The best camping in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, CO

·
98% (151)

The best camping in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, CO

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Coworking Space with Mountain Views

5. Coworking Space with Mountain Views

99%
(70)
13mi from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Montrose, CO
We bought a school house! Our long-term plan is to build out a full campground on the property, but in the interim we will be offering boondocking. While we are under construction on the outdoor space, the main building that we have converted into a coworking space is available for our guests to use from the hours of 9AM - 6PM. Unfortunately, we are on old agricultural land so the sites are in the direct sun during the day. Please be aware that it gets hot out here in the summer and take this into consideration when booking your stay with us. Please note that there is only one camping structure allowed per site (one tent, one rv, one van, etc.). Since we are under construction we ask that you use caution when pulling into the lot. Our property is also on a bike trail that connects to 70 miles of (mostly paved) bike trails across the town of Montrose. Please reach out with any questions. We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Down at the Hop Yard Camping

6. Down at the Hop Yard Camping

99%
(137)
13mi from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Montrose, CO
Wake up to the fresh aroma of hops, enjoys beers made with the hops grown next to your sleeping bag, have a campfire with an incredible view of the San Juan Mountains and open night sky, take a tour and learn about the unique world of hops, walk around an 18-foot tall, 32-acre hop trellis, and adventure in all that the Western Slope of Colorado has to offer. We also have 'Fridays on the Farm' every Friday until October 3rd from 4-9pm serving beer with our hops, a local food truck, live music, and yard games. Check our website for more details! We can open the beer barn on other nights, as well as offer tours, upon request! This is a perfect basecamp for adventure! The attractions are endless: Exploring Black Canyon NP, Curecanti NRA, and Gunnison Gorge NCA; fly fishing in gold metal waters; hunting; hiking, climbing, and traversing the Via Ferrata in the San Juan Mountains; rafting, kayaking, or SUPing on three different rivers, including a wave park right in town, as well as on reservoirs and lakes; relaxing in mineral-rich hot springs; shopping for unique souvenirs and gifts; and enjoying the activities, restaurants, and shopping of nearby Ouray and Telluride! If we're booked out, message us and we may have some backup spots! ; )
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Double Rose Ranch

7. Double Rose Ranch

98%
(24)
14mi from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · 5 sites · Tents · Crawford, CO
The only and closest Hipcamp under the steady majesty of Needlerock! You need to arrive in daylight! This area was Ute land first and Needlerock was ceremonial ground. We have lots of large fields (110 acres) A river running through to dip into and secluded areas to be at one with the magical beauty here. Once a working sheep ranch we are now taking time to dream into this magical place and it’s next incarnation. Come pitch a tent or there are a couple spots to car camp and share in this ranch paradise. We limit each camping spot to two adults or a family with children are fine. Please do not come with 4+ people and one tent. Book accordingly and respectfully. There are mosquitos down by the creek at certain times in the summer in the evening, so we recommend bringing some bug spray. There is a fridge in the barn to keep small things cold and tables to use to sit and enjoy the rustic lux surroundings. We provide a porta potty so please only #1 (pee) outdoors. The land is big although we have 7 camping spots listed, and they are mowed all summer, there is plenty of room to usually be able to choose your own exact spot. This is a cut above basic camping with some nice amenities! We have very friendly dogs, horses and goats. The dogs are out and about and will want to greet you and possible hang out a little. It’s their home too:) We often have a friends yaks grazing here and the next door neighbors cows are always there.
Potable water
Trash
Cooking equipment
from 
$50
 / night
Poplar Place

8. Poplar Place

93%
(14)
16mi from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Olathe, CO
Locally owned, this large tree grove with over 100 trees, was planted in 1979 for privacy and shade between 2 homes. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent, sleep in a hammock or park your RV at the Poplar Place. Several campsites within a large grove of trees which provide privacy & shade. Enjoy the sounds of nature including but not limited to: woodpeckers, owls, hawks, farm animals, frogs, crickets & much more. Hammocks, local area maps & yard games available at our check-in station and don’t forget to carve your initials in the totem pole before you leave. You can enjoy visiting with friends around the fire pit, play a game of tic-tac-toe, have an axe throwing contest or hide out in the Tee-Pee, whatever your heart desires. **Pets are welcome, however, they MUST BE ON LEASHES AT ALL TIMES & PROPER DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTE IS A MUST* Thank you
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Zenzen Gardens

