Notable Campgrounds
- Best for RV camping: One Mile Campground has some electric hookups, large sites, accessible roads, and river access, making it a good choice for RVs.
- Best for lake lovers: Some sites at Lake Irwin Campground have lake views, but the ones without are also notable for stunning views of ponds, peaks, and meadows.
- Best for off-grid camping: The Soap Creek Dispersed Camping area earns hike marks for its views of granite outcroppings and open camping amid a wildflower-filled meadow.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Not all campgrounds offer reservable sites. Check Recreation.gov to see which campgrounds offer reservations.
- For reservable sites, reservations may be made online at Recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777.
- Many sites and campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
- Reservations open on a six-month rolling basis and may be necessary for weekends and holidays, especially during the summer season.
- Many campgrounds close for the off season, which runs from October through mid-May.
When to Go
Is this the wildflower capital of Colorado? Some say so, and this annual cascade of color begins in late spring. Summer is a popular time to camp and hike in the Gunnison National Forest, as temperatures are significantly cooler in high elevations and in the shaded forests. Fall is also popular, especially when the aspens turn gold in September and October. Higher elevation areas may have freezing temperatures and precip even in fall, so prepare accordingly. Camping is limited in winter due to heavy snows, which may persist through early spring.
Know Before You Go
- Amenities vary greatly across campgrounds. You may find electric hookups, vault toilets, potable water, designated camping pads, and more. Or, you may have no onsite amenities. Check the U.S. Forest Service and Recreation.gov websites for full details.
- This area is bear country. Plan ahead to ensure proper storage of food and scented items.
- Cell signals may be limited, especially in remote or mountainous areas.
- Campgrounds and camping areas vary greatly in elevation. Check online to find the elevation and prepare for varying conditions.
Gunnison National Forest
Venture into the wild mountain wilderness of western Colorado.
Located in western Colorado, the co-managed Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests come together to create a three-million acre natural playground with 56 designated campgrounds, 3,000 miles of trails, and endless peaks and pines. Enjoy views of the picturesque Collegiate Peaks, fish for trout and salmon in pristine lakes, or hit the waters for thrilling whitewater adventures or serene paddling. Camping opportunities are extensive and vary greatly, with options ranging from off-grid dispersed camping to campgrounds with basic amenities, suitable for RVs. No matter where you stay, scenic views are practically guaranteed in this grand national forest.
Located in western Colorado, the co-managed Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests come together to create a three-million acre natural playground with 56 designated campgrounds, 3,000 miles of trails, and endless peaks and pines. Enjoy views of the picturesque Collegiate Peaks, fish for trout and salmon in pristine lakes, or hit the waters for thrilling whitewater adventures or serene paddling. Camping opportunities are extensive and vary greatly, with options ranging from off-grid dispersed camping to campgrounds with basic amenities, suitable for RVs. No matter where you stay, scenic views are practically guaranteed in this grand national forest.
Activities in the park
25 campgrounds in Gunnison National Forest
Flanked on both sides by the Ruby Mountain Range and Lake Irwin herself, Lake Irwin campground provides everything you need to refresh, restore, and revitalize. The hikes are rugged and challenging. The lake is so full of fish that you can walk across their backs (well almost). And the views, …words cannot do them justice. Read more...
You won’t have to hike another mile at One Mile Campground (unless you want to). Just hang your hammock between the Aspens, and lay by the banks of the Taylor River. This mellow stretch of river offers rafting, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and the promise of lazy afternoons. Read more...
Just like your favorite coffee shop that you only tell close friends about, Cement Creek Campground flies under the radar. It’s rarely crowded and you’ll be impressed by what Mother Nature did with the place! With a variety of recreational opportunities, including spelunking, you’ll be glad you found out about this spot. The town of Crested Butte, Read more...
Designed for low-key recreation and an ideal place for families, popular Lost Lake Campground is all about making the most of what Mother Nature has to offer. Go fishing for some trout, indulge in some non-motorized boating, or enjoy a group hike along Beckwith Pass or Three Lakes Trail. Swing by in mid-to-late summer, when the wildflowers are bur Read more...
Just another perfect campground in the Gunnison National Forest, Rosy Lane Campground lies on the banks of the scenic Taylor River. Aspen and pine. Rainbow and brook. Rivers and rafting. We’ll take that over tall buildings and subways any day. Read more...
It’s a no-brainer to stay at Mosca Campground—a beautiful, out-of-the-way spot on Spring Creek Reservoir. But a serious choice remains: How fast do you want your scenery to go by? Walking speed? Boat-drifting speed? Four-wheeler speed? Grab a site and make your own fun at this spur-of-the-moment destination whatever your speed of choice. Read more...
One of the smaller, less-overrun places to stay in Gunnison National Forest, McClure Campground offers simple, rustic camping spots close to Lee Creek. A pretty area and a pretty sweet deal for a family overnight, the campground is ideal for picnicking, cooking out, or just hangin' out. You’ll also have easy access to hiking, horseback riding, hun Read more...
A campground worthy of Tim “The Tool Man" Taylor’s approval, North Bank Campground is where you’ll want to stay if you’re planning on fishing in the Taylor River. You’ll also have convenient access to Doctor Park Trail for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Why not invite your neighbor Wilson along and finally get a glimpse of his face Read more...
With access to Coal Mesa Trailhead and equestrian facilities nearby, Soap Creek Campground is a convenient stop for both intrepid explorers of the West Elk Wilderness or casual weekend picnickers. The campground doesn’t see a whole lot of activity, so those who want as much of the creek and surrounding area to themselves as possible are in luck!Read more...
