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Camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

1,246 Reviews

Camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park encompasses a range of options from national park campgrounds to nearby BLM lands and private facilities. The South Rim Campground within the park sits at 8,200 feet elevation and provides 75 sites with basic amenities, while the North Rim Campground offers a more primitive experience with fewer sites open seasonally from April to mid-November. Adjacent to the park, free dispersed camping is available on BLM land, though these sites require some off-road capability to access. For those seeking more amenities, Crawford State Park's Iron Creek Campground and several private RV parks in Montrose provide full hookups approximately 20 minutes from the park entrance.

Reservations are essential during peak season (May through September) for the South Rim Campground, with all sites bookable through recreation.gov up to six months in advance. According to a campground host, "All reservations for all 75 available sites must be made through recreation.gov in advance. Things only shift to first-come, first-served for the winter months - October-April." The park's high elevation means summer temperatures are typically cooler than surrounding areas, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Cell service is limited within the park, with no T-Mobile coverage reported at South Rim. Water availability is restricted to bottle-fill stations at each loop, with no RV tank filling permitted. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods.

The camping experience varies significantly between locations. Park campgrounds feature pit toilets and limited amenities but provide immediate access to canyon viewpoints and trails. Sites at South Rim are nestled among oak shrubs, while nearby East Portal Campground in Curecanti National Recreation Area offers riverside camping at a lower elevation. One visitor noted, "Because you take a steep, twisty ride down to the river, the elevation went from over 9000 to under 7000, a welcome change if you aren't acclimated to the altitude." RV travelers have multiple options in Montrose, with Cedar Creek RV Park providing full hookups, showers, and laundry facilities. Most campgrounds in the region permit pets, though wildlife encounters are common and proper food storage is required.

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Best Camping Sites Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (262)

    1. South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    67 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (970) 249-1914

    $20 - $34 / night

    "The South Rim Campground at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a fantastic place! I should know, my wife and I are the current volunteer campground hosts."

    "The South Rim Campground is similar to other national park campground in that it provides convenient access to park activities and trails, but it stands apart due to the fact that the camping fees are"

    2. Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    57 Reviews
    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO
    2 miles
    Website

    "Great location right next to the park! There are plenty of sites and the views are beautiful. Entrance was slightly rutted so make sure you can off-road just a bit!"

    "A few minutes outside the south gate of the park. Multiple sites, most of which are on dirt. Paths to and from can be a bit rough for most passenger vehicles. But it’s quite and close to the park."

    3. North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    20 Reviews
    Crawford, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 641-2337

    $20 / night

    "Driving through Colorado in the fall there is nothing which can compare. "

    "Camped one night on our road trip throughout southwestern Colorado. Campsites over look the canyon."

    4. Iron Creek Campground — Crawford State Park

    15 Reviews
    Crawford, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 921-5721

    $36 / night

    "Peaceful park near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Sites clean with water and electric. Nice wildlife viewing."

    "Great view of the lake but the lake level was down so we weren't as close as you could be but still a great lake & mountain view. I have Verizon I had 2 to 3 bars & could stream Pandora."

    5. East Portal Campground — Curecanti National Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    4 miles
    +1 (970) 641-2337

    $20 / night

    "There are fifteen spots, 7 of those have drive in access, the other 8 are a park and walk down a small embankment - but oh, what a setting - set in a grove of trees, it was beautiful."

    "down the road, you park in the sites facing the river, and walk your stuff down a little embankment to very cool, quiet, shady sites that I really liked."

    6. Cedar Creek RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 249-3884

    "It is about 20 min to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. They have bathrooms, showers and laundry facility and they even have mini golf. Good wifi and LTE with Verizon is fine here."

    "The RV sites are all on gravel but there is a large grassy area near the office. The site is on the edge of town but was fairly quiet.

    Nice clean laundry and restrooms."

    7. Riverbend RV Park & Cabins

    7 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 249-8235

    $42 - $149 / night

    "Do hear a bit of traffic noise from highway when close to front gate. River sights look nicer. I would stay here again without hesitation"

    "We camped next to the pond. Staff very welcoming. Propane on site and they fill. Laundry facilities a bit small."

