The best camping in Curecanti National Recreation Area, CO

·
96% (14)

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

The best camping in Curecanti National Recreation Area, CO

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Gunnison Glamping @ Blue Bear Ranch

8. Gunnison Glamping @ Blue Bear Ranch

100%
(14)
21mi from Curecanti National Recreation Area · 1 site · Lodging · Gunnison, CO
Take advantage of this private glamping tent on an acre between Gunnison and Almont, CO and forget trying to find a spot in nearby campgrounds or dispersed camp sites! The entrance is right off of highway 135, 8 miles north of Gunnison. Come down the driveway and take a right into the field. The tent is nestled against the cottonwoods far enough away from the main house for complete privacy. Relax on the property or use it as your adventure base camp. Less than a mile from Gunnison river access, National Forest access in hunting units 54 and 55. Not far from units 66 and 67. Almont is a 2 minute drive, Gunnison is about 10 minutes away and Crested Butte is about 20 minutes from the property. The queen size bed will be made (additional cots can be added with advance notice) and the kitchen has a two burner propane camp stove, tea pot, pots, pans, plates, bowls, cups, mugs, and utensils. It is stocked with drinking water, oil, S&P, coffee, tea, marshmallows and fresh eggs from our chickens will be provided daily. The tent is equipped with a wood burning stove and stocked with firewood. Additional firewood can be purchased. Kindling and fire starters are also available at no charge- let us do the hard work - you RELAX! Electricity is provided, so you can charge your phone or whatever else you need. Enjoy your private fire pit, chill in the rocking camping chairs, or walk across the field to the main house and enjoy the hot tub on the deck. You may spot our horse "Sassy" or some of our chickens roaming around. A porta potty is situated near (but not too near) the tent for your convenience. Towels and wash cloths are also provided.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$90
 / night
Double Rose Ranch

9. Double Rose Ranch

98%
(24)
27mi from Curecanti National Recreation Area · 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
Hoskin’s Place

11. Hoskin’s Place

100%
(10)
30mi from Curecanti National Recreation Area · 1 site · RV · Crested Butte, CO
A lovely flat spot alongside our garage for a van, small RV, teardrop or truck camper. Electric and water. No available bathroom. This option is especially great since van/rv/trailer camping is not allowed on public streets or in public parking lots in the Town of Crested Butte. (Our spot is a great way to avoid the Marshal knocking on your window at 11 PM and asking you to move on. Yes it happens because we know the officers.) Gorgeous views, easy dog walks and a recreation path right nearby. Walking distance to downtown Crested Butte. Bikable to some of the best mountain biking in the USA. Available year-round, even in the deep snow. Nordic skiing right outside your door. Public transit nearby so you can get settled and leave your van/camper without all the pack up, unpack, leveling process. Local public transportation is great! Quiet dog-friendly neighborhood of locals. Sustainable! (Power is photovoltaic solar. 20 Amp. Not so well suited to AC units or electric heat) Trash, compost, recycling and potable water are available on site. Two blocks away is the CB dump station for sewer and non-potable/potable water except in winter months. A great spot to support evening and late night arrivals to avoid driving all over looking for a dispersed spot during busy times. Worry free! Easy walking distance to the Crested Butte Center for the Arts, Alpenglow (Mondays), Music on the Mountain (Wednesdays), Public House, wedding venues and other music venues, bars and nightlife. 1/2 a block from the Slate River and paddleboarding put-in. 1 block from Rainbow Park and playgrounds, soccer fields, etc. 2 blocks from the public/ski bus. Reliable high speed internet. This is a relatively small, site in town, not a spacious farm/acreage type of site or a campground. Crested Butte has a lot of dispersed camping available so this is ideal for vans and campers with a bathroom who want to camp within town limits and be able to walk everywhere.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night
Down at the Hop Yard Camping

14. Down at the Hop Yard Camping

99%
(137)
35mi from Curecanti National Recreation Area · 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
Zenzen Gardens

16. Zenzen Gardens

95%
(220)
36mi from Curecanti National Recreation Area · 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

17. Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

99%
(383)
36mi from Curecanti National Recreation Area · 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

18. Sage View Ranch

98%
(220)
36mi from Curecanti National Recreation Area · 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
Coworking Space with Mountain Views

19. Coworking Space with Mountain Views

99%
(70)
36mi from Curecanti National Recreation Area · 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
96% (14)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Curecanti National Recreation Area adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Gunnison Glamping @ Blue Bear Ranch

