Gunnison National Forest's Taylor River Canyon holds this small, drive-in campground at an elevation where lodgepole pines and aspen dominate the forest on either side of the road. Managed by the US Forest Service, it runs from late May through mid-September and accommodates RVs up to 40 feet. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings with adjustable grills, and access to drinking water and restrooms. The camp host has drawn consistent praise across multiple visits, and the grounds and facilities have been noted as well-maintained. Reviewers who found campsites around Gunnison National Forest in the area often return to this one for its reliable upkeep.
Road noise is worth knowing about before booking. The campground sits directly across from the Taylor River but also hugs the main canyon road, which carries more traffic than many visitors expect. James M. notes that "the canyon isn't super wide," so passing vehicles are both audible and visible from most sites. The river sound carries across the road, but it competes with traffic rather than dominating. Sites 7 through 11 are positioned near the newer restrooms, which reviewers describe as notably clean.
Fishing is the primary draw. The Taylor River runs alongside the campground, and Lottis Creek Campground lies a couple of miles up the canyon for anglers wanting to compare water. The historic mining town of Tin Cup and Mirror Lake are reachable by road from camp, and whitewater rafting is available in Almont. Reservations are accepted, pets are allowed, and firewood is available on-site. Cold Spring is another nearby option for campers who want a quieter corridor along the same stretch of canyon.
Description
Overview
Lodgepole Campground is located 22 miles from Gunnison, COLORADO in the Taylor River Canyon. Visitors enjoy the area for its rafting, fishing and trail opportunities.
Recreation
The Taylor River can be accessed from the campground, and offers a calm stretch for leisurely rafting and kayaking. Anglers cast for rainbow and brook trout. The Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area lies one mile south of the campground. The Summerville and South Lottis trailheads provide access to the scenic, natural area. A number of off-road trails are found in the surrounding area, including Doctor Park Trail, Taylor River Trail and Taylor Vista Trail.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.
Natural Features
The campground is situated in a dense stand of lodgepole pine trees, which provides shade and privacy between campsites. Summertime temperatures are warm during the day and cool at night.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
Nearby Attractions
Taylor Park Reservoir is located within 10 miles of the campground, offering boating, fishing and swimming. A boat ramp and boat rentals are available there as well.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLodgepole (taylor River Canyon Near Gunnison, Colorado) is located in Colorado near Almont
Public CampgroundDirections
From Gunnison, Colo., travel north on Highway 135 for 10 miles to Almont. Turn right (northeast) onto Taylor Canyon Road and proceed 12 miles to the campground entrance, which is on the right.
Address
GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO
CO
Coordinates
38.7611111 N
106.6611111 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/3/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/11/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/3/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/11/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 2 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 16 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 3 hrs 36 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 48 min from Boulder, CO
