Best Tent Camping near Paonia, CO

Recent Tent Reviews near Paonia, Colorado

985 Reviews of 47 Paonia Campgrounds

• 

  el barto

  Traveler

  

  Feb. 17, 2025

  Musician's Camp

  Great for First-time Campers

  My boyfriend and I spent our first time camping here! It was early October, we only stayed for 2 nights, and we stayed in a tent.There were other people there, but they stayed near the fire ring and slept in their cars. We wore 6-7 layers and were warm the whole night. Very quiet, very peaceful, and the town of Crested Butte is not too far away, we even caught a movie! Even in the beginning of October, not too hot but not too cold, just right. Heard coyotes at night, no cows came over to our site. Actually got a little lost/going in circles finding this campsite, but it's important to read and understand the signage to get here. Took a Honda SUV, handled the bumpy roads very well!

• 

  Sarah S.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 24, 2025

  Little Bear Campground

  Great getaway

  Pulled in on a Sunday and noticed a lot of weekend traffic pulling out. Recommend going during the week if you are looking for privacy. Great spots to dry camp. Close to plenty of fishing and hiking. The bugs are intense during the warmer months

• 

  Paulina B.

  Ranger

  

  Dec. 15, 2024

  Lost Lake Campground

  Tranquil Alpine Retreat

  Lost Lake Campground near Crested Butte, Colorado, is a hidden gem that combines serene alpine beauty with a peaceful camping experience. Tucked away in the Gunnison National Forest, this campground offers stunning views of wildflower-filled meadows, dense forests, and the pristine Lost Lake itself, which mirrors the surrounding peaks.

  The campsites are well-maintained, spacious, and thoughtfully spaced for privacy, with some offering lakefront views. There’s a charming rustic vibe, with basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables, but no hookups. The nearby trails, including the popular Three Lakes Loop, are perfect for hiking, fishing, and soaking in the mountain scenery.

  What sets Lost Lake apart is its tranquil atmosphere—especially if you’re visiting during the off-season. It’s the ideal spot to disconnect and enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty, whether you’re kayaking on the lake or simply relaxing by the campfire.

  Be aware that the road to the campground is a bit rough and narrow, so it’s best suited for smaller campers or tents. Also, temperatures can drop quickly at night, so pack warm gear even in summer.

  If you’re looking for a quiet retreat near Crested Butte with postcard-worthy scenery, Lost Lake Campground is hard to beat. It’s the perfect blend of solitude, recreation, and breathtaking views.

• 

  Paulina B.

  Ranger

  

  Dec. 6, 2024

  Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch

  Amazing Campground, could use a refresh

  Located near Blue Mesa Reservoir, Thousand Trails Gunnison offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. The campground features spacious sites, clean facilities, and a welcoming community vibe.

  While some amenities could use a refresh, the stunning location more than makes up for it. It’s a great spot for adventurers and nature lovers.

  Outdoor closes and activities die down after beginning of September.

  ASK other campers about the laundry facilities. Hopefully the dryers will be fixed by next season. They were taking more than 3 cycles to dry our clothes.

• 

  Kim L.

  Ranger

  

  Nov. 27, 2024

  Hideout at Glenwood Springs

  Small number of “camping spots” in an RV park

  This campground offers longer term RV site rental, tiny homes, cabins, in addition to a few overnight spots. Nice creek through the property. Several families live there. Incredible amount of auto traffic through this small area. Close to Glenwood Springs recreation areas.

• 

  Kim L.

  Ranger

  

  Nov. 27, 2024

  The Campground at Big B’s Delicious Orchards

  No amenities but next to orchard, restaurant, activities

  Campsites are a small piece of grassy area next to a pond or on an outside loop. Portable toilets only. Traffic noise at night. But was fun being next to a working orchard, a great restaurant with delicious food and a little store. Lots of outdoor seating. There are also special events on the property such as festivals, concerts, etc. it’s rather fun.

• 

  Erica G.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 19, 2024

  Palisade Basecamp RV Resort

  Perfect Fall Camping Destination

  The resort may not be busy in the fall, but that just adds to the appeal of staying this season. We arrived late, but check in was a breeze, and we were able to make ourselves comfortable. The bathhouse is heated and in pristine condition. On property their is a very lovely peach orchard, a dog run, and river access which would be ideal for the summer months. The camp sites are close together but have good trees and even plugs! The cabins are comfortable, with heating, mini fridges and microwaves. 

  And the best part: Colterris winery is right next door to walk to.

• 

  Jeremy H.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 25, 2024

  Montrose / Black Canyon Nat'l Park KOA

  Nicest in town

  Tent camping is pricey but the amenities r almost with it. 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.

