East Portal Campground

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Step back in time at Cimarron Campground, where the echoes of steam whistles and chugging locomotives still whisper through the pines. Nestled 20 miles east of Montrose, Colorado, this unique camping destination sits on the grounds of a historic narrow gauge railroad town, offering visitors a chance to sleep where railway workers once made their homes. The campground welcomes tent campers and medium-sized RVs on a first-come, first-served basis, with fascinating railroad exhibits just steps from your campsite. A short 1.5-mile journey leads to the sparkling waters of Crystal Reservoir near Morrow Point Dam, where adventure awaits.

Ponderosa Campground, Soap Creek Road, Colorado

Escape to Ponderosa Campground, where tranquility meets breathtaking vistas at the secluded northwest corner of Blue Mesa Reservoir's Soap Creek Arm. Perched at an elevation of 7,880 feet, this peaceful retreat beckons adventurers with diverse camping options—from convenient car camping and trailer sites to intimate walk-in tent spots that promise a true connection with nature. Here, solitude isn't just promised; it's delivered with panoramic views that stretch across Colorado's stunning high country.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Nestled in the shadow of towering canyon walls, Cimarron Campground offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and living history. This tranquil retreat welcomes both tent campers and medium-sized RVs, where the whistle of bygone locomotives seems to echo through the surrounding railroad exhibits. Each thoughtfully positioned site comes equipped with picnic tables, fire grates, and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Modern amenities including flush toilets, seasonal drinking water, and recycling facilities ensure comfort without compromising the authentic camping experience. With Crystal Reservoir's shimmering waters nearby and hiking trails beckoning from every direction, Cimarron serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring this remarkable corner of the American West.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Tucked away in a dramatic narrow canyon at the southernmost reaches of Blue Mesa Reservoir's Lake Fork Arm, Gateview Campground offers an intimate wilderness escape for adventurous tent campers. The journey here winds along a narrow gravel road that descends into this secluded haven, where towering canyon walls create a natural amphitheater at 7,538 feet above sea level. This hidden gem rewards those seeking solitude and authentic outdoor experiences far from the crowds.

County Rd 858, Montrose, CO 81401

Nestled within three enchanting loops named after Colorado's rich heritage—Chipeta, Ouray, and Sapinero—Silver Jack Campground invites you to experience camping beneath a cathedral of towering aspens and ancient spruce trees. With 60 thoughtfully placed campsites, this woodland retreat offers both intimate single-family spots and a dedicated group camping loop for larger gatherings. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and campfire ring, perfect for evening storytelling under the stars. Fresh drinking water flows throughout the campground, while nearby Silver Jack Reservoir sparkles just beyond the trees, and the rugged trails of Cimarron Ridge beckon adventurers to explore.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Escape to the untamed beauty of Big Cimarron, where adventure begins the moment you arrive. This hidden gem operates on a first-come, first-served basis, offering spontaneous travelers the chance to claim their perfect spot among nature's grandeur. No reservations needed—just pack your gear and let the open road lead you to this wilderness sanctuary.

2505 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO, 81401, USA

Tucked away in a pristine aspen grove at 9,000 feet, Jackson Guard Station invites you to step back in time to a simpler era of mountain living. This authentic Forest Service cabin, once home to hardworking ranger crews, now offers adventurers a chance to experience true wilderness solitude near the sparkling waters of Silver Jack Reservoir. Wake to the whisper of aspen leaves, spend your days exploring endless trails by foot or ATV, cast a line into crystal-clear waters, or track elk through golden meadows. When winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, strap on snowshoes for magical forest explorations. While the cabin provides cozy shelter with essential amenities, its lack of electricity and running water ensures an authentic backcountry experience that reconnects you with nature's rhythms.

