Dispersed camping opportunities surround Gunnison, Colorado, with access points that range from 7,600 feet to over 8,000 feet in elevation. The area features a mix of high desert terrain at Hartman's Rocks and forested riverside camping along the Taylor River. Most campgrounds remain open from May through October, with many facilities closing during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.
What to do
Mountain biking at Hartman's Rocks: Located just outside Gunnison, this area provides extensive trail systems for riders of all skill levels. "Found this place really by accident just needing a place for the night while passing through. Planning to come back next week to stay a while! So many off road paths, plenty of camping even for my 20ft camper and lots of rock climbing! So excited to come back!" notes a camper at Hartman's Rocks Dispersed Site.
Fishing on the Taylor River: The Taylor River offers excellent trout fishing opportunities within 30 minutes of Gunnison. "Wonderful experience camping alongside the river. Good distance between campsites. Stayed 14 days. Site #3 - one of the best here," reports a visitor to Rosy Lane. Another camper adds, "Fishing was good... lots of little pools to cast into!"
Boating on Blue Mesa Reservoir: The reservoir provides water recreation options with boat ramps at several campgrounds. "Great location to access a ton of hiking, boating, etc. Some noise from hwy 50 but overall quiet at night," notes a camper at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch. The reservoir is Colorado's largest body of water and supports kokanee salmon and lake trout.
What campers like
Shaded campsites: Tree cover provides welcome relief during summer months. "This campground is nestled among giant cottonwood trees and small pond. Easy access to downtown Gunnison," writes one visitor about Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins. Campers appreciate the natural cooling that mature trees provide during hot summer days.
River access: Many campsites sit adjacent to running water. "Great place by the river, with picnic table, deep fire ring, and gravel area to hang out in. Had a good night here roasting marshmallows and hanging out by the fire," writes a camper at BLM Almont Campground. The sound of water helps mask road noise at several campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms rank high on camper satisfaction. "Excellent campground with good sites and close access to the lake. Peaceful and relaxing, clean bathrooms, and polite hosts," reports a visitor to Elk Creek Campground. Multiple reviewers note the consistently clean facilities throughout the Gunnison area campgrounds.
What you should know
Limited privacy at some sites: Many campgrounds feature open layouts with minimal barriers between sites. "The campground is very conveniently located right on the lake but unfortunately there is no privacy between sites at all. Otherwise it is a very nice campground," notes a camper at Elk Creek Campground.
Seasonal allergies can be problematic: Cottonwood trees release significant amounts of fluff during certain periods. "IF anyone in your party has seasonal allergies of any kind I would STEER CLEAR of this park-NOTHING against the park itself but the park is full of Cottonwood trees and over the 4th of July they were shedding their cotton and it was everywhere," cautions a visitor to Mountain Time RV Park.
Limited cell service: Coverage varies dramatically by location and carrier. "No shade and no TMobile cell signal, only AT&T and Verizon. Elv is 7600 so does not get super hot," reports a camper at Elk Creek Campground. Some campgrounds offer WiFi at main buildings only.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with recreation areas: Some locations offer dedicated family activities. "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," writes a family visitor.
Consider animal interaction opportunities: Campgrounds with resident animals appeal to children. "The highlight of the stay was our visit by the resident goats– only two of the three like cauliflower. There's also donkeys in a corral that get constant attention from guests," notes a camper at Gunnison KOA.
Check event schedules: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. "Electric site with concrete pads, picnic tables and nice fire rings. The park is very clean nice rest rooms. Just off the highway. Very beautiful views of the mountains and the lake. Nightly events at the amphitheater," reports a visitor to Elk Creek Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check site spacing carefully: RV sites vary widely in size and proximity. "Good location. Nice staff. Lots a tad narrow. Fairly quiet, not much highway noise even though just off 50," writes an RVer at Mesa Campground.
Consider seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate May through October. "I stayed here throughout the summer in 2024. It is a great place to explore from into the many surrounding popular locations. Gunnison is 25 minutes out, Crested Butte an hour, Ouray, Silverton, Lake City, Arkansas River Wilderness all an hour to 90 minutes away," explains a long-term camper at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch.
Look for dog friendly campgrounds near Gunnison: Many locations welcome pets with specific amenities. "Great walking around the park for our pups, reliable hook ups, clean facilities, and very friendly staff," writes a camper at Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins. Gunnison area pet-friendly campgrounds often provide dedicated walking paths and sometimes separate dog recreation areas.
