Sitting along the western edge of Gunnison County near Blue Mesa Reservoir, Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch operates as a Thousand Trails property with a range of hookup configurations and on-site amenities that set it apart from most campgrounds in the area. The ranch runs from May through mid-October, giving campers a solid seasonal window across Gunnison's warmer months. Afternoons tend to get windy, and cell service is essentially nonexistent for Verizon and T-Mobile users. The property has WiFi, though reviewers consistently describe it as slow and unreliable except at a hotspot near the main building.
The campground splits into two distinct areas. The upper section has full 30- and 50-amp hookup sites with sewer and water, paved roads throughout, and back-in sites that are mostly level, though some benefit from a wedge leveler. The lower, more rustic area runs along a creek and offers water and electric only, with a 30-foot length limit for RVs. Sites throughout include picnic tables and fire rings. As Kevin H. notes, "their rigs will be within 20 feet of you," so campers who prefer more separation between neighbors should factor that in.
On-site activities include two pools (indoor and outdoor), two hot tubs, a playground, mini golf, a game room, and a fishing pond reserved for kids under 12 who can keep up to two fish. Laundry is available for $2 per wash and dry cycle, though past reviewers have flagged dryer reliability as inconsistent. The clubhouse and bathrooms receive consistent praise for cleanliness. Wayne H. recommends the wilderness area specifically: "It is in the same resort but feels more like forested camp ground."
Beyond the property, the location gives campers a practical base for day trips. Fishing on the Gunnison River and Blue Mesa Reservoir draws anglers, while National Forest hiking trails are accessible within minutes. Crested Butte, Lake City, and Ouray are all within 60 to 90 minutes. Note that highway bridge repairs on Hwy 50 toward Montrose currently create significant detours for vehicles towing trailers. Nearby alternatives include Stevens Creek Campground for a more rustic federal option, or Gunnison Lakeside Resort for another full-service RV setup. Campers planning a longer stay in the region can also browse campgrounds near Gunnison to compare options.
Reservations are available and worth making for summer weekends. The season winds down noticeably after early September, when outdoor programming and some activities close for the year.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBlue Mesa Recreational Ranch is located in Colorado near Gunnison
Directions
From jct US 50 & Hwy 135: Go 12 mi W on Hwy 50.
Address
27601 Hwy 50
Gunnison, CO 81230
Coordinates
38.48160529 N
107.12068282 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 7/23/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/23/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 7/23/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/23/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 58 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 21 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 4 hrs 32 min from Farmington, NM
