Searching for a tent camping spot near Gunnison National Forest? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Gunnison National Forest with tent camping. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Portal Campground is located eleven miles southeast of Aspen on Independence Pass Road and seven miles south on Lincoln Creek Road at an elevation of 9,400'. Campers can access some wonderful day hikes from this location as well as terrain for motorcycle riding, mountain biking, ATV riding, fishing and horseback riding, among other recreation activities. Portal Campground has 5 campsites with limited spurs. 5 day stay limit. High clearance vehicles are required and 4x4 recommended.
The McClure Campground is located on Highway 133 on the south side of McClure Pass. The historic town of Marble is nearby and the campground sits at the head of Lee Creek. Each campsites has a picnic table and fire rings/grills. This quiet campground is surrounded by aspen that provide excellent shade during the summer and there are beaver ponds near by for trout fishing.
Overnight permit required for overnight stays within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1083862.pdf
ALERT: Due to recent bear activity, bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The famous Four Pass Loop backpacking route within Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness is an international treasure. This 26 mile (42 km) circuit climbs over four mountain passes higher than 12,000ft, past clear alpine lakes and among the rugged Elk Range peaks. Thousands of people every summer make the journey to see these sights. Make sure to plan ahead and know before you go! Early summer snowmelt makes the river crossing perilous and deep snow persists on the passes until late in the summer. Sudden thunderstorms can catch travelers exposed far from the cover of tree-line in mid-summer and snow fall returns to the high country early. Please observe all recommendations and regulations to help the US Forest Service protect this unique experience and wild landscape for all. View a downloadable trail guide: Four Pass Loop Trail Guide (PDF) View select campsite location & restrictions (PDF)
Food, trash and any scented items must be stored in an IGBC approved bear resistant container. Human food habituated bears are a threat to human safety. Visitors without approved bear resistant containers will be ticketed and required to leave. You must have a plan for human waste. Human waste bags (WAG) bags are highly recommended and are available free of charge at the Conundrum Creek and Snowmass Lake trailheads. WAG bags must be packed out. Learn more about how to use a WAG bag. If a WAG bag is not used, visitors are required to deposit solid human waste in holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet (70 paces) from water, camp and trails. Group size is limited to 10 with no more than 15 stock animals in one group. Large groups multiply impacts to the wilderness and disrupt the solitude of others. Dogs are prohibited in the Conundrum Creek Valley from Silver Dollar Pond to Triangle Pass, including the hot springs. Everywhere else, dogs must be leashed. Campfires are prohibited at all designated sites at Conundrum Hot Springs, Capitol Lake, Crater Lake and above 10,800 feet including Snowmass Lake. Campfires consume wood, accumulate trash, kill fragile alpine vegetation, sterilize the soil and scar the land. Lightweight camp stoves are recommended. Campers must camp in designated sites at Conundrum Hot Springs, Copper Lake, Crater Lake, Geneva Lake, Capitol Lake and Thomas Lakes. Everywhere else campers should set up more than 100 feet from lakes, streams and trails and use previously impacted campsites. Camp out of sight of others and away from fragile areas. As with all designated Wilderness, motorized and mechanized equipment is prohibited including bicycles, motorbikes, chainsaws, ATVs, carts, drones, hang gliders and paragliders. This equipment is prohibited to provide visitors with a primitive recreational experience and to preserve outstanding opportunities for solitude.
Erickson Springs Campground is in a dense spruce and fir forest setting near Anthracite Creek and receives little sunlight so it is cooler than much of the surrounding area. Each site has a tent pad and can accommodate smaller camping trailers, a picnic table and combination fire ring/grill. There is a picnic area prior to the campground with 2 tables and a restroom and a separate ATV parking area near the campground. The Dark Canyon Trailhead is just past the campground and accesses the Dark Canyon Trail #830. The parking area accommodates horse trailers for equestrian access into the Raggeds Wilderness Area. OHV/ATV users ride the nearby Forest Road #795 (Munsey Creek Road) that extends north from Erickson Springs Campground to the Raggeds Trailhead, Raggeds Trail #820. Campground Brochure
Overnight stays at Crater Lake require advanced overnight permit reservations, which must be purchased at recreation.gov.
