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Camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

1,184 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 (252)

    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

    56 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. Elk Ridge Campground — Ridgway State Park

    31 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."

    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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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 252 campgrounds and RV parks near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and 63 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 67 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 63 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.

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