Map showing campground location near Lake City, Colorado

Slumgullion

Within Gunnison National Forest, Slumgullion operates as a decommissioned campground that still welcomes campers at no charge. The Forest Service confirms camping remains permitted on the hard-surface loop roads that survive from the original facility. At 11,370 feet elevation, this high-altitude spot sits northwest of Lake City along the highway corridor.

The campground shows clear signs of its abandoned status. Old picnic tables lie broken or destroyed, and fire rings have been removed from most sites. Greg L. notes "all the tables and fire rings are missing or destroyed" with "no water or dumpsters." Beetle-killed trees dot the landscape, and reforestation efforts are ongoing. However, back-in sites along the original loops remain usable for RVs up to 30 feet.

A single functioning vault toilet serves the area, which multiple visitors describe as clean and well-maintained. Water access appears limited and questionable quality. Cell phone coverage reaches the campground intermittently, providing some connectivity for those needing it. The location offers sunset views from the high elevation setting.

Campers should come prepared with their own water, firewood, and trash removal plans. This option works best for self-sufficient visitors seeking free camping with highway access rather than a full-service experience.

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Location

Public Campground

Slumgullion is located in Colorado

Directions

From Lake City, CO, take State Rt. 149 south 9.1 miles to Deer Lakes and Forest Rt. 788 signs. Turn left at signs onto Forest Rt. 788 (dirt) and go 0.1 miles to campground.

Coordinates

37.98500045 N
107.225 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

3 hrs 5 min from Grand Junction, CO
3 hrs 38 min from Farmington, NM
3 hrs 53 min from Pueblo, CO
4 hrs 22 min from Colorado Springs, CO

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2.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

This decommissioned campground offers free high-elevation camping with maintained vault toilets, though visitors should expect abandoned conditions with missing tables and fire rings.

Joe W.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 28, 2025

Beautiful but primitive

Disbanded campground but Beautiful spot has a working, very clean vault toilet. High elevation (11370). What a sunset.

Sitedispersed

Month of VisitOctober

Greg L.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 13, 2025

Old CG. Free Dispersed camp

This is a decommissioned old CG. However the hard surface loop roads are still there and usable. There are old pit toilets that are closed but a new vault toilet is there and is clean and maintained. The FS verified that you can camp there, no fees. The old CG loops still have some good backin sites but all the tables and fire rings are missing or destroyed. No water or dumpsters.

Anyhoo, this is a great option for free camping close to the hwy and it does have a bit of cell signal also.

Month of VisitJune

(18) View All

CC C.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 26, 2021

Not great

toilets, no trash no signal, forest cut down, all picnic tables wrecked, looks like it had been part of a forest fire at some point, toilets far away, no information, one picnic table complete, sadly looks abandoned. Water available but looks a bit rusty dirty. It’s being heavily reforested at the moment.

Month of VisitOctober

(8) View All

Steve S.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 22, 2021

Campground Abandoned

The campground appears to be abandoned. Downed beetle killed trees, tables broken, pit toilets closed.

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Slumgullion Campground?

Slumgullion Campground is a decommissioned site with limited amenities. There is a single clean, maintained vault toilet on the property. The campground has hard-surface loop roads that remain usable for access. While there are some back-in sites available from the old campground layout, many picnic tables are damaged or broken. Water is technically available but may appear rusty or dirty, so bringing your own water supply is recommended. There are no trash services, and most facilities show significant deterioration.

When is Slumgullion Campground open during the year?

As a decommissioned campground with no formal management, Slumgullion doesn't have official opening and closing dates. Access is likely dependent on weather conditions, with summer and early fall offering the best opportunities for camping. The area's location would suggest limited accessibility during winter months due to potential snow and road conditions. Check with the local Forest Service office for current conditions and seasonal access information before planning your trip.

How do I make reservations at Slumgullion Campground?

No reservations are required for Slumgullion Campground as it's a decommissioned site that allows free camping. The Forest Service confirms camping is permitted here with no fees. Simply arrive and select an available site along the old campground loops. Be prepared for self-sufficient camping with minimal facilities. For the most current information about usage policies, contact the local Forest Service office before your trip.

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