Established Camping
Gunnison National Forest Lake Irwin Campground
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Construction/remodel dates are still pending for Lake Irwin. The campground will open on a first-come, first-served basis as soon as weather allows (around mid-June 2024 is normal). Reservations for 2024 will be available starting in July!
About
USDA Forest Service
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest
Overview
Lake Irwin Campground is situated on the western banks of its picturesque namesake lake, approximately 9 miles from Crested Butte, Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its abundant trail opportunities, fishing and beautiful scenery.
Recreation
Mountain biking and hiking are popular activities in this challenging, rugged terrain. Canoeing and fishing are favorite pastimes as well. The lake is usually so full of fish, one can see them rise to the calm surface.
Facilities
The campground offers several single-family campsites, some of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Drinking water is provided.
Natural Features
The campground is set high in the Colorado Rockies at an elevation of 10,200 feet. Summer days are cool and afternoon showers are common. Nights can be chilly. Lake Irwin borders the campground on the east, and the Ruby Mountain Range lies to the west. Vivid wildflowers fill the landscape during July and August. Most campsites are shaded by mature Englemann spruce and subalpine fir trees. The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests are located on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. Together, the three forests cover 2.9 million acres in the central and southern Rocky Mountains, south of the Colorado River and west of the Continental Divide.
Nearby Attractions
The charming town of Crested Butte is a short drive from the campground. The former coal mining town offers a variety of outdoor activities, dining and shopping options and annual festivals, like the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Beautiful Views
Beautiful day hiking and swimming.
Perfect for a weekend escape
Just a short drive from downtown CB, lake Irwin is absolutely gorgeous. Situated on the lake with stunning mountain views in every direction. Zero cell service means you can focus on pretty much any outdoor activity you can think of. Lake access for kayaks, SUP, swimming, some good fishing spots and tons of trails walking distance from the campground. Highly recommend the scarp ridge trail for anyone looking for a breathtakingly beautiful hike.
Beautiful fall colors
It was great. Don’t come here and change that.
Location
Gunnison National Forest Lake Irwin Campground is located in Colorado
Directions
From Gunnison, take Colorado Highway 135 north 28 miles to Crested Butte. Turn left on Gunnison County Road 12. Proceed 7 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 826 and follow signs to the campground.
Address
GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO
CO
Coordinates
38.8811111 N
107.1069444 W