Best Campgrounds near Lazear, CO

Campgrounds near Lazear, Colorado range from developed facilities to dispersed sites across public lands. The region includes Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park with both South Rim and North Rim Campgrounds, offering designated tent and RV sites with varying amenities. BLM dispersed camping areas provide free primitive options, particularly near Black Canyon where campers can find secluded spots with mountain views. Several state park campgrounds like Crawford State Park feature more developed camping areas with facilities such as showers, electric hookups, and water access, giving campers options between basic and full-service experiences.

Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly depending on the specific camping area and season. Many BLM dispersed sites require vehicles with higher clearance, especially after rain when dirt roads can develop deep ruts. National Park campgrounds typically have better road access but may close facilities during winter months. Campgrounds at Crawford State Park remain open year-round, providing reliable options during shoulder seasons when weather becomes unpredictable at higher elevations. Cell coverage is spotty throughout the region, particularly in canyon areas and remote BLM lands. One camper noted: "Black Canyon Dispersed Camping has great location right next to the park with plenty of sites and beautiful views, but the entrance was slightly rutted so make sure you can off-road just a bit."

Campers consistently mention the spectacular mountain views and proximity to water as highlights of the region. Sites near Crawford State Park provide convenient lake access, making them popular for fishing and boating activities. The North Rim Campground at Black Canyon receives positive reviews for its quieter atmosphere compared to the South Rim, with one visitor reporting it has "amazing views" and good trail access. Some dispersed camping areas receive mixed reviews regarding conditions and facilities - a review for Black Canyon Dispersed Camping described it as having "tight sites tucked into oak brush/trees" that are "best suited for Overlander types, tenters, vans or trucks" with "no way for travel trailers and RVs." Proximity to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park remains a primary draw for many camping areas in the region, allowing visitors to explore the dramatic canyon landscape.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lazear, Colorado (228)

    1. South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    67 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 249-1914

    $20 - $34 / night

    "The South Rim Campground is similar to other national park campground in that it provides convenient access to park activities and trails, but it stands apart due to the fact that the camping fees are"

    "Most of the outer sites are tucked into the forest so there is a decent level of privacy. Lots of deer frequent the area, we saw several on each trip."

    2. Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    57 Reviews
    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO
    17 miles
    Website

    "Great location right next to the park! There are plenty of sites and the views are beautiful. Entrance was slightly rutted so make sure you can off-road just a bit!"

    "A few minutes outside the south gate of the park. Multiple sites, most of which are on dirt. Paths to and from can be a bit rough for most passenger vehicles. But it’s quite and close to the park."

    3. BLM Cottonwood Grove Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lazear, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 240-5300

    "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."

    "Plenty of distance between campsites. No electricity or water. 1 satellite toilet... and a great fishing dock and a small beach."

    4. North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    20 Reviews
    Crawford, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 641-2337

    $20 / night

    "Driving through Colorado in the fall there is nothing which can compare. "

    "Camped one night on our road trip throughout southwestern Colorado. Campsites over look the canyon."

    5. Iron Creek Campground — Crawford State Park

    15 Reviews
    Crawford, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 921-5721

    $36 / night

    "Great view of the lake but the lake level was down so we weren't as close as you could be but still a great lake & mountain view. I have Verizon I had 2 to 3 bars & could stream Pandora."

    "Many vineyards close by. Joe Cocker (rock singer) had a ranch nearby."

    6. Dispersed River Site - Gunnison Gorge National Conservation

    5 Reviews
    Lazear, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 240-5300

    "Hiking trails nearby. Multiple campgrounds along the road but the road is bumpy and one way so occasionally someone has to pull over to let others pass."

    "It's one car width and has some drop offs next to it but people were driving RVs on the road. Managed it fine in a Honda HR-V. Might be tough if it's muddy."

    7. The Campground at Big B’s Delicious Orchards

    6 Reviews
    Paonia, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 527-1110

    $25 - $170 / night

    "Campsites are a small piece of grassy area next to a pond or on an outside loop. Portable toilets only. Traffic noise at night."

    "Our only complaint was that it was quite hot (topped out near 100 degrees)."

    8. Four Seasons River Inn & RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Delta, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 874-9659

    "The campground is situated below the road keeping road noise low. The entrance is at a busy location on the highway and steep so take care while entering."

    "Pretty campground with grass at the sites, a river a short walk away (there's a good portion of the campground with riverside sites, but limited for larger rigs)."

    9. Sage View Ranch

    3 Reviews
    Paonia, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 522-2210

    "Breathing mountain views, walking distance to the town and wine tasting, hanging with goats and chickens, peaceful, safe and definitely relaxing."

    "Location is hard to beat."

