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About
Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP South Rim Campground
A camping trip to the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park makes for a beautiful getaway for sightseeing, rock climbing 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. Natural Features: Perched on the South Rim of the Black Canyon, this campground is surrounded by Pinyon pine, Juniper and Scrub oak forests. Visitors can take in views of the Painted Wall, the highest cliff in Colorado. From river to rim, it stands 2,250 feet high - a remarkable 1,000 feet taller than the Empire State Building. Recreation: Take one of many spectacular hikes such as the Oak Flat Loop Trail, and watch for the black-billed magpie. In summer, catch an evening educational program. In winter, try snowshoeing on Rim Rock Trail or go cross country skiing on South Rim Drive. Facilities: The campsite is open year round, but drinking water is only available mid-May through mid-October. Electric hookups are in Loop B only. Nearby Attractions: Head to the Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit, an old-fashioned locomotive at the last remaining railroad trestle on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison route. ACTIVITIES Climbing: Rock Climbing Hiking Wildlife Viewing Day Use Area: Amphitheater
Operator
National Park Service
Access
Drive In
Contact
Location
Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP South Rim Campground
is located in
Colorado
Directions
The park is located approximately 250 miles SW of Denver. South Rim: 15miles east of Montrose, via U.S. Hwy 50 and CO Hwy 347.
13 Reviews of Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP South Rim Campground
Hidden Gem
Overlooked Black Canyon NP is worth the trip. Nice campsites, primitive facilities as expected. Bring wood for the pit/bbq combo. Only $16 per night was a bargain.
Small Crowded Campgrounds
We stayed on night at the Black Canyon South Rim campground. The check in was self serve as we arrived in the early evening. We were able to find one of the last available sites. The campground has good facilities but its very compact and crowded. Many of the sites are uneven and too small to park a van. The tent sites are more than adequate and provide adequate space, fire rings, and picnic tables, and bathrooms. They have excellent education programs and rangers to assist with questions. The canyon is amazing and worth seeing. You can travel along the south rim and view the canyon. Worth the visit if you are in South Central Colorado.
Magical
The drive up to the campground was beautiful and windy. The sites themselves are pretty secluded. Only pit toilets are available, but they are clean and there are nice paved sidewalks to them. The ranger talks and star viewing is amazing!
Beautiful. Mini Grand Canyon
Heard of this place from a guy while getting gas. Decided to check it out. He said it was more beautiful than the Grand Canyon. A bold statement, we thought. I wouldn't say more, but it is beautiful. The black canyon walls really are stunning and very steep. The park was open to drive through. It takes about 2-3 hours to drive end to end. The ranger was about to close but saw we just wanted water for our bottles and he kept the center open for us. Very kind staff. The campground was open too but not for any services. Being in a self contained van, it was fine. Best of all, it wasn't the season opening yet so we were able to camp for free! Woke up to light snow just adding to the beauty.
Glamper’s Dream
The campsites on the South Rim do take reservations, so I would recommend reserving ahead of time—especially during the summer. The campsites are well-maintained, private, easily accessible, and family friendly. The campers around were all respectful, which made for a great community of campers!
Altitude, hydrology, stargazing
High (8,200) and deep—dramatic landscape carved by Gunnison River. Wonderful hiking trail along the rim and interesting plant community of the high plateau. Be prepared for any type of weather. We had a wild thunder, lightning and wind storm with violent downdrafts—typical for this country. Absence of light pollution means awesome night skies!
Great Spot close to the south rim. Trails right from the campground.
Campground Campground host very friendly. Absolutely wonderful ranger-led hikes and talks in the amphitheater each evening.
Very close to the south rim. Nice hiking trails right from camp.
Fill your RV tank with water before arriving at camp. Water available for filling bottles and cooking not tanks. Absolutely wonderful ranger-led hikes and talks everyday. Deer come right through the campground. Pit toilets available. RV sites are a bit on level so bring blocks to level your rig. Very friendly camp host and a wonderful experience for us.
Easy in, easy out campsite with gigantic bear boxes and a starlit night sky
this place was great! I reserved it 3 months in advance, so am not sure if it filled up later on. I tent camped and there was plenty of room for my 2-person tent and enough room if I hadn’t been solo. The walk to get water was close as were the restrooms. It was my first time camping where I needed a bear box and the one provided was huge—I’d call it a bear locker. 😃 It was a quiet campsite and BCGNP is a dark sky park so the stars were amazing at night.
Beautiful views!
Beautiful campground! The view of the stars at night are worth the trip! can’t wait to go back