• F

  Fred E.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 24, 2024

  Three Rivers Resort & Outfitting

  Great location with easy access fishing

  Great location with full hookups for RVs. The description mentions back-in sites only, and while our electric hookup was conveniently on the same side, we had to run our water and sewage lines underneath the RV since those hookups were on the opposite side—this seems to be the case for all sites. The campground is perfectly situated at the intersection of the Gunnison, Taylor, and East Rivers, making it ideal for fly fishing. They offer cabins, RV sites, and long-term housing options. There's a small store with basic items, beer, and merchandise, plus a fly shop in the same building. There's also a restaurant, though it was closed during our stay, and coin-operated laundry facilities. Overall, a great stay!

• F

  Fred E.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 24, 2024

  South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

  Great Campsite and Beautiful Views

  We loved our stay at the South Rim Campground. It was the perfect spot to explore the national park and take in its stunning views. The drive down towards the East Portal Campground was amazing and led us right to the beautiful Gunnison River, where we enjoyed some great fly fishing. Highly recommend

• D

  Dave K.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 18, 2024

  North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

  High Altitude Beauty

  As locals, we love the North Rim of BCNP. It's closed from November through April/May. Can be surprisingly cold in May with temps below freezing. Lots of interesting fellow campers as many are big wall climbers from all over the globe. The nature trail in the campground offers nice viewpoints. The trail to Explanation Point is a level and very beautiful 5k hike, BUT no dogs. Same goes for Green Mountain trail past the point. The SOB trail starts from the road near the campground and is a difficult route dropping a few thousand feet, rocky, and steep with poison ivy to greet you near the bottom. Rewards are in store for the hearty hikers with great trout fishing a super river access. Campground is tight for spaces, some are not pull through. Gravel biking during winter closures on the roads in BCNP is full of wildlife and wonder.

• D

  Dave K.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 18, 2024

  Clear Fork Campground — Crawford State Park

  West Elk Views

  As part of Crawford Lake State Park, this campground offers great water access to a small reservoir for SUPs, motorboats and sailing. Decent fishing in the spring with some northerns, bass, and crappie. Excellent walking trails and a sandy swimming beach plus two boat ramps nearby. Rarely full capacity, it's a nice relaxing place to hang. The town of Crawford is right over the hill with a great coffee shop, ice cream parlor, and restaurants. Good jumping off spot to visit the North Rim of the Black Canyon NP (one of the gems of Western Colorado and much less visited than the South Rim near Montrose).

• D

  Dave K.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 18, 2024

  BLM Cottonwood Grove Campground

  Good Road when Dry

  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. The fishing platform is really a good addition for those physically compromised. Brown and rainbow fishing (rainbows should be immediately returned to the river). Very peaceful and out of the way. Can be used all seasons as it rarely gets snow.

• 

  Jennifer B.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 17, 2024

  Pyramid Rock Camp

  Easy overnight

  Easy to find with Google maps. Plenty of open space. 15min off 70.
  Dirt road, a bit bumpy, but we easily pulled our 21ft Micro Minnie and it was doable for almost any vehicle. We didn't go to far up into the sites so I can't speak to further in. Rolled in at midnight and was still simple to find in the dark.

• M

  Mark M.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 17, 2024

  Jumbo Campground — Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area

  Nice but buggy in July

  Stayed in spot 18 which was close to vault toilets, but they were stinky and full of bugs. Very buggy in general, not all are mosquitos but there are some of those too. Sites 1, 2, 4, 18, 21, 23 were all decent looking with some shade in the afternoon and relatively level pads. Lakes in area, one adjacent to campground and one that is down a trail to a day use area that is covered by the camp fee. Good spacing between sites. Some have electric. A little warm for July, probably 80 degrees in afternoon. Lots of aspen trees in the area might be good for a fall visit. Bear cans available for trash.

• M

  Mark M.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 17, 2024

  James M. Robb Colorado River - Island Acres Section Camping

  Good spot between DEN and SLC

  Stayed in site 5 Loop A which is right on the river. Could hear and see trains going by occasionally on the other side of river. Sites are pretty well spaced out and have a good shade structure over the picnic table. Lots of flying bugs and it was hot in early July. Have electric hookups but still quite warm. Flush toilets were okay, nothing special. Also have to buy a CO Park Pass, so thats another $10 on top of the reservation fee. 

  Food aside: Ate Kikkoman teriyaki rice noodles and Kalua pork, yum!!

• 

  Xavier G.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 17, 2024

  Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

  Gorgeous, close to National Park, plenty of sites

  It is a little bit of a maze of roads, some are gonna need vehicles with higher clearance, careful not to commit too much on a road if you're unsure about your vehicle's offroading capability.  If you get to a site, most have room for 1/2 vehicles and tents.  Beautiful trees, each spot feels pretty secluded from others.  Plenty of downed trees for firewood if fire danger is low.  Will definitely come back.

• 

  Melissa G.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 14, 2024

  Basalt Mountain Dispersed

  Basalt Mountain Road

  Multiple sites up here for camping. Trailer/RV friendly.