    8. Elk Ridge Campground — Ridgway State Park

    32 Reviews
    Ridgway, CO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 626-5822

    $28 - $36 / night

    "The site was big and a real short walk from the car. It was nice that the road didn't go next to the campsite like usual so it cut down on noise."

    "Water access nearby. Bathrooms were super clean and the showers were nice and hot. Laundry facilities available. We stayed on D-183 and had a nice view of the mountains and the lake."

    9. Black Canyon

    2 Reviews
    Crawford, CO
    5 miles

    "from the main road but very quiet. we arrived at night and there was plenty of spots. we camped in the car just for the night but plenty of flat land for tents and we say a fire pit. only a 15 minute drive"

    10. Montrose / Black Canyon Nat'l Park KOA

    4 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 249-9177

    "We stayed here one night while visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Campground is clean, very big rig friendly. Easy to maneuver. The pool and playground were clean."

    "Close to black canyon and in town food and booze with in walking distance. What more could u ask for. A pool, they got that."

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Recent Camping Photos near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

421 Photos of 262 Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

1246 Reviews of 262 Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Campgrounds

  • Trish M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Horse Ranch Park (dispersed)-paonia Rd

    Stunning & secluded

    Found this place late afternoon and fell in love with Gunnison National Forest! Lost Lake was right across the road from where we camped. Found a beautiful spot with a great view! Most of the other spots were taken so we were blessed. Can't wait to go back again.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    4J + 1+ 1 RV Park

    Nice campground

    Full hook up ,sewer hook up on each sight laundry room 2$ per load quarters needed

  • IThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Mill Creek

    Camping

    Beautiful views, clean toilets and fresh drinking water available

  • A
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Musicians Campground

    Amazing views!

    There are very clean vault toilets available and each site has a fire pit

  • Jennifer N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Erickson Springs

    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!

  • Jonathan M.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Red Creek Campground

    Group camping or day use only

    This is for day use (front site) and group camping (back area) only. I called and asked how to pay for the site and was told that info, and he said for camping to go further up the forestry road... plenty of spots to fit any size rig

  • Jaz C.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Black Canyon

    great site by black canyon

    this site was easy to find and not too far from the main road but very quiet. we arrived at night and there was plenty of spots. we camped in the car just for the night but plenty of flat land for tents and we say a fire pit. only a 15 minute drive to the black canyon national park north rim. note: signs say no camping 12/1-7/15

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Red Mountain Creek

    Red Mtn creek

    Settle traffic of 550 with a maze of nooks riddled with car campers sleeping out to sprinter vans galore and some areas plenty of room for a toy hauler. Dirt bikes roll by slowly on their way wherever. Red river flow is small stream big cool. My spot nestled in the pines was quite nice.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Dakota Terraces Campground — Ridgway State Park

    Fantastic State Park

    There are three places to stay in this park, the Dakota Loops, the Elk Ridge Terraces, and Pa Co Chu Puk down the road.

    The last of the three has zero climb, and likely most useful for very large RV’s.

    I stayed at Dakota last year and like it so much I came back this year. The closer you get to the water (find a map online) the more leveling you will likely need to do if in an RV. There are level camp sites.

    I drove up to Elk Ridge this trip. More trees up there. Pretty.

    All three campgrounds have showers. Elk appears to have a play set.

    Be aware if you reserve online, the camping fee does not include an entrance fee. If you’re staying a night or two, pay daily. After that, buy an annual pass.

