Camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has several camping options throughout the Colorado wilderness. South Rim Campground gives you quick access to the park's steep cliffs and draws many visitors for its views. The North Rim has a local store where you can get camping supplies and essentials, and it tends to be quieter with good scenery. If you camp at nearby Elk Creek Campground, you can fish and enjoy water activities on the Colorado River. The higher elevation keeps things cool in summer, though you'll want sun protection. Snow covers the park in winter and can block access to certain areas. Be aware that the roads to campgrounds can be rough - you might need a vehicle with higher clearance. You'll likely see deer and rabbits around camp, so store your food properly. The unusual rock formations make for good hiking and photo opportunities. Don't count on cell service, and pack what you need. The Great Sand Dunes are worth a side trip if you have time. With minimal light pollution, the night skies are great for seeing stars. Always check if any areas are closed for the season before you go.

Best Camping Sites Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (246)

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

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

    $20 - $34 / night

    "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"

    "Most of the outer sites are tucked into the forest so there is a decent level of privacy. Lots of deer frequent the area, we saw several on each trip."

    2. Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

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

    "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."

    "This campground is easy to miss in the dark, and once you drive in its easy to get turned around and lost trying to find the exit again."

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

    19 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. 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."

    5. Iron Creek Campground — Crawford State Park

    13 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."

    6. Cedar Creek RV Park

    10 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. Elk Ridge Campground — Ridgway State Park

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

    $28 - $90 / 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."

    8. Riverbend RV Park & Cabins

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

    $42 - $149 / night

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

    "There is availability for all kinds of campers from Pop-ups, to RVs, to tent, and cabins and sits next to a lovely stream. The facilities were great as well!"

    9. 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."

    10. BLM Cottonwood Grove Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lazear, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 240-5300

    "This campground is a gem as other reviewers have cited, BUT the road in is dangerous when wet as there is a lot of exposure off the edge. An AWD would be ok but still dicey on the downhills."

    "Plenty of distance between campsites. No electricity or water. 1 satellite toilet... and a great fishing dock and a small beach."

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Recent Reviews near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

1139 Reviews of 246 Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Campgrounds



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

What camping is available near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 246 campgrounds and RV parks near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and 60 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 65 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 60 free dispersed camping spots near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

What parks are near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.