Best Campgrounds near Olathe, CO

Camping options around Olathe, Colorado range from full-service RV resorts to primitive dispersed sites on public lands. The Uncompaghre River Resort provides concrete pads with full hookups and riverside access within city limits, while Black Canyon Dispersed Camping offers free primitive sites on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land approximately 27 miles east near Montrose. Most developed campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several properties like Cedar Creek RV Park and Four Seasons River Inn offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.

Seasonal considerations shape the camping experience throughout the Olathe region, with most developed campgrounds operating year-round while others like Riverbend RV Park operate from April through October. Summer brings warm days ideal for exploring nearby attractions including Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located about 30 miles east. Winter camping remains possible at several locations but requires preparation for potential cold temperatures. Cell service varies considerably between campgrounds, with stronger coverage at developed sites within town limits and potentially limited connectivity at more remote BLM areas. A visitor to Uncompaghre River Resort noted, "This is a terrific spot. Owner and staff are friendly and helpful. The spots are level concrete pad with full hook up. Most spots have shade and space between on the outer ring is about 10 feet each side."

Riverside camping represents a common feature among the area's most popular sites. The Uncompaghre River provides a scenic backdrop for several campgrounds, offering opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. Campers frequently mention the peaceful setting and access to walking trails along the water. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "There is a nice trail along the river to stretch your legs." Many developed campgrounds near Olathe maintain cleanliness standards that receive positive mentions in reviews, with particular emphasis on bathroom and shower facilities. Mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, though some properties like Uncompaghre River Resort cater specifically to the 50+ demographic. For those seeking more isolation, the dispersed camping options on public lands provide alternatives to the more structured developed campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Olathe, Colorado (245)

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

    67 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    16 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

    59 Reviews
    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO
    15 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. North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    20 Reviews
    Crawford, CO
    15 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."

    4. Cedar Creek RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 249-3884

    "The RV sites are all on gravel but there is a large grassy area near the office. The site is on the edge of town but was fairly quiet. Nice clean laundry and restrooms."

    "Bathrooms and showers are clean Wifi available and cellphone service are good Close to Black Canyon of the Gunnison"

    5. Uncompaghre River Resort

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

    "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.  "

    "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. "

    6. BLM Cottonwood Grove Campground

    11 Reviews
    Lazear, CO
    14 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."

    7. Four Seasons River Inn & RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Delta, CO
    11 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)."

    8. Riverbend RV Park & Cabins

    7 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 249-8235

    $42 - $149 / night

    "Do hear a bit of traffic noise from highway when close to front gate. River sights look nicer. I would stay here again without hesitation"

    "We camped next to the pond. Staff very welcoming. Propane on site and they fill. Laundry facilities a bit small."

    9. Montrose / Black Canyon Nat'l Park KOA

    4 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 249-9177

    "Close to black canyon and in town food and booze with in walking distance. What more could u ask for. A pool, they got that."

    "Very close to black canyon national park and downtown montrose."

    10. Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)

    13 Reviews
    Delta, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 244-3000

    "Man, we love these blm lands in colorado!!"

    "Location was right off the road but once you drive about 5 minutes down the road you cannot hear any traffic. No other campers. Road was packed gravel almost like highway."

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Recent Reviews near Olathe, CO

1113 Reviews of 245 Olathe Campgrounds


  • Michael S.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    BLM Cottonwood Grove Campground

    Cottonwood Campground

    The road here is a bit rough but it is manageable for most vehicles its just sections that are rocky, the campsite is awesome you get some signal a bathroom lots of trails on the road and there's a river right beside you. Also firepits and not busy at all. There is no water hookup but thats fine

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Ouray Riverside Resort

    Close to town but noisy

    We normally like to stay in campgrounds or disperse camp but as we are in October in Colorado, a lot of the campgrounds were closed so we chose this RV campground. It is super close to town and has a lovely path (loop almost 2 miles) by the river. The RV park is so noisy :( So much come and go through the park which is gravel so it’s noisy, also close to the hwy which is non stop. Sadly not really relaxing to sit outside. All spots are super close and not private.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Red Mountain Creek

    Great spot

    We have a stock rav4. We were able to get to it easily. Gorgeous scenery. Very quiet. Loved the trees and the water running by.

  • Katharina J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Dry Creek Ditch Camp off Forest Road 90

    Good for a night

    The space directly after the hairpin turn was taken so I stayed further up directly off the road, space for 2 or 3. Some traffic, but quiet at night. Exposed to wind, some trash & a firering made out of stones.

