Camping near Curecanti National Recreation Area

Camping near Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes, with one reviewer mentioning, "Beautiful 1 mile hike to the visitor center. Super convenient if you’re planning to do anything inner canyon" at the South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
• Fishing: The waters around Elk Creek Campground are great for fishing. One camper shared, "Fly fishing in the Gunnison as well as great fishing and swimming in Blue Mesa Reservoir is a short walk or drive."
• Stargazing: The area is known for its dark skies. A visitor at the South Rim Campground noted, "This is a dark sky park. Took photos of the stars."

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. One reviewer at Gunnison National Forest Lake Irwin Campground said, "The bathrooms were super clean and the showers were nice and hot."
• Proximity to attractions: Many campgrounds are close to popular spots. A camper at Elk Creek Campground mentioned, "You are in close proximity to other campers as is usual in a BLM or NFS campground."
• Wildlife sightings: Campers enjoy the chance to see wildlife. One visitor at Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area noted, "We saw moose in the afternoon into evening."

What you should know:

• Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Black Canyon Dispersed Camping, lack basic facilities. A reviewer pointed out, "No toilets, no trash, no water hookups."
• Crowded during peak times: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping warned, "You will more than likely be side by side with someone but that didn’t bother me too much."
• Road conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area mentioned, "You do need to know how to drive on and around rock in the road."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities. One camper at Ridgway State Park said, "Bathrooms were super clean and the showers were nice and hot."
• Plan activities: Make sure to have a list of fun things to do. A family at Gunnison National Forest Lake Irwin Campground enjoyed, "Beautiful day hiking and swimming."
• Bring games and entertainment: Keep kids engaged during downtime. A reviewer at Ouray KOA mentioned, "There is a game room with old school arcade games for the kids."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have size limitations. A visitor at Amphitheater Campground cautioned, "Got up to the entrance to find signs warning of overall length limitations."
• Look for electric hookups: Not all sites offer this. A camper at Elk Creek Campground noted, "The only thing I would say to give anyone a heads up about coming here is the wind is pretty bad."
• Be prepared for wildlife: Keep food secure to avoid rodent issues. A reviewer at Gunnison National Forest Lake Irwin Campground mentioned, "The main issue here is this place has a serious rodent issue."

Camping near Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference.