Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2024

Clean, Busy, Tight, Well Maintained

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.