  • j
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Island Acres Section Camping — James M. Robb Colorado River State Park

    Loud

    This is a beautiful location right on the Colorado river. My girlfriend and I decided it would be a beautiful place to camp and we were only 20 feet from the river. There was a beautiful cliff on the other side of the river. There was a beautiful cliff behind us. Unfortunately, we discovered that we were about 100 feet from a railroad track on the other side of the river. Trains went by all night every half hour or so. On the back side was I-70. Semi trucks went by all night long. In the middle of the night we had jets flying directly overhead. Being as we were between two cliffs, we were sleeping in a giant echo chamber. It was, without a doubt, the loudest campground I have ever been in. If you want a good night’s sleep, I would suggest you find a campsite elsewhere.

  • Kathy J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Cedar Creek RV Park

    3 night stay

    Nice park. Wifi and T-Mobile service are good. Park is clean and front desk people are friendly and helpful. All spots are on gravel, but there is a large pet yard as well as a grassy area with a large play structure for the kids. Has onsite propane refill services. They pick up your tanks and bring them back, no muss, no fuss. Just let the front desk know and they will tell the propane guy your site number. Some road noise at night but nothing intrusive. We would stay here again.

  • Vinny D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Red Creek Rd Dispersed Camping

    Great camping spot

    Several great spots and good scenery. Aspens were bright, about a mile or so back on the right was a perfect spot with a creek running right next to the campsite. Had a fire ring as well.

  • Julie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Thunder Road North

    Huge pkg lot with picnic tables

    Pine trees, MTB & hiking trails, flat. Very private and quiet. Will happily camp here again.


Guide to Olathe

Camping near Olathe, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. One reviewer mentioned, "The proximity of trailheads to campgrounds and the nightly ranger talks and dark sky observing made the experience incredible."
  • Stargazing: The South Rim Campground is a dark sky park, perfect for star photography. A camper shared, "Took photos of the stars. Our site was right on the road, so we couldn’t use our slide out, but the views were worth it."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Ridgway State Park, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. One visitor noted, "The reservoir is nice, just super windy so we couldn't paddle board during our visit."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Iron Creek Campground stated, "Bathrooms were super clean, showers were awesome."
  • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer breathtaking views. One camper at Dakota Terraces Campground said, "Our site had a view of Courthouse Peak. The area feels natural and sites are spaced out."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Campers enjoy spotting wildlife. A review from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping mentioned, "Some coyotes howling at night added to the experience."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Nine Mile Hill, have no amenities. A camper warned, "No toilets, no trash, and no water hookups, so be prepared."
  • Crowded Sites: Popular spots can get busy, especially in peak season. One camper at North Rim Campground noted, "Most sites were occupied, but it was rather quiet and peaceful."
  • Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor at Black Canyon Dispersed Camping mentioned, "The road was a little gutted out but the Corolla made it through no problem."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Shade: Many campgrounds have limited shade. A camper at South Rim Campground advised, "Bring a shade tent or shelter!"
  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby activities. One family at Ridgway State Park enjoyed, "Great loops for biking with kids, very clean campsites and nice bathrooms."
  • Wildlife Safety: Teach kids about wildlife safety. A camper at North Rim Campground shared, "Saw black bear cub hanging around one afternoon."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review from Elk Ridge Campground mentioned, "Sites are small and close together."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if needed. One RV camper at Dakota Terraces Campground said, "We had water and electric."
  • Dump Stations: Ensure there’s a dump station nearby. A visitor at Iron Creek Campground noted, "We used the dump station, and the host took such care of this campground."

Camping around Olathe, CO, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking comfort. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful Colorado outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping in Olathe, Kansas?

While Olathe itself has limited camping options, several quality sites are available within driving distance. Cedar Creek RV Park offers convenient accommodations near the area with drive-in access and essential amenities. For a more natural experience, consider BLM Cottonwood Grove Campground, which provides free camping with toilet facilities and multiple access options including drive-in and walk-in sites. The region around Olathe features various camping opportunities ranging from developed campgrounds to more primitive options, making it possible to find suitable accommodations regardless of your preference.

What amenities are available at Olathe camping sites?

Camping sites near Olathe offer diverse amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Riverbend RV Park & Cabins provides water hookups, clean toilets, and is fully reservable for planned stays. At Clear Fork Campground — Crawford State Park, you'll find excellent water access for paddleboarding, boating and fishing, plus walking trails, a swimming beach and nearby boat ramps. Many campgrounds in the area feature basic facilities like vault toilets, while more developed sites include water access, picnic tables, and fire rings. Some locations also offer recreational amenities such as hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

Are there RV-friendly camping options near Olathe?

Uncompaghre River Resort is an excellent RV-friendly option with accommodating hosts and beautiful riverside sites, particularly in the South section of the campground. Montrose / Black Canyon Nat'l Park KOA offers another well-equipped option with reservable sites, water hookups, toilet facilities, and big-rig-friendly spaces. The area around Olathe has several RV parks catering to various preferences, from basic accommodations to more luxurious resorts with full hookups. Most RV-friendly sites in the region provide level parking pads, electric connections, and convenient access to town amenities while still offering beautiful natural surroundings.