Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park sits at elevations ranging from 5,800 to 9,600 feet, creating diverse camping conditions within a 30-minute drive of Montrose, Colorado. The area's high desert climate means summer temperatures can reach 95°F during the day while dropping to 50°F at night. Winter camping options remain available at lower elevations with temperatures often staying above freezing.
What to do
Fishing access: North Rim Campground at Black Canyon provides direct fishing opportunities in the Gunnison River. "The greatest camping experience a family could possibly have! We go every summer and camp (in a tent) for about 10 days. The weather is perfect and the trout are plentiful!" reports Hannah K. from Black Canyon's North Rim Campground.
Hiking from campsites: Several trails connect directly to campgrounds. "There is a nice hike from the campground to the visitor center and around down a little ways into a canyon. A wilderness permit is required to go further into the canyon however," notes Charles C. about the North Rim area.
River walk exploration: The Uncompahgre River corridor offers accessible recreation. "We loved the trail into town - an easy walk to the hot springs pool or to grab something to eat," shares Delci L. about staying at Ouray Riverside Resort, which provides river access just north of Ouray.
Scenic overlooks: Many campgrounds position visitors near dramatic viewpoints. "We camped one night on our road trip throughout southwestern Colorado. Campsites over look the canyon," explains Brandi F., highlighting the direct canyon views available at North Rim sites.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campgrounds in the region offer varying levels of separation. "The sites and grounds are well maintained and large," mentions Sarah S. about Riverbend RV Park & Cabins. Jon H. adds about Black Canyon: "camp sites are much bigger and way more shade here. not near as much traffic either."
Clean facilities: Restroom and shower quality receives consistent positive feedback. "Bathrooms and showers are clean. Wifi available and cellphone service are good. Close to Black Canyon of the Gunnison," reports Clément S. about Cedar Creek RV Park.
Yurt options: Yurt camping near Montrose, Colorado provides all-season comfort. "Ridgway State Park was a convenient location for my trip through Colorado to Utah. They have full facilities and even a few Yurts you can rent for larger parties that looked like fun," notes Dan G. about Dakota Terraces Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Accessible nature watching opportunities exist throughout the area. "The spacing of the sites is ample and most of the sites have covered picnic tables. Inside the park there are some nice hikes around the Reservoir. The fishing from the shore and a boat was better than most of the places we have camped," shares Kathi V. about Dakota Terraces.
What you should know
Reservation timing: First-come, first-served campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Beautiful but small FCFS campground. Do your research on which Black Canyon Park campground you'd prefer before starting your drive, as the east and north campgrounds are at least an hour and 45 minutes apart," advises Jordan L. about North Rim Campground, adding "By 5:30, all the spots were full and were full earlier the following night, so be sure to arrive early."
Limited services: Many campgrounds have restricted amenities or seasonal operations. "The campground is down a long dirt road, it was well maintained but be prepared to be in a remote location," continues Jordan about North Rim, which lacks cell service but offers "cool drinking water access" and "bear boxes for each site."
Road noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "It's a little less rustic than our preferred type of CO camping, but the location and beautiful views definitely make up for that. My one complaint is that the outer side of the 'trees loop' is very close to the highway and we had lots of car noise," explains Delci L. about Ouray Riverside Resort.
Seasonal variations: Weather conditions change dramatically by season. "This is high desert so it does get hot during the day and cold at night. the sites are all set up well, easy access, water and electric if you want," explains Todd R. about Elk Ridge Campground at Ridgway State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Adventure base camps: Centrally located sites provide multiple exploration options. "Ridgeway is a very well kept park with beautiful views, lots of amenities, and conveniences. Clean bathrooms, laundry, firewood and ice all available at the campground and very reasonably priced. The beach was within a bike ride or a walk from our site," reports Kristin K. about Ridgway State Park.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated family facilities. "This park is a great place for families because there is so much to do, from the endless bike trails to fishing and water access. All of the sites are large and have plenty of space from the next site," advises Jason S. about Dakota Terraces Campground.
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings require planning. "Most sites have a covered picnic table which was very helpful during the frequent light rain showers. My kids enjoyed the rock climbing nearby," adds Kristin K. about Ridgway State Park.
Site selection for privacy: Some campgrounds offer more separation between families. "The North Rim campground was pretty and quiet," notes Jordan L., while Jason S. adds about Ridgway State Park: "At the higher sites, there is plenty of coverage."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer full RV services. "Nice and quiet area along the river with plenty of shade and grass. The manager was very friendly and helpful," shares Daniel S. about Uncompaghre River Resort, noting its "paved roads throughout, large cement pads for the trailer and large concrete patios off each pad."
Site leveling challenges: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. "Stayed for just one night at site 55. Needed all our levelers as the site is sloped downhill. Windy in the morning," reports Ursula about Dakota Terraces Campground.
Off-season availability: Some RV parks remain open year-round with reduced crowds. "We stated here one night arriving without a reservation. The office was closed and no one was answering the phone but we were able to register for a site online. That worked reasonably well," explains Daniel S. about Cedar Creek RV Park.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service and WiFi quality varies significantly. "WiFi tower was right in the campground so WiFi was screaming. Mild temperatures in October," reports Denise K. about Elk Ridge Campground, while Jordan L. notes that at North Rim there is "zero service anywhere in the park or campground, so plan ahead."
