Tent campsites in Gunnison National Forest span primitive backcountry areas and developed campgrounds amid Colorado's high-altitude mountain terrain. From the high-altitude sites at Four Pass Loop to the streamside spots at Thompson Creek Campground, tent camping opportunities vary from developed sites with basic amenities to remote backcountry areas. The Portal Campground provides designated tent sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though it fills quickly during peak summer months.
Most primitive tent sites require visitors to pack in all supplies including water, as drinking water is rarely available at backcountry locations. Access varies significantly, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles or substantial hikes to reach tent sites. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, particularly at higher elevations. Many campgrounds, including those near Maroon Bells and Crater Lake, require bear canisters for food storage. Sites at Portal Campground feature established tent pads and fire rings, while dispersed areas like Horse Ranch Park offer more rugged, unmarked tent spots on natural surfaces.
The backcountry tent camping experience often provides exceptional solitude and scenery, especially at sites that require effort to reach. Areas along Castle Creek and near Maroon Bells showcase alpine terrain ideal for tent setups with mountain views. Tent campers at higher elevations should prepare for dramatic temperature changes between day and night. A review described Horse Ranch Park as "stunning and secluded" with beautiful spots near Lost Lake. At Four Pass Loop, backpackers can find private tent sites along the trail, though a camper noted that "good spots fill up quick" and recommended setting up early. Winter camping is possible at some lower-elevation sites, though most tent areas remain inaccessible until snowmelt in late spring.
"Make sure to get the passes over before noon as your likely to get a lightning storm not much after noon. It's has been to date the most rewarding hike me and my daughter's have done."
"The last campsite had the most people, which was the one by Snowmass Lake."
"We have stayed in the designated spots down by the stream, and also up the steep, dirt road to the dispersed sites past the designated spots."
"This is a BLM site with five primitive camping sites available. However there is a bathroom. I didn't locate any potable water spigots."
"Its about a 2 mile hike in, but its a great, easy hike and the campsite makes it totally worth it. The views of Maroon bells at crater lake are unbelievable. There is wildlife everywhere."
"Snowmass lake is on the 4 pass loop trek near Aspen. You have to hike in either covering 3 passes going clockwise from maroon bells or 1 pass going counterclockwise."
from $10 / night
"Found 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!"
"Lots of open space where you can set up camp. This spot is mostly for elk hunters, although normal folks are of course welcome."
"We stayed here for most of our camping trip to Colorado and loved it! It's easily the most beautiful campground we've stayed at. There's only ~5 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring."
"This was a stunning campground tucked away high up in the mountains on Independence pass."
"Great little spot, saw a couple coyotes but they were just curious and walked by. Loves this location, granted it was the winter so there was no traffic after 5 pm and before 10 am"
"Kind of tucked away and access to the river. Feel asleep to the sound of rushing water every night. But still high enough from it we weren't concerned of sudden rising water."
"Small campground with clean vault toilets. Private and easy access to the creek behind site 4. Site 4 was definitely the best. Only annoying thing was paying $10 vehicle fee."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 / night
"This is an elevated, dispersed site with a great view of Grass Valley Reservoir, located in the Harvey Gap State Park. Partial shade with privacy on most sides, the east side has a rural residence. "
"If you turn right immediately, there is a camp that overlooks the lake."
ScoutThe man who runs the place is super nice, the shower, though small, is clean, as is the bathroom. The view was nice, but the noise from the interstate and the train is a deal breaker.
The website says there is a mountain between the campground and the highway, but it isn't tall enough to block the sound. It is not quiet, despite what the website says.
TravelerVery nice campground next to a creek/small river. No noise except the river. Bathhouse immaculate. Not cheap but one of my favorite campgrounds so far. Also staff is friendly, polite and helpful.
RangerI’ve braved a good amount of roads these past couple months, and this is probably top 5 worst access road. Super rocky and lots of potholes. I just took it slow and was fine in my 4WD rig. Nobody else was around and the view of the lake below was stunning. There was a residence close by, but that was about it for civilization. No amentities and no service. Rock firepit was present but there was a burn ban. I even had a law enforcement officer drive up the road stating he got a call that there was someone with a fire up there. I keep kicking myself for not taking more pictures. Nice safe place to stay
TravelerNice little stop off on I70 near Glenwood Springs. When we checked in the guy at the desk told us the property has been sold, is being developed as affordable housing.
TravelerVery muddy but easily found a spot. Not crowded at all (granted it is mid to late October but still).
