Eight sites line the banks of the Gunnison River just off Highway 149, making The Gate Campground a straightforward drive-in stop for anglers and tent campers heading through this stretch of BLM land. At $5 per night, it runs on a pack-in, pack-out basis with no trash service on site. The hand pump for drinking water is operational through the summer season, and the pit toilets are handicap accessible and unisex. No pets are allowed.
Water access is the main draw here. Reviewers report catching trout from the river, and the site layout puts most campers within easy reach of the bank. Firewood is generally findable in the area. The trail from camp runs just over a mile before hitting tall grass, so those wanting longer routes may need to drive to nearby trailheads. The Herb Ranch sits a couple miles up the road for campers weighing options in the corridor, and Red Bridge Campground is another established option to the north.
Cell service is limited or absent, depending on carrier. Sites sit close together with moderate tree cover, and River G. notes a "spacious site, with good amount of trees for privacy," though other reviewers flag that the campground fills on weeknights during peak season. No hookups are available. Campers interested in camping near BLM Land — Gunnison Field Office will find this one of the more developed sites in the area, with drinking water and maintained toilets. Arriving midweek before the summer rush gives the best chance at securing a spot.
Description
This campground is tucked into the center of the geologic formation known as The Gate, a notch in the rocks carved by the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. The Gate is a great spot for picnics, camping, and fishing access to the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. This campground is conveniently located on the Silver Thread National Scenic Byway, about 16 miles north of Lake City. The Gate Campground has 8 campsites, two vault restrooms, and a hand pump with potable water. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Field Office.
Fee Info
$10 per night; all campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsThe Gate Campground is located in Colorado near Powderhorn
Directions
From Lake City, head north on Highway 149 for approximately 15.3 miles. Look for campground entrance sign on the left side of the highway. There is a short gravel driveway down to the campground.
Coordinates
38.24595 N
107.26059 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 31 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 26 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 48 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 4 hrs 40 min from Farmington, NM
