The best camping in Billy Creek State Wildlife Area, CO

·

Discover the natural allure of Billy Creek State Wildlife Area.  

The best camping near Billy Creek State Wildlife Area, CO

No matching sites in the park — explore these options nearby.
Hartwork Ranch

1. Hartwork Ranch

97%
(29)
22mi from Billy Creek State Wildlife Area · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Placerville, CO
Elk are in rut and you can hear them bugling from your campsite. The aspen groves are peaking and we’re surrounded by orange scrub oak for fall. Oh, we have views! You may have a campfire and we have free wood! We also have delicious duck eggs! A beautiful 40 acre ranch on Hastings Mesa with views of Alder Canyon and Hayden’s Peak. You can hear Alder Creek flowing through the canyon from the comfort of your campsite. Many nearby options for bicycling, hiking, kayaking and skiing in the area. Once you pull out the driveway you are a few minutes from Last Dollar Ranch Road (hike, bike, or 4x4) and about a 25 minute drive to Telluride, 30 minutes to Ridgway, and 30 minutes to Norwood. Just outside of Ridgway is Orvis Hot Springs, and more hot springs can be found in Ouray. The property offers access to Alder Creek and our beaver ponds down in the canyon. The fields are blanketed with Iris and clematis flowers in May and June and other wild flowers throughout the summer including pentstemon, larkspur, and wild roses. There are patches of scrub oak and fields with cinquefoil bushes in the camping areas, and as you go down in the canyon there’s aspen groves, blue spruce, and ponderosa pines. As mentioned before, we have delicious farm fresh duck eggs from our happy free-ranging ducks!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$26
 / night
Delta Hobby Farm

2. Delta Hobby Farm

97%
(34)
35mi from Billy Creek State Wildlife Area · 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
Down at the Hop Yard Camping

3. Down at the Hop Yard Camping

99%
(137)
8.1mi from Billy Creek State Wildlife 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
Happy Canyon Ranch

4. Happy Canyon Ranch

10mi from Billy Creek State Wildlife Area · 1 site · Lodging · Montrose, CO
Happy Canyon Ranch is a hidden gem perched on the Uncompahgre Plateau in western Colorado, a wild and peaceful land where nature speaks in silence and sky. The terrain is dotted with Utah junipers and fragrant sagebrush, forming a high desert tapestry that glows in golds and greens under the sun. Perched along the canyon’s edge are massive safari tents, offering rustic luxury with sweeping views. From your canvas porch, you can often spot golden eagles riding the canyon thermals, drifting effortlessly above the rock-strewn cliffs. At night, the sky opens up into a cathedral of stars—pure, unpolluted, and endless—where the Milky Way is so clear it feels like you could reach out and touch it. The air is clean and crisp, scented with pine, earth, and sage. And rising in the distance, like a sentinel watching over the land, is the majestic Mount Sneffels—a 14,000-foot peak that shimmers with snow in spring and glows amber at dusk. This is not just a place. It’s an experience of stillness, scale, and sacred space. Happy Canyon Ranch is where the wild meets the soul.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$80
 / night
Oasis RV Resort

7. Oasis RV Resort

89%
(33)
38mi from Billy Creek State Wildlife Area · 104 sites · Tents, RVs · Gunnison, CO
Nestled beside Colorado’s expansive Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in the state, our location offers unparalleled access to serene waters and breathtaking views. Our Gunnison Lakeside Oasis Vacation Cottages offer a range of sizes and sleeping capacities, with a two-night minimum stay requirement. Each cottage includes restroom facilities, including a shower. Options include two-bedroom cottages, 12×12 and 12×16 cottages with or without covered porches, and even a 1960 Retro Trailer. Enjoy your stay close to the beautiful Blue Mesa Reservoir! Discover the exceptional amenities at Oasis RV Resort and Cottages where modern comforts meet the tranquility of nature. Equiped with fiber optic internet, stay connected to the world while surrounded by the serene beauty of our natural surroundings.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

8. Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

99%
(383)
40mi from Billy Creek State Wildlife 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
Coworking Space with Mountain Views

9. Coworking Space with Mountain Views

99%
(70)
10mi from Billy Creek State Wildlife 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
Zenzen Gardens

10. Zenzen Gardens

95%
(220)
38mi from Billy Creek State Wildlife 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
Around the campsite.

