Camping near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, CO has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (234)

    1. Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    59 Reviews
    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO
    24 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."

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

    67 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    26 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. Cedar Creek RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 249-3884

    "The RV sites are all on gravel but there is a large grassy area near the office. The site is on the edge of town but was fairly quiet. Nice clean laundry and restrooms."

    "Bathrooms and showers are clean Wifi available and cellphone service are good Close to Black Canyon of the Gunnison"

    4. Uncompaghre River Resort

    6 Reviews
    Olathe, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 323-8706

    "It is quiet even though away from the highway but just minutes through town to Highway 50.  Several trail options to walk the dog along the river from the park. "

    "The Uncompaghre River was about 30 yards behind the camp site - a short walk through the tall tree line.    The North Section of the campground are pull-through sits with great shade.  "

    5. Riverbend RV Park & Cabins

    7 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 249-8235

    $42 - $149 / night

    "Do hear a bit of traffic noise from highway when close to front gate. River sights look nicer. I would stay here again without hesitation"

    "We camped next to the pond. Staff very welcoming. Propane on site and they fill. Laundry facilities a bit small."

    6. 90 Rd Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    8 miles

    "Our site was a little close to the road so we did her some road noise but not enough to bother us. dog loved chasing the lizards around the camp site ."

    "This is 20 mins from the highway in Montrose. It was 52 at night in late September. 80 for a high."

    7. The Potholes Recreation Site

    10 Reviews
    Delta, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 240-5300

    "Never anyone around. Very quiet. Long drive in but worth it. My biggest piece of advice is leave the official campground and go slightly off road further up the road away from the campground."

    "It was like we were the only people in Colorado. Great dispersed camping spots."

    8. Dry Creek Ditch Camp off Forest Road 90

    3 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 240-5300

    "Wide open flat area right at the start of the Trailhead for the RimRocker trail to Moab."

    9. Elk Ridge Campground — Ridgway State Park

    33 Reviews
    Ridgway, CO
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 626-5822

    $28 - $36 / night

    "The site was big and a real short walk from the car. It was nice that the road didn't go next to the campsite like usual so it cut down on noise."

    "Water access nearby. Bathrooms were super clean and the showers were nice and hot. Laundry facilities available. We stayed on D-183 and had a nice view of the mountains and the lake."

    10. Iron Springs Campground

    2 Reviews
    Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 240-5300

    "The sites are surrounded by giant trees and are kept groomed providing shade and seclusion. It also has picnic tables and fire pits. It’s a ways away from any kind of grocery stores or provisions."

    "The next morning I awoke to snow all around and was able to see what a gorgeous place this is."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 234 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

1121 Reviews of 234 Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests 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.

  • 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Cayton Campground

    Awesome campground and hosts in the Rocky Mountains near Telluride

    Spectacular everything! Campground has electric and non. Camphosts are wonderful. On The San Juan Scenic Byway a few miles south of Telluride along the Delores river. Lots of fishing, hiking, views, and activities. Take thecSan Juan Scenic Byway and the Million Dollar Highway from Oaray to Silverton and then to Durango. Come back via Mancos to Delores. One of the best scenic drives in America. Oaray to Silverton is a tad scary if not fond of heights on high mountain roads.

  • Julie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Thunder Road North

    Huge pkg lot with picnic tables

    Pine trees, MTB & hiking trails, flat. Very private and quiet. Will happily camp here again.

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    High Country RV Park

    Good stopover

    Name of location has changed to "Naturita RV Park". Gravel pads spaced close together but was not busy. Wouldn't stay here for too long but as stopover it was fine. Showers, laundry, dump station available.


Guide to Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

Camping near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, Colorado, offers a fantastic mix of stunning views, outdoor activities, and unique campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a cozy tent spot or a full RV setup, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Black Canyon Dispersed Camping, lack basic facilities. A camper mentioned, "No toilets, no trash, no water hookups."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially bears. One visitor at the North Rim Campground shared, "Saw black bear cub hanging around one afternoon."
  • Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A camper at Last Dollar Road warned, "Do not go if you have a 2WD or a low sitting vehicle."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer ranger programs or activities for kids. At the South Rim Campground, a camper noted, "There was a fun campground program that night."
  • Bring Shade: Many sites lack trees for shade. One reviewer at the North Rim Campground suggested, "Bring a shade tent or shelter!"
  • Plan for Sun Protection: The sun can be intense, especially at places like Iron Creek Campground. A camper advised, "We used a sun shade with a tarp on one side."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A visitor at the Ouray KOA mentioned, "The park can accommodate big rigs... but I would not call the park big rig friendly due to tight turns."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, consider campgrounds like Elk Ridge Campground that offer electric hookups. One camper said, "Water access nearby."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A reviewer at the Ouray KOA noted, "Very busy and lots of out of state campers at this campground."

Camping near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. With a little planning and knowledge, you can have a fantastic experience in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests?

According to TheDyrt.com, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests offers a wide range of camping options, with 234 campgrounds and RV parks near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests and 70 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests is Black Canyon Dispersed Camping with a 4.3-star rating from 59 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests?

What parks are near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests that allow camping, notably Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests.