How much does camping cost at Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd?

Camping fees at Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-serve. "All spots were open" per user review by Linda Gann.

What is the best time to visit Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd?

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd is open Peak season dates not explicitly mentioned.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd?

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd?

Fire policies at Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd: Noted fire bans during Level 2 restrictions. Campfires may be prohibited seasonally.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd have?

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd?

Pets are not allowed at Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd?

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd?

Popular activities at Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd

4.33

20 reviews

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison RD

Featured in:Hiking Camping Colorado

Quick Facts

9,800 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,800 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site. Donation requested.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 20 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshiking

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews highlight Big Blue Campground as a remote, peaceful, and scenic destination. Many appreciate the lack of crowds, the proximity to wilderness trails, and opportunities to view wildlife. However, some note the challenging access road and lack of amenities such as potable water and firewood."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison RD

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison RD

Nearby places

Sapeniro, Colorado - Approx. 9.2 miles to Forest Access, then 21 miles to campground

Nearby supplies

No nearby information explicitly provided for groceries, camping supplies, or fuel. Campers should plan to bring their own essentials.

Driving directionsFrom Sapeniro, CO, take US Rt. 50 west 9.2 miles to Forest Access/Alpine Plateau Road sign (Forest Rt. 867). Turn left at sign onto gravel road (Rt. 867) and go 21 miles to "T" intersection (Forest Rt. 868). Turn right onto Rt. 868 and go 4.7 miles into campground. NOTE: After first 6 miles on Forest Service roads, they become intermittently rough, rocky and single-lane with few turnouts.

Drive ten miles north on State Road 149 to Forest Road 868. Turn left on to FDR 868 and drive nine miles. After first 6 miles on Forest Service roads, they become intermittently rough, rocky and single-lane with few turnouts.

Best Time to Camp at Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd

Summer brings daytime highs of 60–75°F and nights that drop into the low 30s–40s. Afternoon thunderstorms arrive reliably from late July onward, creating a pattern of clear mornings and rainy afternoons. Trails become snow-free by late June, and wildflowers peak in July. Fishing in Big Blue and Soldier creeks is best early morning and evening. One visitor notes that afternoon and evening showers become routine as summer progresses, so plan hiking for early hours.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Aspen color and high-elevation vistas make fall attractive, though site closes mid-September.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 27 through September 15.
Current Alerts: "Fire ban was in place" during June per Pedro Pistaccio's review.

About Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd

Big Blue Campground sits at 9,800 feet where Soldier Creek meets Big Blue Creek, offering 11 primitive tent sites surrounded by dense spruce groves. The campground is the trailhead for the Uncompahgre Wilderness, where mechanized travel is prohibited. Access requires navigating a narrow, rough road that some visitors find challenging.

The campground caters to tent campers and offers a rustic, primitive experience. RVs are not recommended due to rough, narrow access roads.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs of 60–75°F and nights that drop into the low 30s–40s. Afternoon thunderstorms arrive reliably from late July onward, creating a pattern of clear mornings and rainy afternoons. Trails become snow-free by late June, and wildflowers peak in July. Fishing in Big Blue and Soldier creeks is best early morning and evening. One visitor notes that afternoon and evening showers become routine as summer progresses, so plan hiking for early hours.

ElevationPerched at 9,800 feet above sea level, this high-altitude haven offers a true mountain experience where the air is crisp, the stars seem close enough to touch, and wildflowers bloom in compressed seasons of intense beauty. At this elevation, crystal-clear mountain streams tumble through dense forests, and the thin air reminds you that you've truly escaped to the roof of Colorado.

Natural Features and ScenerySpruce and aspen forests cover the slopes around the campground, while Big Blue Creek flows along one side and a massive talus field rises on the other. The valley opens to views of the surrounding peaks, and multiple wilderness trails lead south from camp into backcountry terrain. Freeze-thaw cycles over centuries have shaped the talus slopes and rocky landscape. Wildlife sightings are common: moose and bears both frequent the area.

Geological RegionNestled in the heart of the Uncompahgre Wilderness region, this campground sits in a geological wonderland where ancient forces have sculpted a landscape of contrasts. Massive talus fields speak of centuries of freeze-thaw cycles, while Big Blue Creek has carved its patient path through the valley floor. The surrounding peaks and forests represent millions of years of mountain building, creating the dramatic Colorado high country that draws adventurers from around the world.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time not explicitly listed, but the campground is first-come, first-serve.

Check-out

Check-out time not explicitly listed, but the campground is first-come, first-serve.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 16 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

General Comments state single sites, but maximum guests per site is not explicitly listed.

Groups

There are no designated group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutA single loop sits between the talus slope and Big Blue Creek. Sites have standard tent pads with parking aprons that can accommodate pop-up tents and slide-in RVs. Dense spruce trees provide privacy between sites.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are accepted.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve. "All spots were open" per user review by Linda Gann.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable. The campground is first-come, first-serve.

AccessibilityThere are no specific mentions of accessibility features, and vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.

Site SizeThe sites are standard-sized tent sites, with parking aprons suitable for pop-up tents and slide-in RVs.

PrivacyThe campground is surrounded by dense groves of spruce trees, offering a secluded and private setting.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesUser reviews suggest avoiding the campground without an SUV or truck due to rough roads. "Pop-up tents and slide-ins could access the campground," per general comments.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Big Blue Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities suitable for nature enthusiasts. Activities include hiking on trails leading into the Uncompahgre Wilderness, trout fishing in nearby streams, and picnicking.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include bears, mountain lions, and roaming deer as per user reviews. "Watch for bears," per Marc M. Another review mentions free-range sheep roaming in the area.

Active Alerts"Fire ban was in place" during June per Pedro Pistaccio's review.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyNoted fire bans during Level 2 restrictions. Campfires may be prohibited seasonally.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are not listed, but Sapeniro may have some emergency services.

Trash & RecyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' campground, meaning visitors must carry out all their trash and recycling.

Water FeaturesBig Blue Creek runs near the campground, but creeks were "close to dead due to the drought," per Pedro Pistaccio. No lakes or swimming areas.

Camp HostHost information not listed.

Weather at Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

20 reviews

Recommended

Big Blue Campground - Gunnison Rd is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Big Blue Campground as a remote, peaceful, and scenic destination. Many appreciate the lack of crowds, the proximity to wilderness trails, and opportunities to view wildlife. However, some note the challenging access road and lack of amenities such as potable water and firewood.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently mention the campground's serene and secluded atmosphere, scenic views, and proximity to excellent hiking trails. Wildlife sightings, including moose and bears, are also praised.

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms focus on the rough condition of the access road, the absence of potable water, and the limited availability of essential amenities. A few users also commented on the vault toilets' lack of...

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing plenty of water, bug spray, and rain gear due to the site's lack of potable water and frequent summer rains. Ensuring a reliable vehicle for the rough access road is also...

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular time for camping, with warm days and cool nights. However, users report frequent afternoon and evening rains in July and August. Nighttime temperatures can drop...

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Brook trout are plentiful in the creek. It will rain in the afternoons and nights from late July onwards." - S. Furstenfeld - "Absolutely loved this campground! Bears, Big Bull Moose, deer, fox,...

Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are well-shaded and surrounded by spruce trees, offering privacy. Some parking aprons accommodate small RVs, but larger trailers are discouraged due to the narrow access road.

Based on 20 reviews