Camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
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.