Camping at Crater Lake is only permitted in designated sites, and overnight guests are required to bring bear canisters for food storage.
WAG bags are highly recommended for human waste removal/management, but not required. If not using WAG bags, please understand and follow proper human waste disposal techniques.
$10 / night
The Thompson Creek Recreation Management Area is located just a few miles southwest of Carbondale and provides beautiful, remote recreational opportunities. On the North end of the RMA is the Lorax trail, which is a popular non motorized route. In the southwest corner of the area is the Thompson Creek campground and trail, which winds along Thompson Creek to views of the rare geologic ___fin___ formations. There are 4 shaded campsites along the creek with metal fire rings. There are not picnic tables or restrooms. Must pack out all human waste to eliminate contamination of creek. There are not waste collections. Access is not recommended during wet or snowy conditions. For more information, please contact the Colorado River Valley Field Office.
East Maroon Portal Picnic Site sits next to Maroon Creek, offering spectacular views of aspen and evergreen forests. The area is an excellent gathering spot for families, group gatherings and parties.
Reputed to be the most photographed mountains in Colorado, the spectacular Maroon Bells dominate this setting. The picnic area is available for use by the general public, but can be reserved for private events. This is the only site available in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area for wedding receptions.
Located in White River National Forest, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is one of the five original Colorado wilderness areas designated by the 1964 Wilderness Act. Scenery includes aspen groves, meadows of wildflowers and dark forests of spruce and fir that rise up from the valleys to alpine landscapes. Here, bighorn sheep, pika, and ptarmigan find habitat above timberline.
Towering over glacial valleys at over 14,000 feet in elevation, the Maroon Bells are the most recognizable peaks in the Elk Mountain range. Unlike other mountains in the Rockies composed of granite and limestone, the Maroon Bells are made up of metamorphic sedimentary mudstone that give the peaks their maroon color and unstable nature for climbing.
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is one of the top recreation Forests in the nation.
For hikers and backpackers, the Maroon-Snowmass Trail epitomizes the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Starting from the Snowmass Creek Trailhead, the trail winds through aspen groves, crosses streams and switchbacks through forests. Climbing to alpine terrain, backpackers will find high mountain lakes and a smattering of wildflowers in early summer. Designated camping sites are located at Crater Lake or Maroon Lake about 6 miles from the trailhead. Visitors should check regulations for camping in Colorado wilderness areas.
This picnic area is available for use by the general public, but can be reserved for private events for a fee. This is the only site available in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area for wedding receptions.
The picnic area has 3 large picnic tables and can accommodate up to 75 people.
Vehicle traffic is restricted on Maroon Creek Road from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. past the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. Individuals who reserve this picnic site are issued five vehicle passes which allow travel in a motorized vehicle past this point.
Options for access to the site include parking at Aspen Highlands Ski Area and shuttling guests in cars possessing vehicle permits or riding the Maroon Bells Shuttle Bus. Operating hours for the shuttle bus are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. for a fee of $6 per adult and $3 per child or senior.
Details of the recreation event or wedding must be disclosed and approved prior to day of the event. This includes items to be brought onto the site. Bird seed, confetti, electric music and PA systems are prohibited at the site.
Visitors are required to remove or dispose of decorations after events. Dumpsters are located in nearby campgrounds. Accessible vault toilets are available at this site.
The nearby town of Aspen is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and resorts, there are a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunities in this mountain town.
Silver Bar Campground is located approximately five miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado, on the banks of Maroon Creek. The campground is adjacent to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. This small, primitive, campground features four tent-only, walk-in sites with centralized vault toilets only a few yards away from each campsite. A single accessible campsite is located near the toilets and water source. The campground sits at an elevation of 8,460 feet, allowing guests to experience warm summer days and cool evenings with probable afternoon thunderstorms. Properly licensed anglers may fish in Maroon Creek, which runs along the eastern edge of the campground. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Snow is possible even at the peak of summer.