10346 Hwy. 347, Montrose, CO 81401, USA

Perched on the dramatic South Rim of one of Colorado's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, this year-round campground invites adventurers to experience the raw beauty of the Black Canyon. Wake to golden sunrises illuminating sheer canyon walls, spend days exploring winding trails, and end each evening beneath a canopy of stars so brilliant they seem close enough to touch. The campground's thoughtfully designed loops nestle among fragrant scrub oak forests, offering modern conveniences like electric hookups alongside the timeless appeal of vault toilets. Keep your camera ready—curious deer often wander through camp at dawn, while lucky visitors might spot elusive bobcats, black bears, or the distinctive drumming of grouse echoing through the trees.

102 ELK CREEK, GUNNISON, CO 81230, USA

Perched majestically near the Blue Mesa Reservoir's dam, Lake Fork Campground offers an unforgettable gateway to the stunning Curecanti National Recreation Area. While RV enthusiasts will find plenty of spacious sites to call home, adventurous tent campers can discover hidden pockets of seclusion among the sagebrush. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, or simply sitting back to watch the sun paint the Black Canyon walls in shades of gold and crimson, Lake Fork delivers the quintessential Colorado high-country experience.

21001 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA

Tucked away in the heart of Curecanti National Recreation Area, Red Creek Group Site beckons groups seeking an intimate escape into Colorado's high country. This hidden gem offers a perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility, where towering cottonwood trees create natural cathedral ceilings above your campsite. The gentle murmur of Red Creek mingles with the distant lapping of Blue Mesa Reservoir's waters, creating a soundtrack for unforgettable group gatherings under star-filled skies.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Discover your perfect escape at Soap Creek Campground, where 21 thoughtfully designed sites await adventurers seeking authentic wilderness experiences. Choose from spacious pull-through sites ideal for RVs, secluded walk-in tent sites that immerse you in nature, or claim your spot along the creek's gentle waters. While Site #11 once offered the coveted riverfront RV experience, nature has temporarily reclaimed this spot as erosion works its magic around the fire pit. The campground maintains a rustic charm with vault toilet facilities, encouraging visitors to embrace the simplicity of outdoor living without running water—just you, your gear, and the great outdoors.

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Discover your riverside retreat at Cottonwood Grove Campground, where towering cottonwood trees create a natural canopy along the banks of the Gunnison River. This intimate campground offers six thoughtfully spaced sites, including one fully ADA-accessible site complete with its own fishing pier for anglers of all abilities. Launch your kayak or canoe from the convenient boat ramp, then return to your shaded sanctuary equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and sheltering structures. Best of all, this hidden gem comes without a price tag—camping is completely free on a first-come, first-served basis, making it perfect for spontaneous adventures.

210 West Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA

Tucked away along the rushing waters of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, Red Bridge Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's rugged beauty. This charming riverside retreat features just seven thoughtfully spaced campsites, each a private sanctuary complete with its own parking area, sturdy metal fire ring, and weathered picnic table perfect for morning coffee or evening meals under the stars. While you'll need to bring your own drinking water, the campground provides modern ADA-accessible vault facilities, ensuring comfort meets wilderness. Here, the soundtrack of flowing water replaces city noise, and the simplicity of unplugged living invites you to reconnect with nature's rhythms.

Lake Fork of The Gunnison River Recreation Area, Gunnison Field Office, 210 West Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Nestled within The Gate, one of Colorado's most dramatic geological wonders, this intimate 8-site campground offers an escape into a world sculpted by millennia of rushing water. Here, where the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River has carved its masterpiece through ancient rock, campers find themselves surrounded by towering stone walls that tell the story of the earth itself. With essential amenities including two vault restrooms and a hand-pumped well providing fresh mountain water, visitors can comfortably immerse themselves in this natural amphitheater while enjoying classic outdoor pursuits like streamside picnicking and casting lines into the crystalline waters below.