9. Zenzen Gardens

95%
(220)
20mi from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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 1st to November 1st from 12 PM - 6 PM. We will be hosting several Farm to Table Dinners along with a Summer Concert Series, Water Lantern Festival and Masquerade.  There is veranda seating to enjoy the beautiful flower gardens and where you can access the internet. Wine tastings are offered daily 12pm-6pm. The veranda is open until 8pm. 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

12. Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

99%
(383)
21mi from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Sage View Ranch

16. Sage View Ranch

98%
(220)
23mi from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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 :)
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Tongue Creek Ranch

17. Tongue Creek Ranch

100%
(16)
24mi from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · 3 sites · Lodging · Austin, CO
Tongue Creek Ranch is beautifully situated at the base of the Adobe Buttes on the southern side of the Grand Mesa in Austin, Colorado. The 70-acre ranch has over 40 acres in hay and alfalfa with seasonal cattle grazing in the fall and winter months. Whether you come to stay at one of the rental properties, get married or host a special event, we welcome you to enjoy the beautiful setting of Tongue Creek Ranch and the incredible sites of the Western Slope! David and Barb Cocetti purchased the ranch in June 2019 to embark on a new life where they could cultivate the land and be more self-sustaining. By following Biblical guidelines for work and agriculture, this land has come to life! It is proving to be an oasis where people find peace while enjoying the serenity of the surroundings. The clamping Cabin sits behind the horse arena and in front of Tongue Creek. It's the cutest little cabin and we mean little, more like an expertly finished big shed. It is 10x14 with a 3x14 covered porch but finished inside like a 5 star hotel. AC, TV, Wifi, fireplace, comfortable queen size bed. Beetle kill tongue and groove ceiling, cultured barn wood wanes coating. It's super nice. The ranch itself may be the reason for the "glamp" booking. The yard is manicured and the 25 house, goats and chickens are fun to see. The big plus is we are only 20 minutes away from the Grand Mesa outdoorsman mecca. This is probably the cheapest base camp to the Mesa. The ranch is a great base camp to wineries, Moab, Telluride, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, fishing, boating, hiking, trails and hundreds of open BLM land for Razor riding. Check us out.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$29
 / night
Delta Hobby Farm

18. Delta Hobby Farm

97%
(34)
24mi from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Delta, CO
We are a working hobby farm, complete with orchard, goats, pasture, and yurts. We love this slice of Western Colorado beauty... so close to the Grand Mesa, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and the Uncompaghre Plateau. So many outdoor possibilities! We build a brand new shower house with flushing toilet to share between all guests as we also have 2 yurts. We also welcome pets that don't chase the free range chickens and are on a leash when out n about. We have recently installed a Pergola for shade! Tent camping is in side the square (if you'd like!) as its lined with peegravel. There is a gate at the entrance of the field and there is a horse fence around the field is twine, so please use the gate! The share shower and bath house has on-demand hot water and a flushing toilet. We encourage all guests to be tidy and efficient as the yurts also share the same bath house.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
No neighbors here - just quiet solitude and fun.

