Dispersed camping near Almont offers access to high-elevation terrain between 8,000-10,000 feet with significant temperature drops after sunset. Camping areas in the Taylor Canyon corridor require high-clearance vehicles for unmaintained roads, particularly at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. Many campsites close annually by mid-October due to early snowfall conditions.
What to do
Mountain biking at Doctor Park: North Bank Campground provides direct trailhead access for the 23-mile Doctor Park loop. "This is my go-to spot when I'm approaching Crested Butte from the front range on a Friday. It's located on gorgeous Taylor River, literally sits on the mountain bike trailhead for Doctor's Park, and is about 20 minutes south of the Butte," reports a rider at North Bank Campground.
Fly fishing in the Taylor River: Several campgrounds provide river access for anglers. At Rosy Lane, "Fishing was good... lots of little pools to cast into! There is a paved path through most of the campground along and up from the river's edge," notes a camper who found success on the water.
Hiking from camp: Oh Be Joyful Campground offers immediate trail access. "Great campground close to hiking, biking, etc. Clean, fairly quiet if no rv with generators," reports one hiker. Another adds that the area has "instant access to the Oh Be Joyful hiking trails that lead up modestly for 0.5 miles to miles of more flat terrain and spectacular glaciated canyon views."
What campers like
Off-grid solitude: Dispersed camping at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area offers seclusion without crowds. "Hartman's is MASSIVE and has tons of sites! It's all dispersed camping. There are smaller more remote sites, big sites, as well as areas where there are a few sites in clusters," explains a camper who appreciates the variety of options.
Natural white noise: River sounds mask road noise at many Taylor River sites. One camper at Rosy Lane notes, "Even though just off Hwy 742, you can barely make out traffic noise! You can barely make out traffic noise! The sites are awesome!"
Unique terrain features: Many campsites offer distinctive natural elements. "There are some attractive sites at the base of bouldered cliffs within the trees next to the doctor park trailhead," notes a North Bank visitor. At Hartman Rocks, a camper describes "plenty of camping spots with amazing rock outcrops perfect for exploring!"
What you should know
Water availability varies significantly: Many campgrounds have limited water sources. "There are no water sources [at Hartman Rocks], as the area is just rocks and dirt," notes one camper. Check before arrival as seasonal shutoffs occur without notice.
Elevation affects sleeping comfort: Night temperatures drop dramatically even in summer. A camper at Lottis Creek Campground recommends, "This campground is beautifully settled between pine trees. Yet, not enough shade to block our solar intake." Bring appropriate sleeping gear for temperatures that can dip into the 40s.
Road conditions require planning: Access to many sites demands appropriate vehicles. "You'll need a high-clearance vehicle with 4WD (like a Jeep Wrangler) - otherwise, don't even attempt. Take a picture of the map at the entrance too," advises a Hartman Rocks visitor who learned from experience.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Multiple sites offer safe water play areas. At Oh Be Joyful, the creek provides "a meandering shallow creek great for very young kids (and others)."
Farm animal encounters: Gunnison KOA offers unique farm animal interactions. "The highlight of the stay was our visit by the resident goats– only two of the three like cauliflower. There's also donkeys in a corral that get constant attention from guests," reports a family who camped there.
Tent-specific areas for family privacy: Some campgrounds designate family-friendly zones. "Tent sites 21-26 are great - shaded, soft ground, near the toities," recommends an Oh Be Joyful camper, while cautioning "Tent sites 28-30 are awful (exposure to elements, rocky, dusty, bugs)."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Only select campgrounds provide power. At Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins, "Sites are larger than many campgrounds. Laundry, bathrooms, and showers are clean. Most sites are shaded.... a real treat in this area," notes an RVer appreciating the amenities.
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary greatly in privacy levels. "For a private RV campground, it's great. Sites are larger than many campgrounds," reports a Mountain Time RV visitor, while another notes the ponds area can be challenging: "The spots, even in the premium area, are very close together."
Seasonal availability windows: Most Almont-area campgrounds close early. "Most sites are close enough to the water to walk down to the reservoir but there was also plenty of parking spaces," notes an Elk Creek visitor, but advises the season runs May through September, with most facilities closing by October 1.
