Erickson Springs

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Gunnison National Forest's Erickson Springs sits along County Road 12 on the Kebler Pass corridor, a stretch of unpaved road connecting Colorado 133 to Crested Butte. The campground runs alongside Anthracite Creek, and that proximity to water is the detail reviewers mention most. It's a smaller site. The road itself is a factor worth planning around: dusty in summer, and according to one reviewer, "slimy mud after a rain or snow" on the pass drive.

Fishing in Anthracite Creek draws some visitors, though reviews note it's not particularly productive. Hikers have access to Dark Canyon, which leads into the Raggeds Wilderness, and the Dark Canyon Trailhead (Dispersed) area sits just north of camp. Mid-summer temperatures can run hot at this elevation, so shade and site selection matter. The campground is listed as allowing alcohol and providing toilets, though at least one recent reviewer flagged that drinking water has not been reliably available for years, making self-supplied water an important consideration.

Paonia is the nearest town for resupply, and campers using Erickson Springs as a base for tent camping spots near Gunnison National Forest will find this corridor well-positioned between the North Fork Valley and the Elk Mountains. Paonia State Park Campground provides an alternative roughly five miles northwest. Note that pets are not permitted. This campground works best for self-sufficient campers comfortable with rustic conditions and unpaved road travel.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsErickson Springs is located in Colorado near Marble

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

38.956703 N
107.26681 W

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Access

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Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Drive Time


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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Erickson Springs

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4 Reviews

Campers regularly cited this rustic USFS campground's peaceful creek-side location and cleanliness. Some dust from nearby roads noted, but availability and proximity to hiking trails were appreciated.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed May. 30, 2026

Additional note:

There hasn’t been water available in this campground for years. Be advised.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2025

Hidden Gem!

This is an Awesome CG heading down off Kebler Pass! I arrived mid-day Friday and plenty of sites available! It’s a smaller, clean CG right along the river! There’s hiking trails near by also - a great find!

Month of VisitJuly
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  • Review photo of Erickson Springs by Jennifer N., August 31, 2025
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Reviewed Dec. 31, 2021

Can get hot & dusty -- but nice.

This rustic CG is fairly secluded from retail stores (nearest are in Paonia), not far off of CO 133, on CR 12 (Kebler Pass). Very rustic, and a bit on the dirt/dust side. Can get quite toasty in mid-summer. Good hiking up Dark Canyon in the Raggeds Wilderness; some fishing in Anthracite Creek, though not great. Can drive from here over Kebler Pass to Crested Butte & Gunnison, but expect 1 hr.-plus of dust in summer, slimey mud after a rain or snow.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Erickson Springs by Prof K., December 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Erickson Springs by Prof K., December 31, 2021
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2021

Secluded primitive camping

Right on Anthracite Creek after it exits Dark Canyon but before it joins the N Fork of the Gunnison River, Erickson Springs is a very basic USFS campground. It is not far up the Kebler Pass road toward Crested Butte from Paonia Reservoir, and gets some dust from occasional traffic, though not to an excess. Very quiet otherwise, and is a good home base for exploring the area.

SiteNK
Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Erickson Springs Campground?

Erickson Springs is a very basic, rustic USFS campground with limited amenities. The campground features standard primitive facilities including vault toilets and designated campsites. Each site typically includes a fire ring and picnic table. There's no electricity, running water, or hookups available. The campground is situated right along Anthracite Creek, offering natural water access, though visitors should bring their own drinking water. While the campground is simple, its natural setting provides the perfect basecamp for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing in the surrounding area.

How do I make reservations for Erickson Springs Campground?

Erickson Springs Campground appears to operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are typically available even when arriving mid-day on weekends during peak seasons. Since it's a smaller USFS campground, it's recommended to have backup plans during holiday weekends or peak summer months when it might fill more quickly. For the most current reservation information, contact the U.S. Forest Service Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests office or check the official USFS website before your trip.

What is the best time of year to visit Erickson Springs Campground?

The ideal time to visit Erickson Springs Campground is late spring through early fall, with late summer and early fall being particularly pleasant. Mid-summer can get quite hot and dusty, so spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures. The campground's location off Kebler Pass makes it accessible during the snow-free months, typically May through October depending on seasonal conditions. Fall visits provide the bonus of spectacular foliage along Kebler Pass. Weather is generally most stable in August and September, making these months optimal for enjoying the nearby hiking trails and fishing in Anthracite Creek.