Camping areas near Somerset, Colorado range from established RV parks to primitive tent sites across a varied landscape of river valleys and mountain terrain. Lost Lake Campground, located in Somerset itself, operates from June to October and offers tent and RV options with boat-in access. Several mixed-use campgrounds including Kebler Corner provide cabins alongside traditional camping, situated along rivers and near hiking trails. The North Fork Valley area contains Paradise Campground and Rentals, which features cabin rentals alongside traditional camping sites, while Sage View Ranch offers eclectic accommodations including converted buses and tipis.
Primitive sites throughout the region remain accessible primarily during summer months, with most campgrounds closing by late October. "The location is perfect, dark sky to admire the stars," noted a visitor to Sage View Ranch, highlighting the area's remote qualities. Somerset's camping areas sit at higher elevations, resulting in cooler temperatures even during summer months, while monsoon storms can affect outdoor activities from July through September. Cell service remains limited or non-existent at many campgrounds, with Kebler Corner among the few offering WiFi access. Road access varies considerably, with some campgrounds requiring travel on gravel forest roads, particularly those near Kebler Pass that connect Somerset to Crested Butte.
River access represents a significant attraction for campers in the Somerset area. According to one camper at Kebler Corner, "It is right on the river so my husband was happy to be able to fish right behind our RV." Many developed campgrounds near Somerset feature riverside sites with concrete pads for easy leveling. Several visitors mentioned proximity to outdoor recreation as a key benefit of the region's camping areas. The North Fork Valley campgrounds provide convenient access to nearby towns including Paonia and Hotchkiss, allowing campers to explore local wineries and produce stands. While some campgrounds offer full amenities including showers and electric hookups, others maintain a more primitive experience with vault toilets and minimal facilities, giving campers options based on their preferred comfort level.
$32 - $166 / night
"Every year, my family (+- 10 people) heads somewhere in Colorado to camp over Labor Day. This year we headed up to Marble, CO and stayed at the Bogan Flats campground."
"Lovely quite campground in the woods next to a river. We stayed on the side away from the river and I wish we had stayed on the river side, but it was still fantastic."
"Lost Lake Campground near Crested Butte, Colorado, is a hidden gem that combines serene alpine beauty with a peaceful camping experience."
"There are some reserve able sites near the lake, and some first come/first serve sites as well. Also dispersed camping on the way up to the campground."
$35 - $725 / night
"It is quiet and peaceful next to the roaring of the river. Perfectly situated between Paonia (Big B’s cider) and Kebler pass leading to Crested Butte."
"The tent spots were in a different area on the other side of the property a little away from the busier parts."
$20 - $34 / night
"The South Rim Campground is similar to other national park campground in that it provides convenient access to park activities and trails, but it stands apart due to the fact that the camping fees are"
"Most of the outer sites are tucked into the forest so there is a decent level of privacy. Lots of deer frequent the area, we saw several on each trip."
$24 / night
"Just a short drive from downtown CB, lake Irwin is absolutely gorgeous. Situated on the lake with stunning mountain views in every direction."
"Amazing spot to spend the weekend with incredible views outside of our tent. Maybe 1/2mile walk maximum to the lake."
$18 - $36 / night
"As we were leaving the campground, we realized several of the cows had walked through our campsite to drink from the reservoir."
"We pulled in for the night after a long day of driving. The place was completely empty. Everything seems newly constructed. The pit toilet was spotless and empty. "
"Breathing mountain views, walking distance to the town and wine tasting, hanging with goats and chickens, peaceful, safe and definitely relaxing."
"Location is hard to beat."
$36 / night
"Great view of the lake but the lake level was down so we weren't as close as you could be but still a great lake & mountain view. I have Verizon I had 2 to 3 bars & could stream Pandora."
"Many vineyards close by. Joe Cocker (rock singer) had a ranch nearby."
$25 - $170 / night
"Campsites are a small piece of grassy area next to a pond or on an outside loop. Portable toilets only. Traffic noise at night."
"Our only complaint was that it was quite hot (topped out near 100 degrees)."
"Great location right next to the park! There are plenty of sites and the views are beautiful. Entrance was slightly rutted so make sure you can off-road just a bit!"
"A few minutes outside the south gate of the park. Multiple sites, most of which are on dirt. Paths to and from can be a bit rough for most passenger vehicles. But it’s quite and close to the park."
GuideRight near entrance to Black Canyon of the Gunnison! Traditional campsites with firepits but no picnic tables. Road pretty easy to drive with a Prius though we didn't go far before picking a site. Plenty of wood to scavenge on the ground for fire.
ScoutThe camp ground is right in town pretty much, but it’s not too loud and it’s on the end of town so you can barely realize. I brought my new pop up here for the first use as a test run.
GuideLevel, well maintained, quite with short hikes, fishing, swimming, and picnic area.
TravelerStayed 2 nights in early April and honestly… this place feels like another planet in the best way.
The drive in was easy and completely manageable — no stress, no white-knuckle sections — which made it perfect for getting the kids out there without worrying about access. Once you arrive, the views are immediately breathtaking. Red rock cliffs, layered canyon walls, and wide open desert landscapes in every direction. It really does feel other-worldly.
The best part for us was the exploring right from camp. No need to load up the car — we just stepped out and wandered. Tons of kid-friendly hiking, scrambling, and climbing on soft sandstone hills and boulders. The terrain is adventurous without being sketchy, so the kids could roam, climb, and slide while we relaxed nearby. It’s basically a natural playground.
We also loved how quiet and spread out everything felt. Plenty of space to pick a scenic spot and enjoy the solitude.
Only con: It’s the desert… so yeah — sand and red dirt everywhere. Shoes, tent, kids, food — all instantly dusty. But honestly, that’s part of the experience and we knew exactly what we were signing up for.
