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Uncompahgre National Forest Thistledown Campground

6 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Uncompahgre National Forest Thistledown Campground, near Ouray, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without breaking the bank. With sites that are mostly along a creek, you can enjoy stunning views and the soothing sounds of water as you settle in for the night.

This campground is a great choice for tent campers and RV enthusiasts alike, though keep in mind that it’s not set up for big rigs. Visitors have mentioned the unique experience of camping in a more isolated area, especially at the walk-in sites, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of larger campgrounds. One camper noted, “I enjoyed hearing the sound of the creek every night as I fell asleep.”

While there are no showers or drinking water available, the vault toilets and bear boxes at each site help keep things manageable. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-September, making it a prime location for summer adventures. If you’re up for a little hike, the nearby trails lead to breathtaking views and rock climbing opportunities.

Some campers have pointed out that the vault toilets could use some attention, but the overall experience of camping here, especially with the beautiful aspen trees and the surrounding wilderness, makes it worth it. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Thistledown Campground offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Colorado’s stunning landscape.

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Location

Uncompahgre National Forest Thistledown Campground is located in Colorado

Directions

Travel south on Colorado State Highway 550 from Ouray, CO. Turn right (west) at end of town on County Road 361 (Canyon Creek Road). Turn left at campground sign.

Coordinates

37.99363007 N
107.70076018 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Ouray KOA Holiday

14 min away

Silver Lake

1 hr 39 min away

Drive Time

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1 hr 50 min from Grand Junction
3 hrs 27 min from Farmington
4 hrs 45 min from Pueblo
5 hrs 6 min from Colorado Springs

Connectivity

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VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Phone Service
Reservable
Alcohol
Pets

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info

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Philippe M.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 19, 2025

Mountain air next to a clear creek

Small campground next to the beautiful river cascading down the mountain. Bear warning signs are on the bulletin board.

Site3

Month of VisitSeptember

(4) View All

Renee T.

Ranger

Reviewed Oct. 26, 2023

Fall colors and Creekside Camping

Mostly empty in October. Good price $10. Close to town. Vault toilet.

Site2 and 8

Month of VisitOctober

(10) View All

Stephanie M.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2023

Pure Colorado

A lot of people say this campground contains 9 sites. That is incorrect. There are 12 sites! There are 4 additional sites up the road from Sites 1-8. Sites 10-12 are walk in camping. You must haul all of your stuff up the hill but the pluses are: no trailers/rvs and headlights shining into your tent as people depart in the early mornings, very isolated and only fellow tent campers allowed. I enjoyed hearing the sound of the creek every night as I fell asleep. We camped in site #12 and it was the farthest up the hill. We hauled all of our stuff up and down every day because there is a lot of bear activity in the area. My husband got a peek at him our second night and the campers at site 9 (down the hill) also were visited by him. Sites 10 and 11 share a bear box. Site 12 has their own box up the hill from the campsite. The biggest negative is that the walk to the vault toilet is 20 minutes round trip from Site 12. Cheap camping and a very unique experience. Highly recommend!

Site#12

Month of VisitJuly

Karin S.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2022

Stunning views along creek

This was our third choice after Amphitheater and Angel Creek. We were so happy that no sites were available at the first two campgrounds. Thistledown was beautiful. Our site #3 was right along the creek with views of the cliffs. There were three additional small tent pads in addition to the provided gravel pad. All sites are provided a bear box and vault toilets and trash dumpster are available. Creek was silty due to rain so was not a reliable water source. $10/night.

Site3

Month of VisitJuly

Abigail R.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 10, 2021

Beautiful aspen trees

Nothing wrong with the campsites but it was pretty crowded. I think we got the last open spot and the stinkiest vault toilets ever. Burned my eyes to go in there. 🤢

We stayed here for the Mount sneffels hike. We drove as close to the trailhead as we could with a 4x4 vehicle but didn’t have high enough clearance to make it all the way up.

Sadly there was too much snow/ice for us to summit and had to turn around at 13,900 ft.

Sitecan’t remember

Month of VisitJuly

Florian J.

Guide

Reviewed May. 21, 2021

Nice site along the creek (traffic up nearby road audible but not too loud)

There are about 8 sites, most of them relatively close to each other (within sight). When we arrived ---for two days--- bathrooms were in a bad shape. But the campground host seemed to just have arrived, and the next day things looked better (still, it's close to Ouray and relatively highly frequented; incl. people stopping by on their way up Camp Bird rd to the various trailheads). Fire rings at this site do not have grills.

Site6

Month of VisitMay

(7) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Thistledown Campground in Ouray?

Thistledown Campground offers basic facilities including vault toilets, designated camping sites, and some tent pads. The campground features 12 sites total - 8 standard sites and 4 additional sites located up the road, with sites 10-12 being walk-in only. Some campsites are situated along a creek with beautiful cliff views. The camping fee is $10 per night. No potable water or electrical hookups are available, so campers should bring their own water supply. The campground is maintained by a host who keeps the facilities in order.

What activities and attractions are near Thistledown Campground?

Thistledown Campground serves as an excellent base for outdoor adventures in the Ouray area. It's conveniently close to the Mount Sneffels hiking trail, a popular destination requiring 4x4 vehicle access to reach the trailhead. The campground's proximity to Ouray town provides easy access to hot springs, dining, and shopping. The San Juan Mountains offer abundant recreation opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, and photography. Telluride is within driving distance, making Thistledown a good option for exploring multiple Colorado mountain towns during your stay.

Are there photos available of Thistledown Campground?

Yes, photos of Thistledown Campground are available online. These images typically showcase the campground's natural setting, which includes creekside sites, surrounding cliff views, and the overall layout of the camping area. To view the most current and comprehensive collection of photos, check the official Uncompahgre National Forest website, recreation.gov, or camping apps like The Dyrt where visitors frequently share their camping experiences with photos.

What do visitors say in reviews about Thistledown Campground?

Visitors highlight Thistledown's beautiful setting, particularly site #3 which offers creek access and cliff views. Many appreciate the campground's proximity to Ouray while still providing a natural experience. The campground can get crowded during peak seasons, with sites filling up quickly. Some mention the vault toilets can be in rough condition at times. Several campers note they were pleasantly surprised by Thistledown after it being their backup choice. The campground is described as relatively quiet in October, and many value the affordable $10 nightly fee.

Is RV camping available at Thistledown Campground in Ouray Colorado?

Yes, RV camping is available at Thistledown Campground, but with limitations. The campground can accommodate smaller RVs and trailers at sites 1-8. Sites 10-12 are walk-in tent sites only, located up a hill away from the RV area. No hookups are available, making this a dry camping experience. The campground's layout and site dimensions are better suited for modest-sized RVs rather than large motorhomes. For a true RV experience with hookups, you might want to consider alternative campgrounds in the Ouray area.

How do I make reservations at Thistledown Campground?

Thistledown Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservation system. To secure a site, arrive early, especially during peak summer months when the campground fills quickly. The fee is $10 per night, payable on-site. For the most current information about possible reservation policy changes, contact the Uncompahgre National Forest office or check the USFS website before your trip.

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