Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park's North Rim Campground sits at an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet, providing cooler temperatures than surrounding areas during summer months. Located about 10 miles from Crawford, Colorado, this area offers glamping options with distinctive views of steep canyon walls. Water levels in nearby reservoirs fluctuate seasonally, affecting fishing and boating access.
What to do
Hiking to viewpoints: At North Rim Campground, trails lead to spectacular canyon overlooks and connect to the visitor center. "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 Jon H.
Fishing in local waters: Trout fishing opportunities abound in streams and reservoirs near Crawford. The waters remain cold even in summer months, supporting healthy fish populations. "We go every summer and camp (in a tent) for about 10 days. The weather is perfect and the trout are plentiful!" reports Brandi F.
Exploring nearby towns: Visit Paonia and Hotchkiss for wine tasting, farm stands, and local cuisine. The Campground at Big B's Delicious Orchards provides a base for agricultural tourism. "Big B's has a full restaurant (the chili cheese fries were amazing), lots of cider varieties on tap and to go. Live music some nights," shares Laura S.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: North Rim Campground offers well-spaced camping areas with natural separation. "Camp sites are much bigger and way more shade here. Not near as much traffic either," reports Jon H. The campground layout provides seclusion despite its popularity.
Water access: Soap Creek Corral offers creek access with natural swimming spots. "The host showed us a great hike behind campsite along a small river. Kids and dog enjoyed the river and its hidden swimming holes!" notes Colleen M.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing. "If you like star gazing this is the perfect place as there is no light pollution," mentions Evelyn R., highlighting the benefits of distance from urban centers.
Convenient facilities: Glamping close to Crawford, Colorado often includes access to clean restrooms and potable water. "Lots of spots, but very spread out and quiet. There are toilets in the center, water available, and a short hike to the rangers," says Hamen L.
What you should know
First-come, first-served sites: Many campgrounds near Crawford operate without reservations. "The North Rim campground was pretty and quiet. 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," advises Jordan L.
Road conditions: Access to remote glamping sites often requires driving on unpaved roads. Ponderosa Campground requires preparation for rougher terrain: "Access is about 7 mi of graded gravel road with some washboard," notes Greg L.
Weather variations: Expect significant temperature changes between day and night, even during summer. "This is high desert so it does get hot during the day and cold at night," explains Todd R., highlighting the need for appropriate clothing and gear.
Limited services: Cell service is often unavailable in canyon areas. "There is (limited) WiFi at the ranger station but zero service anywhere in the park or campground, so plan ahead," warns Jordan L.
Tips for camping with families
Tree swings and outdoor activities: Paonia State Park Campground provides ample space for children to explore. "The tent pads are very large and a nice bonus. The views were spectacular!" shares Ashlee W., noting the family-friendly layout.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe local wildlife including deer and cattle in safe environments. "As we were leaving the campground, we realized several of the cows had walked through our campsite to drink from the reservoir," recalls Patricia B., describing an unexpected rural experience.
Bring extra water: Limited potable water access means families should pack additional supplies. "There is no drinking water so bring your own," advises Ashlee W., emphasizing an essential preparation step for camping with children.
Choose shaded sites: During summer months, temperatures can rise significantly during daytime hours. Seek glamping options with adequate shade, particularly for families with young children who may be more sensitive to heat.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Riverbend RV Park & Cabins offers full services for recreational vehicles. "We spend three days here between some disperse camping in the region and could not say enough good things. The staff were extremely friendly, this sites were clean, dog park great, river amazing, and location to Montrose perfect," reports David L.
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary in size and proximity throughout the area. "Nice size sights. Gravel lots. Do hear a bit of traffic noise from highway when close to front gate. River sights look nicer," shares Rodney B.
Internet connectivity: Some RV parks maintain reliable connectivity for those needing to stay connected. "The Wifi was five stars which is rare in most RV parks. Super fast speeds," notes David L., highlighting an important amenity for working travelers.
Seasonal closures: Many glamping facilities and campgrounds around Crawford operate seasonally, typically closing between October and April due to weather conditions and decreased visitation.
