Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch, near Gunnison, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for families and outdoor lovers alike. With a mix of RV sites, tent camping, and cozy cabins, it’s designed to cater to a variety of camping styles.

This campground boasts both indoor and outdoor pools, perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of exploring. Visitors have enjoyed the mini-golf and playground, making it a hit with kids. One camper mentioned, “We loved our stay here! There is an indoor and outdoor pool, playground, cool mini golf set up, horses, and a lake for kids to fish in!”

For those who love to fish, there’s a pond where kids under 12 can catch and keep two fish, adding a fun twist to family outings. The area is also a gateway to numerous hiking and boating opportunities, with some reviewers highlighting the scenic dirt roads perfect for ATV adventures or mountain biking.

While cell service can be spotty, the campground offers Wi-Fi at the lodge, though it may be slow during busy times. The peaceful surroundings, combined with the amenities, make Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch a great choice for a memorable camping experience.

Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Gunnison, CO is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Gunnison is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Gunnison camping trip.

Gunnison

The Best Camping Near Gunnison, Colorado

This campground is west of Gunnison,  Colorado across from Blue Mesa Reservoir. No cell service,  but they have free wifi.  The wifi is slow and when it's busy doesn't work well. 

Rocky Mountain Heaven 

We loved our stay here! There is an indoor and outdoor pool, playground, cool mini golf set up, horses, and a lake for kids to fish in! There is NO service here but the lodge does have WiFi. Afternoons always seemed to get pretty windy too. 

Beautiful !!

Great location to access a ton of hiking,boating,etc. Some noise from hwy 50 but overall quiet at night. Cell service for T-Mobile is not good however head into Gunnison and it’s good. They do have access to a longer dirt road some take an atv back to a small lake I took my mountain bike on but not being used to 7,000 feet I was sucking air but got to some great views without having to drive anywhere. Definitely coming back to use for a break from all the many boon docking places.

Excellent location 

Very nice park recently acquired by Thousand Trails. stayed here for 2 weeks with my thousand trails membership. They have 30-amp and 50-amp full hook-up sites. they also have an area that provides very rustic camping by a creek. those are water and electric-only sites. nice putt putt golf and playground area.

cell service with Verizon and T-Mobile is non-existent. Park has wifi but it is very slow and not reliable. Hot spot at main building works well.

This is also a fishing pond for kids under 12. They can keep 2 fish.

They have an indoor pool and hot tub as well as an outside pool and hot tub in the upper camping area.

Nice park across from blue mesa reservoir and near Gunnison

I stayed here throughout the summer in 2024. It is a great place to explore from into the many surrounding popular locations. Gunnison is 25 minutes out, Crested Butte an hour, Ouray, Silverton, Lake City, Arkansas River Wilderness all an hour to 90 minutes away. Many hiking trails in the National Forrest's are just a few minutes away. World Class fishing in the Gunnison River as well as Blue Mesa Reservoir. These are a few of the Pro's of this Thousand Trails Campground. The back in sites are fairly level. Some need a wedge level to bring your rig closer to level. Class A's have no issues backing into spots. 50-30-15 Amp, Sewer and Water at the majority of the spots. I stayed in the upper section and had no problem getting a reservation, even on busier weekends.  

  

The dig is that you will be backed up and beside other campers. By this, I mean their rigs will be within 20 feet of you. Sipping coffee, you will be able to have a conversation in a low voice with your camping neighbors. Not a big deal for me, I am a friendly and generous neighbor. Heck, I even share the fish I catch with those that do not have a Kayak or fishing gear. There is no Cellular service at this Campground. They have Wi-Fi, but I cannot attest to its strength or reliability; I use Starlink. They have Laundry at $2 a load for wash and $2 a load for dry. A small swimming pool that closes at 8. Bathrooms with showers that are cleaned daily. A nice paved road throughout.  

  

I use this Campground to explore and enjoy hiking, fishing and 4WD into remote areas near hear. I can stay 21 days, out 7 and right back for another 21 if I desire. I disperse camp and come back to do laundry, rinse tanks, resupply fresh water tank. Gunnison has a Safeway, Local Grocery and Walmart. The Walmart is not a super store and has very little in the way of groceries. Local Grocers and Safeway are your better choice for food.  

  

Montrose is an hour away. However, Hwy 50 is down to one lane once in the morning and once in the evening due to bridge repairs. You cannot pull a trailer across the bridge at any times. Towing, you are required to use County Road 26 detour. It also has a pilot car guide and at only a few times a day. It is almost 2 hour detour. Check with Colorado Dept. Transportation for info.

Clean, Busy, Tight, Well Maintained

Located near Blue Mesa Reservoir, Thousand Trails Gunnison offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. The campground features spacious sites, clean facilities, and a welcoming community vibe. 

While some amenities could use a refresh, the stunning location more than makes up for it. It’s a great spot for adventurers and nature lovers.

Outdoor closes and activities die down after beginning of September. 

ASK other campers about the laundry facilities. Hopefully the dryers will be fixed by next season. They were taking more than 3 cycles to dry our clothes. 

Photos of Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch

Real photos from real campers