The Almont area sits at approximately 8,000 feet elevation in the Gunnison National Forest, where the East and Taylor Rivers meet to form the Gunnison River. Summer temperatures typically range from 40-80°F with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from late May through September or early October due to snowfall at higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several campgrounds provide direct river access for fishing. One Mile Campground sits right across from the Taylor River, with reviewer Lauren noting that "there's a small pond on site. Great walking around the park for our pups, reliable hook ups, clean facilities, and very friendly staff."
Mountain biking trails: Hartman's Rocks Dispersed Site offers extensive trail networks. "Lots of off road paths, plenty of camping even for my 20ft camper and lots of rock climbing!" says reviewer Peaches E., who discovered this area while passing through.
Hiking with views: Trails near Oh Be Joyful Campground provide immediate access to alpine terrain. A reviewer notes, "Oh Be Joyful is a nice campground with spectacular access to a meandering shallow creek great for very young kids and with 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."
Water activities: Taylor Reservoir offers boating and swimming options about 15 minutes from Lottis Creek Campground. Troy C. mentions, "We went into Crested Butte to eat one night and we drove over to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison as well. Both were suggestions from our host. We also went boating on Taylor lake."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lottis Creek Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and campsites. "This campground is located about 15 minutes from Taylor Reservoir. You don't have views of the reservoir but the campground is beautifully settled between pine trees. Yet, not enough shade to block our solar intake," reports Rebeca H.
Pet-friendly environments: Most campgrounds welcome dogs, with Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins offering specific amenities for pet owners. Katie H. notes, "Great walking around the park for our pups, reliable hook ups, clean facilities, and very friendly staff. The rates were super affordable too!"
Wildlife viewing: Multiple sites offer wildlife sightings beyond the standard deer. "Frequently, deer are in the campground and occasionally a bear," mentions Cheryl H. about Rosy Lane Campground, noting its forest setting along the Taylor River.
Night sky viewing: The lack of light pollution makes for exceptional stargazing. "Absolutely beautiful scenery and rushing Taylor River provides a nice background. Stargazing was incredible," writes Stacy about One Mile Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. At Oh Be Joyful Campground, "The road down to the river is a bit rough, but if you're careful you can make it. There are camp sites on the other side of the river so if you go late in the season you can drive across, otherwise you'll need high clearance to get you to the other side," advises Danny A.
Cell service varies: Coverage differs significantly between locations. Sarah N. reports about One Mile, "The cell service on T-Mobile was amazing," while others note no service at higher elevation sites.
Reservation requirements: Many forest service campgrounds now require advance reservations. Larry B. notes about Lottis Creek, "Smaller part of the Lottis Creek camp area on the other side of the creek. Only 10 sites, most you can reserve."
Bears present: Proper food storage is essential in this area. Multiple reviewers mention bear sightings, with Cheryl H. specifically noting occasional bear presence at Rosy Lane Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Water play spots: Campfire Ranch on the Taylor offers clean, accessible water features. Troy mentions, "This is a tent only site but it was great. There is a host on-site who is very helpful. The restrooms are very clean."
Animal encounters: Gunnison KOA provides built-in entertainment with on-site animals. "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," Keith S. observed.
Campground amenities: Consider sites with extras for children. "The campground offers both decent to rather austere drive-in sites with bear boxes (only CG I know of in area with bear boxes) and tables/firepit," notes Peter S. about Oh Be Joyful Campground.
Weather preparation: Pack for significant temperature swings. Multiple reviewers mention needing both warm clothing for cold nights and sun protection for hot days, even in summer months.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookups: Most forest service campgrounds lack full hookups. "Big Rig friendly. 30 amp service. Good cell service on Verizon. Some highway noise but the river just on the otherside makes it an enjoyable place to camp," notes Chip D. about One Mile Campground.
Water availability: Confirm water access before arrival. "The campground DOES NOT HAVE WATER so you'll have to fill up elsewhere (we filled up in Gunnison, you can also fill up in surrounding campgrounds or Crested Butte)," warns Sarah N. about One Mile.
Site spacing: Consider privacy between sites when selecting campgrounds. "For a private RV campground, it's great. Sites are larger than many campgrounds. Laundry, bathrooms, and showers are clean," mentions Lisa K. about Mountain Time RV Park.
Dump station locations: Plan for waste disposal needs. "It notes there is a sewage station, however, there is not. We used one about 15 minutes away in Tincup, $8 fee," Christina A. advises regarding Lottis Creek Campground.