Ace hiking in the Fossil Ridge Wilderness and superb fishing in the Taylor River make Spring Creek Campground a highly in-demand spot, so grab a site (and some sights) while you can. With natural scenery worthy of an award, Spring Creek is your backstage-access pass to some of the best views in the Gunnison Basin. Read more...
Two miles north of the Fossil Wilderness Area, Lottis Creek Campground is a prime destination for anglers, hikers and four-wheelers. If your main concern is to get situated in a hurry before heading out to take part in your outdoor recreational habit of choice, Lottis Creek is ready to indulge your every whim. Trails are easy to access, the creek Read more...
Kokanee salmon and Sagebrush. Ponderosa Pine and Northern Pike. Sawatch Mountains and Pontoon Boats. If this list sounds like poetry to your ears, then head on over to Lakeview Campground located on the Taylor Park reservoir. The campsites have beautiful views and recreation opportunities include boating, fishing, and swimming. Lucky for you, if y Read more...
Grab the young'ns, saddle up those ponies and board your stagecoach for Dinner Station Campground in the Upper Taylor Park area. Your stagecoach is in the shop? That may be just as well--the grounds are a hot spot for 4X4, ATV, and mountain biking thrill seekers. At the end of a long, radical day of chasing gnar, set up camp like a pioneer surroun Read more...
Sitting at the north end of Taylor Park Reservoir, Rivers End Campground has easy access to the reservoir via a fishing site. There’s also a trailhead with parking to access the Matchless Trail and areas for four-wheel driving, mountain biking, enduro biking and riding horses. Feel like winding down from all that action before climbing into your s Read more...
Looking for a wilderness mecca? The Lodgepole Campground is a private and shady spot to explore the Taylor River Canyon. Rafting, hiking, and fishing are at your doorstep, and the Fossil Range Wilderness is in your backyard. Read more...
A popular spot to stay if you’re planning on some four-wheel drive action, Pitkin Campground gives you great access to many high-clearance roads in this mountainous terrain that was created by miners over a century ago. The camp is also used as a winter trailhead for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Breathing at sea level is goi Read more...
Take in gorge-ous scenery at Almont Campground in the stunning Rocky Mountain region! Stretching out along the Gunnison River and surrounded by sprawling cottonwood trees, many of the more “au naturel” campsites teeter on the riverbank itself. However, if you want to step your game up a tree limb or two, your options include more developed sites a Read more...
Resting at a very respectable elevation of 6,800 feet, Erickson Springs Campground is shrouded in a dense spruce and fir forest near Anthracite Creek. The site receives little sunlight compared to the surrounding area, so you may want to pack a cozy sweater. The parking area accommodates horse trailers for equestrian access to Raggeds Wilderness A Read more...
Bliss out on high-end mountain scenery at Mirror Lake Campground, a top destination for intense outdoor enthusiasts. Express your love for Mother Nature by mountain biking, four-wheel driving, or horseback riding. Or just get up and walk around. With beautiful Mirror Lake and Sawatch Range maxing out at 13,000 feet above, it’s all too exciting to Read more...
Located at the upper end of Taylor Park amongst pine trees and riparian meadows, Dorchester Campground is great for select recreational opportunities. With a lengthy network of motorized trails from Castle Creek Valley to Taylor Reservoir, the area is an enduro trail and mountain biker’s dream. The fishing here is none too shabby either. Nearby Al Read more...
For off-road drivers of all varieties or those who just wanna take in some major-league mountain scenery, Snowblind Campground is the complete package for open-air sightseeing! Enjoy the natural beauty of Gunnison National Forest in this easy-access, low-traffic area. Fun fact: This place is just a few miles from the Continental Divide, which make Read more...
Big Blue Campground sure, but mega-ginormous, super-duper shimmering blue campground, now that’s more like it! This often-underrated gem of the Uncompahgre Wilderness lies in a beautiful valley close by a slue of fishing opportunities and numerous hiking trails--most of which lead south into dense backcountry. The campsites themselves range from Read more...
Just west of the Sawatch Mountain Range in the southern part of a mineral belt, Quartz Campground is used by many folks looking to do some four-wheel driving in the area. Two-wheel drive vehicles fear not though. Cumberland Pass Road, which leads to camp, is an improved dirt road that’s gravy for most of y’all. Read more...
Popular with anglers for its easy fishing access and scenic location, Deer Lakes Campground is a high elevation site with predominantly aspen trees. Hikers, backpackers and equestrians enjoy trails in the La Garita (southeast of camp) and Powderhorn Wilderness Areas (northeast of camp). Nearby Lake City has a historic district where many of the bo Read more...
Calling all anglers and adrenaline junkies! With easy access to the Cataract Gulch Trailhead and the Lake Fork of the Gunnison Rivers, Williams Creek Campground is an off-road and fishing haven. OHV and mountain bike riding are welcome here, as is good old-fashioned hiking. This place also has the benefit of not getting super-busy, and may appeal Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Is this the wildflower capital of Colorado? Some say so, and this annual cascade of color begins in late spring. Summer is a popular time to camp and hike in the Gunnison National Forest, as temperatures are significantly cooler in high elevations and in the shaded forests. Fall is also popular, especially when the aspens turn gold in September and October. Higher elevation areas may have freezing temperatures and precip even in fall, so prepare accordingly. Camping is limited in winter due to heavy snows, which may persist through early spring.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —