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 (247)

    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

1114 Reviews of 247 Olathe Campgrounds


  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    RV Ranch at Grand Junction

    Nice stop!

    We are passing through across country and stopped here over night. Booking was easy to do online. Campgrounds are clean and are easy to maneuver through with the map provided in our confirmation email. Full hookups provided on paved sites. Pull through and back in sites are available. There are two fenced in dog runs also at the campground for puppy exercise! There is a pool, but it is closed for the season I assume. Apple trees lined our site, so squished fruit can make a mess in your rig. We will definitely be back!

  • 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.

  • A
    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.


Guide to Olathe

Camping options near Olathe, CO sit at approximately 5,400 feet elevation where the Uncompahgre Valley meets desert terrain. Temperatures can range from 90°F summer days to below-freezing nights during winter months, creating distinct camping challenges depending on the season. Many olathe co campers seek riverside sites along the Uncompahgre River, which flows through the region and provides cooling relief during hot summer months.

What to do

Fishing at Cottonwood Grove: Access the Gunnison River at BLM Cottonwood Grove Campground where a handicap accessible fishing pier makes the water approachable for all skill levels. "There is a nice trail along the river to stretch your legs. The fishing platform is really a good addition for those physically compromised. Brown and rainbow fishing (rainbows should be immediately returned to the river)," notes a Cottonwood Grove Campground reviewer.

Stargazing away from city lights: Black Canyon Dispersed Camping offers excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "It's quite pretty and you can make out some of the milky way on clearer nights. It also makes for a great camp spot just outside of the national park," explains a camper who stayed at Black Canyon Dispersed Camping.

Wildlife observation: Multiple camping areas around Olathe offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "Deer roaming through the campground and one hung out by my site for awhile," mentions one visitor to the South Rim Campground, while another camper notes, "Thick oak brush and other vegetation makes the sites feel private. Lots of birds, deer and other wildlife."

What campers like

Easy river access: Olathe CO campers frequently mention river access as a major benefit. "We were on the the second site in on the right side. Nice area with lots of dispersed sites," shares a visitor to Black Canyon Dispersed Camping. Another camper at Riverbend RV Park & Cabins notes, "The river and pond are were very nice to sit by and observe nature. The Canada geese families were fun to watch."

Concrete pads in developed sites: Level, sturdy concrete pads are highly appreciated by RVers visiting the area. According to a camper at Uncompaghre River Resort, "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. It is quiet even though away from the highway but just minutes through town to Highway 50."

Shade coverage: Protection from the intense summer sun is a priority for many campers. "Lots of good shade at the sites. Most have decent privacy from other sites," reports a visitor to Black Canyon Dispersed Camping. At the North Rim Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "Camp sites are much bigger and way more shade here. Not near as much traffic either."

What you should know

Varying road conditions: Access roads to dispersed camping areas can present challenges depending on weather and vehicle type. A visitor to Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed cautions, "The road to the camp site from the I-50 road is rather long (12 miles, cca 30 min), but very easy and quite picturesque. However I'd avoid it during the night as it gets narrow on parts and vehicle need to wait at the wider sides to pass each other."

Limited water sources: Many campgrounds have restricted water access or none at all. "Campsites are open year round, but drinking water is only available mid-May through mid-October. Electric hookups are in Loop B which was closed for the season. There are no water hookups or dump stations at South Rim Campground," advises a camper at South Rim Campground.

Wind exposure: Open areas experience significant wind patterns, particularly in canyon areas. A camper at Escalante Canyon Road notes, "Be also prepared for strong winds coming though the canyon in May time," while another mentions, "When we were here for one night in late June, winds were strong."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: For families seeking recreational amenities, select campgrounds provide play structures. At Cedar Creek RV Park, "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."

Campsite selection for privacy: Choose sites strategically for more space and separation from neighbors. "Thick oak brush and other vegetation makes the sites feel private," explains a South Rim camper, though they caution, "Some sites you are really close to your neighbors and don't have a lot of privacy."

Weather preparation: Families should be ready for rapid temperature changes. A visitor to North Rim Campground advises, "Be prepared for any type of weather. We had a wild thunder, lightning and wind storm with violent downdrafts—typical for this country."

Tips from RVers

Maneuverability considerations: RV drivers should research access roads carefully before committing to dispersed sites. "The road getting here is not for big campers, higher clearance is needed," warns a Cottonwood Grove visitor, while another adds, "The road down to the river was rough. I wouldn't bring the family sedan down it."

Advance reservations for hookup sites: Full-service RV sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "Book it Now! This RV park will fill up quickly," advises a Riverbend RV Park & Cabins camper who appreciated the "oversized RV sites" and "WiFi" available.

Age restrictions: Some parks cater to specific demographics. At Uncompaghre River Resort, a camper notes, "This is a 50+ community - for the first time I was really glad I was in my fifties. Host are great and very accommodating. Just ask and they will help you at."

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.