• 

  Alexia L.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 13, 2024

  Nine Mile Hill

  Great Views, Secluded

  Found this spot and was very happy with the setup. Like other reviews, the highway noise was a bit loud but nothing too crazy, especially really late. There were other campers spread out nicely, you wouldn’t even know they were there. The road is a bit iffy so snagging a spot at the front would be best if you don’t have 4WD (my Nissan car struggled, we had to back up & turn around). Overall great spot for tent camping! Remember to leave no trace 🫶🏼🏕️🌎

• G

  Grace S.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 10, 2024

  Black Canyon Dispersed

  Great spot, rough roads

  Some of the roads were really rutted out, but we were lucky and everything was dry so we were able to get thru in my forester. There are some spots at the beginning of the property but there are more if you follow the dirt road back another two miles or so. Beautiful views, quiet and secluded. We did find a few deer legs left behind, so keep an eye out for Mountain Lion

• 

  Kevin S.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 6, 2024

  Black Canyon

  Extreme solitude close to Black Canyon National Park

  Easy to find BLM land with decent roads and lots of spots. I stayed here 3 days and never saw or heard another person. It’s only 5 miles from the North Rim of Black Canyon National Park. Crawford is about 8 miles away and has some restaurants with good home cooking.

• 

  Kiet D.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 2, 2024

  Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

  Great for visiting Black Canyon.

  Visited the first week of October 2024. Had beautiful weather, no bugs and few campers. Sites are dirt so I can see it be being messy when wet. Only few sites at entrance for larger campers. We got into with a Bean teardrop np.

• 

  Daniel S.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 30, 2024

  Cedar Creek RV Park

  Not bad

  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 and we had a quiet relaxing evening. 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. Good base for exploring Black Canyon NP.

• P

  Paul K.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 30, 2024

  Shady Creek RV Park

  Great little spot

  Kathy (the owner) was awesome. Cedaredge is a great little spot, really quiet. Not a big RV park, don’t bring truckloads of kids and your off road vehicles. Really happy with what we had here.

• T

  Tim K.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 28, 2024

  McClure Campground

  Beautiful well maintained campground.

  I came down to Marble, CO from Carbondale with the intention of staying at the Marble campground on a Wednesday but it was full so I went up the road about 10 miles to the McClure campground and was very pleasantly surprised at how much nicer it was than the Marble campground. While Marble did have showers and some sites with water and electricity it was much more crowded and uneven than McClure. McClures sites were all nice and level and several were pull through that could handle fair sized rigs. McClure was a dispersed site at one time but now costs $14/night compared to Marbles $40+ fee. Of course Marble has showers which are worth the extra price to some but McClure had the most important item which was a clean vault toilet. When I got to the campground there were only a couple of other sites occupied so I picked a beautiful level spot only about 150' from the toilet, which is very important to an old man with artificial knees and a weak bladder. By Friday night all the sites were taken and as most other campgrounds were also full there were lots of campers coming through the campground looking for a spot to camp. I had only planned to stay a couple of days but I liked the site so much I stayed for 5 nights. I used it as my base to drive the Crystal River trail which is about 10 miles down the road at Marble. Let me warn you right now, don't do the Crystal River trail unless you have a strong heart and a very sturdy mid sized or smaller vehicle or off-road vehicle because it is very narrow and extremely rough. I've driven some rough country and have a big 4x4 pickup but that trail was all my rig could handle and I left lots of paint on the rocks and trees at the narrower spots. I'm sure half my tires on the drop-off side were in mid air at times and since it is a single track trail if you met someone coming from the other direction one of you would have to back up to a spot that you could pass each other. Very scary. Anyway, back to McClure. The nearest place to get cell service and supplies is Carbondale which is about 20 miles away but if you are self contained and don't need to be on the internet every few minutes this place is great. There was lots of wildlife sharing my site which was fun to watch. I had a doe deer and her boyfriend show up before I even got my tent set up and squirrels and chipmunks were everywhere as were the hummingbirds. I had hummingbirds buzzing up to a foot away from my face to check out my red cap thinking it might be some kind of giant exotic new flower lol. The only reason I didn't give the camp 5 stars is that it is right next to route 133 which it turns out is a main road through this area and traffic noise is sometimes pretty loud, especially early in the mornings on week days. If I am back near that area I will definitely stay in this campground. Almost forgot one other thing. The elevation is high enough that it gets pretty cool most nights, even in July and rain showers came through almost every early morning but the rain never amounted to anything and by mid morning it was beautiful. Camp fees are on the honor system and you need to have cash or checks.

• 

  Tamara S.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 28, 2024

  Ami's Acres Campground

  Great Hosts & awesome location

  We recently stayed here for two nights. The camp hosts and maintenance employees were incredibly friendly. There is some highway noise, but it didn't bother us with some ear plugs in and rain sounds playing on my phone. The night sky is amazing at this dark sky park. I can't say enough good things about this campground, we will define back.

• 

  Levi S.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 26, 2024

  South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

  Private and easy to get in.

  Got in pretty easy on a Tuesday at noon. The place was full by the evening. Access to a nice trail just under 4 miles. No cell service.