Best Campgrounds near Ouray, CO
The camping near Ouray, Colorado includes a variety of locations to choose from, with options ranging from developed campgrounds to dispersed backcountry sites. Amphitheater Campground sits just minutes from downtown, offering tent and RV sites with mountain views and access to the Perimeter Trail. The Ouray KOA provides full hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations with amenities like showers, laundry facilities, and a camp store. For those seeking a more primitive experience, dispersed camping is available at locations like County Road 14 (Dexter Creek Backcountry) and Last Dollar Road, where campers can find secluded sites without developed facilities. Several RV parks including 4J+1+1 RV Park and Ouray Riverside Resort offer convenient in-town options with full hookups and amenities.
"This was such a magically beautiful location. The aspens were amazing, the surrounding forest, flowing river and waterfalls, and sweeping mountain scapes were breathtaking," noted one visitor about the Owl Creek Pass area. Most campgrounds in the Ouray region operate seasonally from May through September due to high elevation and winter conditions. Many established campgrounds require reservations, which fill quickly during summer months. Dispersed camping areas like Last Dollar Road can have rough access roads that may require high-clearance vehicles. As one camper advised: "We drove in from Ouray side and took the long 40 min dirt road and I will say, the road was rough... I was definitely nervous about the clearance of my car and my tires, it was super rocky, definitely some muddle and big puddles." Weather changes rapidly in the San Juan Mountains, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer and cool nights even during peak season.
Campers report high satisfaction with sites that offer mountain views and proximity to outdoor activities. The location near Ouray provides excellent access to hiking trails, hot springs, and four-wheel-drive routes. According to one visitor at Amphitheater Campground: "Views are stunning!! Best location to camp near Ouray as the hiking (right off the campground) is amazing! Close drive into town." Many campgrounds feature fire rings and picnic tables, though fire restrictions are common during dry periods. While some sites like Angel Creek Campground offer the soothing sounds of nearby creeks, others provide easy walking access to downtown Ouray's amenities. Tent and RV sites vary significantly in size and privacy, with some campgrounds offering more spacious sites than others. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many of the more remote camping areas, though some dispersed sites on Last Dollar Road surprisingly offer connectivity.
