291 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Ridgway punches above its size as a camping base, sitting at the junction of routes into Ouray, Telluride, and the Uncompahgre Plateau with a genuine range of options from developed state park sites to free national forest land. The Dyrt reviewers in this corridor flag Ridgway State Park as the most-used anchor, with the reservoir setting and reliable hookup sites drawing return visits. Check-ins run from May through October, with the shoulder months getting good marks for availability and cooler temperatures.
Ridgway's dispersed camping options cover the free national forest roads if you want to skip the reservation system. Ouray is about 10 miles south and Telluride about 20 miles west, both with their own developed and dispersed options if Ridgway is full on peak weekends.
"Nice paths down to the lake and around but the lake level is still low."
"We stayed for 6 nights in thie State Park and were surprised by how close it was to Ridgway, Ouray, and Telluride. The campground is very clean and the sites are spacious."
from $28 - $36 / night
Check Availability"This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area."
"The best thing about this park was the location. It is located close to Ouray and many activities in the area."
"the sites are full, or snag a hotel near 550 when we don't want to chance a night on a slope."
"Site was clean, easy to access and close to restroom. Great views all around and super close to Ouray and surrounding hiking trails."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"Ridgway State Park was a convenient location for my trip through Colorado to Utah. After a stop at Black Canyon of the Gunnison Ridgway was a great spot to stop for an overnight out of any city."
"With that said, there was community spigots located near the campsites that were still on if you need to top off your fresh water tanks."
from $36 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Love this campground and Ridgway SP. Facilities with showers, laundry and power and water at site. Campground hosts are top notch along with the volunteers working there."
"I absolutely love the Ridgway area, and this is a convenient place to stay. Great views, easy access to trails near the reservoir, and well maintained."
from $28 - $615 / night
Check Availability"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."
"We loved the trail into town - an easy walk to the hot springs pool or to grab something to eat. The campground is clean and offers full hookups. No fire rings, but there is a communal fire pit."
from $50 - $99 / night
Check Availability"This little place is on the outskirts of Ouray, tucked into the base of the mountain (perimeter trail actually has an access point at the park)."
"This park is within walking distance of Ouray’s most popular sight seeing. It’s only a few blocks from breweries, restaurants, and just down the road from the town hot springs!"
from $28 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Price is a little steep at $50/per person per night but it includes 24/hr access to the hot springs, showers, coffee, etc. The tent sites are nice with fire pits and raised platforms."
"It’s $50/night per person, and you have access to the hot springs all night! The campground is basically just a gravel lot but has beautiful views of mountains and grazing cattle."
"We entered from the Ridgway side and had to drive past several ranch’s before crossing into the dispersed area."
"Some of the best in Colorado. I had good cell service too (working remotely). There are some larger dispersed campgrounds near the top trailhead that are more in the woods."
"Beautiful views of surrounding mountains and Alta lakes as well as access to the ghost town of Alta."
"The off road trail it get to Alta lakes took us about 40-50 minutes in my boyfriends F-150. The views were amazing so neither of us really minded."
ScoutI personally prefer rugged mountaineer camping, but when im with family who prefer RV/camper camping, this area works, very easy to access, its very flat and has soft dirt. There is also a nice little creek nearby. The manager is admittedly a little unpleasant, we got a nasty stink eye just driving in inexplicabley. Beyond that its still a pretty good campground.
ScoutClean, flushable toilets, easy to find
Travelernice spot with some creek and shade options and big lot options. no restrooms, no service. some noise from highway
Travelergreat spot next to ice and island lake trail! so nice being next to the river. a bathroom was a nice touch (limited toilet paper). tons of space and good service too
ScoutCool area with tons of camp spots. 4x4 is definitely required but a stock vehicle is probably fine. I have a stock ram 1500 crew cab and the only concern was the approach angle due to the depth of some dips in the road and the length of the truck. Definitely worth the trip if you have a vehicle that can make it.
TravelerWe couldn’t find a campsite anywhere that at least had a bathroom and I got this app and found this spot there were 2 of 3 tent sites still open! Thank you so much
TravelerBeautiful aspen and evergreens. View of private lake.
ScoutWe love this spot, as first time dispersed campers with a 31ft RV, it’s a great spot. Went to a few other locations and difficult to get to with our RV aka “Trailer Swift” but this is beautiful and wasn’t difficult to get to. Still very remote with a flowing river.
GuideWhat a beautiful location! We were headed down towards Durango on CO-145 and needed a place to stay. My wife found this location and it is a gem! Roads are a little bit rutted out but we were able to get our fifth wheel up here. Just take slow and steady.
Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains at an elevation of 6,985 feet, Ridgway serves as a central hub for exploring Colorado's western slope. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-80°F, while fall brings cooler nights dropping into the 30s. Most camping spots near Ridgway, Colorado sit between 7,000-9,000 feet elevation, requiring proper acclimatization for those coming from lower elevations.
Fishing options: 5 minutes from camp: At Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground, you'll find excellent fishing opportunities just steps from your site. "Great fishing in the tailwaters below the dam, 5 minute walk from campground to the river or two stocked ponds. River is catch and release," notes John D.
Hiking the Perimeter Trail: 4.2 miles: From Amphitheater Campground, access the Ouray Perimeter Trail directly. "The campground has direct access to the Ouray Perimeter Trail, a short-ish (~4.2 miles to cover the entire loop around the outer edge of town) hike that follows the bluffs around the outskirts of the town proper and offers great views," shares Tyler G.
Hot springs soaking: all-day access: When staying at Orvis Hot Springs, you get "24/hr access to the hot springs, showers, coffee, etc." according to Grace. The $50/person camping fee includes unlimited soaking in multiple pools of varying temperatures.
