Camping near Curecanti National Recreation Area

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Curecanti National Recreation Area. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Curecanti National Recreation Area, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Curecanti National Recreation Area (280)

    1. Elk Creek Campground

    34 Reviews
    Powderhorn, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 641-2337

    $24 - $34 / night

    "You are in close proximity to other campers as is usual in a BLM or NFS campground. Not an issue really. There is a rodent issue at the camp."

    "Our campsite was number 7 (on a clearing surrounded by a creek with a few other campsites). Campsites are close in proximity, but we had awesome campers around us who we befriended."

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

    67 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 249-1914

    $20 - $34 / night

    "The South Rim Campground is similar to other national park campground in that it provides convenient access to park activities and trails, but it stands apart due to the fact that the camping fees are"

    "Most of the outer sites are tucked into the forest so there is a decent level of privacy. Lots of deer frequent the area, we saw several on each trip."

    3. Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    59 Reviews
    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO
    21 miles
    Website

    "Great location right next to the park! There are plenty of sites and the views are beautiful. Entrance was slightly rutted so make sure you can off-road just a bit!"

    "A few minutes outside the south gate of the park. Multiple sites, most of which are on dirt. Paths to and from can be a bit rough for most passenger vehicles. But it’s quite and close to the park."

    4. Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch

    12 Reviews
    Gunnison, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 642-4150

    $30 / night

    "This campground is west of Gunnison, Colorado across from Blue Mesa Reservoir. No cell service, but they have free wifi. The wifi is slow and when it's busy doesn't work well."

    "It is a great place to explore from into the many surrounding popular locations."

    5. Gunnison National Forest Soap Creek Campground

    7 Reviews
    Curecanti National Recreation Area, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 641-0471

    "Many of the sites are shaded by the trees and the nearby creek provides soothing background noise during nights. Trails near the sites are very accessible. Views are gorgeous."

    "We arrived at Soap Creek Campground around noon on a Friday in mid-July and found several wonderful sites to choose from."

    6. Ponderosa - Curecanti National Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Crawford, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 641-2337

    $20 / night

    "This is a really sweet campsite… With a few sites up top when you enter that overlook the creek and adjacent Ridge, and then many more sides down by the creek."

    "If the lake is low you have to hike lots of deer and clean spot"

    7. Soap Creek Corral

    4 Reviews
    Crawford, CO
    6 miles
    Website

    "This is a great spot tucked away behind the reservoir and along a sweet little creek. I didn’t stay because no one was there this time of year and I had no cell service."

    "What draws us to this campground is the beauty of the surrounding area. Black Canyon is close by for those who like to hike."

    8. Lake Fork Campground

    5 Reviews
    Powderhorn, CO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (970) 641-2337

    $24 / night

    "Yes it's multiple big open parking lots, but there is a lake with shore access, a boat launch, and clean facilities.  "

    "Great view of the lake! Basically two glorified parking lots with picnic tables and fire pits, but they had the cleanest restrooms I’ve ever seen at a campground! I’ll be coming back."

    9. Red Creek Rd Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Curecanti National Recreation Area, CO
    7 miles

    "Aspens were bright, about a mile or so back on the right was a perfect spot with a creek running right next to the campsite. Had a fire ring as well."

    10. Sapinero Village Campground

    3 Reviews
    Curecanti National Recreation Area, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 641-3949

    $30 - $150 / night

    "The campground is very convenient location for the lake and rivers.  Nice service of coffee and a few microwaved food options. It has a nice game room also. "

    "From the moment we stepped into the lodge to check in, we were greeted with the bright smiles of the owners. They escorted us to our site to ensure it was to our liking- wow!"

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Recent Reviews near Curecanti National Recreation Area

1331 Reviews of 280 Curecanti National Recreation Area Campgrounds


  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Ouray Riverside Resort

    Close to town but noisy

    We normally like to stay in campgrounds or disperse camp but as we are in October in Colorado, a lot of the campgrounds were closed so we chose this RV campground. It is super close to town and has a lovely path (loop almost 2 miles) by the river. The RV park is so noisy :( So much come and go through the park which is gravel so it’s noisy, also close to the hwy which is non stop. Sadly not really relaxing to sit outside. All spots are super close and not private.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Red Mountain Creek

    Great spot

    We have a stock rav4. We were able to get to it easily. Gorgeous scenery. Very quiet. Loved the trees and the water running by.

  • Katharina J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Dry Creek Ditch Camp off Forest Road 90

    Good for a night

    The space directly after the hairpin turn was taken so I stayed further up directly off the road, space for 2 or 3. Some traffic, but quiet at night. Exposed to wind, some trash & a firering made out of stones.

