RV parks near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offer year-round accommodation options throughout the region. The elevation range of 4,600 to 8,200 feet creates varied weather conditions, with campgrounds at higher elevations experiencing freezing temperatures from October through April. Summer daytime temperatures average 75-85°F with nighttime lows dropping to 45-55°F, requiring campers to pack for significant temperature swings.
What to do
River fishing access: 0.5 miles from park entrance. At Riverbend RV Park & Cabins, guests appreciate proximity to river fishing. "Beautiful location next to the Fort Umcompahgre River with easy access to trails for biking. The sites and grounds are well maintained and large," notes Sarah S. The riverside setting provides convenient fishing without needing to drive.
Stargazing: Best from May-September. Many RV parks offer ideal viewing conditions with minimal light pollution. "Nice cool nights and love the dark nights to star gaze," reports Deb M. about her stay at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch. Clear skies and high elevation create optimal conditions for viewing celestial objects.
Trail access: Several RV parks connect directly to trail systems. The Ouray Rim Trail can be accessed directly from some campgrounds. "The park is on the Ouray rim trail which was a nice hike," mentions Keith S. Campers can reach multiple trails without moving their vehicles, making these locations convenient base camps for hikers.
What campers like
River views: Premium sites available along waterways. Four Seasons River Inn & RV Park offers designated riverside camping. "This RV park has a good number of riverside spots, which are delightful. Lots of trees, and dense but not too dense packing," writes Henry K. These sites typically cost $5-10 more per night but provide natural white noise from flowing water.
Proximity to town amenities: Walking distance to restaurants. Location convenience ranks high in camper reviews. "This campground is a great place to stay if you want to be walking distance to everything in Ouray. Once settled in we didn't use the truck to travel anywhere for three days," shares Keith S. about 4J + 1+ 1 RV Park. Many campers appreciate having restaurants and shops within walking distance.
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained bathrooms and showers. Cleanliness standards vary between parks, with some receiving consistent praise. "Bathrooms are updated with hot showers," notes one Riverbend RV Park reviewer. Another camper at 4J + 1+ 1 RV Park comments, "The bathrooms are very roomy, and they have plenty of hot showers."
What you should know
Limited cell coverage: Plan communications accordingly. While most private RV parks offer WiFi, service quality varies significantly. "The Wifi was five stars which is rare in most RV parks. Super fast speeds," reports David L. about his Riverbend RV Park experience. Other campgrounds have minimal connectivity, requiring alternative communication plans.
Seasonal availability limitations: Book 3-6 months ahead for summer. Most RV parks in higher elevations operate May through October, closing during winter months. Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch operates from "May 1 to October 15" according to their listing information. Some lower elevation parks remain open year-round but with limited services.
Highway noise: Consider site location when booking. Cedar Creek RV Park and other facilities near major roadways experience traffic noise. "We were up by the highway, so the traffic was loud and the neighbors were fairly close. Not too terrible, and nothing a fan couldn't drown out at night," explains Melody C. Request sites away from main roads when possible.
Tips for camping with families
Laundry facilities: Bring quarters for machines. Most RV parks offer on-site laundry services but require coins. "Laundry room was clean with new equipment," notes David L. at Riverbend RV Park. Another camper mentions, "Laundry facilities a bit small" at the same location, suggesting early morning or late evening laundry runs to avoid peak times.
Recreation options: Swimming pools available May-September. Black Canyon RV Park & Campground and other facilities provide recreation areas for children. "We had such a relaxing stay at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch! One of the major highlights for us was the amazing pool setup—both indoor and outdoor pools were clean, well-maintained, and perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring," shares Jessica S.
Site spacing: Request end spots for more room. Site dimensions and spacing vary considerably between parks. "Sites are very close together but this is expected at a property like this in the middle of town," notes one camper about 4J + 1+ 1 RV Park. Families with young children often benefit from corner sites with additional play space.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Bring blocks for uneven sites. Several RV parks feature gravel pads requiring additional leveling equipment. "Gravel lots. Do hear a bit of traffic noise from highway when close to front gate," reports Rodney B. about Riverbend RV Park. RV sites at several parks require blocks or levelers to compensate for uneven terrain.
Water access considerations: Fill tanks before arrival. Water pressure and connection quality vary between parks. At Centennial RV Park, "Super spacious pull thru rv spaces" provide room for larger rigs, according to Victoria K. Many RVers recommend filling fresh water tanks before arrival during peak summer months when water systems may experience pressure fluctuations.
Dump station availability: Not all parks have on-site facilities. While most full-service RV parks provide sewer hookups at individual sites, dump station access differs between locations. Parks with full hookups typically include "sewer, water, and electric" connections, though some only offer partial services requiring external dump station visits.
