Top Glamping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, dark skies perfect for stargazing, and a variety of camping experiences from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot with amenities or a more rugged, off-the-grid experience, there's something for everyone in this area.
With campgrounds located both within the national park and in the surrounding areas, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. Each campground has its own set of features and quirks, so it's important to know what to expect before you go. This guide will help you navigate the best camping spots near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, highlighting what campers love, what you should be aware of, and tips for making the most of your camping trip.
What to do
The area around Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is rich with activities for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and fishing to stargazing and wildlife watching, there's no shortage of things to do.
- Hiking: The park offers numerous trails, including the popular Gunnison Route, which is accessible from the South Rim Campground. Becky M. mentioned, "This location is great for if you're planning to do any inter-canyon travel as it's close to the entry points."
- Stargazing: The park is designated as a Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent spot for stargazing. Joel R. shared, "This is a dark sky park. Took photos of the stars."
- Fishing: The Gunnison River is a prime spot for fishing, especially near the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground. Austin C. noted, "Lotsss of people fly fishing the river."
What campers like
Campers have a lot to say about the campgrounds near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Here are some of the highlights:
- Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Elk Ridge Campground, are praised for their clean facilities. Kelly H. said, "Well maintained campground with clean facilities."
- Great Views: The scenic beauty of the area is a big draw. Lauren M. loved the views at Elk Ridge Campground, saying, "I stayed in one of the walk-in tent sites on the edge overlooking the lake. It was absolutely beautiful."
- Friendly Staff: Campground hosts and staff are often mentioned for their helpfulness. Lawrence P. appreciated the staff at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground, stating, "The Staff (including the Camp Hosts) are very friendly and helpful."
What you should know
While camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is generally a great experience, there are a few things you should be aware of:
- Limited Shade: Some campgrounds, like Iron Creek Campground, have limited shade. Carrie R. advised, "The sun is unbearable here for a whole weekend without some shade!"
- Noise Levels: Proximity to other campers can sometimes be an issue. Becky M. mentioned about South Rim Campground, "It's a bit noisy because of how close sites are to one another."
- Wildlife: Be prepared for encounters with wildlife. Whitney L. noted at North Rim Campground, "There are nice sized BearSaver boxes at each site, plus a fire ring and large picnic table."
Tips for camping with families
Camping with kids can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially in such a beautiful area. Here are some tips to make your family camping trip a success:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Campgrounds like Elk Ridge Campground are great for families. Jennifer D. said, "A great park for kids. I loved the activities, hikes, swimming, and absolutely stunning views!"
- Bring Shade: Given the limited shade at some sites, it's a good idea to bring a shade tent. Carrie R. recommended for Iron Creek Campground, "We used a sun shade with a tarp on one side that we would keep rotating during the day to create shade."
- Plan for Activities: Keep the kids entertained with activities like hiking and fishing. Lawrence P. at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground mentioned, "There is much to do here and in the surrounding area. Fishing, hiking, biking or just sitting and enjoying the campground is wonderful."
Tips from RVers
If you're planning to camp in an RV, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth trip:
- Check for Hookups: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. For example, South Rim Campground does not have sewer hookups. However, Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground offers full hookups. Austin C. shared, "Had a nice pull-through site 217 with full hookups."
- Be Prepared for Tight Spots: Some campgrounds have snug spots. Becky M. mentioned about South Rim Campground, "We had site A9 and it was a pretty snug spot, as is typical with national park campgrounds."
- Plan for Noise: Proximity to other campers can sometimes be an issue. Becky M. noted, "It's a bit noisy because of how close sites are to one another."
Camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a variety of experiences, from the well-maintained facilities of established campgrounds to the rugged beauty of dispersed sites. Whether you're a family looking for a fun weekend or an RVer seeking adventure, this guide will help you make the most of your camping trip.
