The sound of Slate River runs through this BLM campground where sites spread across both sides of a creek crossing. Oh Be Joyful Campground sits along a rough dirt road about 20 minutes from Crested Butte, with some sites requiring vehicles to ford the shallow river to reach the quieter spots on the far bank. The campground operates on a reservation system managed by the Bureau of Land Management, with sites ranging from $20-60 per night.
Sites vary considerably in quality and privacy. The numbered sites closest to the water offer creek access and natural sound barriers, while some walk-in tent sites sit uncomfortably close to foot traffic areas. Victoria F. stayed at site 11 and found it had "the best amount of tree shade available" with easy stream access for dogs. Bear boxes provide food storage at each site, and vault toilets serve the campground.
The Oh Be Joyful trailhead begins directly from the campground, leading into glaciated canyon terrain with waterfalls and mountain views. Slate River offers fishing opportunities, and several campers report success catching trout in the deeper pools. The campground provides immediate trail access for hiking and mountain biking, with routes connecting back to town for those preferring pedal power over driving the bumpy access road.
Access requires navigating a rutted dirt road that becomes muddy after rain, though standard vehicles can manage the route with care. Cell service remains spotty throughout the area. The campground host maintains an irregular presence, leading to occasional issues with site squatters despite the reservation system. Campers exploring the broader region can find campgrounds around Crested Butte for additional options.
Book reservations well ahead during summer months, and bring a vehicle with decent clearance for the access road.
Description
Overview
Approximately 5 miles from Crested Butte, Colorado, Oh Be Joyful Campground is a 30-unit campground along the Slate River. The campground itself gets its name from nearby Oh Be Joyful Creek that features massive waterfalls and colorful wildflowers in the summer months. The campground is located at approximately 9,000 feet in elevation and the views are spectacular._There is no cell service at this location, please save or print a copy of your reservation confirmation prior to arrival.
Recreation
This premier area is known for camping, fishing, horseback riding, sight-seeing, hiking/walking, water play, kayaking, mountain biking, wildflower viewing, and motorized recreational uses. A foot bridge allows visitors to access the west side of the Slate River to hike along Oh Be Joyful Creek and into the Raggeds Wilderness.
Facilities
This 30-unit campground was recently renovated and has 14 RV campsites, 15 walk-in tent campsites, one walk-in group campsite and 3 vault restrooms. This campground is normally full and not available unless you have a reservation. Each campsite has a parking space, metal fire ring, picnic table, tent pad and bear proof food storage locker. Drinking water, electric hook-ups and trash service are not available at Oh Be Joyful so bring your own water and plan to take your own trash with you when you leave. Parking is available for day use visitors who come to Oh Be Joyful to hike, play in the water, picnic, etc. The access road (BLM Road 3220) into Oh Be Joyful Campground is steep and can be rough. The campground can accommodate RVs but the rough road down to the campground may not be suitable for larger low clearance rigs.
Natural Features
The campground sits directly on the east bank of the Slate River and is nestled in a valley with mountains on either side of the valley. Due to the abundance of moisture in the spring and early summer, wildflowers are abundant. Look for our State flower the Columbine and other species including Indian Paintbrush and Avalanche Lilies.
Charges & Cancellations
Reservations cannot be modified less than 72 hours prior to reservation start date. This means no modifications can be made to a 4-day advanced reservation.Only 2 modifications can be made to a 180-day advanced reservations sites.Reservation cancellations occurring less than 72 hours prior to reservation start date are subject to NO REFUND.
Fee Info
Fee $20 per night at individual sites, $60 per night at group sites. 22 Sites can be reserved 180-days in advance. The remaining 7 sites can be reserved 4 days in advance. Reservations are encouraged; walk-up availability is unlikely during peak season May 27 to September 30. 14 Day Max Stay
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsOh Be Joyful Campground is located in Colorado near Crested Butte
Directions
From the town of Crested Butte, drive north on Gothic Road. (County road 317) towards Mount Crested Butte. Cross the Slate River and turn left on Slate River Road (County Road 734). Follow this up the valley for approximately 5 miles to BLM Road 3220. Turn left onto BLM Road 3220 and continue for approximately 0.3 miles to a Oh Be Joyful Campground. BLM Road 3220 is steep and rough, low clearance vehicles and larger RVs may want to scout the road before driving down to the campground.
Coordinates
38.914376 N
107.032762 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/11/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 5/11/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/11/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/11/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 5/11/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/11/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 53 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 53 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 4 hrs 17 min from Denver, CO
- 4 hrs 26 min from Boulder, CO




































