Top Tent Camping near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests

Best Tent Camping Sites Near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, CO (176)

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   South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

   59 Reviews

   231 Photos

   252 Saves

   Montrose, Colorado

   Overview

   A camping trip to the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park makes for a beautiful getaway for sightseeing, stargazing, and hiking. The park protects the most dramatic section of the Gunnison River Canyon; no other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths of Black Canyon.

   Recreation

   Take one of many spectacular hiking trails such as the Oak Flat Loop Trail and watch for birds like the black-billed magpie. In summer, catch an evening educational program in the campground amphitheater.______ Winter activities include snowshoeing on Rim Rock Trail or go cross country skiing on South Rim Drive (South Rim Campground is first-come, first-served in winter).

   Facilities

   Take one of many spectacular hiking trails such as the Oak Flat Loop Trail and watch for birds like the black-billed magpie. In summer, catch an evening educational program in the campground amphitheater.______ Winter activities include snowshoeing on Rim Rock Trail or go cross country skiing on South Rim Drive (South Rim Campground is first-come, first-served in winter).

   Natural Features

   Perched on the South Rim of the Black Canyon, this campground is surrounded by scrub oak forests and sits atop ancient hard rocks. Deer, grouse, bears, and bobcats are known to frequent the area.

   Nearby Attractions

   Visit the Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit to see railcars and the last remaining railroad trestle on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison route. Head upstream to Curecanti National Recreation Area to enjoy water recreation on Colorado's largest reservoir.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • RVs
   • Tents
   • Group

   $34 / night

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   Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

   39 Reviews

   110 Photos

   1102 Saves

   Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

   Black Canyon Dispersed Camping near Montrose, CO, is a no-frills spot perfect for those who love the raw beauty of nature without the fuss of amenities. This area is open year-round and offers a simple, scenic escape just a stone's throw from the entrance to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

   The sites here are all dirt and nestled among the trees, providing a quiet and secluded atmosphere. You won't find any toilets, showers, or drinking water, so come prepared. Fires are allowed, but you'll need to bring your own firewood. Pets are welcome, and there's no need for a permit, making it a hassle-free option for a spontaneous getaway.

   Visitors have praised the stunning views and the abundance of wildlife. You might hear turkeys, chickadees, and woodpeckers during your stay. Some campers have even spotted deer and, on rare occasions, bears. The area is also known for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets, with panoramic views that are hard to beat.

   Access can be a bit tricky, especially if it rains, as the dirt roads can become rutted. Low-clearance vehicles might struggle, so it's best to have a high-clearance vehicle if you plan to venture beyond the first few sites. Despite the rough roads, many campers have found the effort worthwhile for the peace and beauty of the location.

   If you're looking for a quiet, scenic spot to pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors, Black Canyon Dispersed Camping is a solid choice. Just remember to pack out what you pack in and leave no trace to keep this beautiful area pristine for future visitors.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Phone Service
   • Tents
   • Dispersed
   • Alcohol
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   Elk Ridge Campground — Ridgway State Park

   27 Reviews

   77 Photos

   259 Saves

   Ridgway, Colorado

   This is the most popular campground at Ridgway, located on the top of a mesa covered in Pinyon pine and juniper trees. Offering campsites 80-187, it is also part of the Dutch Charlie area of the park. RV campsites have electric hookups and shared water and there are 10 walk-in tent sites. The dump station is located down the hill at the entrance to the Dakota Terraces Campground.

   All campgrounds offer: Restrooms; also, during the high season, showers, laundromat (coin operated), snack machines and a change machine in a Camper Services Building A playground Additional restrooms Hiking and biking trails

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
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   North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

   18 Reviews

   59 Photos

   409 Saves

   Crawford, Colorado

   Overview

   Official NPS North Rim Website__ The North Rim campground is remote and has 13 sites dispersed among pinyon and juniper trees. Sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Elevation: 7767 ft (2367.4 m). The ranger station is open intermittently in the summer and closed in the winter. In the summer, maps and newspapers are available on the ranger station porch. The ranger station also has a self-pay station for the park entrance fee and a self-registration kiosk for wilderness permits.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Phone Service
   • RVs
   • Tents
   • Group

   $20 / night

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   Elk Creek Campground

   28 Reviews

   72 Photos

   261 Saves

   Powderhorn, Colorado

   Overview

   Elk Creek Campground is on the north shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir. The lake is Colorado's largest body of water with 96 miles of shoreline and the largest Kokanee Salmon fishery in the United States. Elk Creek Campground is located off of US HWY 50 -15 miles west of Gunnison Co. at Mile Marker 142. The campground is part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, which was named after a Ute Indian chief of the mid-19th century.__ The Elk Creek area is a hub for water based activities year round.

   Recreation

   Anglers delight in catching salmon and rainbow trout, while water sports fans find excitement in windsurfing and water skiing. Swimming is permitted throughout the 20-mile long reservoir and birders can find bald eagles here year round.

   Facilities

   Anglers delight in catching salmon and rainbow trout, while water sports fans find excitement in windsurfing and water skiing. Swimming is permitted throughout the 20-mile long reservoir and birders can find bald eagles here year round.

   Natural Features

   At an altitude of 7,540 feet, Elk Creek is surrounded by a vast expanse of sagebrush. Trees are minimal because the reservoir gets less than 12 inches of rain a year. Curecanti National Recreation Area is sandwiched between the towns of Montrose and Gunnison, Colorado. It spans three reservoirs, named for corresponding dams on the Gunnison River. These include the Crystal Reservoir, Morrow Point Reservoir and Blue Mesa.

   Nearby Attractions

   Visit the Cimarron Rail Exhibit to see railcars and the last remaining railroad trestle on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison route.