For hikers and backpackers, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area epitomizes the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Starting from the Deadly Bells Trailhead at Maroon Lake, the West Maroon Trail gains elevation through aspen groves and evergreens, traverses boulder fields, crosses streams, and leads hikers through high-elevation (10,000+ feet) mountain passes. Climbing through alpine terrain, backpackers will find high mountain lakes and a smattering of wildflowers in mid-summer. Check specific regulations for camping in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. For day hikers and horseback riders, nearby Maroon Creek Trail offers a less crowded alternative to viewing the Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak and the entire Maroon valley. The gentle, flat terrain offers scenic stops that are great for picnicking.
The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is surrounded by the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. This wilderness is one of the five original Colorado wilderness areas designated by the 1964 Wilderness Act. Its scenic value exudes from its aspen groves, meadows of wildflowers, and dark forests of spruce and fir that rise up from the valleys to alpine landscapes. Here, bighorn sheep, pika, and ptarmigan find habitat above timberline. Towering over glacial valleys at over 14,000 feet in elevation, the Maroon Bells are the most recognizable peaks in the Elk Mountains. The Maroon Bells are unique in the Rockies in that they are made up of metamorphic sedimentary mudstone that gives the peaks their maroon color and unstable nature for climbing.
The nearby mountain resort town of Aspen is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and resorts, there is a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunities in this mountain town.
For facility specific information, please call (970) 945-2521.
$15 / night
Legend
A hidden gem in Colorado! Awesome hike in camp sites along the river, but also drive up spots with camper hook ups. Amazing little hiking trails and a super impressive waterfall!
Traveler
Great location with full hookups for RVs. The description mentions back-in sites only, and while our electric hookup was conveniently on the same side, we had to run our water and sewage lines underneath the RV since those hookups were on the opposite side—this seems to be the case for all sites. The campground is perfectly situated at the intersection of the Gunnison, Taylor, and East Rivers, making it ideal for fly fishing. They offer cabins, RV sites, and long-term housing options. There's a small store with basic items, beer, and merchandise, plus a fly shop in the same building. There's also a restaurant, though it was closed during our stay, and coin-operated laundry facilities. Overall, a great stay!
Traveler
We loved our stay at the South Rim Campground. It was the perfect spot to explore the national park and take in its stunning views. The drive down towards the East Portal Campground was amazing and led us right to the beautiful Gunnison River, where we enjoyed some great fly fishing. Highly recommend
Scout
As locals, we love the North Rim of BCNP. It's closed from November through April/May. Can be surprisingly cold in May with temps below freezing. Lots of interesting fellow campers as many are big wall climbers from all over the globe. The nature trail in the campground offers nice viewpoints. The trail to Explanation Point is a level and very beautiful 5k hike, BUT no dogs. Same goes for Green Mountain trail past the point. The SOB trail starts from the road near the campground and is a difficult route dropping a few thousand feet, rocky, and steep with poison ivy to greet you near the bottom. Rewards are in store for the hearty hikers with great trout fishing a super river access. Campground is tight for spaces, some are not pull through. Gravel biking during winter closures on the roads in BCNP is full of wildlife and wonder.
ScoutAs part of Crawford Lake State Park, this campground offers great water access to a small reservoir for SUPs, motorboats and sailing. Decent fishing in the spring with some northerns, bass, and crappie. Excellent walking trails and a sandy swimming beach plus two boat ramps nearby. Rarely full capacity, it's a nice relaxing place to hang. The town of Crawford is right over the hill with a great coffee shop, ice cream parlor, and restaurants. Good jumping off spot to visit the North Rim of the Black Canyon NP (one of the gems of Western Colorado and much less visited than the South Rim near Montrose).
Scout
This campground is a gem as other reviewers have cited, BUT the road in is dangerous when wet as there is a lot of exposure off the edge. An AWD would be ok but still dicey on the downhills. The fishing platform is really a good addition for those physically compromised. Brown and rainbow fishing (rainbows should be immediately returned to the river). Very peaceful and out of the way. Can be used all seasons as it rarely gets snow.
