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 (233)

    1. Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    57 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

    11 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. 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."

    7. 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."

    8. 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."

    9. 90 Rd Dispersed

    1 Review
    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 ."

    10. Dry Creek Ditch Camp off Forest Road 90

    2 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."

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Recent Reviews near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

1100 Reviews of 233 Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Campgrounds


  • Ryan P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Blue Lake Trailhead

    Gate closed.

    After an 8.5 mile winding dirt road I got to a gate that was closed and said no entry. No room to turn around had to back down the narrow dirt road with my travel trailer for at least 2 miles.

  • laura S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Elk Ridge Campground — Ridgway State Park

    big campground!

    rolled in on sunday evening and got a site. some sites pretty close to each other, ours felt a bit separated from others. clean restrooms.

  • k
    Sep. 14, 2025

    RV Ranch at Grand Junction

    Clean, well maintained

    Nice level sites. Some longterm/perm campers. Bathtooms updated and clean. Wifi spotty.

  • Ricky R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground — Ridgway State Park

    3 nights on full hookup

    The park was well maintained, and patrolled by park staff. The sites were well spaced and generally level. The sites next to the highway received a lot of road noise 24 hours a day. Beware that Colorado State Parks charges a $10 per day vehicle fee on top of the camping fee. It is not included when you make a reservation online even though it asks for the number of vehicles you have. You must pay the vehicle fee onsite.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    4J + 1+ 1 RV Park

    Nice campground

    Full hook up ,sewer hook up on each sight laundry room 2$ per load quarters needed

  • Gina G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Sultan Dispersed

    Dispersed camping

    Came here on a Friday around 3pm for Labor Day Weekend after trying to go to two other spots on the same road but those were pretty packed. This spot is also very busy but we were able to snag one of the last spots facing the creek.

  • Jonathan M.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Red Creek Campground

    Group camping or day use only

    This is for day use (front site) and group camping (back area) only. I called and asked how to pay for the site and was told that info, and he said for camping to go further up the forestry road... plenty of spots to fit any size rig

  • Jaz C.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Black Canyon

    great site by black canyon

    this site was easy to find and not too far from the main road but very quiet. we arrived at night and there was plenty of spots. we camped in the car just for the night but plenty of flat land for tents and we say a fire pit. only a 15 minute drive to the black canyon national park north rim. note: signs say no camping 12/1-7/15

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Red Mountain Creek

    Red Mtn creek

    Settle traffic of 550 with a maze of nooks riddled with car campers sleeping out to sprinter vans galore and some areas plenty of room for a toy hauler. Dirt bikes roll by slowly on their way wherever. Red river flow is small stream big cool. My spot nestled in the pines was quite nice.


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 233 campgrounds and RV parks near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests and 69 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 57 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.