The best desert camping near Gunnison

·
99% (385)

Top-rated campgrounds

Mountain Goat Lodge Tipis

2. Mountain Goat Lodge Tipis

98%
(64)
45mi from Gunnison · 7 sites · Lodging · Salida, CO
The Mountain Goat Lodge is set within 20 acres of rolling pastures at the foot of the famous Sawatch Mountain Range. Our resident goats roam the meadows, providing us with the milk, cheese, and yogurt for our tasty homecooked breakfasts and our cheese-making classes. We are located in central Colorado in pristine wilderness, yet just 6 miles from the historic town of Salida. In addition to the tipis, we are a full service Bed and Breakfast lodge. We have campers and a vintage trailer available to rent. The tipis have a full-sized bathhouse for use by our tipi guests. Guests need to provide their own toiletries and towels. New in 2022: We have added a queen sized bed and mattress to each of the tipis.. Campers still should bring their own bedding (sleeping bags, pillows) or if need be, can rent bedding from us.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$109
 / night
Sunset Ridge

3. Sunset Ridge

28mi from Gunnison · 1 site · Tent, RV · Cimarron, CO
Welcome to Sunset Ridge — your basecamp for adventure, sunsets, and Colorado mountain magic! Tucked away on the ruggedly beautiful Western Slope, our rustic mountain campsite offers panoramic sunset views, crackling campfires*, and easy access to the wild outdoors. Whether you're chasing adrenaline or soaking in the scenery, we've got you covered: 🛻 Four-wheel across scenic trails and roadways, 🥾 Hike to jaw-dropping overlooks on nearby popular trails, 🎣 Cast a line in peaceful fishing spots, 🎶 Enjoy live music, drinks and food under the stars at the local lodge. ...and that’s just the start. We’re a scenic drive from two classic Western Slope mountain towns—both offering hot springs, local eateries, charming shops, and even a nostalgic drive-in theater for the perfect nightcap. At Sunset Ridge, you can rise with the sun and the sound of birdsong, bugling elk, or grazing sheep, explore untamed Colorado by day, and unwind beside the fire* while the sky erupts in color followed by a nightlight of stars from above. Whether you're pitching a tent or pulling up in your rig, this is your place to unplug, unwind, and explore. *Availability is based on local fire restrictions, which are often in place during peak summer months.
Pets
from 
$60
 / night
An unmatched dining view, over gardens and vineyards to the beautiful West Elk Mountains.

5. Stay in Grace: Wine-Country Retreat

100%
(4)
43mi from Gunnison · 1 site · Lodging · Paonia, CO
Staying in "Grace" is an experience not to be missed, if you are traveling to the Paonia, Colorado area this season. Immediately next door to the Stone Cottage winery and tasting room, Grace is a completely transformed 1998 Shasta Phoenix 5th wheel with world-class views, expansive night skies, and peaceful mountain vibes. Grace the Camper is a sanctuary. A unique and whimsical refuge, crafted with love, perfect for a romantic adventure getaway, a solo artist retreat, a girls trip for wine tasting and music - or just the chance to unplug and unwind from the crazy of the world. The Paonia - Hotchkiss - Crawford area (North Fork Valley) is an agricultural mecca with world-renowned natural sites, such as Needle Rock and the Black Canyon. You can’t go wrong with hot springs, rivers, farms, and hikes in every direction, great restaurants nearby, live music, and a premier winery tasting room mere feet from your doorstep. All while coming home to a cozy little hideaway just above the Stone Cottage vineyards, with inspiring views and lots of light. Walk next door to enjoy a glass of wine under the shade of their patio. Cook a nice meal to enjoy on your private deck. Go for a walk and take in the vastness of view from the Raggeds to the Elks to the Black Canyon and desert beyond. At night, you can hear the owls and the coyotes across the edges of a beautiful Milky Way. Grace has been lovingly renovated from top to bottom. Roof to floor, given new life that let's her spacious floorplan shine. She is a perfect size for a couple or even three friends or a family with one child to enjoy a high-class glamping-style adventure in a mountain paradise.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
$84
 / night
99% (385)