100%
(14)
21mi from Curecanti National Recreation Area · 1 site · Lodging · Gunnison, CO
Take advantage of this private glamping tent on an acre between Gunnison and Almont, CO and forget trying to find a spot in nearby campgrounds or dispersed camp sites! The entrance is right off of highway 135, 8 miles north of Gunnison. Come down the driveway and take a right into the field. The tent is nestled against the cottonwoods far enough away from the main house for complete privacy. Relax on the property or use it as your adventure base camp. Less than a mile from Gunnison river access, National Forest access in hunting units 54 and 55. Not far from units 66 and 67. Almont is a 2 minute drive, Gunnison is about 10 minutes away and Crested Butte is about 20 minutes from the property. The queen size bed will be made (additional cots can be added with advance notice) and the kitchen has a two burner propane camp stove, tea pot, pots, pans, plates, bowls, cups, mugs, and utensils. It is stocked with drinking water, oil, S&P, coffee, tea, marshmallows and fresh eggs from our chickens will be provided daily. The tent is equipped with a wood burning stove and stocked with firewood. Additional firewood can be purchased. Kindling and fire starters are also available at no charge- let us do the hard work - you RELAX! Electricity is provided, so you can charge your phone or whatever else you need. Enjoy your private fire pit, chill in the rocking camping chairs, or walk across the field to the main house and enjoy the hot tub on the deck. You may spot our horse "Sassy" or some of our chickens roaming around. A porta potty is situated near (but not too near) the tent for your convenience. Towels and wash cloths are also provided.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$90
 / night

Double Rose Ranch

98%
(24)
27mi from Curecanti National Recreation Area · 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

Hoskin’s Place

100%
(10)
30mi from Curecanti National Recreation Area · 1 site · RV · Crested Butte, CO
A lovely flat spot alongside our garage for a van, small RV, teardrop or truck camper. Electric and water. No available bathroom. This option is especially great since van/rv/trailer camping is not allowed on public streets or in public parking lots in the Town of Crested Butte. (Our spot is a great way to avoid the Marshal knocking on your window at 11 PM and asking you to move on. Yes it happens because we know the officers.) Gorgeous views, easy dog walks and a recreation path right nearby. Walking distance to downtown Crested Butte. Bikable to some of the best mountain biking in the USA. Available year-round, even in the deep snow. Nordic skiing right outside your door. Public transit nearby so you can get settled and leave your van/camper without all the pack up, unpack, leveling process. Local public transportation is great! Quiet dog-friendly neighborhood of locals. Sustainable! (Power is photovoltaic solar. 20 Amp. Not so well suited to AC units or electric heat) Trash, compost, recycling and potable water are available on site. Two blocks away is the CB dump station for sewer and non-potable/potable water except in winter months. A great spot to support evening and late night arrivals to avoid driving all over looking for a dispersed spot during busy times. Worry free! Easy walking distance to the Crested Butte Center for the Arts, Alpenglow (Mondays), Music on the Mountain (Wednesdays), Public House, wedding venues and other music venues, bars and nightlife. 1/2 a block from the Slate River and paddleboarding put-in. 1 block from Rainbow Park and playgrounds, soccer fields, etc. 2 blocks from the public/ski bus. Reliable high speed internet. This is a relatively small, site in town, not a spacious farm/acreage type of site or a campground. Crested Butte has a lot of dispersed camping available so this is ideal for vans and campers with a bathroom who want to camp within town limits and be able to walk everywhere.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night

Down at the Hop Yard Camping

99%
(137)
35mi from Curecanti National Recreation Area · 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

Zenzen Gardens

95%
(220)
36mi from Curecanti National Recreation Area · 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)
36mi from Curecanti National Recreation Area · 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 Curecanti National Recreation Area

The best camping in Curecanti National Recreation Area, CO guide

Overview

About

Curecanti Creek contains three reservoirs on the Gunnison River. Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's largest body of water, and it's very popular. Summertime brings out plenty of boats thanks to two marinas and five boat launches.

BYOB or rent a boat from a nearby outfitter. Deep waters of the reservoirs and canyons contain a copious amount of fish. Try to snag a huge lake trout or Kokanee salmon. Some areas even allow ice fishing in winter.

Curecanti Creek has something for everyone, even if you're a landlubber. Cimarron Visitor Center displays some narrow gauge railroad cars that delve into the mining history of the area. Elk Creek Visitor Center explains the natural history of the Gunnison River. Get up close to wildlife and wildflowers along the many miles of hiking trails here.

Ten campgrounds offer year-round home bases for your outdoor excursion. Elk Creek has 160 sites with full RV hook-ups.

Notable campgrounds

  • Elk Creek Campground – A gateway to Blue Mesa Reservoir with facilities for both RVs and tents.
  • Lake Fork Campground – Offers a cozy spot for anglers and boaters alike, with easy access to the water.
  • Stevens Creek Campground – Perfect for those seeking a quieter camping experience with scenic views.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, as spots fill up quickly, especially during peak summer months.
  • Check for cancellations regularly to snag a last-minute reservation.
  • Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for better availability.
  • Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations when the park is full.

When to go

The best time to visit Curecanti is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is warm and all facilities are open. Winter can be harsh, with limited access and services, but offers a tranquil, snowy landscape for the intrepid.

Know before you go

  • Check weather conditions and prepare for sudden changes, as the park is at a high elevation.
  • Watercraft inspections are mandatory to prevent the spread of invasive species.
  • Be aware of wildlife and practice safe viewing distances.
  • Some areas may be closed due to weather or conservation efforts, so verify accessibility in advance.
  • Bring all necessary supplies, as amenities are limited in certain parts of the park.
96%
14 ratings · 5 reviews