Are you in need of a campground near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, CO? 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. Find the best campgrounds near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$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."
"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."
$20 / night
"Driving through Colorado in the fall there is nothing which can compare. "
"Camped one night on our road trip throughout southwestern Colorado. Campsites over look the canyon."
$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."
"We were in site 123 which didn't have a great view, but plenty of space around and behind us to stretch out. "
$20 / night
"down the road, you park in the sites facing the river, and walk your stuff down a little embankment to very cool, quiet, shady sites that I really liked."
"There are fifteen spots, 7 of those have drive in access, the other 8 are a park and walk down a small embankment - but oh, what a setting - set in a grove of trees, it was beautiful."
$36 - $90 / night
"There is a cool trail (best if you can get dropped at the top, haha) for some off-road biking (careful with little ones, it can get steep, bumpy, and have sharp corners). But it’s a blast!"
"With that said, there was community spigots located near the campsites that were still on if you need to top off your fresh water tanks."
$28 - $615 / night
"Great views, easy access to trails near the reservoir, and well maintained. We staid in the RV lot which didn’t offer a ton of privacy."
"It’s down river from the lake and is tucked in rolling canyon of the Uncompahgre River. The river is a tailwater and has been restored by Trout Unlimited as a Catch & Release section."
"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"
$36 / night
"Great view of the lake but the lake level was down so we weren't as close as you could be but still a great lake & mountain view. I have Verizon I had 2 to 3 bars & could stream Pandora."
"Many vineyards close by. Joe Cocker (rock singer) had a ranch nearby."
$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."
GuideThis is an Awesome CG heading down off Kebler Pass! I arrived mid-day Friday and plenty of sites available! It’s a smaller, clean CG right along the river! There’s hiking trails near by also - a great find!
ScoutCame 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.
TravelerThis 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
Scoutthis 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
TravelerSettle 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.
TravelerThere are three places to stay in this park, the Dakota Loops, the Elk Ridge Terraces, and Pa Co Chu Puk down the road.
The last of the three has zero climb, and likely most useful for very large RV’s.
I stayed at Dakota last year and like it so much I came back this year. The closer you get to the water (find a map online) the more leveling you will likely need to do if in an RV. There are level camp sites.
I drove up to Elk Ridge this trip. More trees up there. Pretty.
All three campgrounds have showers. Elk appears to have a play set.
Be aware if you reserve online, the camping fee does not include an entrance fee. If you’re staying a night or two, pay daily. After that, buy an annual pass.
GuideWe stayed two nights next to the creek. It was crowded but still peaceful with beautiful views. There was quite a bit of dust but still worth the stay
TravelerThis is a very beautiful section of the Rockies . It is about 7 miles south of Silverton Co above 10,000 ft Several dispersed camp sites, vault toilets,no potable water. Absolutely stunning views,many trails and fishing.
GuideI stayed here for two nights in July while bagging Sunshine, Redcloud, and Handies. Very nice, quiet campground.
It’s $20 a night & many sites are reservable but a few are first come first serve. I reserved a Wednesday night and rolled over into a second day FCFS.
Camping near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Camping near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, Colorado, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just be prepared for the unique challenges and joys that come with it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What dispersed camping options are available in Uncompahgre National Forest?
Uncompahgre National Forest offers several outstanding dispersed camping options. Owl Creek Pass provides a magical setting with aspen groves, flowing rivers, waterfalls, and sweeping mountain views. The area is particularly beautiful during fall when aspens change color. Another excellent option is Golden Hour Dispersed, which offers scenic riverside camping with access to vault toilets, hiking trails, and off-roading opportunities. While the natural surroundings are beautiful, be prepared for less privacy and potential noise from other campers and generators. Dispersed camping in Uncompahgre follows standard Forest Service rules: camp at least 100 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings when possible, and pack out all trash. Most dispersed areas are accessible by standard vehicles, though some remote spots require high clearance.
Where are the best camping spots in Grand Mesa National Forest?
Grand Mesa National Forest offers stunning alpine scenery with several exceptional camping options. Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area provides lakeside sites with beautiful mountain views and bird watching opportunities. The area accommodates both RVs and tents with several designated sites. For those seeking more amenities, Matterhorn — Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre And Gunnison National Forest offers a well-maintained campground with hot showers and reservable sites through recreation.gov. This campground provides a perfect balance of comfort and outdoor adventure with helpful camp hosts and sites tucked away for privacy. Most Grand Mesa camping areas are accessible from late spring through early fall, with peak season during July and August when wildflowers bloom.
Do I need permits for camping in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests?
Most developed campgrounds across Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests require fee payment but not advance permits. At Oh Be Joyful Campground, fees are collected through an honor system without on-site hosts. For dispersed camping, permits are typically not required, but you should follow Leave No Trace principles and camp in previously used sites. Some popular areas like Little Molas Lake Campground along the Million Dollar Highway have established fee systems. Always check recreation.gov for current reservation requirements at developed sites, as some campgrounds have transitioned to reservation systems in recent years. Group sites may have separate reservation processes and different fee structures.
What amenities are available at Grand Mesa campgrounds?
Grand Mesa campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities to suit different camping preferences. Molas Lake Park & Campground provides well-maintained facilities with clean, leveled tent pads, friendly staff, and excellent views. The campground serves as a perfect base for outdoor activities and geological exploration. For those seeking more luxurious accommodations, Ouray KOA Holiday offers cabins, tent sites, bathrooms, a playground, and a jump pad for children. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like vault toilets and potable water stations. Some campgrounds like Bogan Flats Campground can be quite busy during peak season with limited bathroom facilities. Water availability varies by location, with some campgrounds having easily missable water faucets, so it's advisable to confirm water access before arrival.
Keep Exploring