Ranger
Stayed in spot 18 which was close to vault toilets, but they were stinky and full of bugs. Very buggy in general, not all are mosquitos but there are some of those too. Sites 1, 2, 4, 18, 21, 23 were all decent looking with some shade in the afternoon and relatively level pads. Lakes in area, one adjacent to campground and one that is down a trail to a day use area that is covered by the camp fee. Good spacing between sites. Some have electric. A little warm for July, probably 80 degrees in afternoon. Lots of aspen trees in the area might be good for a fall visit. Bear cans available for trash.
Ranger
Stayed in RV site along creek, which was quite nice with the sound of the water. Unfortunately, sites were not roomy, were close to each other and close to the campground road. Dogs next spot over were not restrained and roamed freely, in front of campground staff. Children wandered around. Smokers walked right by van and smoke smell came right in.
Showers and restrooms were decent and clean and had hot water but centrally located so a bit of a walk.
Food aside: Ate take out from pizza place in town, which was good. Breakfast was sausage and instant egg burritos. Yum.
Scout
It is a little bit of a maze of roads, some are gonna need vehicles with higher clearance, careful not to commit too much on a road if you're unsure about your vehicle's offroading capability. If you get to a site, most have room for 1/2 vehicles and tents. Beautiful trees, each spot feels pretty secluded from others. Plenty of downed trees for firewood if fire danger is low. Will definitely come back.
Traveler
Multiple sites up here for camping. Trailer/RV friendly.
Guide
Some of the roads were really rutted out, but we were lucky and everything was dry so we were able to get thru in my forester. There are some spots at the beginning of the property but there are more if you follow the dirt road back another two miles or so. Beautiful views, quiet and secluded. We did find a few deer legs left behind, so keep an eye out for Mountain Lion
Scout
Definitely would advise 4x4, and not for travel trailers at all. Bringing one up could lead to a serious situation , since there are no places to turn around whatsoever. That said, views were absolutely breathtaking. We also lucked out and saw the northern lights while at site.
GuideGreat little campground, I was there the first week in October and it wasn’t so busy. During the day there is some day use, but it’s in the back by the falls, so the campground stays pretty quiet. It has electric and water, but absolutely no Internet, which can be nice a good place to get away from it all.
TravelerVisited the first week of October 2024. Had beautiful weather, no bugs and few campers. Sites are dirt so I can see it be being messy when wet. Only few sites at entrance for larger campers. We got into with a Bean teardrop np.
GuideKathy (the owner) was awesome. Cedaredge is a great little spot, really quiet. Not a big RV park, don’t bring truckloads of kids and your off road vehicles. Really happy with what we had here.
Traveler
I came down to Marble, CO from Carbondale with the intention of staying at the Marble campground on a Wednesday but it was full so I went up the road about 10 miles to the McClure campground and was very pleasantly surprised at how much nicer it was than the Marble campground. While Marble did have showers and some sites with water and electricity it was much more crowded and uneven than McClure. McClures sites were all nice and level and several were pull through that could handle fair sized rigs. McClure was a dispersed site at one time but now costs $14/night compared to Marbles $40+ fee. Of course Marble has showers which are worth the extra price to some but McClure had the most important item which was a clean vault toilet. When I got to the campground there were only a couple of other sites occupied so I picked a beautiful level spot only about 150' from the toilet, which is very important to an old man with artificial knees and a weak bladder. By Friday night all the sites were taken and as most other campgrounds were also full there were lots of campers coming through the campground looking for a spot to camp. I had only planned to stay a couple of days but I liked the site so much I stayed for 5 nights. I used it as my base to drive the Crystal River trail which is about 10 miles down the road at Marble. Let me warn you right now, don't do the Crystal River trail unless you have a strong heart and a very sturdy mid sized or smaller vehicle or off-road vehicle because it is very narrow and extremely rough. I've driven some rough country and have a big 4x4 pickup but that trail was all my rig could handle and I left lots of paint on the rocks and trees at the narrower spots. I'm sure half my tires on the drop-off side were in mid air at times and since it is a single track trail if you met someone coming from the other direction one of you would have to back up to a spot that you could pass each other. Very scary. Anyway, back to McClure. The nearest place to get cell service and supplies is Carbondale which is about 20 miles away but if you are self contained and don't need to be on the internet every few minutes this place is great. There was lots of wildlife sharing my site which was fun to watch. I had a doe deer and her boyfriend show up before I even got my tent set up and squirrels and chipmunks were everywhere as were the hummingbirds. I had hummingbirds buzzing up to a foot away from my face to check out my red cap thinking it might be some kind of giant exotic new flower lol. The only reason I didn't give the camp 5 stars is that it is right next to route 133 which it turns out is a main road through this area and traffic noise is sometimes pretty loud, especially early in the mornings on week days. If I am back near that area I will definitely stay in this campground. Almost forgot one other thing. The elevation is high enough that it gets pretty cool most nights, even in July and rain showers came through almost every early morning but the rain never amounted to anything and by mid morning it was beautiful. Camp fees are on the honor system and you need to have cash or checks.