  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    Barely made it to the entrance

    The uphill to get to the camping in a 2WD van was not easy. It’s very steep and with the sun setting we couldn’t see the road and just floored it hoping we’d make it to the top without crashing… turned around and left immediately. Van lifers beware. We came when it was dry. Definitely do not come in the rain or snow.

  • Kathy J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Cedar Creek RV Park

    3 night stay

    Nice park. Wifi and T-Mobile service are good. Park is clean and front desk people are friendly and helpful. All spots are on gravel, but there is a large pet yard as well as a grassy area with a large play structure for the kids. Has onsite propane refill services. They pick up your tanks and bring them back, no muss, no fuss. Just let the front desk know and they will tell the propane guy your site number. Some road noise at night but nothing intrusive. We would stay here again.

  • Vinny D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Red Creek Rd Dispersed Camping

    Great camping spot

    Several great spots and good scenery. Aspens were bright, about a mile or so back on the right was a perfect spot with a creek running right next to the campsite. Had a fire ring as well.

  • Chris S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Silverton Lakes RV Resort

    Convenient stop

    Great stop to do laundry, fill up water, and just conveniently located near Silverton, during our visit it was quiet, we were told it does get very busy in summer. Definitely recommend.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Angel Creek Campground

    Gorgeous and sloping

    Picturesque in a large clearing, surrounded by mountains. I’ve stayed twice, in August and last Sept and the place filled up both times. I stayed in site 7 and 22, both were good, 7 much bigger. The only downfall is the pit toilets are some of the foulest I’ve ever seen and it’s not because they aren’t getting cleaned bc I saw the cleaning crew on both of my stays, maybe proximity to the town brings novice campers with disgusting potty manners.


Guide to Curecanti National Recreation Area

Camping near Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes, with one reviewer mentioning, "Beautiful 1 mile hike to the visitor center. Super convenient if you’re planning to do anything inner canyon" at the South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
  • Fishing: The waters around Elk Creek Campground are great for fishing. One camper shared, "Fly fishing in the Gunnison as well as great fishing and swimming in Blue Mesa Reservoir is a short walk or drive."
  • Stargazing: The area is known for its dark skies. A visitor at the South Rim Campground noted, "This is a dark sky park. Took photos of the stars."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. One reviewer at Gunnison National Forest Lake Irwin Campground said, "The bathrooms were super clean and the showers were nice and hot."
  • Proximity to attractions: Many campgrounds are close to popular spots. A camper at Elk Creek Campground mentioned, "You are in close proximity to other campers as is usual in a BLM or NFS campground."
  • Wildlife sightings: Campers enjoy the chance to see wildlife. One visitor at Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area noted, "We saw moose in the afternoon into evening."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Black Canyon Dispersed Camping, lack basic facilities. A reviewer pointed out, "No toilets, no trash, no water hookups."
  • Crowded during peak times: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping warned, "You will more than likely be side by side with someone but that didn’t bother me too much."
  • Road conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area mentioned, "You do need to know how to drive on and around rock in the road."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities. One camper at Ridgway State Park said, "Bathrooms were super clean and the showers were nice and hot."
  • Plan activities: Make sure to have a list of fun things to do. A family at Gunnison National Forest Lake Irwin Campground enjoyed, "Beautiful day hiking and swimming."
  • Bring games and entertainment: Keep kids engaged during downtime. A reviewer at Ouray KOA mentioned, "There is a game room with old school arcade games for the kids."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have size limitations. A visitor at Amphitheater Campground cautioned, "Got up to the entrance to find signs warning of overall length limitations."
  • Look for electric hookups: Not all sites offer this. A camper at Elk Creek Campground noted, "The only thing I would say to give anyone a heads up about coming here is the wind is pretty bad."
  • Be prepared for wildlife: Keep food secure to avoid rodent issues. A reviewer at Gunnison National Forest Lake Irwin Campground mentioned, "The main issue here is this place has a serious rodent issue."

Camping near Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Curecanti National Recreation Area?

According to TheDyrt.com, Curecanti National Recreation Area offers a wide range of camping options, with 280 campgrounds and RV parks near Curecanti National Recreation Area and 74 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Curecanti National Recreation Area?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Curecanti National Recreation Area is Elk Creek Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 34 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Curecanti National Recreation Area?

What parks are near Curecanti National Recreation Area?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Curecanti National Recreation Area that allow camping, notably Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.