   Charges & Cancellations

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • RVs
   • Tents

   $34 / night

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   Dakota Terraces Campground — Ridgway State Park

   16 Reviews

   85 Photos

   119 Saves

   Ridgway, Colorado

   Dakota Terraces Campground in Ridgway State Park is a gem for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Colorado. This campground offers a mix of tent, RV, glamping, and yurt accommodations, making it a versatile spot for all kinds of campers. One of the standout features here is the stunning view of Courthouse Peak, which you can enjoy right from your campsite.

   The campground is equipped with electric hookups and drinking water, and there's a sanitary dump station on-site. Showers and clean restrooms are available, which is always a plus. If you're bringing your furry friend along, you'll be happy to know that pets are allowed. Fires are permitted, and you can even buy firewood on-site, making it easy to enjoy a cozy evening by the campfire.

   Visitors have mentioned that the campground is a great base for exploring nearby attractions like Ouray, Telluride, and Silverton. The reservoir offers opportunities for kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating, although it can get windy at times. The campground itself is well-maintained, with clean facilities and friendly park staff.

   While the sites are generally spaced out, providing a sense of privacy, there isn't much tree cover, so be prepared for some sun exposure, especially in the summer. Some sites have shelters over the picnic tables, but bringing a pop-up canopy might be a good idea for extra shade.

   Overall, Dakota Terraces Campground offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty, convenient amenities, and proximity to some of Colorado's most charming towns and outdoor activities. Whether you're here for a night or a week, you're bound to have a memorable stay.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
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   Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground — Ridgway State Park

   15 Reviews

   67 Photos

   200 Saves

   Ridgway, Colorado

   Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground in Ridgway State Park is a solid spot for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors in Colorado. This place is open from mid-May to mid-September and offers a mix of tent and RV accommodations. It's got all the essentials: drinking water, electric and sewer hookups, showers, and toilets. Plus, you can bring your pets along, and there's firewood for sale if you want to get a campfire going.

   The campground is pretty big-rig friendly, so if you're rolling in with a larger RV, you won't have any trouble finding a spacious spot. The hosts here are known for being super friendly and helpful, which always makes the stay more pleasant.

   One of the standout features is its proximity to some fantastic fishing spots. The river nearby is popular for fly fishing, and there are stocked ponds just a short walk from the campground. If fishing isn't your thing, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore, and the views are nothing short of spectacular.

   Visitors have mentioned that the restrooms and laundry facilities are kept clean, which is always a plus. The campground is also close to towns like Montrose, Ridgway, and Ouray, so if you need to stock up on supplies or just want to explore the local area, you're in a good spot.

   Overall, Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground offers a great mix of natural beauty and convenient amenities, making it a top choice for a relaxing getaway.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
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   Ouray KOA

   23 Reviews

   89 Photos

   110 Saves

   Ouray, Colorado

   Situated on several acres of beautiful landscape, the Ouray KOA Holiday offers several amenities such as a hot tub, pet walk, onsite restaurant, gem mining, and playground. With spacious RV sites, deluxe cabins, camping cabins, and a variety of tent sites, you can pick the pace of your travel. We offer an experience for every kind of camper, whether you're traveling with kids, pets, or friends, book your getaway today!

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
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   Amphitheater Campground

   25 Reviews

   112 Photos

   526 Saves

   Ouray, Colorado

   Overview

   Amphitheater Campground is located near the town of Ouray, Colo., at an elevation of 8,400 feet. Visitors enjoy the area for its beautiful scenery and great hiking and off-road trail opportunities.

   Recreation

   Many hiking trails are found in the immediate area, including the popular Upper Cascade Falls Trail, which begins at the campground. Baby Bath Tubs and Chief Ouray Mine trails can also be accessed from the same trailhead. The campground is a favorite among jeep and off-road enthusiasts for its close proximity to a number of exciting trails in the surrounding area.

   Facilities

   Many hiking trails are found in the immediate area, including the popular Upper Cascade Falls Trail, which begins at the campground. Baby Bath Tubs and Chief Ouray Mine trails can also be accessed from the same trailhead. The campground is a favorite among jeep and off-road enthusiasts for its close proximity to a number of exciting trails in the surrounding area.

   Natural Features

   The campground is named for the natural rock amphitheater that stands over Ouray. The massive gray cliffs were created by ancient volcanic and glacial activity. The campground is situated on the mountainside above Ouray, with stellar views of the amphitheater. A forest of Gambel oak trees and mixed conifers covers the area.

   Nearby Attractions

   Ouray is known as America's Switzerland. The charming, historic, mountain town offers a variety of dining, shopping and lodging options, as well as a hot springs pool and a variety of annual festivals.

   • Pets
   • Phone Service
   • RVs
   • Tents
   • Group
   • Standard (Tent/RV)

   $28 / night

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    East Portal Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    9 Reviews

    45 Photos

    277 Saves

    Montrose, Colorado

    Overview

    The East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but is adjacent to and only accessible from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The campground is located at the bottom of the canyon, along the Gunnison River. It is a small campground of 15 sites (10 are tent-only), shaded by box elder trees. East Portal is closed in winter, when the Bureau of Reclamation closes the East Portal Road. Elevation: 6526 feet (1990 m). NOTE: Black Canyon of the Gunnison charges a $30 per vehicle entrance fee which you will pay upon arrival (or purchase in advance ). The park also honors interagency passes for entry (e.g., senior, access, Golden Age, 4th grade, etc.).__

    Natural Features

    East Portal offers plentiful shade and nearby access to the Gunnison River. Spectacular views of Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Curecanti are abundant.

    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $20 / night