Scout
We recently stayed here for two nights. The camp hosts and maintenance employees were incredibly friendly. There is some highway noise, but it didn't bother us with some ear plugs in and rain sounds playing on my phone. The night sky is amazing at this dark sky park. I can't say enough good things about this campground, we will define back.
ScoutWalk in camping with wheelbarrows in the parking lot, connects to beautiful hiking trail! Very tidy campground. Table and fire pit, but you need to bring in firewood.
TravelerGot in pretty easy on a Tuesday at noon. The place was full by the evening. Access to a nice trail just under 4 miles. No cell service.
Guide
Great location for area activities, nice pretty green grass for dogs, bathroom and showers are clean but definitely need an over haul. Positive and negatives are livestock are cute walking around, down sides are poop paddies every where gets annoying.
Guide
Has both tent and rv sites and facilities were very well taken carry of and clean.
Traveler
This is the go to place in this area. Just past Oh Be Joyful campground, there are a few miles of posted sites, fist come first serve.
Scout
Went here on a Saturday in Sept after reading all the great reviews. Drove for miles and every site taken. There aren't many sites like people would make you think. Have these people been to the San Jaun Mountains - so much better. Had to drive home because just nothing available.
GuideVery nice campground with mature trees. Nice bathrooms. Lots of sites. Good location.
GuideI got in on a Wednesday around noon and was able to get one of the first come first serve spots in the C loop. Some are a little more secluded then others, but quite a few didn’t seem to have good shade. Fire pits, picnic table, and bear box in every site. There was a fun campground program that night that lasted about 40 minutes and around 30-35 people were there.
Beautiful 1 mile hike to the visitor center. Super convenient if you’re planning to do anything inner canyon
Guide
I camped for 2 nights a few days apart in different sites. The first one was WG30 and it had an amazing view. I forgot to take note of the second one, but it was a little bit more down the road. Fire pits here which is nice. There’s a few spaces in the wide open and some nestled into some trees.
Both nights that I stayed here there was a site that had a tent and table, but no one came back that night. Tuesday night and Friday night and nothing had changed. Kind of a bummer when someone snags a nice spot like that and isn’t there for multiple days.
Traveler
We’re Van camping in the lower campground, 50’ from the banks of the Colorado River. Electric & Water. Cabins avl. On the River and upper grounds. Our site, 44 is also located off set and below the deck of the resort event center. (Weekend celebrations may offend some, not us) quite time is 10pm. We’ve enjoyed watching Rafters, Kayakers & Geese float & fly the turns of the River. Wonderful staff. Available if needed. Kevin, manager; generous & helpful. Twilla, the work & stay host att. Is super attentive. Clean, accessible Bathhouse facilities. Discounts on rafting while booked at GCR. 1.7m to downtown Glenwood, (foodies, cute shops) bike path, or… just hang by the river near the boat launch & tent sites. (Our fav. spots!) Great place to R&R, Hot springs, Hike…
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 Portal Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Gunnison National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 47 tent camping locations near Gunnison National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
