Looking for the best campgrounds near Gunnison National Forest, CO? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Gunnison National Forest and user-submitted reviews.
$32 - $166 / night
"Every year, my family (+- 10 people) heads somewhere in Colorado to camp over Labor Day. This year we headed up to Marble, CO and stayed at the Bogan Flats campground."
"Lovely quite campground in the woods next to a river. We stayed on the side away from the river and I wish we had stayed on the river side, but it was still fantastic."
$38 - $91 / night
"Location is great! A mile walk into the quaint town of Redstone, 20min drive to Carbondale or Marble (opposite direction)."
"Not very many trails near by, and starts to get cold early because of the valley. I had no issues with being close to the highway."
"For those without AWD/4WD vehicles I would use caution/advise against since the drive to get into the actual grounds requires a bit of off roading including crossing a creek."
"Awesome valley with access to the creek. There is also a nice trail up the mountain that forks into two other trails."
"River access, no bugs, water, bathroom facilities, isolated spots surrounded by trees and close proximity to hayes waterfall and penny hot springs."
"It's beautiful to look at the red stoned mountains and the night sky filled with stars while being fairly close to other things."
"I used it as my base to drive the Crystal River trail which is about 10 miles down the road at Marble."
"Spent one night here, besides being right off the highway this place is amazing! Close to Marble which worked well for me."
"Lost Lake Campground near Crested Butte, Colorado, is a hidden gem that combines serene alpine beauty with a peaceful camping experience."
"There are some reserve able sites near the lake, and some first come/first serve sites as well. Also dispersed camping on the way up to the campground."
"To start, we camped with a teardrop trailer, but once you pass the White River National Forest sign and parking lot for the babbish trail head, it’s not easy to turn around unless you find a campsite."
"My first winter camping trip in Colorado."
$20 - $60 / night
"One of my favorite spots to camp in Colorado so far."
"other than the Neighbors being so close by it was amazing. we had really close water access.we stayed at #11 so cool I think it had the best amount of tree shade available and cuz we were so close to the"
$24 / night
"Just a short drive from downtown CB, lake Irwin is absolutely gorgeous. Situated on the lake with stunning mountain views in every direction."
"Amazing spot to spend the weekend with incredible views outside of our tent. Maybe 1/2mile walk maximum to the lake."
$18 - $36 / night
"As we were leaving the campground, we realized several of the cows had walked through our campsite to drink from the reservoir."
"We pulled in for the night after a long day of driving. The place was completely empty. Everything seems newly constructed. The pit toilet was spotless and empty. "
TravelerA few easy spots right off main road and then it gets real tight and 4WD
TravelerThis is a very nice rest overnight-point but would not be a “destination” location given its adjacency to private property. Good place for a night though!
GuideI tried to stay here in Oct 2024. The marked sites at deep creek seemed taken, so I drove up the hill and checked out the dispersed spots. One of them, a large one on the hill vs. dropoff side of the road, had a large shrine set IP for a suicide victim. I went back down and saw that site 1, on the creek was actually open. Backed in and set up my SUV for sleeping... As I turned off my light, I heard critter sounds. It was so loud, I thought it might be a coon on my roof, so I hit the road. Long story short, it was IN my sunroof channel (and actually came down the pillars into my front seat foot well). Although I did not stay the night, i did finally rid my vehicle of the critter using bright motion sensor lights. If you stay here, beware of the critters down near the creek.
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.
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
RangerConvenient spot right off of I70. It’s really just a dirt parking area, but good enough for an overnight stop! We pulled in after 11:00 PM. It was dark! There were a few other cars spread about. We had our pop up camper, and we were able to find a level spot and set up to get a few hours of sleep. Left around 5:30 AM, and it was still dark out, so didn’t really get to see the view of the river, and didn’t get any pics. The area was fairly quiet, other than the train that went by.
GuideThe uphill to get to the camping in a 2WD van was not easy. It’s very steep and with the sun setting we couldn’t see the road and just floored it hoping we’d make it to the top without crashing… turned around and left immediately. Van lifers beware. We came when it was dry. Definitely do not come in the rain or snow.
GuideSeveral great spots and good scenery. Aspens were bright, about a mile or so back on the right was a perfect spot with a creek running right next to the campsite. Had a fire ring as well.
RangerFirst things first. I was just there September 15-22. The water was on, toilets were flushing and I think the fire ban was discontinued (we had propane fires but neighbors didn't). No cell, no dump stations at any of the three campgrounds here (they were taken out of service sometime in the last 12 years). Two hosts, tho we never had any interaction with either in our week there. Bathroom were super clean and fully functional.
Cold nights, down to between 29 and 34 the first 4 nights were we there. Reservoir activity winding down, level down 15-20', campground uncrowded during the week. Closing around the end of October. Late closure probably to accommodate hunters.
Camping near Gunnison National Forest, Colorado, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Gunnison National Forest, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. With beautiful scenery, plenty of activities, and a variety of campgrounds, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Gunnison National Forest?
Gunnison National Forest offers several exceptional campgrounds catering to different preferences. Lost Lake Campground near Crested Butte stands out for its stunning alpine scenery, wildflower meadows, and pristine lake views. For riverside camping, Rosy Lane along the Taylor River provides secluded sites with minimal highway noise despite its proximity to the road. Campers seeking clean facilities should consider Lodgepole Campground in Taylor River Canyon, known for its spotless bathrooms (especially sites 7-11) and beautiful surroundings of pine and aspen trees. All these locations offer the quintessential Colorado mountain experience with varying levels of amenities and accessibility.
Do I need camping permits for Gunnison National Forest?
Most developed campgrounds in Gunnison National Forest operate on a fee system rather than requiring special permits. At Oh Be Joyful Campground, fees are collected through an honor system with no on-site host. For dispersed camping in the forest, permits are typically not required, but a 14-day stay limit is common. Some popular campgrounds like Erickson Springs Campground fill quickly during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended. While reservations aren't required for most sites, having cash on hand for self-pay stations is advisable. Always check the specific campground's regulations before your trip as requirements may change seasonally.
What amenities are available at Gunnison National Forest campgrounds?
Amenities at Gunnison National Forest campgrounds vary widely by location. Most developed sites offer vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins provides full RV hookups and cabin options for those seeking more comfort. For a more rustic experience, campgrounds like Jumbo Campground offer basic amenities with beautiful surroundings. Potable water is available at many sites but not all, with spigots sometimes being easy to miss. Cell service is generally limited throughout the forest. Larger campgrounds may have designated tent pads, parking areas for RVs, and access to recreational opportunities like fishing, hiking trails, and boat ramps. Most campgrounds do not offer electricity, showers, or dump stations, so come prepared for a more primitive camping experience.
When is the best season for camping in Gunnison National Forest?
The prime camping season in Gunnison National Forest typically runs from late May through early October, though this varies by elevation and specific location. Higher elevation sites like Bogan Flats Campground may have shorter seasons, while lower elevation campgrounds remain accessible longer. Early October offers spectacular fall colors and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for a visit. Summer (June-August) brings warm days and cool nights perfect for outdoor activities, though mosquitoes can be prevalent, particularly at riverside locations. Many campgrounds, including Mollie B Campground, are closed during winter months due to snow. Weekends fill quickly during peak summer season, so consider weekday camping or securing spots early on Friday mornings.
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