Cabin camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers access to the park's steep 2,000-foot canyon walls and the Gunnison River at 6,500 feet elevation. The region experiences warm summer days with temperatures in the 80s and cool nights dipping into the 40s, making cabin accommodations particularly appealing during spring and fall shoulder seasons. Nearby towns of Montrose, Ridgway, and Cimarron serve as gateways to the park with varied cabin rental options.
What to do
Fishing access: The Cimarron River provides trout fishing opportunities at Pleasant Valley Cabins & Campground. "Every site has the creek behind it. The main highway is right out front so you do hear traffic, but it's still private and peaceful. If you sit out by the creek all worries Melt Away!" notes Joe M.
Swimming beach: Ridgway State Park features water recreation options with a designated swimming area. "Beautiful swimming beach, plenty of hiking trails. Restrooms were always clean," reports Bob M., who stayed at Dakota Terraces Campground for a week.
Wildlife viewing: Morning sheep grazing creates a pastoral experience. "The owners own land across the river and they pasture their sheep there. So in the morning at 8 they turn them out and the sheep go running and baa-ing across the pasture. Super cute," explains a reviewer at Pleasant Valley Cabins.
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Black Canyon RV Park provides convenient access to multiple destinations. One reviewer noted it's "Close to Montrose and Black Canyons of the Gunnison National Park, easy access to these and highly recommend checking them out if you stay here!"
River views: Uncompaghre River Resort offers peaceful riverside settings. "A clean and quiet place. We stayed overnight and will stay again. The facilities were great," writes Sarah S. The campground has multiple trail options along the river.
Large sites: Dakota Terraces at Ridgway State Park provides spacious camping areas. "All of the sites are large and have plenty of space from the next site," reports Jason S., who appreciated the separation between campers.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between properties. At Black Canyon RV Park, "Clean laundry, shower, bathroom facilities" are noted, while a reviewer at Pleasant Valley reported the bathhouse "needed paint, and smelled a little funny."
Seasonal considerations: Most cabin rentals operate from spring to fall. Ridgway State Park is an exception that remains open year-round, though winter access may require preparation for snow and cold conditions.
Reservation needs: Popular cabin locations fill quickly, especially from May through September. Cedar Creek RV Park has online booking but limited availability: "This camp site is efficient:) they picked up my phone call at 9pm with plenty rv lots available," reported Rachel M.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Meadows of San Juan Resort offers extensive outdoor recreation options. "There were tons of outside games- shuffleboard and basketball, but no mention of where you could borrow items to use them," notes a reviewer who suggests asking at the camp store about equipment availability.
Spacing between sites: When bringing children, site spacing becomes important. At Riverbend RV Park & Cabins, a reviewer appreciated that "the sites and grounds are well maintained and large," providing room for families to spread out.
WiFi availability: Consistent internet access helps with planning activities. One camper at Cedar Creek RV Park noted the site is "great for a quick stay" with "WiFi and T-Mobile service are good," which helps families stay connected for researching nearby attractions.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Dakota Terraces sites may require preparation. "Needed all our levelers as the site is sloped downhill. Windy in the morning," reports Ursula, who stayed at site 55.
Full hookup considerations: Uncompaghre River Resort provides complete RV facilities with concrete pads. "Great place with lots of shade, grassy areas and concrete pads. Friendly and informative host," writes Paula S., noting the well-maintained grounds.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some cabins. At Pleasant Valley Cabins, a reviewer mentioned: "US-50 (adjacent to the campground) was the detour route. Endless trucks and jakebrakes all night long," which is important for light sleepers to consider when selecting a cabin.