Top-rated campgrounds

Mountain Goat Lodge Tipis

2. Mountain Goat Lodge Tipis

98%
(64)
45mi from Gunnison · 7 sites · Lodging · Salida, CO
The Mountain Goat Lodge is set within 20 acres of rolling pastures at the foot of the famous Sawatch Mountain Range. Our resident goats roam the meadows, providing us with the milk, cheese, and yogurt for our tasty homecooked breakfasts and our cheese-making classes. We are located in central Colorado in pristine wilderness, yet just 6 miles from the historic town of Salida. In addition to the tipis, we are a full service Bed and Breakfast lodge. We have campers and a vintage trailer available to rent. The tipis have a full-sized bathhouse for use by our tipi guests. Guests need to provide their own toiletries and towels. New in 2022: We have added a queen sized bed and mattress to each of the tipis.. Campers still should bring their own bedding (sleeping bags, pillows) or if need be, can rent bedding from us.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$109
 / night
Sunset Ridge

3. Sunset Ridge

28mi from Gunnison · 1 site · Tent, RV · Cimarron, CO
Welcome to Sunset Ridge — your basecamp for adventure, sunsets, and Colorado mountain magic! Tucked away on the ruggedly beautiful Western Slope, our rustic mountain campsite offers panoramic sunset views, crackling campfires*, and easy access to the wild outdoors. Whether you're chasing adrenaline or soaking in the scenery, we've got you covered: 🛻 Four-wheel across scenic trails and roadways, 🥾 Hike to jaw-dropping overlooks on nearby popular trails, 🎣 Cast a line in peaceful fishing spots, 🎶 Enjoy live music, drinks and food under the stars at the local lodge. ...and that’s just the start. We’re a scenic drive from two classic Western Slope mountain towns—both offering hot springs, local eateries, charming shops, and even a nostalgic drive-in theater for the perfect nightcap. At Sunset Ridge, you can rise with the sun and the sound of birdsong, bugling elk, or grazing sheep, explore untamed Colorado by day, and unwind beside the fire* while the sky erupts in color followed by a nightlight of stars from above. Whether you're pitching a tent or pulling up in your rig, this is your place to unplug, unwind, and explore. *Availability is based on local fire restrictions, which are often in place during peak summer months.
Pets
from 
$60
 / night
An unmatched dining view, over gardens and vineyards to the beautiful West Elk Mountains.

5. Stay in Grace: Wine-Country Retreat

100%
(4)
43mi from Gunnison · 1 site · Lodging · Paonia, CO
Staying in "Grace" is an experience not to be missed, if you are traveling to the Paonia, Colorado area this season. Immediately next door to the Stone Cottage winery and tasting room, Grace is a completely transformed 1998 Shasta Phoenix 5th wheel with world-class views, expansive night skies, and peaceful mountain vibes. Grace the Camper is a sanctuary. A unique and whimsical refuge, crafted with love, perfect for a romantic adventure getaway, a solo artist retreat, a girls trip for wine tasting and music - or just the chance to unplug and unwind from the crazy of the world. The Paonia - Hotchkiss - Crawford area (North Fork Valley) is an agricultural mecca with world-renowned natural sites, such as Needle Rock and the Black Canyon. You can’t go wrong with hot springs, rivers, farms, and hikes in every direction, great restaurants nearby, live music, and a premier winery tasting room mere feet from your doorstep. All while coming home to a cozy little hideaway just above the Stone Cottage vineyards, with inspiring views and lots of light. Walk next door to enjoy a glass of wine under the shade of their patio. Cook a nice meal to enjoy on your private deck. Go for a walk and take in the vastness of view from the Raggeds to the Elks to the Black Canyon and desert beyond. At night, you can hear the owls and the coyotes across the edges of a beautiful Milky Way. Grace has been lovingly renovated from top to bottom. Roof to floor, given new life that let's her spacious floorplan shine. She is a perfect size for a couple or even three friends or a family with one child to enjoy a high-class glamping-style adventure in a mountain paradise.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
$84
 / night

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