to the home with a keypad code to come and go as they please. If you bring a dog there's a $25 pet fee per dog per day! Lake county license# 2022-21

2. Goodview Campground at RMOC

88%

(40)

47mi from Gunnison · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

The Goodview Campground is the perfect destination for your adventurous travels. It is conveniently located along Highway 285 and the banks of the Arkansas River just south of Buena Vista, CO, with sweeping views of Mt. Princeton and the Sawatch Mountains. The campground property is shared with the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center, the Junkyard Bike Park, and Browns Canyon Brewing Company. We offer walk-in tent sites and car/van/camper pull-in sites with fire rings, beautiful views, port-a-johns, potable water, trash, and recycling onsite. Brown's Canyon Brewing Company is conveniently located within the RMOC outpost if you're looking for delicious food or a satisfying drink. Open 7 days a week, M-Th 11-7, F& Sa 11-8, Sun Brunch 11-2 & regular menu 3-7. Need an idea for an activity? RMOC is a full-service guide company that provides guided trips and instruction for rafting, kayaking, climbing, biking, and SUP excursions. Enjoy everything we have to offer at the Goodveiw Campground! If a site is not available on your date, please call the office for more booking options. 719-395-3335. While you're here, check out our onsite brew pub and food truck: Brown's Canyon Brewing Company https://brownscanyonbrewing.com/

3. Curecanti National Recreation Area

100%

(2)

158 sites · Gunnison, Colorado

Nestled high in the mountains west of Colorado Springs is a boater's paradise.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

4. Crawford State Park

100%

(1)

56 sites · Crawford, Colorado

What can’t you do in this gem of Colorado’s western slope? As it turns out, Crawford State Park isn’t lacking in the activities department. You’ve got a big reservoir for boating, fishing, skiing, and playing any which way you want. When the temps drop and the water freezes, ice-fishing and ice-skating are fair game. Heck, this place is great during any season. Snowshoe the trails in winter, or saunter down them sans snow equipment once the trails thaw out. Alternatively, laze around and enjoy the otherworldly scenery. Soak in the lovely water views, imagine yourself frolicking in the mountains surrounding you, or daydream about exploring the canyons. Just be sure to have your camera charged and ready to go. With so much to do, you might as well stay a few days! You’ll have two campgrounds to choose from, so there’s no need to wander very far.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

97%

(29)

85 sites · Montrose, Colorado

A dramatic vertical wilderness ideal for hikers, rock climbers, and sightseers.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. Ridgway State Park

100%

(5)

257 sites · Loghill Village, Colorado

Pack up your boat or paddle-board for a camping excursion at this reservoir park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Gunnison

Stevens Creek Campground

10mi from Gunnison · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Curecanti National Recreation Area

East Elk Creek Group Campground

14mi from Gunnison · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Curecanti National Recreation Area

100%

(1)

Elk Creek Campground

15mi from Gunnison · 75 sites · Tents, RVs · in Curecanti National Recreation Area

Red Creek Group Campground

18mi from Gunnison · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Curecanti National Recreation Area

100%

(1)

Lake Fork Campground

23mi from Gunnison · 64 sites · Tents, RVs · in Curecanti National Recreation Area

Clear Fork

38mi from Gunnison · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Crawford State Park

100%

(1)

Iron Creek

38mi from Gunnison · 38 sites · Tents, RVs · in Crawford State Park

Beautiful riverside camping down at the bottom of Black Canyon.

90%

(5)

East Portal Campground

39mi from Gunnison · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

97%

(19)

South Rim Campground

41mi from Gunnison · 57 sites · Tents, RVs · in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

100%

(5)

North Rim Campground

43mi from Gunnison · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

100%

(2)

Yurts

49mi from Gunnison · 3 sites · in Ridgway State Park

Dakota Terraces

49mi from Gunnison · 69 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ridgway State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

T

Timothy

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Goodview Campground at RMOC

We had a great weekend at this site! It's right on the river, and given the time of year (mid-September) the water level was down a bit and there were no rafters going by so the site was very private. There were a few fly fisherman, but that was it. Despite the light up on the hill that other's have noted (I think it's on an adjoining property) we thought the stars were pretty wonderful. My daughter and I commented that it was probably our favorite campsite we have been to on our annual camping trip. I would highly recommend. Some things to note: 1) While the owner's should probably pony up and provide a picnic table at the site (it would really improve the site), we brought a small folding table that worked out perfectly. 2) You have to load your equipment down a fairly steep wooden ramp so be prepared.

B

Bethany

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Goodview Campground at RMOC

It’s true like other people have said in reviews that there is not a lot of privacy due to rafters in the river. But this is only during the rafting tour’s open hours, and we still had an amazing time wading in the river and setting up our site when they were open and on the river. After that, the sunset, campsite, sound of the river and fire pit were all worth it! Our dog also loved the location!

V

Val

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Goodview Campground at RMOC

Beautiful view of the river from our campsite, and loved hearing it at night as we slept! It was fun to watch the rafters go by during the day - we didn’t mind it, but if you wanted privacy that + being near the other campsites might not be your thing. It was also in a very convenient location next to rafting outfitters and a quick drive to BV.