RangerLots of open space where you can set up camp. This spot is mostly for elk hunters, although normal folks are of course welcome. Just don’t set up camp next to one of the horse hitching rails unless you actually have a horse. Note that you can only camp here for 7 days within a 30 day window, which is unlike the normal 14 day limit. This area gets extremely crowded in the summer and fall peeping seasons. I was here in mid October and the crowd was mostly gone.
ScoutSmall campground with nice size sites.
RangerThis place was beautiful. The rough road was worth it. There were trails all around the grounds. The lake was beautiful and absolutely a fisherman’s paradise. There was no water available and the main water was turned off, but they had plenty of clean porta-potty’s. There were plenty of spots open and we were able to reserve our spot online after we picked it.
GuideNo access as the site is chain-locked.
Tent campsites near Gunnison National Forest range from 7,000 to over 10,500 feet in elevation, with dramatic temperature fluctuations common at higher sites. The forest encompasses over 1.6 million acres across western Colorado, with camping conditions varying greatly between lower valley locations and alpine zones. Summer nights remain cool even during July and August, with temperatures regularly dropping into the 40s at higher elevations.
Explore high-altitude lakes: At Four Pass Loop - West Maroon to Buckskin, backpackers can camp near alpine lakes along the trail. One camper noted, "The last campsite had the most people, which was the one by Snowmass Lake. Even though there were lots of campers and people at this site, it was still incredibly clean."
Hike nearby peaks: Multiple trailheads near tent sites provide access to challenging terrain. At Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness - Crater Lake Campground, one camper used it "as basecamp for summiting 14ers maroon peak and pyramid peak."
Fish mountain streams: Many sites offer streamside camping with access to cold-water fishing. Near Thompson Creek, sites are available "down by the stream, and also up the steep, dirt road to the dispersed sites," providing different fishing access points depending on water conditions.
Private tent sites: Portal Campground provides secluded spots that "feel private and separated from each other. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring." Another camper noted, "There are two vault toilets at this campground. You can camp literally feet away from the water if you get a good spot."
High elevation views: Many tent campers value the mountain vistas. A camper at Horse Ranch Park called it "Stunning & secluded" and mentioned, "Lost Lake was right across the road from where we camped. Found a beautiful spot with a great view!"
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, some sites maintain good facilities. At Lower Prince Creek Campground, a camper reported "This is a BLM site with five primitive camping sites available. However there is a bathroom. I didn't locate any potable water spigots."
Accessibility varies: Many tent sites require capable vehicles. At Portal Campground, "After you turn off of Hwy 82 it's 6.5 miles up a 4x4 road. I made it in a small 'crossover' AWD SUV, but anything lower might have trouble."
Weather changes quickly: At high elevations, come prepared for rapid weather shifts. At Four Pass Loop, a camper advised, "Make sure to get the passes over before noon as your likely to get a lightning storm not much after noon."
Reservation requirements: Some backcountry camping areas need permits or reservations. At Crater Lake Campground, "There are 11 total marked sites and they're pretty far apart. site 1 is very close to crater lake and the first you run into when approaching from maroon lake."
Water filtration needed: Most sites lack potable water sources. A camper at Four Pass Loop noted, "Each of the campsites were clean and well maintained with a stream nearby for water," indicating the need for filtration equipment.
Choose lower elevation sites: Families with young children may find camping at lower elevations more comfortable. Silver Bar offers "Small campground with clean vault toilets. Private and easy access to the creek behind site 4. Site 4 was definitely the best."
Prepare for wildlife encounters: Educate children about proper food storage. At Four Pass Loop, a camper reported, "Thankfully no bears were encountered on our journey, but we did see a fox, a moose from a distance, and a deer."
Arrive early for best sites: Competition for established tent sites intensifies during summer weekends. At Portal Campground, a visitor noted that "if there was at all a 'peak' time, it seemed to be after 2pm on Friday."
High-clearance limitations: Many tent camping areas near Gunnison National Forest restrict RV access. At East Maroon Portal Picnic Site, a winter camper noted, "Great little spot, saw a couple coyotes but they were just curious and walked by," but the site only accommodates smaller vehicles and tents.
Length restrictions apply: Highway 82 access to some campgrounds prohibits vehicles over 35 feet. Portal Campground access notes specifically warn that "No vehicles over 35 feet long are allowed on Highway 82."
Consider generator-free camping: Most tent sites prohibit generators, creating a quieter experience. At Lower Prince Creek Campground, campsites are "nestled in scrub oak" and the reviewer noted it "is best set up for tents and camper vans" rather than larger RVs with generators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gunnison National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gunnison National Forest is Four Pass Loop - West Maroon to Buckskin with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Gunnison National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Gunnison National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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