14. Dark Sky Paradise

95%
(20)
42mi from Billy Creek State Wildlife Area · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Naturita, CO
Did you know the Milky Way has color? Come experience night skies like you have never seen them before! Look up when the next meteor shower is and reserve your spot. Most visitors love the serene atmosphere and want to get away from it all. You can explore 45 of our acres and access 45 acres of land locked BLM lands. A quick 5 min drive away is endless BLM and public lands. The land is around 10 miles from the town of Naturita which has a restaurant, atv rentals, a bar, a grocery store, thrift store, library, consignment store, dispensaries and gas stations. Naturita is an amazing place for Dark Sky viewing, hiking, camping, biking, and scenic drives. The outdoor recreation opportunities are endless. It is very close (driving) to the Dolores River. The land is surrounded by BLM and near the Uncompahge National Forest. The Dark Sky campsite is also close to the Unaweep/Tabegauche Scenic and Historic Byway. We are about 2 hours from Moab, UT! We go to Moab to get sushi. Come here to get away from it all! The land itself offers incredible mountain views. You park at the tree line with desert Sage brush views to the East, Pinion and Juniper trees with a private canyon and beautiful rock formations to the West. Just North is 45 acres of landlocked BLM public land walking distance from the campsite. Unit 70 for the hunters who know how legendary this area is. Our land has an obstacle course, private paintball/gel blaster/nerf field, seasonal lake, trails, canyon, elevation gains and drops. Pets are encouraged to join you.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$31
 / night
Dandelion art installation.

15. CampV Colorado

97%
(45)
46mi from Billy Creek State Wildlife Area · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Naturita, CO
Inspired Shelter for the Spirited Wanderer CampV was established in 1942 by the Vanadium Corporation to house the engineers who worked in the uranium mines outside of Naturita, Colorado. In 2020, this historic gem was restored by StudioVille Crew to welcome wanderers to a remote and scenic corner of SW Colorado. Discover your Wild without the crowds. Beautiful with a tiny bit of dirt under the fingernails and 120 acres to explore, travelers can sleep well in one of the newly reimagined historic cabins, glamping tents, Jupes, airstreams or river front camping. Through our arts non-profit WEarts, explorers can experience our curated art and support art and creative programming in a rural community. When you’re ready for a mission, check out Planet V, our annual arts and music gathering over Memorial Day and prepare to lift off.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Poplar Place

16. Poplar Place

93%
(14)
26mi from Billy Creek State Wildlife Area · 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
Cedar Creek Lodging & RV Park

20. Cedar Creek Lodging & RV Park

90%
(5)
15mi from Billy Creek State Wildlife Area · 118 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Montrose, CO
Cedar Creek stands out as a unique destination near downtown Montrose, offering a serene and well-shaded RV park that caters to a variety of accommodation preferences. Whether you choose to stay in one of our charming tiny homes, park your own RV or van, indulge in glamping, or set up your tent right by the creek, you’ll find a perfect spot to unwind in nature. Our campground provides essential amenities to enhance your stay, including access to a bathhouse, laundry facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. With the beautiful surroundings, you can explore nearby natural features, enjoy swimming holes, and partake in various outdoor activities. Plus, you’ll be just a short distance from local restaurants and shops, making it easy to experience the best of Montrose. We look forward to welcoming you to Cedar Creek for a memorable getaway!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Billy Creek State Wildlife Area adventure.

Camper favorites near Billy Creek State Wildlife Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Calendar icon
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
Van icon
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Star icon
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.

Stories from the community

Other options near Billy Creek State Wildlife Area

The best camping in Billy Creek State Wildlife Area, CO guide

Overview

About

If you've ever dreamt of camping near Billy Creek State Wildlife Area, this might just be your call to adventure. For campers with a keen interest in nature and a sense of exploration, Billy Creek presents an eclectic mix of terrain and wildlife. It is divided into distinct sections of land, each possessing a unique allure. The low, shrub-covered hills beckon for exploration and bird-watching adventures.

Perhaps the most intriguing section is the riparian forest along the stream bottom, a haven for the Western Screech-Owl. This wildlife area doesn't stop at birdlife, though. Campers can expect encounters with elk and deer amidst the oaks, and if you're lucky, you may even spot the vibrant Colorado Hairstreak butterfly, a true spectacle of nature.

Ready for some aquatic fun? Billy Creek State Wildlife Area offers public access to the Uncompahgre River, where flows from Cow Creek have recently cleared up, making it an excellent spot for fishing. Anglers, pack your gear and cast your line to try your luck with the big stonefly nymphs and attractor nymphs, known to lure fish in these parts.

Please note, everyone aged 16 or older will need a valid hunting or fishing license or an SWA pass to access this unique state wildlife area. Remember, as campers, we respect and preserve nature while enjoying its abundance. Spice up yuour next expedition with a Billy Creek State Wildlife Area camping trip – nature is calling, and the adventure awaits.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Billy Creek State Wildlife Area is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural world is vibrant with activity. Summer brings warmth and an abundance of life, but also the peak of visitor numbers. Winter can be harsh, with some areas less accessible, offering a tranquil solitude for the hardy adventurer.

Know before you go

  • Check the latest updates on area closures or restrictions before planning your visit.
  • Ensure you have the necessary permits for fishing or hunting activities.
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions and dress accordingly.
  • Respect wildlife habitats by observing from a distance and following Leave No Trace principles.
  • Accessibility information can be obtained by contacting the park's management prior to your visit.
Be the first to review
Share your experience here to help other campers.