Camping near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests (286)

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

    67 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    7 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."

    2. Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    60 Reviews
    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO
    7 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."

    3. North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    20 Reviews
    Crawford, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 641-2337

    $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."

    4. Elk Ridge Campground — Ridgway State Park

    33 Reviews
    Ridgway, CO
    17 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."

    5. East Portal Campground — Curecanti National Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    5 miles
    +1 (970) 641-2337

    $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."

    6. Dakota Terraces Campground — Ridgway State Park

    19 Reviews
    Ridgway, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 626-5822

    $36 - $90 / night

    "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."

    "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!"

    7. Cedar Creek RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    12 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"

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

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

    $28 - $615 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    9. Iron Creek Campground — Crawford State Park

    15 Reviews
    Crawford, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 921-5721

    $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."

    10. Riverbend RV Park & Cabins

    7 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    13 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."

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Recent Reviews near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests

1429 Reviews of 286 Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests Campgrounds


  • MP M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    Right outside the National Park Entrance

    A few easy spots right off main road and then it gets real tight and 4WD

  • Hillary B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Matterhorn — Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre And Gunnison National Forest

    Quick comfortable stay

    We stayed here between Telluride Town Park and Ridgway State Park. Main attraction was the fact that it had full hookups so we could reset and dump our tanks. It turned out to be quiet and beautiful, even though the sites are quite close together.

  • Hillary B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Oh Be Joyful Campground

    Beautiful quiet campground

    This is a beautiful small campground with great trails nearby. Feels far from town, but really it's just a 20ish min drive into Crested Butte. There are also trails to bike or run into town. We filled water here. https://townofcrestedbutte.colorado.gov/rv-dump-station

    Docked it a star because the host really isn't around much. She was on site just one of our 4 days there. We talked to cyclists who spend a lot of time there and it sounds like that's about typical for her. It didn't impact our stay, but some others were complaining that someone else was occupying their spot despite them having a reservation. Since nobody is there to monitor, they get a lot of squatters.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful spot, accessible by 2WD

    Beautiful campground, very quiet. Up a dirt road but passable with a 2WD (in Oct, no snow). The shorter route in is via the trout lake entrance- less time on dirt road. Toilet block was locked when we were there (but there’s a vault toilet up at Trout Lake).

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    Amazing

    One of the best dispersed campsites. The road leading to the site could be rough for low clearance vehicles, but my Tacoma had no problems. The views from my site were amazing. I will definitely be returning.

  • Michael S.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    BLM Cottonwood Grove Campground

    Cottonwood Campground

    The road here is a bit rough but it is manageable for most vehicles its just sections that are rocky, the campsite is awesome you get some signal a bathroom lots of trails on the road and there's a river right beside you. Also firepits and not busy at all. There is no water hookup but thats fine

  • 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.

  • A
    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.


Guide to Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the campgrounds. For instance, at the South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, you can enjoy a beautiful one-mile hike to the visitor center. One camper noted, "Beautiful 1 mile hike to the visitor center. Super convenient if you’re planning to do anything inner canyon."
  • Stargazing: The area is known for its dark skies. Campers at the Black Canyon Dispersed Camping mentioned, "This is a dark sky park. Took photos of the stars." So, don’t forget your telescope or camera!
  • Fishing and Boating: If you enjoy fishing, the Elk Creek Campground is close to Blue Mesa Reservoir, where you can fish or rent a pontoon. One visitor said, "Great fishing and swimming in Blue Mesa Reservoir is a short walk or drive."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Ridgway State Park highlighted, "Bathrooms were super clean and the showers were nice and hot."
  • Proximity to Attractions: Campgrounds like the Telluride Town Park Campground are conveniently located near town, making it easy to access local shops and restaurants. One camper mentioned, "Perfect little campground, reasonably priced for its location, very clean bathrooms and within walking distance to town."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Campers often spot wildlife in the area. A visitor at Elk Creek Campground shared, "We saw moose in the afternoon into evening- they came right into the campsite to graze."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, have minimal amenities. A camper noted, "Most of the camping sites are placed fairly close together."
  • Road Conditions: Accessing some campgrounds can be tricky. A review for Last Dollar Road warned, "Do not go if you have a 2WD or a low sitting vehicle. We learned the hard way and had to back down a steep hill."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially bears. A camper at North Rim Campground mentioned, "Saw black bear cub hanging around one afternoon."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with activities for kids. The Ouray KOA has a playground and offers horseback riding, making it a hit with families. One parent said, "The campground owners were friendly and informative."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A camper at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area suggested, "Great trails and dirt roads for all types of activities."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outings. A visitor at Elk Creek Campground mentioned, "Do not feed or leave food out," highlighting the importance of keeping food secure.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground. A review for Amphitheater Campground noted, "Got up to the entrance to find signs warning of overall length limitations."
  • Be Prepared for Wind: Campers at Elk Creek Campground warned about windy conditions, saying, "The wind is pretty bad... like clockwork."
  • Use Good Equipment: Ensure your RV is equipped for rough roads. A camper at Last Dollar Road shared, "It's only 3mi of true 4x4 road to get up to the bluff."

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.