216 N. Colorado Street, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Perched high in the alpine wilderness at 9,600 feet, the Alpine Ranger Station beckons adventurers with two charming semi-rustic cabins nestled among towering evergreens. These cozy mountain retreats blend rustic charm with modern comforts, featuring solar-powered lighting, fully equipped kitchens with propane stoves and refrigerators, and crackling potbelly wood stoves that warm both body and soul. A convenient bathhouse with vault toilet ensures comfort even in this remote paradise, while panoramic mountain vistas and endless outdoor adventures await just beyond your doorstep.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Experience the authentic charm of spontaneous adventure at this first-come, first-served campground, where your perfect campsite awaits those who arrive ready to explore. Simply drive in, choose your ideal spot among the available sites, and settle into your outdoor home away from home. Making your stay even more convenient, you can quickly secure your site using the Recreation.gov mobile app's Scan and Pay feature—just scan the QR code at your chosen campsite and you're all set for your wilderness escape.

Box 147, Crawford, Colorado, 81415, United States

Nestled in Colorado's stunning western landscape, Crawford State Park beckons adventurers with its pristine camping facilities and soul-stirring mountain vistas. Here, where crystal-clear waters mirror towering peaks, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned between two of Colorado's natural treasures—the dramatic Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the expansive Blue Mesa Reservoir. Wake to birdsong in this tranquil haven where modern amenities meet unspoiled wilderness, creating the ideal basecamp for your Colorado adventure.

28555 Highway 550, Ridgway, Colorado, 81432, United States

Nestled in the heart of Colorado's stunning landscape, Ridgway State Park beckons adventurers with 283 thoughtfully designed campsites and 3 cozy yurts spread across three distinct campgrounds. Whether you're casting a line into pristine waters, launching your boat for a day of exploration, or hitting scenic trails that wind through high desert terrain, this outdoor paradise delivers endless possibilities. After a day of adventure, you'll appreciate the park's exceptional amenities – from spotless bathrooms and convenient laundry facilities to welcoming visitor centers staffed with local expertise.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Gunnison National Forest's Paonia Ranger District, Lost Lake Campground beckons adventurers to discover its hidden alpine paradise. Here, beneath the towering peaks of the Ruby Mountain Range, families gather around crackling campfires while days are spent exploring winding trails and casting lines into the crystal-clear waters of three pristine lakes—Lost Lake Slough, Dollar Lake, and Lost Lake itself. This first-come, first-served gem offers an authentic backcountry experience where modern amenities take a backseat to raw natural beauty. Pack your water bottles and embrace the simplicity of camping as it was meant to be, with no potable water on-site but endless opportunities for adventure.

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison RD

Tucked away where Soldier Creek meets Blue Creek, this hidden mountain sanctuary serves as your gateway to the pristine Uncompahgre Wilderness. Here, ancient trails wind through towering spruce and shimmering aspen groves, beckoning hikers to explore one of Colorado's most untouched wilderness areas. With mechanized travel prohibited beyond the campground boundaries, the only sounds you'll hear are rustling leaves, babbling creeks, and the whisper of mountain winds through the forest canopy.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Ponderosa Campground, Soap Creek Road, Colorado

10346 Hwy. 347, Montrose, CO 81401, USA

Curecanti National Recreation Area

21001 Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA

102 ELK CREEK, GUNNISON, CO 81230, USA

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

County Rd 858, Montrose, CO 81401

28555 Highway 550, Ridgway, Colorado, 81432, United States

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Box 147, Crawford, Colorado, 81415, United States

2505 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO, 81401, USA

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Campgrounds - Taylor Park Area, Campfire Ranch on the Taylor

Escape to Campfire Ranch on the Taylor, where the art of tent camping reaches new heights in Colorado's breathtaking Gunnison Valley. This carefully curated, tent-only retreat invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's simple pleasures. Wake up to the aroma of fresh pancake breakfasts wafting through the pines, gather around crackling fires fueled by complimentary firewood, and let the sound of the Taylor River lull you to sleep under star-studded skies. With pristine drinking water at your fingertips and meticulously maintained sites nestled among towering trees, this isn't just camping—it's an elevated outdoor experience that honors the timeless tradition of sleeping under canvas.

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Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Pines Campground offers an authentic high-country camping experience at 9,200 feet. This intimate campground features just 11 sites along the babbling South Fork of the Michigan River, where the sound of rushing water provides nature's soundtrack to your mountain retreat. While beetle kill has opened up the forest canopy, creating sun-drenched sites perfect for stargazing, visitors appreciate the campground's easy accessibility and rustic charm. As one camper noted, it's a 'great little campground' that delivers simplicity and natural beauty in equal measure.

