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."
"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."
$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
"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!"
"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"
$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."
$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."
TravelerA few easy spots right off main road and then it gets real tight and 4WD
GuideWe 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.
GuideThis 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.
TravelerBeautiful 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).
TravelerOne 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.
ScoutThe 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
RangerWe 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.
TravelerWe have a stock rav4. We were able to get to it easily. Gorgeous scenery. Very quiet. Loved the trees and the water running by.
TravelerThe 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.
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.
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