19. The YURT at Screwball Ranch

96%
(14)
28mi from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · 1 site · Lodging · Cedaredge, CO
The YURT at Screwball Ranch sits on its own private 80 wooded acres only 20 minutes away from the western Colorado town of Cedaredge - Gateway to Grand Mesa. The YURT will comfortably sleep 4 - 6 guests and there's room for several tents within the fenced compound that includes The YURT, parking, corrals, & fire pit. You're within an hours drive of Grand Mesa (300+ lakes on the world's largest flat top mountain) The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and many, many other monuments and points of interest. Gold Medal fishing in the Gunnison River, North Fork of the Gunnison can keep you away from challenging golf courses in both Cedaredge and Delta (Devil's Thumb Golf Course.)A beautiful view across Cactus Park to the West Elks Mountain Range is the perfect setting for that evening cocktail or wine. Other than the occasional deer or elk walking by, a distant Coyote howl or Owl hoot - the silence can be almost deafening. We love pets - all pets.  A little over 2 acres surrounding the YURT,  Fire Pit, Corrals, Loafing Shed, and parking area is surrounded by a pet secure fence that allows guests to turn pets (children, guests) loose without fear they will get lost or bother any of the neighbor's livestock,  Just close the gate after you enter the YURT area.Part of Cedar Mesa - northeast of the town of Cedaredge, The YURT at Screwball Ranch is maintained by it's owners as a base camp for their own big game hunting each fall. Because of the unique setting, close proximity to the host's property and only one of it's kind of YURT (...full kitchen, 3/4 bath, loft, spiral staircase - WOW! - What a YURT!) the owners offer it for rental during the non-hunting seasons.Learn more about this land:You'll be camping(?) in a 30' diameter YURT with loft, enclosed entryway, large surrounding deck, solar energy (generator backup). loft with twin beds, spiral staircase, two full sized futon on the main floor, full kitchen (range, oven, refrigerator, microwave, slow cooker, coffee maker, pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc.), 3/4 bath with hot and cold running water - all while off-the-grid and isolated on 80 private acres including hiking, biking, riding, ATV trails galore. You also have private access to 1000's of acres of BLM land not open to public access.  Base Price ($157.00 per night, 3 night minimum) is for double occupancy.   Children 12 and under stay free SO DO NOT ADD THOSE KIDDOS TO THE ADDITIONAL GUEST COUNT.  Additional guests over 12 pay an additional $15.00 per day (we're off-the-grid and additional guests consume more of all the stuff we have to haul in and stock for you - like water, generator fuel, firewood, etc.)  7.7% Applicable taxes will be added.The YURT at Screwball Ranch sits at the base of Grand Mesa, the largest flat-top mountain in the world.  Grand Mesa has over 300 lakes and hundreds of miles of Hiking, Bicycle, riding, ATV, Snowmobile, jeep trails.  With most of Grand Mesa's activities near 11,000 feet above sea level, the air is cool, crisp and clean, even during the hottest days of summer.  Find us on google maps.Treat yourself to Glamping (Glorious Camping) - not just camping.  You deserve it!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$199
 / night
98% (151)

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Coworking Space with Mountain Views

99%
(70)
13mi from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Montrose, CO
We bought a school house! Our long-term plan is to build out a full campground on the property, but in the interim we will be offering boondocking. While we are under construction on the outdoor space, the main building that we have converted into a coworking space is available for our guests to use from the hours of 9AM - 6PM. Unfortunately, we are on old agricultural land so the sites are in the direct sun during the day. Please be aware that it gets hot out here in the summer and take this into consideration when booking your stay with us. Please note that there is only one camping structure allowed per site (one tent, one rv, one van, etc.). Since we are under construction we ask that you use caution when pulling into the lot. Our property is also on a bike trail that connects to 70 miles of (mostly paved) bike trails across the town of Montrose. Please reach out with any questions. We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

Down at the Hop Yard Camping

99%
(137)
13mi from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Montrose, CO
Wake up to the fresh aroma of hops, enjoys beers made with the hops grown next to your sleeping bag, have a campfire with an incredible view of the San Juan Mountains and open night sky, take a tour and learn about the unique world of hops, walk around an 18-foot tall, 32-acre hop trellis, and adventure in all that the Western Slope of Colorado has to offer. We also have 'Fridays on the Farm' every Friday until October 3rd from 4-9pm serving beer with our hops, a local food truck, live music, and yard games. Check our website for more details! We can open the beer barn on other nights, as well as offer tours, upon request! This is a perfect basecamp for adventure! The attractions are endless: Exploring Black Canyon NP, Curecanti NRA, and Gunnison Gorge NCA; fly fishing in gold metal waters; hunting; hiking, climbing, and traversing the Via Ferrata in the San Juan Mountains; rafting, kayaking, or SUPing on three different rivers, including a wave park right in town, as well as on reservoirs and lakes; relaxing in mineral-rich hot springs; shopping for unique souvenirs and gifts; and enjoying the activities, restaurants, and shopping of nearby Ouray and Telluride! If we're booked out, message us and we may have some backup spots! ; )
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night

