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Big Cimarron

4 ReviewsAdd Review

The sound of the Cimarron River flowing alongside campsites creates a natural soundtrack at this Forest Service campground in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Big Cimarron operates from May through September, providing drive-in access to 12 sites positioned along the water. The campground sits two miles down-mountain from Silver Jack Campground, offering a more secluded alternative for campers seeking river access.

Sites feature ample shade from tall trees and soft ground that works well for tent camping. Short paths connect each site to the river within 30 yards, where rainbow trout fishing draws anglers. Site 11 sits at the end in a cul-de-sac near the restroom facilities and offers more space than most spots. Site 12 provides a grassier surface that accommodates larger RVs. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the area.

Casey C. notes that "sleeping was glorious with the sounds of the river" during her family's stay. The campground maintains clean facilities with vault toilets and allows alcohol. Mosquitoes can be active during summer evenings but typically decrease after rain or cooler weather moves through. Snow may linger into June at this elevation, though daytime temperatures warm considerably.

Nearby options include Beaver Lake Campground and Silver Jack Campground for campers exploring the region. Note that pets are not permitted at this location.

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Location

Public Campground

Big Cimarron is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.259156 N
107.545542 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Drive Time

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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the clean, shaded sites and secluded riverside setting with peaceful nights. Multiple campers commented on excellent fishing access and soft ground conditions.

Fabein D.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 7, 2021

Camper’s Dream

Plenty of shade, easy access to the river, tons of wildlife, and quiet, starry nights. It’s everything I dream of when I picture the perfect campsite.

Site7
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Big Cimarron by Fabein D., June 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Cimarron by Fabein D., June 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Cimarron by Fabein D., June 7, 2021
  • (5) View All
J
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2020

Clean, quiet, shady, lovely

I absolutely loved spending the night at this campground, in site #3. The sites are super clean, all offer plenty of shade, and nice soft ground. Little paths take you the 30 yards or so to the Cimarron River, where I caught a bunch of rainbow trout. Tall trees, a lovely circle of sky above, and even the mosquitoes were down the night I was there, July 14th.

Site3
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Cimarron by Joe J., July 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Big Cimarron by Joe J., July 21, 2020
Casey C.
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2017

Maiden Voyage in our popup camper

Our first time out in our popup camper, and kinda our first time really camping. Just my husband, 3.5 year old daughter and me. We wanted to be a little bit "off the grid" but not too much. We live in Montrose so this was perfect. We had debated Silverjack campgrounds or Big Cimarron which is 2 miles down mountain towards HWY 50. We decided on BC b/c I loved the running river next to the campground, it also felt more private and secluded. IT WAS. We loved it. The mosquitos were out in full force, who cares... the 2nd night it rained and cooled off and they went away. We were able to wash off in the river. Sleeping was glorious with the sounds of the river. We stayed in site 11 which was at the end and in the cul de sac, near the bathroom. It's a little bigger than the other sites, except site 12 looked nice for larger rv campers (and it was more grassy than dirt.) We loved it here. Memories of our first time camping as a family will last forever.

Sitesite 11
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Cimarron by Casey C., July 16, 2017
  • Review photo of Big Cimarron by Casey C., July 16, 2017
  • Review photo of Big Cimarron by Casey C., July 16, 2017
  • (6) View All
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations at Big Cimarron Campground?

Big Cimarron Campground has specific site numbers, with visitors noting particularly positive experiences at site #3. For those interested in securing a reservation, contact the managing agency directly as this campground is located just a couple of miles from Silverjack campgrounds in the Montrose area. Since the campground offers a somewhat off-the-grid experience but remains accessible, planning ahead is recommended, especially during peak summer months when the campground may fill up. For the most current reservation information, check with the USFS or recreation.gov.

What amenities are available at Big Cimarron Campground?

Big Cimarron Campground offers clean, shaded campsites with soft ground surfaces ideal for tent setup. Each site has proximity to the Cimarron River, with access trails approximately 30 yards from campsites. The campground provides a wilderness experience while still being accessible, making it perfect for families or first-time campers looking to be somewhat off-grid. While maintaining a natural setting, the campground offers enough basic amenities to ensure a comfortable stay in the beautiful surroundings of the Cimarron area.

What is the best time of year to visit Big Cimarron Campground?

The best time to visit Big Cimarron Campground is late June through September. June visits offer beautiful scenery with some lingering snow but warm days, creating a picturesque mountain setting. July provides excellent weather conditions for enjoying the campground's shaded sites and fishing opportunities in the Cimarron River, where rainbow trout are abundant. The summer months showcase abundant wildlife and star-filled nights. The campground's natural setting with tall trees provides plenty of shade during warmer months, making it comfortable even during peak summer.

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