Best Camping near Crested Butte, CO

Best Camping Sites Near Crested Butte, CO (350)

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  1. Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

  22 Reviews

  •74 Photos•

  1532 Saves

  Crested Butte, Colorado

  The Washington Gulch Trail #403 begins a quarter mile north of the Gothic Campground and ends when it intersects the Washington Gulch Road, FSR #811. The heads southeast with a few switchbacks and then parallels Rock Creek for approximately 1.5 miles. It then crosses the creek, turns south, and begins to climb in elevation. It comes to an end at Washington Gulch Road. This is a very scenic trail and makes a great day hike. It is also very popular with mountain bikers and campers.

  All roadside vehicle and tent campers are required to camp ONLY in designated sites:

  Sites are designated by the presence of a 6in X 6in wooden post with a site number and camping symbol along with a permanent metal fire ring. All sites are first come first serve, if a site is occupied please look for another site.

  Fires are only permitted in the established metal fire rings. Extinguish all fires so they are cold to the touch.

  Sites are limited to two vehicles only per site.

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • ADA Access
  • RVs
  • Tents
  • Group
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  2. Difficult Campground

  33 Reviews

  •135 Photos•

  575 Saves

  Aspen, Colorado

  Overview

  Located 5 miles southeast of Aspen, Colorado, Difficult Campground sits on the banks of the Roaring Fork River on the western slope of the Colorado Rockies. Campsites are nestled in a mixed forest of aspen, cottonwood, pine, fir, scrub oak, and spruce, and several are at the river's edge, offering an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation.

  Recreation

  Renowned for its fly fishing, the Roaring Fork River sustains populations of large rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout. The nearby peaks and soothing sounds from the river offer anglers a perfect backdrop for an afternoon of fishing. Whitewater adventure seekers may want to raft portions of the Roaring Fork, as it is navigable by small craft throughout most of its length to its confluence with the Colorado. Hikers can access trails near the campground.

  Natural Features

  In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live. The Roaring Fork River flows by the campground, a tributary of the mighty Colorado. Deep, swift and clear, the Roaring Fork rises in the Sawatch Range on the west side of the Continental Divide and drains an area of the Colorado Western Slope called the Roaring Fork Valley.

  Nearby Attractions

  The nearby town of Aspen is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and resorts, there is a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunites in this mountain town.

  Contact Info

  For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.

  Charges & Cancellations

  Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Reservable
  • RVs
  • Tents
  • Group

  $108 / night

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  3. Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area

  19 Reviews

  •61 Photos•

  619 Saves

  Crested Butte, Colorado

  Overview

  Approximately 5 miles from Crested Butte, Colorado, Oh Be Joyful Campground is a 30-unit campground along the Slate River. The campground itself gets its name from nearby Oh Be Joyful Creek that features massive waterfalls and colorful wildflowers in the summer months. The campground is located at approximately 9,000 feet in elevation and the views are spectacular.

  Recreation

  This premier area is known for camping, fishing, horseback riding, sight-seeing, hiking/walking, water play, kayaking, mountain biking, wildflower viewing, and motorized recreational uses. A foot bridge allows visitors to access the west side of the Slate River to hike along Oh Be Joyful Creek and into the Raggeds Wilderness.

  Natural Features

  The campground sits directly on the east bank of the Slate River and is nestled in a valley with mountains on either side of the valley. Due to the abundance of moisture in the spring and early summer, wildflowers are abundant. Look for our State flower the Columbine and other species including Indian Paintbrush and Avalanche Lilies.

  • Pets
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • RVs
  • Tents
  • Group

  $60 / night

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  4. Gunnison National Forest Lake Irwin Campground

  19 Reviews

  •8 Photos•

  206 Saves

  Crested Butte, Colorado

  Overview

  Lake Irwin Campground is situated on the western banks of its picturesque namesake lake, approximately 9 miles from Crested Butte, Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its abundant trail opportunities, fishing and beautiful scenery.

