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."
$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."
"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."
"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."
$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"
$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. "
GuideFound this place late afternoon and fell in love with Gunnison National Forest! Lost Lake was right across the road from where we camped. Found a beautiful spot with a great view! Most of the other spots were taken so we were blessed. Can't wait to go back again.
GuideThanks to Dyrt we found this beautiful place. Every weekend we try to disperse camp in a new location and this one was amazing. Got in on a Friday afternoon and found an amazing large spot. Had 2 fire pits but nobody camped beside us so we had it all to ourselves. Drive up to the trail head for Lake Ann. Friday need some clearance and 4x4. Hikes Lake Ann and wow that last 1.5 miles is a doozy but well worth it!! Will be back for sure to hike Mt. Huron
TravelerThere are very clean vault toilets available and each site has a fire pit
GuideThis is a great spot for free, dispersed camping! As others have stated, it is a bit rough getting into but I saw, regular street cars pulling into the …”parking lot”. Most were simply going over to the reservoir to fish or hike. I was up on the next to the highest spot and wasn’t bothered by any of this activity. The higher spot was too intimidating for me to pull my camper up to but later found there is another road up to it that’s not as steep(still daunting for most! One camper stayed a few nights in the…”parking lot” so If say that’s an option if you don’t want to head up any hills…. Bring lots of leveling blocks. I used all of mine to get my camper fairly level…
GuideStayed with some friends at the upper group site for the weekend. Easy access to mountain bike trails and the greater Carbondale area. During our stay in June, the upper loop was overrun by grazing cattle. Solid choice for those looking to explore the Roaring Fork Valley without breaking the bank. No water. Pit toilet in each loop. FCFS.
ScoutCamp host does an incredible job keeping campground and restrooms clean and functioning. Awesome Aspen trees and wildlife in the area.
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!
ScoutMy least favorite part about this place is that they strictly forbid EV charging. Why? If I’m in a big camper with two a/c running plus big TV, fridge, etc then I’m pulling just as much power as my EV charger would. Plus it is so much more convenient charging overnight. I won’t be back to this place for this reason alone.
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
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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