Camping near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

Ironton is a very busy spot for those hiking, camping, fishing, etc. It’s right off the highway and be very busy! Despite being a little isolated. If you have nowhere else to go, here is a spot, however, you might be out of luck on finding a spot

Right off the side of the road! Great for an intermediate spot between traveling! Or just a little tired. Nothing fancy but good free spot to camp.

This is a nice spot. Even better since the campgrounds inside the park are currently closed. But the access is bumpy. Looks like a muddy road with deep mud tracks dried up and it’s difficult to navigate. We have a travato and bounced all over but we could make it and find a level spot.

Got in after dark, so I could not see what I was getting in. Completely empty.

Woke this morning to a redrock wonder. Incredibly beautiful spot.

And all to myself.

Got to the campground pretty late on a road trip. Planned to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP in the morning. We were surprised to find that the campground was right off the main road, 1 mile from the entrance to the park. Could not have been more convenient. We pulled in and noticed that the roads into the campground were rugged and muddy so we opted for the first site on the right of the entrance to avoid trouble. That road goes really far down so it would be easy if you don't have a high clearance vehicle. There was one other camper in the spot right next to us so I think they had the same idea. Really nice trees for privacy, our site had a stone fire ring which was nice. In the morning we saw bunnies and a deer carcus so wild life present. There is a store that sells firewood 4 miles before you get here at the intersection. Last chance to get wood but was closed when we got there at 8pm. A ranger came by in the morning, doing rounds so it felt really safe. Would highly recommend.

This park has been open since 2022. Very nice. Private bathrooms/showers are very clean. Nice community room. They also have Airstream rentals. Location is good. Very quiet. A $12 Uber ride to historic district.

Will stay here again if in the area.

Really nice forest sites on BLM land very close to Black Canyon NP. Roads are very rutted, particularly the one straight in. I opted for the road off to the right as you pull in. Easy to navigate in my Outback but would use caution if muddy or heavy rain forecast. There were signs of a vehicle that needed to be pulled out at my site. Very quiet, very wooded. Quite a few deer bones around, so definitely predators in the area.

A little windy and some small presence of trash but overall a very beautiful place! Accessable with 2wd Sedan

Close to Montrose. Lots of space not totally flat. Decently clean pit toilet. Can tell the locals use it a lot for OHV, dog walking etc. some use at night. No place to pay.

We enjoyed the campgrounds all to ourselves. Was quiet and snow all around, stayed near the entrance since we are solo and aren’t sure of the trails under the snow

This was our favorite site in our 10 day camping trip we did this summer. Camping right on the creek with a cool night breeze was amazing. It is a very busy spot but we found a spot on the creek for our RTT even pulling in late at night. It is a pretty large area so even lots of big RVs were here. 10/10

Pulled in on a Sunday and noticed a lot of weekend traffic pulling out. Recommend going during the week if you are looking for privacy. Great spots to dry camp. Close to plenty of fishing and hiking. The bugs are intense during the warmer months

A clean and quiet place. We stayed overnight and will stay again. The facilities were great

Day use area only. Signs say NO CAMPING.

Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed Camping, located near Mount Sneffels in Colorado, offers an incredibly remote and breathtaking camping experience. If you're looking to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in pristine wilderness, this spot is ideal. The campsites are dispersed along the trailhead, offering peace and solitude with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and alpine lakes.

The beauty of this dispersed camping area is its complete immersion in nature. With no designated campsites or amenities, you get to choose your own perfect spot in the forest, whether it’s near the rushing creek or with views of the towering mountains. This is truly a wilderness experience, so you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient—bring your own water, food, and a solid plan for waste disposal.

The Blue Lakes Trailhead offers some of Colorado’s most scenic hiking, including access to the famous Blue Lakes and a challenging ascent of Mount Sneffels. The hike itself rewards adventurers with awe-inspiring views of alpine lakes, wildflowers, and rugged mountain terrain. It’s perfect for those seeking an immersive backcountry experience.

One downside of this dispersed camping is that the road leading to the trailhead is rough, so it’s best suited for high-clearance vehicles, and be prepared for the possibility of unpredictable weather, as storms can roll in quickly in the mountains.

Overall, Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed Camping is an incredible option for experienced campers looking to enjoy the wild beauty of Colorado’s high country. It’s remote, peaceful, and surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the state.

Nestled just minutes above the charming mountain town of Ouray, Amphitheater Campground is a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Surrounded by the breathtaking San Juan Mountains, this campground offers stunning views, a peaceful atmosphere, and convenient access to hiking trails, hot springs, and the iconic Million Dollar Highway.

The campsites are well-spaced, offering a mix of shade and sun. Many sites provide spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valley below. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, with clean vault toilets and potable water. While there are no hookups for RVs, the campground’s rustic vibe is perfect for tent camping or smaller camper setups.

One of the highlights is its proximity to the Perimeter Trail, a scenic loop around Ouray, and other popular hikes like the Box Canyon Falls trail. You’re also a short drive from town, where you can enjoy the famous hot springs or grab a meal.

A word of caution: the road to the campground is steep and narrow, so it may not be ideal for large RVs. Be sure to plan for cool nights, as temperatures drop significantly due to the elevation.

Overall, Amphitheater Campground offers an unbeatable combination of solitude, accessibility, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re looking for a basecamp for outdoor adventures or simply a serene spot to relax, this campground delivers.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We had an amazing stay at Basecamp 550. The campground’s location is perfect, with easy access to Ouray, Montrose, Telluride, and other nearby areas. The amenities were excellent, including quarter-operated hot showers and laundry, restrooms, Wi-Fi, full hookups, and a clubhouse with coffee + tea, kitchen access, and a great workspace. Our site had a beautiful view and was right next to a ranch where cows would come right up to the fence. The communal fire pit was a nice touch, and the private, fenced-in setting made us feel safe and comfortable. They also offer glamping tents and casitas on the property. Highly recommend!

Great campground just 10 minutes from Silverton. Several spots are right next to a small stream, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The vault toilet helped us conserve water, and we used the public shower/bathroom in Silverton, which was very convenient. It's also close to many hiking trails, making it a great base for outdoor activities.