  Recreation

  Mountain biking and hiking are popular activities in this challenging, rugged terrain. Canoeing and fishing are favorite pastimes as well. The lake is usually so full of fish, one can see them rise to the calm surface.

  Facilities

  Mountain biking and hiking are popular activities in this challenging, rugged terrain. Canoeing and fishing are favorite pastimes as well. The lake is usually so full of fish, one can see them rise to the calm surface.

  Natural Features

  The campground is set high in the Colorado Rockies at an elevation of 10,200 feet. Summer days are cool and afternoon showers are common. Nights can be chilly. Lake Irwin borders the campground on the east, and the Ruby Mountain Range lies to the west. Vivid wildflowers fill the landscape during July and August. Most campsites are shaded by mature Englemann spruce and subalpine fir trees. The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests are located on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. Together, the three forests cover 2.9 million acres in the central and southern Rocky Mountains, south of the Colorado River and west of the Continental Divide.

  Nearby Attractions

  The charming town of Crested Butte is a short drive from the campground. The former coal mining town offers a variety of outdoor activities, dining and shopping options and annual festivals, like the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival.

  contact_info

  For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.

  • Pets
  • Reservable
  • RVs
  • Tents
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Trash

  $24 - $34 / night

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  5. Bogan Flats Campground Grp S

  27 Reviews

  •83 Photos•

  380 Saves

  Marble, Colorado

  Overview

  Bogan Flats Campground stretches along the Crystal River in a valley of aspen groves, towering Ponderosa Pine, spruce, and willow. The setting is ideal for larger groups seeking recreation and relaxation in White River National Forest. Sites in the campground are widely spaced and offer a nice mixture of open and shaded spots, with several sites at the river's edge. The group site is located away from the main campground, offering a more private location.

  Recreation

  Crystal River, a tributary of Roaring Fork River, is renowned for its fly fishing. Rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout are plentiful in this waterway. A hike up Mt. Sopris offers spectacular panoramic views. This 12,953-foot mountain dominates the surrounding landscape. The hike is 14.8 miles with a 4,600-foot. elevation gain. In summer, wildflowers carpet the trail through aspen groves and mixed conifer forest, climbing up to talus slopes. Other popular activities in the area include jeep tours, biking, and historic sightseeing.

  Natural Features

  In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. The Crystal River flows near the campground and drains the Valley of the Coal Miners, a glacial valley that was once a center of coal mining in southwestern Colorado. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.

  Contact Info

  For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.

  Nearby Attractions

  The quaint mountain town of Redstone is a hidden gem, located south of Carbondale. In addition to shops, galleries, and restaurants, the town boasts a castle that was built by industrialist John Osgood at the turn of the 20th century.

  Charges & Cancellations

  Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Reservable
  • RVs
  • Tents
  • Group

  $151 / night

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  6. Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

  27 Reviews

  •132 Photos•

  1298 Saves

  Aspen, Colorado

  There are 22 dispersed campsites for car camping along Lincoln Creek Road. High Clearance required and 4x4 recommended to access all campsites. All sites are first come first serve. No facilities such as toilets or water are available. Maximum 5 day stay limit.

  • Dispersed
  • Trash
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
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  7. Portal Campground

  24 Reviews

  •140 Photos•

  1873 Saves

  Aspen, Colorado

  Portal Campground is located eleven miles southeast of Aspen on Independence Pass Road and seven miles south on Lincoln Creek Road at an elevation of 9,400'. Campers can access some wonderful day hikes from this location as well as terrain for motorcycle riding, mountain biking, ATV riding, fishing and horseback riding, among other recreation activities. Portal Campground has 5 campsites with limited spurs. 5 day stay limit. High clearance vehicles are required and 4x4 recommended.

