Best Tent Camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Dispersed camping options flourish near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado, with both established tent campgrounds and primitive tent sites available within a short drive of the main attraction. Black Canyon dispersed camping areas provide solitude about 5 miles from the North Rim, while Alta Lakes Campground offers tent sites near Telluride with picnic tables and vault toilets. Curecanti National Recreation Area, located east of the park, contains multiple tent-friendly locations with varying access requirements.
High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many primitive tent campsites, particularly during spring when snow and mud can make roads challenging. Most dispersed tent sites have minimal amenities, though some include established fire rings. According to one visitor, "I stayed here 3 days and never saw or heard another person." Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and campers should pack out all trash. Bear boxes are available at some locations like Curecanti Creek, but tent campers should be prepared with proper food storage. Vault toilets exist at selected sites, but potable water is rarely available, requiring tent campers to bring their own supply.
Tent-only areas provide opportunities for solitude and star-gazing not found at developed RV campgrounds. The walk-in tent sites at Hermits Rest require a 3-mile hike with 1,800 feet of elevation change, but as described in feedback on The Dyrt, "since you have to hike 3 miles, descending 1800 feet into the canyon, there weren't many people at the campsite." Sites near water bodies offer fishing and paddling options, with Blue Mesa Reservoir providing nearby water recreation. Summer afternoons often become windy, so tent campers should ensure proper staking. The primitive tent campsites on BLM land north of Black Canyon remain open year-round except from December through mid-July when seasonal closures apply. Many tent sites offer exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution and higher elevations.
