RV camping in Blue Mesa Reservoir with wildlife watching

Colorado’s largest body of water offers great fishing, plus lakeside and boat-in camping.

98% (667 reviews)
98% (667 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Blue Mesa Reservoir

Dog-friendly getaways

Available this weekend

12 top RV sites in Blue Mesa Reservoir with wildlife watching

99%
(272)

Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents35 acres · 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
Campfires
Showers
from 
$35
 / night
95%
(145)

Tater's Black Canyon Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Crawford, CO
Hot showers and toilets are now available! (more details to follow). 35 acres of bliss shared with 2 humans, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 horses and 3 chickens. Eggs may be available upon request. Black Canyon National Park is a short drive to the west. Conveniently located to Crawford and the North Fork Valley to wineries, music fests and local eateries.  Incredible views and dark skies make the perfect respite for just hanging out, climbing in the Black, foodie time in the North Fork Valley or pretty much whatever you like to do.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$33
 / night
100%
(12)

Wild Abandon Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent50 acres · Paonia, CO
Wild Abandon Ranch is a gorgeous 50 acre property that we just acquired in March of 2023. Sadly, the property had been abandoned and neglected for over 20 years and we are doing our best to breath some new life into her. We are chasing those land dreams! This property has a wild amount of potential and an endless story of labor and we hope to bring a new vision and purpose to this very special place. The Hipcamp site is located down by the creek (on the SOUTH side of Minnesota Creek Rd) where you'll have total privacy and room to relax and explore. The deer trails are a great way to get lost amongst the trees and the rhythm of the creek. Just down the road further on Minnesota Creek Road is direct access to National Forest. Our property is only 3.5 miles from the town of Paonia so you're oh-so-close yet so far away from it all. Paonia is central to the abundant North Fork Valley and there is so much to experience in this area. From hiking, biking, camping, or swimming to touring the many vibrant vineyards or galleries. Your visit is directly contributing to this land's second chance. We hope you'll visit again and follow along in the evolution of Wild Abandon Ranch. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
Pets
from 
$35
 / night
98%
(191)

Sage View Ranch

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · 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
Showers
Trash
from 
$30
 / night
98%
(93)

Zenzen Gardens

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · 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 to October from 12 PM - 6 PM. Every Thursday evening, from June to October, we host Tapas events from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring our local guest chef. Please note that there will be no Tapas events in August due to our Pickin' in the Park festivities! The property is also a music venue with two performance sites in the barn and a stage by the pond. We also offer farm-to-table dinners throughout the summer, and tapas on Thursdays. Check out our calendar for concerts and dinner dates at www.zenzengardens.com There is veranda seating to enjoy the beautiful flower gardens and where you can access the internet. 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
Campfires
Showers
from 
$35
 / night
100%
(5)

WESTERN Skies - Guest Ranch -

6 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Crawford, CO
Learn more about this land:We have 4 RV Slips available and a couple of camp areas available in our Juniper trees or out in the open field. We also have a walk out basement apartment with 2 bedrooms, shared bathroom and kitchenette and living room with pool table and darts. NO CAMPFIRES OF ANY KIND as we are in Stage 1 fire bans due to drought conditions. Smoking in designated areas only for the same reason. No exceptions!We are a short drive from the Black Canyon National Park, Crawford Reservoir, and multiple wineries. Tours to these are available for a nominal fee and by appointment.Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times while out and about on the property. Please clean up after your pets.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$30
 / night
96%
(113)

Cumberland High Alpine Campsites!

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Pitkin, CO
Learn more about this land:Flat rocky, high alpine grass tundra very exposed with some trees for cover! Incredible views! Top of the "top of the Rockies"! Most incredible view in Colorado! Hike, bike, 4 wheel, pictures, explore old mine workings!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$44
 / night

Balsam Bliss

1 site · RV1 acre · Cimarron, CO
Natural RV site at 9500 feet within Arrowhead Ranch. Electric (50 amp RV and 2 - 20 amp circuits), water, and septic on site. Enjoy nature on this primitive site. No WiFi provided and Cell Service is not ideal. No unapproved fire pits allowed. Speed limit in Arrowhead is 20 mph. Arrowhead Mountain Lodge is a mile from the site. The lodge has a small convenience store and an excellent restaurant. In the summers, they offer musical groups on the weekends. Long Term Stays are available in Spring, Summer and early Fall. No winter camping allowed. Other things to note Hwy 867 is a gravel road. All roads within Arrowhead are gravel.
Pets
Potable water
from 
$40
 / night
93%
(7)

FestiVille: Juniper Springs

1 site · RV, Tent44 acres · Crawford, CO
We are happy to welcome you to nearly 44 acres of wild terrain and gorgeous views with 4 swimming ponds. A piece of land like no other around, Juniper Springs boasts ponds and gorgeous creeks connecting them, lichen covered rocks resembling castle ruins, wildflowers in the meadows and cacti on the high grounds. Run by a non-profit project we offer add-ons for breakfast, picnic lunches, massage, horseback tours, permaculture classes, art workshops and more! **Note as of March 1st 2024 we have a damaged drive that is only passable by higher clearance vehicles. Our composting toilet is also being updated. Both of these will be back in action by May 1st.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$33
 / night
95%
(62)

The Farm...