    10. Uncompaghre River Resort

    6 Reviews
    Olathe, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 323-8706

    "It is quiet even though away from the highway but just minutes through town to Highway 50.  Several trail options to walk the dog along the river from the park. "

    "The Uncompaghre River was about 30 yards behind the camp site - a short walk through the tall tree line.    The North Section of the campground are pull-through sits with great shade.  "

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Recent Reviews near Lazear, CO

1108 Reviews of 228 Lazear Campgrounds


  • A
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Musicians Campground

    Amazing views!

    There are very clean vault toilets available and each site has a fire pit

  • Jennifer N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Erickson Springs

    Hidden Gem!

    This is an Awesome CG heading down off Kebler Pass! I arrived mid-day Friday and plenty of sites available! It’s a smaller, clean CG right along the river! There’s hiking trails near by also - a great find!

  • Jonathan M.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Red Creek Campground

    Group camping or day use only

    This is for day use (front site) and group camping (back area) only. I called and asked how to pay for the site and was told that info, and he said for camping to go further up the forestry road... plenty of spots to fit any size rig

  • Jaz C.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Black Canyon

    great site by black canyon

    this site was easy to find and not too far from the main road but very quiet. we arrived at night and there was plenty of spots. we camped in the car just for the night but plenty of flat land for tents and we say a fire pit. only a 15 minute drive to the black canyon national park north rim. note: signs say no camping 12/1-7/15

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Dakota Terraces Campground — Ridgway State Park

    Fantastic State Park

    There are three places to stay in this park, the Dakota Loops, the Elk Ridge Terraces, and Pa Co Chu Puk down the road.

    The last of the three has zero climb, and likely most useful for very large RV’s.

    I stayed at Dakota last year and like it so much I came back this year. The closer you get to the water (find a map online) the more leveling you will likely need to do if in an RV. There are level camp sites.

    I drove up to Elk Ridge this trip. More trees up there. Pretty.

    All three campgrounds have showers. Elk appears to have a play set.

    Be aware if you reserve online, the camping fee does not include an entrance fee. If you’re staying a night or two, pay daily. After that, buy an annual pass.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Pyramid Rock Camp

    Don’t trust Waze!

    It was a great spot once I finally found it. Waze took me through privately owned land. Google had it right. There’s a T in the road just outside of De Beque. Don’t go on the road marked no outlet! Make the right instead.

  • A
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Nine Mile Hill

    Easy going, fun, free

    I brought my dog up there yesterday. We car camped overnight without any issues. Only saw a couple of cars, and one group camped 3/4 mile from me. I had a lovely time checking out the bouldering and climbing. While there we couldn't find a clean or easy route to the top of the hill, it made for an interesting charge over loose impediments and various cliff bands. If you go this route, I recommend hiking boots and a pretty good level of mountaineering ability as you could potentially slip or get in a tough cliff band.

    Only bummer is that there is no burn season right now (mid-August), so we just enjoyed the night sky.

  • Amber R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Gunnison National Forest Lake Irwin Campground

    Rude Host

    I saw the other review before mine and went there last weekend on the ninth and she was extremely rude for no reason. We went there and saw it was full. I had read about other campsites being nearby, so I went to ask her about it and she said that we should go down into the town for the service and look more things up? She also said on the road there could be signs for tent camping? We drove out of the campsite to the area where the map is in the beginning of the road and saw a map of all the campsites, and went through all of the numbers and found a fantastic dispersed site nearby. She did not mention there was campsites right next to the campgrounds or any details about how to get there or where they were. She basically said the same thing that we should have done more research. We came back to enjoy the lake the second day, and she drove by to tell us we were in the middle of a campsite and that we couldn't walk through the campsites, even though it was obviously empty. We had stopped for a minute to enjoy the view, we were not set up there at all . She was so unwelcoming, unfriendly and overtly rude. I've never had an issue with a campground host before.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Musician's Camp

    Epic views, a ton of cute cows, close to town

    This was a free first come first serve site with about 5 RV spots and a few tents spots. Epic views, river running through, a ton of cows. Really enjoyed. Only amenity is a bathroom.


Guide to Lazear

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

What to do:

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Black Canyon Dispersed Camping, do not offer drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "No drinking water, no electric hookups."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially at campgrounds near national parks. A visitor at the North Rim Campground mentioned seeing a black bear cub nearby.
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A reviewer at Bogan Flats Campground Grp S said, "This is a very busy campground, with people & mosquitoes!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Shade: Many campgrounds lack natural shade. A family camper at South Rim Campground advised, "Bring a shade tent or shelter!"
  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby trails and water access. One family at Lost Lake Campground enjoyed, "There are several trails that leave from here."
  • Pack Mosquito Repellent: Bugs can be a nuisance, especially in summer. A camper at Bogan Flats Campground Grp S warned, "Bring mosquito repellent in summer!"

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Lazear, Colorado, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lazear, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lazear, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 228 campgrounds and RV parks near Lazear, CO and 51 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lazear, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lazear, CO is South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 67 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lazear, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 51 free dispersed camping spots near Lazear, CO.

What parks are near Lazear, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Lazear, CO that allow camping, notably Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests.