Black Canyon Dispersed Camping, near Montrose, Colorado, offers a rugged and scenic escape just a stone's throw from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This area is perfect for those who appreciate a more primitive camping experience, with sites tucked among the trees providing a decent level of privacy and protection from the wind.

Visitors have noted that the access roads can be a bit rough, especially if you venture further back, but many found the initial sites easy to reach. One camper mentioned, “Camp sites are neatly nestled into the trees,” which adds to the charm of the location. While there are no amenities like restrooms or trash disposal, the natural beauty and tranquility make up for it. 

Wildlife is abundant here, with campers reporting sightings of turkeys and other birds, adding to the area's appeal. The views are stunning, especially if you can snag a site with a lookout. As one reviewer put it, “Got there around 6 pm on a Saturday and found a stunning overlook.” 

For those looking to explore, the proximity to Black Canyon National Park means you can easily spend your days hiking and taking in the breathtaking landscapes. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, as this area relies on visitors to keep it clean and beautiful. Whether you're a seasoned camper or trying out dispersed camping for the first time, this location offers a unique and peaceful retreat in nature.

Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

Surrounded by a steep gorge lies Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, near the small city of Montrose, NV. RVers and campers will want to stop and stock up on supplies before heading toward the campgrounds by the Gunnison River. Offering some of the best camping in Nevada, campers can wander the trails catching stunning views of the striated Painted Wall cliff. Some of the wildlife you can expect to see include deer, elk, mule, and majestic golden eagles. Pitch a tent at one of the campsites by the river for a day of fishing or get a group together and stay in a cabin.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

The Best Camping Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

About 10 spots off the main road in to Black Canyon. 


Best free spot near the Black Canyon

These backcountry sites are a challenge to get to but they are definitely worth it when you get there. You pick your site basically wherever you want and anywhere you go you will be able to hear and see the river.

Worth the climb

BLM land just outside the south (main) entrance to Black Canyon National Park. Road can be rough, especially slippery mud after rain. Many dispersed sites with cleared space and fire rings along the road, which goes for miles. Reserved campsites within the National Park can be difficult to get ... there's no shortage of sites here, just outside. There's a small store at the junction of the Park access road with US 50, selling firewood, ice, and necessities. Montrose is a short 15 miles away for more substantial needs (gasoline, repairs, shopping).

Great dispersed camping right outside the south entrance to Black Canyon

Great location in being right off the road leading into Black Canyon (where campsites are usually fully reserved). The dirt road is rough, so you’ll want 4WD and good clearance or it’ll be a bad time. Lots of dispersed sites scattered throughout - we found an open one over Labor Day weekend arriving at night, so it’s likely rarely full. At our site, it was tough to find any flat ground for a tent, and there were lots of cacti to watch out for, but other sites already taken looked incredible (with views out over the valley). 

Great spot near entrance to Black Canyon

Great views of the West Elk mountains and plenty of spots spread out nicely. Not much shade, but some nice camping in the Pinions at the end of the roads off of C77 Rd. Very quiet and dark! We stayed two nights. Some campers come in later and leave early. 

Close to North Rim entrance

Miles of FS roads right off the main park entry road, 347, before you reach the park entrance.  Roads are pretty rough, but pick a site not too far along if you have a trailer.  I would not suggest trying to drive your class C or A in here-go into the park and pay for a spot.  Check conditions-muddy or snowy would definitely make access tough.  I went to watch the Leonids meteor shower (sad showing) and found a great spot open to the sky.  Plenty of spots with shade as well.  Endless hiking along the roads.

Please leave your site cleaner than you found it.

Lots of Dispersed options

We got a permit and hiked down Werner trail to hit the river. It is a rocky and hard to find trail to the river. The views are incredible but it is really not a place to mess around. Bring EXTRA water, technu, and light gear in a stable backpack. 

The hike down is rocky and you will need to be on steady feet. 

Along the river there is a lot of poison oak so bring technu to wash yourself off. 

There is beautiful fishing on the river but not exactly “floating” water. 

It is quiet down there and very secluded but you really have to have experience to do this trip. 

For experienced hikers only: Challenging decent

We arrived around 6pm on Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend and there were still plenty of spots. There's cacti so be careful and you definitely need an AWD with high clearing. Rocky terrain. It's late May and at night the temps go down to the 40s so pack accordingly. 

Great spot to see the mountains

We had hopes of camping at the north rim camping area, but they were all taken and crowded when we arrived. Thankfully a note on the Ranger station told us about the various BLM spots nearby, as we had zero signal and our downloaded maps were not as helpful as we’d have hoped. We camped a few miles down one of the service roads with our closest neighbors about a mile away. Breathtaking views of the mountains and wide open skies, and great access to the park early the next morning. 

Great BLM camping spots

Arrived Sunday at 1 PM, two tents. The rest was empty. Cell service (Verizon) was 1-2 bars with LTE. 20 tv channels. 
Area was tight lost a weboost antenna up the hill. 
Close the the Park, plenty shade in spots, sunny in others. Over all, pretty good spot. 