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Tents
  • Group
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Picnic Table
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  8. Elk Creek Campground

  30 Reviews

  •74 Photos•

  270 Saves

  Powderhorn, Colorado

  Overview

  Elk Creek Campground is on the north shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir. The lake is Colorado's largest body of water with 96 miles of shoreline and the largest Kokanee Salmon fishery in the United States. Elk Creek Campground is located off of US HWY 50 -15 miles west of Gunnison Co. at Mile Marker 142. The campground is part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, which was named after a Ute Indian chief of the mid-19th century. The Elk Creek area is a hub for water based activities year round.

  Recreation

  Anglers delight in catching salmon and rainbow trout, while water sports fans find excitement in windsurfing and water skiing. Swimming is permitted throughout the 20-mile long reservoir and birders can find bald eagles here year round.

  Natural Features

  At an altitude of 7,540 feet, Elk Creek is surrounded by a vast expanse of sagebrush. Trees are minimal because the reservoir gets less than 12 inches of rain a year. Curecanti National Recreation Area is sandwiched between the towns of Montrose and Gunnison, Colorado. It spans three reservoirs, named for corresponding dams on the Gunnison River. These include the Crystal Reservoir, Morrow Point Reservoir and Blue Mesa.

  Nearby Attractions

  Visit the Cimarron Rail Exhibit to see railcars and the last remaining railroad trestle on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison route.

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • RVs

  $34 / night

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  9. Lottis Creek Campground

  15 Reviews

  •38 Photos•

  485 Saves

  Pitkin, Colorado

  Overview

  Located in the Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, Lottis Creek Campground is at an elevation of 8,600 feet above sea level. On the shores of Lottis Creek, this newly remodeled campground is a perfect getaway for anyone that loves the outdoors. Nestled in lodgepole pines down the Taylor River Canyon, Lottis Creek Campground is great for anglers, hikers, bikers, and four-wheeler enthusiasts.

  Recreation

  Two miles to the south, visitors will find access to the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area. Hikers and equestrians can enjoy the trails of this pristine natural area. No mechanized or motorized vehicles are permitted in any Wilderness area. To the east of Lottis Creek Campground, four-wheel drivers will find many roads to explore. Cumberland Pass Road provides access to most of these trails.

  Natural Features

  Many of the electric hookup campsites benefit from the shade provided by the lodgepole pines in the campground.

  Contact Info

  For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.

  Nearby Attractions

  Taylor Park Reservoir is just a few miles from the campground, offering boating, fishing and swimming opportunities. A boat ramp and boat rentals are available there as well.??Many trails for hikers are close by. Fishing is abundant in many areas and you will find numerous four-wheel drive trails.

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Reservable
  • RVs
  • Tents

  $250 / night

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  10. South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

  62 Reviews

  •234 Photos•

  271 Saves

  Montrose, Colorado

  Overview

  A camping trip to the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park makes for a beautiful getaway for sightseeing, stargazing, and hiking. The park protects the most dramatic section of the Gunnison River Canyon; no other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths of Black Canyon.

  Recreation

  Take one of many spectacular hiking trails such as the Oak Flat Loop Trail and watch for birds like the black-billed magpie. In summer, catch an evening educational program in the campground amphitheater.______ Winter activities include snowshoeing on Rim Rock Trail or go cross country skiing on South Rim Drive (South Rim Campground is first-come, first-served in winter).

  Facilities

  Take one of many spectacular hiking trails such as the Oak Flat Loop Trail and watch for birds like the black-billed magpie. In summer, catch an evening educational program in the campground amphitheater.______ Winter activities include snowshoeing on Rim Rock Trail or go cross country skiing on South Rim Drive (South Rim Campground is first-come, first-served in winter).

  Natural Features

  Perched on the South Rim of the Black Canyon, this campground is surrounded by scrub oak forests and sits atop ancient hard rocks. Deer, grouse, bears, and bobcats are known to frequent the area.

  Nearby Attractions

  Visit the Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit to see railcars and the last remaining railroad trestle on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison route. Head upstream to Curecanti National Recreation Area to enjoy water recreation on Colorado's largest reservoir.

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Reservable
  • RVs
  • Tents

  $34 / night