Gunnison sits at an elevation of 7,700 feet in a high mountain valley where summer temperatures rarely exceed 85°F and evenings cool down significantly even in July. The camping season generally runs from mid-May through early October with many campgrounds closing after the first heavy snowfall. Yurt camping near Gunnison offers campers insulated, semi-permanent shelter options that extend the viable camping season compared to traditional tent camping.
What to do
Fishing at stocked ponds: At Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins, visitors can fish in the small on-site pond. "The park is beautiful, covered in trees, almost all sites are shaded. We have 103 RV Sites, 5 cabins and 6 tent sites," notes one reviewer, highlighting the amenities available when not fishing.
Stargazing without light pollution: The remote location of Soap Creek Corral makes it ideal for night sky viewing. "What draws us to this campground is the beauty of the surrounding area. Black Canyon is close by for those who like to hike... Oh, and if you like star gazing this is the perfect place as there is no light pollution," writes a camper.
ATV trail riding: The areas surrounding Ponderosa Campground offer extensive trail systems for off-road enthusiasts. "5/29/25-Rough rd. Not real bad. Great fishing. 1 bar cell, version. No water. Have 17' trailer," reports a recent visitor describing access conditions.
What campers like
Shaded sites beneath cottonwoods: Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins offers respite from summer heat. "This campground is nestled among giant cottonwood trees and small pond. Easy access to downtown Gunnison," writes one camper. Another adds, "For a private RV campground, it's great. Sites are larger than many campgrounds... Most sites are shaded.... a real treat in this area."
Creek-side camping: Cement Creek Campground provides water features that enhance the camping experience. "This is a beautiful little campground under a large gorgeous rock face. Several sites right above the little creek. We got there fairly early in the day and snagged a spot by the creek," notes a visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
Reservoir views from tiered sites: Sapinero Village Campground offers structured camping with panoramic views. "The views are great as the layout of the campground is terraced on a hillside. The sites are all parallel park so your door can have a view of the lake," explains one reviewer describing the thoughtful site arrangement.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty connectivity. At Spring Creek Campground, a camper reports, "This has been one of my favorite camping spots ever... No cell service of any kind but that was honestly kinda nice to get away."
Seasonal allergies warning: Environmental factors can impact comfort levels. "IF anyone in your party has seasonal allergies of any kind I would STEER CLEAR of this park... the park is full of Cottonwood trees and over the 4th of July they were shedding their cotton and it was everywhere. It honestly looked like it had snowed," cautions one visitor to Mountain Time RV Park.
Unpredictable weather changes: The high elevation means rapid temperature fluctuations. At Cement Creek Campground, one visitor noted, "We stayed the weekend of 13 Sept 2019 - days temps were in the 70s, nights went down to the upper 20s and lower 30s - take the right gear. We ended up using a tent heater the first night."
Tips for camping with families
Look for recreation amenities: Campgrounds with additional activities help entertain children. "The camp host was amazing, helped us find a shady spot for our tents and hammocks. The host showed us a great hike behind campsite along a small river. Kids and dog enjoyed the river and its hidden swimming holes!" shares a visitor to Soap Creek Corral.
Book early for creek-side sites: Prime locations fill quickly in peak season. "We loved our time at Cement Creek! We got there early afternoon on a Tuesday and had our pick of spots, ultimately choosing one down by the river," reports one family that planned ahead.
Consider permanent yurt accommodations: Yurt camping in Gunnison County provides more weather protection for families. "We loved the lodge area to hang out and connect with other campers, and the game room was a smash hit with our two sons- pool table, Jenga, Uno, shooting hoops!" notes a visitor at Sapinero Village describing their structured accommodation experience.
Tips from RVers
Check road conditions for small trailers: Many access roads require careful driving. "Access is about 7 mi of graded gravel road with some washboard," warns a visitor to Ponderosa Campground. Similarly, for Cement Creek, "The road is unpaved just past South Crested Butte, but it's quite well maintained. Great spot to spend some time!"
Parking limitations at some sites: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "There are three loops to this CG. Upper loop has most ponderosa trees, middle and lower loops are more open shrubs campsites," explains a reviewer at Ponderosa, providing orientation for site selection based on vehicle size.
Consider utility needs carefully: Limited hookups affect camping comfort. "For a private RV campground, it's great. Sites are larger than many campgrounds. Laundry, bathrooms, and showers are clean. The staff is very friendly. Most sites are shaded.... a real treat in this area," explains a camper at Mountain Time RV Park, highlighting amenities that matter to RVers.