7 sites · RVs10 acres · Montrose, CO
Statigicly located in the heart of Base Camp Montrose Valley, Close to Tulluride ,Million DollarHighway, Black Canyon, and San Juan Mountains. Horse Country & ATV country. Ride to BLM land on county roads.Learn more about this land:Great location, near trail head,  Small Working  horse farm in rural setting, Gateway to the San Juans, creek side camping, Black Canyon nearby, Farm Community, Historic Montrose and surrounding area. 420 freindly.  ADD $5.00 ELECTRIC per night
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from 
$33
 / night
Saved 27 times

Traveling Shamans Camp

1 site · Tent1 acre · Hotchkiss, CO
The Traveling Shamans Camp's mission is to provide sacred space and help facilitate shamanic ceremonies and experiences in western Colorado for shamans, artists, practitioners, healers & wisdom teachers. Learn more about this land: Traveling Shamans Camp is a ceremonial camp for shamanic artists, shamans, healers & wisdom teachers,  in Hotchkiss, CO.  Shamans Camp features ceremonies, sweat lodges, storytellers,  journeying lodge, drum circles, and more.  A bathroom with a shower is onsite and a grocery store and restaurants are close by.  Campsite with electricity is available for a camper van. Use discount code ShamansCamp.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
$25
 / night
100%
(3)

Rain Crow Farm

10 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Paonia, CO
Rain Crow Farm is a small, organic farm located in the pristine North Fork Valley on Colorado’s Western Slope. The campsites here are right along the river, surrounded by tall cottonwoods and stunning Mountain View’s. There is a shallow swimming hole and plenty of riverbank hangout spots. The farm is walking distance from Paonia and hiking, biking, fishing, wine tours and ATV tracks are all within a few miles reach. Campers who stay with us with have access to produce from the farm, including eggs, goat milk, and loads of fresh salad greens. Wake up to sound of birds and rivers’ flow. Because of our diverse livestock, dogs must be on a leash at all times here. Thank you!
Potable water
Trash
from 
$30
 / night

Star Hosts in Blue Mesa Reservoir

Under $50

Value Prop
Value Prop

RV camping in Blue Mesa Reservoir with wildlife watching guide

Overview

In the high mountain desert between Gunnison and Montrose, Blue Mesa Reservoir is the largest body of water in Colorado. Part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, the 29-mile-long reservoir offers 96 miles of shoreline surrounded by canyons and mesas. Stocked with fish and home to the largest kokanee salmon hatchery in the country, the fishing is legendary. Visitors also come to go boating, paddling, windsurfing, and swimming, as well as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife spotting. Campers can choose from more than 10 lakeside and boat-in campgrounds around the reservoir, with many more options available elsewhere in Curecanti National Recreation Area and Gunnison National Forest nearby.

Where to go

Sapinero Basin

At the western end of the reservoir is the Sapinero Basin, with three arms branching off north and south, and four campgrounds. The largest campground in the area, Lake Fork, offers 90 tent and RV sites, along with a marina and an information center. The Ponderosa campground can be found along the Soap Creek Arm while the West Elk Creek boat-in campground can be found along the West Elk arm.

Cebolla Basin

Centrally located, the Cebolla Basin is home to the Dillon Pinnacles and Elk Creek Campground, offering 160 sites for tents and large RVs, with fire rings and picnic tables. It’s also the only campground with electric hookups. Near the Elk Creek Visitor Center are a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, and a seasonal marina and restaurant. The basin is also home to the Red Creek, Dry Creek, and East Elk Creek Group Campground, plus the Cebolla Creek boat-in campground.

Iola Basin

On the eastern end of the reservoir, the Iola Basin is home to the Stevens Creek Campground, with 53 tent and RV sites. The Turtle Rock boat-in campground can also be found in this area, along with several picnic areas, two boat launches, and the Lake City Bridge.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

To the west of Blue Mesa are two other lakes that form part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area—Morrow Point Lake and Crystal Lake. Just west of Blue Mesa, Morrow Point offers two boat-in campgrounds at Curecanti Creek and Hermits Rest. Further west, Crystal Lake offers one boat-in campground and two developed campgrounds for tents and RVs, including East Portal, at the far western end of Curecanti National Recreation Area and just below Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Gunnison National Forest

To the northwest of Blue Mesa River is the Gunnison National Forest, spanning more than 1.6 million acres. In addition to plenty of space for dispersed backcountry camping, there are more than 30 developed backgrounds that offer tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. The closest developed campgrounds to Blue Mesa Reservoir include Soap Creek Campground, with 21 campsites, Lake Irwin Campground, with 25 campsites, and the Lost Lake Campground-Paionia, with 18 campsites.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover and reserve tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.