Double Rose Ranch

98%
(24)
14mi from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · 5 sites · Tents · Crawford, CO
The only and closest Hipcamp under the steady majesty of Needlerock! You need to arrive in daylight! This area was Ute land first and Needlerock was ceremonial ground. We have lots of large fields (110 acres) A river running through to dip into and secluded areas to be at one with the magical beauty here. Once a working sheep ranch we are now taking time to dream into this magical place and it’s next incarnation. Come pitch a tent or there are a couple spots to car camp and share in this ranch paradise. We limit each camping spot to two adults or a family with children are fine. Please do not come with 4+ people and one tent. Book accordingly and respectfully. There are mosquitos down by the creek at certain times in the summer in the evening, so we recommend bringing some bug spray. There is a fridge in the barn to keep small things cold and tables to use to sit and enjoy the rustic lux surroundings. We provide a porta potty so please only #1 (pee) outdoors. The land is big although we have 7 camping spots listed, and they are mowed all summer, there is plenty of room to usually be able to choose your own exact spot. This is a cut above basic camping with some nice amenities! We have very friendly dogs, horses and goats. The dogs are out and about and will want to greet you and possible hang out a little. It’s their home too:) We often have a friends yaks grazing here and the next door neighbors cows are always there.
Potable water
Trash
Cooking equipment
from 
$50
 / night

Poplar Place

93%
(14)
16mi from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Olathe, CO
Locally owned, this large tree grove with over 100 trees, was planted in 1979 for privacy and shade between 2 homes. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent, sleep in a hammock or park your RV at the Poplar Place. Several campsites within a large grove of trees which provide privacy & shade. Enjoy the sounds of nature including but not limited to: woodpeckers, owls, hawks, farm animals, frogs, crickets & much more. Hammocks, local area maps & yard games available at our check-in station and don’t forget to carve your initials in the totem pole before you leave. You can enjoy visiting with friends around the fire pit, play a game of tic-tac-toe, have an axe throwing contest or hide out in the Tee-Pee, whatever your heart desires. **Pets are welcome, however, they MUST BE ON LEASHES AT ALL TIMES & PROPER DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTE IS A MUST* Thank you
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

Zenzen Gardens

95%
(220)
20mi from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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 1st to November 1st from 12 PM - 6 PM. We will be hosting several Farm to Table Dinners along with a Summer Concert Series, Water Lantern Festival and Masquerade.  There is veranda seating to enjoy the beautiful flower gardens and where you can access the internet. Wine tastings are offered daily 12pm-6pm. The veranda is open until 8pm. 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

99%
(383)
21mi from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

Other options near Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

The best camping in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, CO guide

Overview

About

Carved over millions of years by the Gunnison River winding its way through metamorphic rock, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is so narrow in spots that the sun barely touches it, making it appear black in the middle of the day. The canyon’s sheer vertical cliffs make a challenging playground for rock climbers, while expert kayakers will find technical whitewater down below. Scenic drives offer stellar views of the canyon, where hiking trails meander along the rim. Campers will find sites perched on both the south and north rims, and at the bottom of the canyon.  

Notable campgrounds

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Reservations are only available for the South Rim Campground. North Rim and East Portal campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. 
  2. Campground reservations open six months in advance on a rolling basis. 
  3. Make sure to check the campsite details before booking. Only Loop B of the South Rim Campground offers electric sites and many sites have limits on RV length.

When to go

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is open year-round, but sights and services are limited during the winter months. The best time to visit is May through mid-November when the South Rim Road, the North Rim, and all campgrounds are open. The park is busiest in summer, so visit in May, September, or October if you wish to avoid the crowds. In winter, only one loop of the South Rim Campground remains open, and much of the South Rim is only accessible by skis or snowshoes. 

Know before you go

  1. Electric hookups are only available at the South Rim Campground.
  2. The East Portal Campground is for tents only. It’s located at the bottom of the canyon and although the road to the campground is paved, it’s windy and steep. Vehicles exceeding 22 feet in length are not allowed on the East Portal Road.
  3. Dogs are allowed at the South Rim Campground, but from early June through early August, dogs may not be walked around the campground (even on a leash) to prevent deer conflicts. 
  4. Drinking water is not always available in the campgrounds. Come prepared with your own water.
  5. Temperatures can vary greatly between the rim and the bottom of the canyon. Bring layers and be prepared for wind if camping on the rim.
98%
151 ratings · 98 reviews

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