Camping near 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!