Rough drive

This was my first time using Dyrt and accessing BLM/public land. The campgrounds at Black Canyon OTG were packed and hotels in the area were outrageously priced (2-star hotel for $200). I got in at around 7/8pm. I slept in my car and enjoyed it! You can totally car/tent camp or RV it; whatever. Just respect the land. The roads further in are "fun". My stock-wheeled SUV did ok on them but if you have a trailer, it might be hard to turn around. If you're low-to-the-ground car, don't bother going back there. All-terrainers will be fine. Some sites look like they're made for one, but you can probably squeeze in 2 or 3 for anyone traveling as a group. Megafauna: I saw deer on my way out. I was fearful of bears but the natl park literature I got later didn't list them. So you're probably good. Obviously, no toilets except at the park.

Verizon LTE unstable 1-2 bars. So close to the park that you can get there early and beat the crowds.

Lifesaver

First time user of the Dyrt - we used someone’s recommendation for C77 Rd and we’re SO glad we did. We explored the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP (amazing!) but the North Rim Campground didn’t do much for us. Instead we drove a couple miles out of the park on the Black Canyon Road and turned onto C77. The road was a little rough with dispersed campsites right off the main road. If you follow any of the spur roads out onto the plateau there are more options for dispersed camping with fire pits. We drove down a few Spurs and settled on one with a couple scrub oaks for shade and beautiful views of the mountains. 10/10 would recommend if you do not need facilities. 

North Rim Dispersed

Great spot. Didn’t say pet friendly on the reviews but my dog and I found a nice little secluded campsite off to the right and down a less jagged road. Be careful. I wouldn’t try to go too deep looking for a campsite during wet season or if you’ve got a low hanging vehicle without 4WD. 

Good camping 👍🏼

I didn't make it very far.  When you pull in the main road to the right of the sign is pretty torn up and unusable when wet.  Look for the roadway second path that parallel the main road, this appeared more solid.  I didn't risk it with my sedan since it was wet and just took one of the first spots.

I will say, the first few stops have more trash than most dispersed campgrounds I have been to.  There was also human waste on the ground at an adjacent spot.

I am sure if you can go deeper, it is better. 

Bad when wet

I stayed in the park my first night and I am mad I wasted the money. The dispersed sites here are great. Some of the roads to go deeper into the camping area are more suited for trucks or off-road capable cars.

Right near park with good sites

You can access the first few sites with a car, after that you need a SUV or 4x4. It was dead when we came. Only complaint would be people leaving toilet paper around the sites instead of packing out or burying waste

Nice dispersed camping 

Stayed two nights in this spot. Very close proximity to Black Canyon NP. My Subaru Crosstrek didn’t have any issues making it up the hill to some of the back sites, but I wouldn’t try it in a sedan. It was dry when I was there, but I imagine the road becomes impassable when wet. 

Nice spot very close to NP

5 min drive from the entrance of black canyon, you don’t need high clearance for the first few sites but you do for the ones further back that look nicer. Great signal, hardly any traffic noise. 

Horrible, stay out 

This spot is really nice. A few campsites right at the front for those with low clearance. If your car is capable to go further down the road, then the views are *chefs kiss* 


Happy camper

Great location outside of Black Canyon NP. There were a few other people camping at this location but plenty of space to still have some solitude. 

Great spot for dispersed camping

It felt like a 5-minute drive from here to Black Canyon - it's so close to the entrance. I met some wonderful people also camping here who had a long trailer (there are a few spots for bigger trailers to stay) and we had a good time in this great spot. I will be returning here next time I come to the area!

Amazing Place with Lots of Spots

There were many options and it was quiet when we were there. Some spots had fire pits made out of rocks. Really loved it here! As I had read on here, a dirt road off to the left as you head towards the entrance of the park. 

Great dispersed camping sites

Nice area with lots of dispersed sites. Lots of good shade at the sites.  Most have decent privacy from other sites. Not too crowded right now. No mosquitos. Some sites are close to the road but not too much noise. Not sure I'd take a trailer or rv down the side roads too far without scouting but if you have 4wd the roads go quite a ways and there a few sites I saw but closer to the main entrance area has better sites

Quiet and lots of shade

Good for a 1 nighter.  Cell reception anywhere between 1-2 bars AT&amp;T.  Campfire rock rings, some secluded perch spots, road in is awful. Not far from Black Canyon National Park about a mile.  Ranger told me in Winter vagrants, and college kids create issues.  Was a little spooked here stayed 1 night. No garbage, no water, no bathrooms. 

Rugged, and Eerie

Overall there are some great sites here. Plenty of space between sites for a lot of privacy. Lots of sturdy trees for good shade and hammocking. We did hear some cougar noise on our second night and found tracks very close to our site in the morning. So make sure food and trash is secured and be safe. 

Great but close cougar activity 

Crappy rough area a couple miles from the NP entrance.  Sites are tight and tucked into the oak brush/trees.  Sites are best suited for Overlander types, tenters, vans or trucks. No way for TT and RVs.  Center road shows signs of huge ruts if saturated wet so beware.  Abandoned trash small TT left here also.  This ace was an ugh IMO, only positive is that TMobile cell signal seemed good. 