Overall: Easy access + unreal scenery + perfect kid-friendly exploring right from camp = absolutely worth it. We’ll definitely be back.
GuideIt's gorgeous up here! I camped at the first spot in the turnout to avoid mud. After a walk I found more sites that were down the right hand road that I could have gotten to with my low clearance vehicle. There were old beer cans and trash that I picked up along the way. Some defunct fire pits and some used ones. Pretty busy but everyone was polite and quiet!
GuideWe visited twice between the end of March and early April. The road up to what could be considered 2 or 3 small sites, aside from the bottom 2 was rough. When wet it is very slick and slimy.
Overall, there was a beautiful view of Harvey Gap State Park and we will be back.
ScoutI have been to this place many times, just to take my dog out enjoy the river and the sandy beach- like waterfront. It is truly a hidden in plain site gem! The entrance is a little sketchy to get into, if you know how to drive a truck with a pull behind you can make it down into this campsite. Not for the beginners! I wouldn't recommend taking a 5th wheel or anything bigger down this little trail. There are big grooves in the dirtroad and once you're in, you're all in because there's no turning around until you get to the river/ camping grounds about a football field away from the entrance. This place is worth it!
ScoutThe road in was very nice. Quite a few campsites right off the road. I had a pleasant 2 night stay.
GuideGreat spot, busy but once the sunset it was quiet and very peaceful.
Somerset camping areas sit at elevations between 7,000-10,000 feet, creating a distinct high-country experience with temperatures that can drop below freezing even in summer. The North Fork Valley's weather patterns bring monsoon rainfall primarily in late afternoons during July and August. Most campgrounds open late May through mid-October, with primitive sites remaining accessible as late as early November depending on snowfall.
Fishing opportunities: At Bogan Flats Campground, the Crystal River provides excellent trout fishing directly from multiple sites. "We had space 21, right on the river - and it was wonderful. Pull through and easy walking distance to the restroom but not too close," notes Carrie H. Many campers report catching trout throughout summer months.
Hiking trail access: From Lake Irwin Campground, multiple trails extend into the surrounding mountains. "There is a lot of hiking in the area. Loved it!" shares Carol O. The campground connects to the Dyke Trailhead, offering a "13+ mile beautiful mountain biking/hiking trail" according to Katelyn M.
Dark sky stargazing: Somerset's remote location creates exceptional night sky viewing conditions. "The stars were beautiful," reports Bendee Z. from Bogan Flats. Several campgrounds sit at higher elevations with minimal light pollution, making astronomy activities particularly rewarding from June through September.
River sounds: The rushing water creates natural white noise at riverside sites. "Sleeping next to the roar of the river was wonderful," explains Martine C. about her stay at Bogan Flats. Many campers specifically request riverside sites for this feature.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife populations visible from campsites. "We saw some wild turkeys and deer up there," reports Nicole D. from Bogan Flats. At Crawford State Park, campers can "watch beavers swimming in and out of the marsh in the evening," according to Reames C.
Local dining options: Several nearby towns offer dining worth the drive from camp. "Don't miss Slow Grovin' for some great BBQ!" advises Mitch K. about restaurants in Marble, while Amy S. notes the Somerset area is "a little far away from civilization/stores, which is exactly what we were looking for."
Road conditions: Access to many campgrounds requires travel on unpaved roads. "The road is a bit rough with tight turns for the last 2 miles, so your 40' trailer might be challenging," warns Jerry R. about Lost Lake Campground. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing primitive sites.
Temperature variations: Mountain elevations create significant day-to-night temperature swings. "It did get coooold during early June, bring a good sleeping bag and warm clothes!!" advises Amy S. about Bogan Flats. Nighttime temperatures regularly drop below 40°F even in July.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance planning. "We came on a Friday around 3pm and got a site. Apparently we got lucky," shares Ann E. about Lost Lake Campground. Sites with electricity or riverside views typically book 3-6 months in advance.
Activity options: Big B's Delicious Orchards offers family-friendly camping with built-in entertainment. "Our kids aged 8 and 11 absolutely loved the big tree swings," shares Greg. The campground features "a playground and some activities in a covered space like velcro axe throwing and corn hole," according to Jeane L.
Site selection strategies: Choose sites based on your family's specific needs. "I feel like most of the spots are more suited for RVs and not tents, but we made it work," explains Dorinda H. about Crawford State Park. Families often prefer sites near bathrooms but away from high-traffic areas.
Weather preparation: Pack for rapid weather changes typical of mountain environments. "We had a wild thunder, lightning and wind storm with violent downdrafts—typical for this country," reports Deborah D. from South Rim Campground. Families should bring rain gear year-round.
Hookup availability: Kebler Corner offers full-service RV sites with modern amenities. "The angled spots and strategic landscaping help too," explains Jeane L. about site design, noting that sites include "level pads" that accommodate various RV sizes.
Site leveling considerations: Pay attention to pad construction when selecting sites. "It was a concrete pad so easy to level," reports Tarrah about Kebler Corner's RV sites. Many campgrounds feature gravel sites requiring additional leveling equipment.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds provide sanitary facilities. "The bathrooms were in bad shape," warns Ali W. about Paonia State Park. RVers should plan to use dump stations in nearby towns like Hotchkiss (15 minutes from Paradise Campground) or bring portable waste tanks for longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Somerset, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Somerset, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 260 campgrounds and RV parks near Somerset, CO and 53 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Somerset, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Somerset, CO is Bogan Flats Campground Grp S with a 4.6-star rating from 27 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Somerset, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 53 free dispersed camping spots near Somerset, CO.
What parks are near Somerset, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Somerset, CO that allow camping, notably Gunnison National Forest and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Keep Exploring
