Camping near 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:

• Hiking: Explore the breathtaking trails in the area. At the South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful 1 mile hike to the visitor center. Super convenient if you’re planning to do anything inner canyon."
• Stargazing: The dark skies here are perfect for watching stars. A visitor at the North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park noted, "Great clear skies for stargazing."
• Fishing and Water Activities: The Iron Creek Campground — Crawford State Park is close to a reservoir, making it a great spot for fishing. One camper shared, "The sites that face the reservoir have a great view."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at the Elk Ridge Campground — Ridgway State Park said, "Bathrooms were super clean and the showers were nice and hot."
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. One reviewer at the Dakota Terraces Campground — Ridgway State Park mentioned, "The area feels natural and sites are spaced out."
• Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A camper at the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground — Ridgway State Park noted, "The Staff (including the Camp Hosts) are very friendly and helpful."

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.