Jones Draw BLM Dispersed camping

Good camping spot 

Hammock, Chair, Axe and shovel stolen when out for a short period of time. Luckily tent was locked. Pass is narrow and is better for smaller vehicles like overlanding Jeep’s. A lot of spots are covered in trash, food, condoms, etc…. Just really sad as this place has some real potential. 

Theft and Trash

This campground is easy to miss in the dark, and once you drive in its easy to get turned around and lost trying to find the exit again. 

Easy to miss at night 

Arrived at 4pm and there were only a few others there. Easy to miss the turn. I have a 2WD SUV so I was able to drive a little ways down the road to a more private spot but didn't feel comfortable going much further. RVs or trailers would have a hard time except for the first couple spots right when you turn in. Roads were dry but very very bumpy. Also tough toget a level spot if thats important to you. Unfortunately the few sites I looked at had trash leftover such as egg shells and TP in the fire pit and broken bottles. If you walk/drive further down the road there is a great view of the hills. Also saw lots of deer.

Great site, but some left a trace

There are some nice spots here.  If you are in a high clearance vehicle and comfortable on bumpy roads, drive beyond the initial 10 spots or so to find some fantastic spots, including group camping locations.

Tons of dispersed camping

Stayed 2 nights ..better site than NP

Amazing quiet spots! We chose the site at the very top! The only reason we didn’t give it 5 stars was the dust and damage to our paint job because of low branches! 

Quiet and beautiful 

Went dispersed camping for the first time! Location is amazing and very close to the entrance of the black canyon national park.

Whilst setting up our tent we even saw a bear (really close really scary, we slept in the car)

10/10 would recommend 

First time dispersed camping (tent)

A few minutes outside the south gate of the park. Multiple sites, most of which are on dirt. Paths to and from can be a bit rough for most passenger vehicles. But it’s quite and close to the park. If you’re lucky you can grab a site looking down onto the highway and into Montrose. 

Dispersed Camping Outside Black Canyon of the Gunnison

We arrived at 6pm on a Saturday and were able to find a spot! Super convenient to the national park. Highly recommend buying wood from corner store on the Hwy 50 turn off.

Easy to find the entry, we took the road to the right since the other option was deeply rutted. 

Sites are all dirt, spaced out from each other, and nestled in the trees. Size varied but we found one large enough for our Wawona 6. Extremely quiet, only crickets and traffic/generator (until 10ish), very few signs of life otherwise, not even birdsong aside from a few crows. 

Wasps a plenty! We had to bail on cooking breakfast because they were all over the cook station 5 minutes after firing up the stove.


Great location

Hard to get into if it rains, but a really beautiful place to camp. Lots of sites, decent roads at the top of the hill.

Jones dispersed camping

This spot was easy to find, but driving was a little rough to actually find a spot. I drove around the area for about 20 minutes trying to find the spot right for me. But there are great options. Got there around 6 pm on a Saturday and found a stunning overlook. There was definitely trash from old camps around some areas. No bathrooms or amenities 

Beautiful views!

This is a really pretty campground near Montrose and Black Canyon NP entrance. We are in a Honda accord and didn’t have trouble accessing the first front sites, but the dirt road is very rutted if you continue straight and I wouldn’t gamble it in a low vehicle or in rains! Great spot, simple and scenic with a lot of wildlife heard (turkeys, chickadees, woodpeckers and the like!)

Scenic, quiet, and easy to access!

This was a really nice stay that was very close to Black Canyon National Park. The first few spots were easy to get to but the ones farther back you have to take a fairly rutted up road, other than that it was very nice 

Nice Stay close to the national park 

Nestled right on the access road to Black Canyon of The Gunnison NP, camps did not require a ton of dirt driving to access.  Camp sites are neatly nestled into the trees to provide a decent level of privacy, the trees also provide protection from the wind.  Given that this land is adjacent to a National Park, be aware that less than friendly wildlife can be in the area.  Overall the campground was easy to access, there was not trash any where in eyesight.  I was also able to locate a camp site at 9:30p on a Saturday without much issue.

Great late night spot

Very close to Black Canyon park, nice private spots, road was a little gutted out but the corolla made it through no problem 🤟. some coyotes howling at night and my site was pretty close to the road 

Nice spot

Visited the first week of October 2024.  Had beautiful weather, no bugs and few campers.  Sites are dirt so I can see it be being messy when wet.  Only few sites at entrance for larger campers.  We got into with a Bean teardrop np.

Great for visiting Black Canyon.

It is a little bit of a maze of roads, some are gonna need vehicles with higher clearance, careful not to commit too much on a road if you're unsure about your vehicle's offroading capability.  If you get to a site, most have room for 1/2 vehicles and tents.  Beautiful trees, each spot feels pretty secluded from others.  Plenty of downed trees for firewood if fire danger is low.  Will definitely come back.

Photos of Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

Real photos from real campers