North Rim Campground sits on a remote side of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, accessible via a 7-mile unpaved road. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with sites typically filling by early afternoon during summer weekends. Many sites offer direct access to hiking trails connecting to canyon overlooks without requiring vehicle transportation between viewpoints.
What to do
Short hikes with views: At North Rim Campground, several easy trails lead directly from the camping area. "There is also the trail to exclamation point and the top of Green mountain that begins at the ranger station just down the road if you are into hiking or trail running," notes one camper.
Fishing opportunities: The area provides multiple fishing spots within short driving distance. One visitor at Ridgway State Park described their experience: "We go every summer and camp (in a tent) for about 10 days. The weather is superb and the trout is plentiful."
Explore hidden swimming areas: Some nearby camping areas offer unexpected water recreation. At Soap Creek Campground, a visitor reported: "The host showed us a great hike behind campsite along a small river. Kids and dog enjoyed the river and its hidden swimming holes!"
Star observation: The north rim area provides exceptional dark sky viewing with minimal light pollution. The isolated location means virtually no artificial lighting interferes with night sky viewing, making it ideal for amateur astronomy during moonless nights.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many visitors appreciate the site layout at Dakota Terraces Campground. One reviewer stated: "The spacing of the sites is ample and most of the sites have covered picnic tables." These covered tables provide shade during summer afternoons.
Convenient access to overlooks: The north rim location offers less crowded viewpoints. A camper noted: "There are several overlooks along this side of the canyon and there are 2 really nice ones on the short nature trail that starts at the campground."
Basic amenities: Despite the remote location, the campground provides essential facilities. "Cool drinking water access was a nice surprise, and there are bear boxes for each site as well as two clean vault toilets and a dumpster," mentioned one visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The surrounding natural areas support diverse wildlife populations. Visitors commonly report seeing mule deer in the early morning hours, and occasionally spotting elk, coyotes, and numerous bird species.
What you should know
Prepare for weather variations: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme, even in summer. During spring and fall, overnight temperatures frequently drop below freezing despite warm daytime conditions.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is essentially nonexistent throughout much of the area. A camper at Cedar Creek RV Park in nearby Montrose noted: "There is (limited) WiFi at the ranger station but zero service anywhere in the park or campground, so plan ahead."
Campground fills quickly: During peak season, secure your spot early. "I arrived right at 1 to make sure I could get a spot the Friday of Father's Day weekend. By 5:30, all the spots were full and were full earlier the following night," advised one visitor.
Drinking water availability: Water is only available seasonally at North Rim Campground, typically from late May through mid-October. During shoulder seasons, visitors should bring their own water supply as the system is winterized.
Tips for camping with families
Bring adequate clothing layers: Given the elevation and temperature fluctuations, pack appropriate clothing. A visitor at Riverbend RV Park & Cabins noted: "This is high desert so it does get hot during the day and cold at night."
Consider alternative glamping options: For families seeking more comfort than traditional tent camping, several nearby options exist. The region offers various glamping accommodations with amenities like electricity and running water.
Plan for driving time between attractions: The distance between north and south rims requires planning. "Do your research on which Black Canyon Park campground you'd prefer before starting your drive, as the east and north campgrounds are at least an hour and 45 minutes apart," advised one visitor.
Explore nearby educational opportunities: The area offers several interpretive programs during summer months. Junior Ranger activities provide structured learning opportunities for children to learn about geology, wildlife, and park history.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: The unpaved road to North Rim Campground may present challenges for larger RVs. "The road in is long and a bit too rough for some RV's," noted one camper at Centennial RV Park, which provides an alternative with "very spacious pull thru rv spaces."
Leveling equipment: Many sites require substantial leveling. "Needed all our levelers as the site is sloped downhill," reported one RVer about their Dakota Terraces campsite.
Limited hookups: Most camping areas near the park offer few or no hookups. For full-service options, consider staying in Montrose or Ridgway and making day trips to the national park.
Dump station locations: While the North Rim does not offer a dump station, several nearby facilities provide this service for a nominal fee. Plan accordingly if your stay extends several days.
