Gunnison National Forest spans over 1.6 million acres with elevations ranging from 7,000 to 14,000 feet, creating diverse camping conditions across its terrain. Most RV campgrounds near the forest operate seasonally from May through October with limited availability during peak summer months. Cellular reception varies significantly throughout the forest, with stronger signals available primarily along major highways and near larger towns.
What to do
Fishing at Blue Mesa Reservoir: Elk Creek Campground provides direct access to Colorado's largest body of water. "This campground is very conveniently located right on the lake but unfortunately there is no privacy between sites at all. I highly recommend driving into one of the more private beach areas like Bay of Chickens for the day," notes a visitor.
Mountain biking: The area surrounding Gateway RV Park offers excellent cycling opportunities. "Located just above a beautiful river, the campground is close to a partially-paved 40+ mi bike path (Aspen <> Glenwood Springs). Although we didn't have time to ride them, Trailforks shows some nice MTB trails nearby as well," shares one camper.
Stargazing: The limited light pollution makes Gunnison National Forest ideal for night sky viewing. "Nice cool nights and love the dark nights to star gaze," mentions a camper at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch, where open sites provide unobstructed celestial views.
What campers like
Shade coverage: Mountain Time RV Park offers abundant tree cover. "This park is nestled in a beautiful section of forest with a pond on site. Great walking around the park for our pups, reliable hook ups, clean facilities, and very friendly staff," writes a visitor. Another mentions, "The park is beautiful, covered in trees, almost all sites are shaded."
River proximity: Some campgrounds offer water access beyond the reservoir. "Great for the price- easy to get in and out," notes a camper at Gateway RV Park. Similarly, Four Seasons River Inn receives praise: "This RV park has a good number of riverside spots, which are delightful. Lots of trees, and dense but not too dense packing. Biking distance to downtown Salida."
Recreation facilities: Some campgrounds offer additional amenities. "We had such a relaxing stay at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch! One of the major highlights for us was the amazing pool setup—both indoor and outdoor pools were clean, well-maintained, and perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring," mentions a visitor.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies throughout the region. "The only thing I have against Thousand Trails Blue Mesa is the lack of internet. To have internet, you must have Starlink or a satellite dish. The campground's internet service is next to nothing, unless you're inside one of their office buildings," notes one camper.
Site spacing: Some campgrounds offer more room than others. "The sites are larger than many campgrounds. Laundry, bathrooms, and showers are clean," states a Mountain Time RV Park visitor.
Road noise: Several campgrounds are situated near highways. At Riverdance RV Resort, "Highway is nearby but not too much noise at all. Couldn't hear it over the fan running," reports a camper.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Kids appreciate water access during hot summer days. "We stayed here for 3 nights and loved it! There is so much to do on the ranch such as swim in the pools, play games, horseback ride, etc. The bathrooms and showers were clean and nice," shares a visitor at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. "This was a very well kept campground. They were always watering grass, which the kiddos loved the sprinklers. Playground was a little older, but the kiddos liked it," notes a visitor at Gunnison Lakeside Resort.
Kid-friendly fishing: Multiple campgrounds offer easy fishing access for children. "We loved our stay here! There is an indoor and outdoor pool, playground, cool mini golf set up, horses, and a lake for kids to fish in!" mentions a family that stayed at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for variable terrain at many campgrounds. "Try out the wilderness area. It is in the same resort but feels more like forested camp ground but can't take RVs over 30 feet, perhaps shorter. Also has water and power but no dump hookup," advises an RV camper at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch.
Hookup variations: Electric options differ between campgrounds. "Electric site with concrete pads, picnic tables and nice fire rings. The park is very clean nice rest rooms. Just off the highway," reports a visitor at Elk Creek Campground.
Space for larger rigs: Some campgrounds better accommodate big motorhomes. "Pretty campground with grass at the sites, a river a short walk away. Could not park our tow vehicle at our site, but got a spot nearby across the road," notes a Four Seasons River Inn camper with a large rig.
