Dispersed camping near Powderhorn, Colorado ranges from accessible drive-in sites to remote boat-in locations at elevations between 7,000-8,500 feet. The area experiences significant temperature drops at night even in summer, with nighttime lows frequently dipping to 40°F regardless of season. Many sites lack designated boundaries and are located on national forest land or within Curecanti National Recreation Area.
What to do
Fishing access points: Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch offers proximity to excellent fishing opportunities with one visitor noting, "Great location to access a ton of hiking, boating, etc. We took my mountain bike on a dirt road back to a small lake but not being used to 7,000 feet I was sucking air but got to some great views without having to drive anywhere."
Star gazing opportunities: The dark skies around Cebolla Creek Campground provide excellent night viewing conditions. One camper described it as "Nice little campground right on the creek. It's also right next to the county road so cars can be seen and heard passing by. Traffic can be heavyish on weekends but a great place for the night on a weekday."
Water activities: Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch offers multiple water recreation options including swimming pools. A visitor mentioned, "We had such a relaxing stay at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch! One of the major highlights for us was the amazing pool setup—both indoor and outdoor pools were clean, well-maintained, and perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring."
What campers like
Easy access to multiple destinations: The tent camping areas serve as convenient basecamps for regional exploration. One camper at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch shared, "It is a great place to explore from into the many surrounding popular locations. Gunnison is 25 minutes out, Crested Butte an hour, Ouray, Silverton, Lake City, Arkansas River Wilderness all an hour to 90 minutes away."
Creek-side camping: Several tent campsites near Powderhorn feature stream access. A visitor to Cochetopa Canyon Recreation Area reported, "Good for 1 night. Has about 10-15 sites along a 4-5 mile stretch. All pretty close to the road. Had a spot 20 ft from the creek. And less than 100 yds from a restroom."
Wildlife viewing: The natural settings provide opportunities to observe local fauna. At Red Creek Campground, a camper noted, "There was only one campsite in total. There was a road that went to maybe more campsites but there was a gate across it. Site has a picnic table and there was an outhouse i did not go into. Very quiet."
What you should know
Accessibility challenges: Many tent camping options require planning for road conditions or hiking. At Alta Lakes Campground, a camper warned, "The road up is a bit rough. We managed it barely in all wheel drive vehicles but did get stuck for a bit at one point when we had to stop for someone on their way down."
Site availability fluctuates: Arrive early to secure spots at non-reservation sites. At Alta Lakes, one visitor advised, "This campsite fills up quite quickly. We arrived relatively early, but were unable to find a site and it was just as well because we would have been hard pressed to find level ground for our overland tents."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites have minimal amenities. A camper at Red Creek Campground reported, "This is for day use (front site) and group camping (back area) only. I called and asked how to pay for the site and was told that info, and he said for camping to go further up the forestry road."
Tips for camping with families
Pool activities: Families with children appreciate dedicated swimming areas. At Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch, one visitor shared, "We thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor pool for the kids! Whether you're traveling with kids or just looking to kick back and enjoy some peaceful water time, these pools are a total win."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with recreational facilities. A camper at Blue Mesa noted, "We loved our stay here! There is an indoor and outdoor pool, playground, cool mini golf set up, horses, and a lake for kids to fish in!"
Consider altitude adjustment: Higher elevation affects energy levels for children and adults. At Alta Lakes, one visitor cautioned, "It got pretty chilly at night and rained most of the days. If you want to bike, it really is only mountain biking suitable. We had our kids with a seat on one of the bikes and it was too much for us."
Tips from RVers
Connectivity considerations: Plan for limited cell service and internet access. At Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch, a camper warned, "The only thing I have against Thousand Trails Blue Mesa is the lack of internet. To have internet, you must have Starlink or a satellite dish. The campground's internet service is next to nothing."
Site spacing: RV sites vary in terms of privacy and spacing. One camper at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch observed, "The dig is that you will be backed up and beside other campers. By this, I mean their rigs will be within 20 feet of you. Sipping coffee, you will be able to have a conversation in a low voice with your camping neighbors."
Alternative camping areas: Explore less crowded sections within larger campgrounds. An RVer suggested, "Try out the wilderness area. It is in the same resort but feels more like forested camp ground but can't take RVs over 30 feet, perhaps shorter. Also has water and power but no dump hookup."