Mountain views from camp: Dakota Terraces Campground offers panoramic mountain vistas. "We stayed in site 021 which has a gorgeous view of the mountains. Clean bathrooms, great hiking trails, beautiful views," explains Lori A. The campground's elevation provides excellent vantage points of surrounding peaks.
River sounds for sleeping: At 4J + 1+ 1 RV Park, campers appreciate sites alongside the Uncompahgre River. "This little place is on the outskirts of Ouray, tucked into the base of the mountain... Offers clean bathrooms, free showers, playground, and beautiful creek side camping," notes JJ V. River sites provide natural white noise for sleeping.
Facilities and services: Ouray KOA stands out for its amenities. "They have everything from teepees to tent, cabin and RV camping. A great restaurant on site with a well stocked store and laundry facilities. This place is really well run," shares Todd G. Many campers appreciate the on-site food options after long days exploring.
Weather patterns: Mountain storms develop quickly near Ridgway. "It rains here more often than other places in the state but that means healthier tree cover too," explains Anna T. about Amphitheater Campground. Always bring rain gear, even for day hikes.
Limited availability: Popular campgrounds fill fast, especially in peak season. "This campground is up the mountain overlooking Ouray. We loved it. It was quiet and peaceful. Fairly large campground but everyone was respectful and it was extremely quiet sleeping under the stars," shares Brandi F., who recommends advance reservations for Amphitheater Campground.
Road conditions: Access to Last Dollar Road dispersed camping requires appropriate vehicles. "The road gets a bit more rough at that point - would not be an issue for a 4WD. I, however, was not in a 4WD. I was in a big Nissan van - I made it up fine but did have a couple of 'I wonder if this was a good idea' moments," reports David.
Kid-friendly fishing spots: Pa-Co-Chu-Puk features stocked ponds perfect for young anglers. "There are a couple ponds nearby that are heavily stocked with hungry rainbow trout. We saw quite a few kids leave with their limit of 9-11" stockers. There is also a fish cleaning station at the bathrooms that is VERY well equipped making this an ideal place to teach kids to love fishing," writes Zachary K.
Playground access: Some Ridgway camping areas include play equipment. "This park is a great place for families because there is so much to do, from the endless bike trails to fishing and water access," says Jason S. about Dakota Terraces Campground, adding that "all of the sites are large and have plenty of space from the next site."
Swimming opportunities: Telluride Town Park Campground offers water access for cooling off. "Located inside the town park with jaw dropping views. Campsites are covered with tree bark, lots of shade and trees," explains Mariana E. The adjacent San Miguel River provides natural swimming holes during summer months.
Leveling requirements: Many sites require equipment to get level. "Stayed for just one night at site 55. Needed all our levelers as the site is sloped downhill," reports Ursula about Dakota Terraces Campground. Bring extra leveling blocks for mountain terrain.
RV size considerations: Campgrounds vary in their ability to accommodate larger rigs. "Sites were well maintained, the bathrooms are cleaned and checked twice daily by the friendly hosts... The sites aren't the largest due to the size limitations of building a campground on a hillside, but still offer tons of privacy," notes Tyler G. about Amphitheater Campground.
Hookup availability: Electrical hookups can be limited at some campgrounds. "We stayed in the RV lot which didn't offer a ton of privacy. But the tent/rv camping on the hill above does and has even more stunning views," explains Allison M. about Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground, highlighting the tradeoff between privacy and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Ridgway, Colorado?
Ridgway offers exceptional camping opportunities with breathtaking mountain views. Owl Creek Pass provides a magical dispersed camping experience with stunning aspen forests, flowing rivers, and waterfalls. For those seeking a more established option, Matterhorn — Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre And Gunnison National Forest offers an excellent balance of comfort and adventure in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Other notable options include Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area for lakeside camping and Ridgway State Park's three campgrounds. The area's strategic location also makes it ideal for exploring nearby attractions in Ouray, Telluride, and Montrose.
What is the best time of year to go camping in Ridgway, Colorado?
Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the most reliable weather for camping in Ridgway. Summer provides warm days and cool nights ideal for outdoor activities, though this is also the busiest season. Elk Ridge Campground — Ridgway State Park campers note the high desert climate creates hot days and cold nights, so pack accordingly. Fall brings spectacular colors, especially at Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area where the changing aspen leaves create a stunning backdrop. Some campgrounds like Dakota Terraces offer limited winter camping, though with reduced services (no water hookups). Always check seasonal closures and road conditions when planning outside the peak summer months.
What RV parks and facilities are available in Ridgway, CO?
Centennial RV Park offers spacious pull-through RV sites with well-maintained facilities including clean bathrooms, laundry, and a dedicated dog walking area. Located between Ridgway and Montrose, it provides stunning views of the San Juan mountain range. For those seeking more amenities, Ouray KOA serves as an excellent basecamp with full hookups and comfortable facilities. Within Ridgway State Park, the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk area accommodates RVs with electrical hookups, though tent/RV camping on the hill above offers more privacy and spectacular views. Most RV parks in the area provide easy access to Ridgway, Ouray, and Telluride, making them convenient bases for exploring the region.
Is camping available at Ridgway State Park and what facilities does it offer?
Ridgway State Park offers excellent camping across three distinct campgrounds. Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground provides facilities with showers, laundry, and power/water hookups at sites. Dakota Terraces Campground features stunning views of the San Juan Mountains with electric hookups (note: water hookups are unavailable during winter months). Both campgrounds offer clean facilities, easy reservoir access, and well-maintained sites. The park provides convenient proximity to Ridgway, Ouray, and Telluride, with excellent hiking trails near the reservoir. Coin-operated showers (25¢) and laundry facilities are available. Campground hosts are consistently praised for their helpfulness, making Ridgway State Park a comfortable and scenic base for exploring the surrounding region.
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