Guide to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, offers stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are beautiful trails nearby, like the one leading to the visitor center from the South Rim Campground. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful 1 mile hike to the visitor center. Super convenient if you’re planning to do anything inner canyon."
  • Stargazing: The area is known for its dark skies. One visitor at the Black Canyon Dispersed Camping said, "This is a really pretty campground... Great spot, simple and scenic with a lot of wildlife heard!"
  • Fishing and Boating: The Elk Creek Campground is close to Blue Mesa Reservoir, perfect for fishing and boating. A reviewer noted, "Fly fishing in the Gunnison as well as great fishing and swimming in Blue Mesa Reservoir is a short walk or drive."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Ridgway State Park remarked, "Bathrooms were super clean and the showers were nice and hot."
  • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer breathtaking views. One camper at the Dakota Terraces Campground shared, "Our site had a view of Courthouse Peak. The area feels natural and sites are spaced out."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful campground hosts. A reviewer at the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground said, "The Staff (including the Camp Hosts) are very friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like the North Rim Campground, have minimal facilities. A camper noted, "Most of the camping sites are placed fairly close together."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at the Elk Creek Campground mentioned, "We saw moose in the afternoon into evening- they came right into the campsite to graze."
  • First-Come, First-Served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, like the South Rim Campground. A visitor said, "I got in on a Wednesday around noon and was able to get one of the first come first serve spots."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like the Ouray Riverside Resort. A family shared, "We had an extra wide riverfront side site and had plenty of room."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. One camper at the Ridgway State Park said, "There was access to kayak, paddle board, and boat rentals."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring shade tents or canopies, especially in areas with limited tree cover. A visitor at the Black Canyon Dispersed Camping advised, "The dirt road is very rutted... Great spot, simple and scenic."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A reviewer at the 4J + 1+ 1 RV Park mentioned, "The RVs are squeezed in tightly but it never felt that way."
  • Be Prepared for Wind: Wind can be an issue, especially at places like the Elk Creek Campground. A camper noted, "The wind is pretty bad... like clockwork."
  • Use Mint Oil for Rodents: If you're camping at sites with rodent issues, like the Elk Creek Campground, one camper suggested, "Use cotton balls soaked in mint oil under the hood of vehicles to deter from wires being chewed."

Camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the area. With a little planning and the right campground, you can have a memorable outdoor adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dispersed camping allowed near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

While dispersed camping isn't permitted within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park itself, several nearby areas offer dispersed camping options. The Curecanti National Recreation Area has multiple dispersed camping sites just east of the park. Curecanti Creek - Curecanti National Recreation Area offers beautiful sites near Morrow Point Reservoir. For a more remote experience, Oh Be Joyful Campground provides pristine dispersed camping options. Always check current regulations with the National Park Service or Forest Service offices before setting up camp, as rules may change seasonally. Most dispersed camping in the area follows standard regulations: camp at least 100 feet from water sources, practice Leave No Trace principles, and limit stays to 14 days.

Do I need reservations for camping at Black Canyon of the Gunnison?

Reservations are highly recommended for certain campgrounds at Black Canyon of the Gunnison, especially during peak season (summer months). At the South Rim Campground, Loops A and B require reservations, while Loop C remains first-come, first-served. Loop B offers electric hookups, making it particularly popular among RV campers. For those who prefer guaranteed accommodations, Iron Creek Campground — Crawford State Park near the North Rim offers reservable sites with water and electric hookups. Alternatively, Cedar Creek RV Park in Montrose (about 20 minutes from the park) provides reliable reservations with full amenities. During busy summer weekends and holidays, securing reservations weeks or even months in advance is advisable.

Where are the campgrounds located in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has two main campgrounds, one on each rim. South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located near the visitor center, approximately 8,200 feet in elevation, and offers three loops (A, B, and C) with a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. The North Rim Campground is more remote and rustic, accessible via a gravel road from Crawford. For those seeking camping near the river at the bottom of the canyon, East Portal Campground — Curecanti National Recreation Area offers 15 spots with some drive-in access, located along the river in a beautiful setting with basic amenities.

What's the difference between the North and South Rim campgrounds at Black Canyon of the Gunnison?

The South and North Rim campgrounds offer distinctly different experiences. South Rim Campground is more developed and accessible, located at 8,200 feet elevation with 88 sites across three loops. It features electric hookups in Loop B, flush toilets, and water stations. It's closer to services in Montrose and the main visitor center. The North Rim Campground is significantly more remote and rustic, with only 13 first-come, first-served sites, vault toilets, and no hookups or water (bring your own). The North Rim is accessible via a gravel road and offers a quieter, less crowded experience. For those seeking alternatives with more amenities, Montrose / Black Canyon Nat'l Park KOA and Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch provide comfortable options within driving distance of the park.

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