Best Campgrounds near Hotchkiss, CO

Camping near Hotchkiss, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby. For example, the Chasm Trail at the North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park starts right from the campsite and offers amazing canyon views. One camper mentioned, "The trail to the rim is right behind the campground. It's a nice and cool spot during a hot summer."
• Stargazing: The area is known for its dark skies. A visitor at the South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park said, "This is a dark sky park. Took photos of the stars." Perfect for those who love night photography!
• Fishing and Boating: The Elk Creek Campground is close to Blue Mesa Reservoir, where you can enjoy fishing and swimming. One camper noted, "Fly fishing in the Gunnison as well as great fishing and swimming in Blue Mesa Reservoir is a short walk or drive."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A review for the Black Canyon Dispersed Camping mentioned, "The vault toilets were pretty clean." Clean facilities make for a more pleasant camping experience.
• Privacy: Many sites offer a good level of privacy. A camper at the Black Canyon Dispersed Camping shared, "Camp sites are neatly nestled into the trees to provide a decent level of privacy."
• Scenic Views: The beauty of the surroundings is a big draw. A visitor at the Gunnison National Forest Lake Irwin Campground said, "Lake access for kayaks, SUP, swimming, some good fishing spots and tons of trails walking distance from the campground."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like the North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, have no electric hookups or showers. A camper noted, "Most of the camping sites are placed fairly close together."
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at the Elk Creek Campground mentioned, "We saw moose in the afternoon into evening." Keep your food secured to avoid attracting animals.
• Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor at the Black Canyon Dispersed Camping said, "The road was a little gutted out but the Corolla made it through no problem."

Tips for camping with families:

• Bring Shade: The sun can be intense, especially at places like the Iron Creek Campground — Crawford State Park. A camper advised, "We used a sun shade with a tarp on one side that we would keep rotating during the day to create shade."
• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with nearby trails and water activities. A family at the Elk Creek Campground enjoyed, "Great loops for biking with kids, very clean campsites and nice bathrooms."
• Plan for Mosquitoes: In summer, be ready for bugs. A visitor at the Bogan Flats Campground Grp S warned, "This is a very busy campground, with people & mosquitoes!"

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at the Elk Creek Campground mentioned, "The loop D Back-In section has water and electric."
• Be Mindful of Rodents: Some campgrounds have rodent issues. A visitor at the Elk Creek Campground noted, "There is a rodent issue at the camp."
• Wind Considerations: Be prepared for windy conditions, especially at places like the Elk Creek Campground. One camper said, "The wind is pretty bad. Seems like it gets windy every day from 12pm to 6pm like clockwork."

Camping near Hotchkiss, Colorado, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!