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Perched in the heart of the Trappers Lake Recreation Area, Trapline Campground offers 11 thoughtfully arranged sites along a single loop, where the landscape opens up to endless Colorado skies. Unlike the dense forest campgrounds below, Trapline embraces its high-altitude setting with sun-drenched sites that bask in natural light from dawn to dusk. Here, the commanding presence of the Flat Tops Wilderness stretches across the horizon, creating a backdrop that transforms with each passing hour as shadows dance across ancient peaks and valleys.

WHITE RIVER

Nestled in a tranquil Rocky Mountain valley, Camp Hale Memorial Campground offers 15 intimate campsites where history and wilderness converge. This hidden gem welcomes tents, trailers, and RVs alike, providing a peaceful retreat enhanced by attentive campground hosts who ensure every visitor feels at home. Adventure seekers will appreciate the direct access to the legendary Colorado Trail, making this modest campground a perfect basecamp for mountain exploration.

FS 520, CREEDE, CO 81130, USA

Nestled along the pristine banks of the Rio Grande River, River Hill Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Colorado wilderness experience. This beloved riverside retreat serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits—cast a line into crystal-clear waters teeming with trout, explore winding trails that disappear into the backcountry, or launch your kayak for a peaceful paddle. Just steps from your campsite, trailheads lead directly into the magnificent Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest designated wilderness area.

806 W. Hallam

Tucked away in the shadow of Colorado's most photographed peaks, Silver Bar Campground offers an intimate escape into the wilderness with just four secluded tent sites. This hidden gem invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Rockies. Each walk-in site comes thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for a memorable stay: sturdy picnic tables for mountain-side meals, bear-proof lockers to safely store your provisions, and stone fire rings where stories come alive under starlit skies. The gentle murmur of Maroon Creek provides nature's soundtrack, while vault toilets ensure basic comfort without compromising the pristine environment.

15571 County Road T5 La Jara, CO 81140

Tucked away in the heart of the Rio Grande National Forest, Conejos Campground serves as a hidden gem for those seeking a more intimate camping experience. While originally designed as an overflow area for the busier Mix Lake and Spectacle Lake campgrounds, this cozy loop has developed its own devoted following among anglers and nature enthusiasts. The campground's prime location offers direct access to the pristine waters of the Conejos River, where trout dance beneath the surface, and provides an easy gateway to the mirror-like waters of nearby Spectacle Lake.

San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

Perched at 7,643 feet in the Colorado high country, Target Tree Campground serves as your gateway to the Southwest's most treasured destinations. Just a scenic drive from the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park and the vibrant mountain towns of Mancos and Durango, this historic campground takes its name from a fascinating chapter in Ute Indian history. Here, centuries-old Ponderosa pines still bear the distinctive scars from when Ute hunters honed their marksmanship skills, while these same majestic trees provided life-sustaining sap and bark that supplemented their traditional diet.

LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO 80461, USA

Perched on the eastern shore of the stunning Turquoise Lake, Molly Brown Campground invites adventurers into a world of towering lodgepole pines and crystal-clear mountain waters. Named after Leadville's legendary 'Unsinkable' Molly Brown, this high-altitude haven serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits—from early morning fishing expeditions to sunset hikes along pristine mountain trails. Here, the majestic peaks stand as silent sentinels while you launch your boat into the turquoise waters or simply lose yourself in the tranquil forest setting.

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Nestled in the breathtaking Brainard Lake Recreation Area, Pawnee Campground beckons adventurers to Colorado's high country paradise. Here, pristine alpine lakes mirror snow-capped peaks while dense spruce and fir forests provide a natural sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, paddling across the serene lake surface, or challenging yourself on nearby rock faces, this mountain retreat offers endless opportunities for adventure. Miles of hiking trails wind through wildflower meadows and lead to panoramic vistas that will leave you breathless—though at this elevation, that might happen anyway.