Dorchester Campground - Gunnison Rd
4.716 reviews,
Dorchester Campground - Gunnison Rd
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
No fees are required for this site.
About this campground
Nestled at the breathtaking upper reaches of Taylor Park, Dorchester Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's high country wilderness. This hidden gem, managed by the Gunnison Ranger District, beckons adventure seekers with its perfect blend of rugged accessibility and pristine natural beauty. Ten thoughtfully spaced campsites accommodate both tent campers and RV enthusiasts, each furnished with sturdy picnic tables and grills for memorable outdoor meals. At 9,800 feet, this mountain sanctuary serves as your gateway to endless adventures—whether you're carving through backcountry trails on your OHV, casting a line into the crystal-clear Taylor River, or exploring the area's legendary mountain biking terrain.
Dorchester Campground caters to primitive campers and OHV enthusiasts. The campground primarily serves a first-come, first-serve basis and includes both tents and RV-friendly sites, though no hookups are available.
Historical SignificanceWhile official historical markers may be absent, Dorchester Campground holds something perhaps more precious—generations of cherished memories etched into its landscape. Longtime visitors speak of this place with reverence, sharing stories of family traditions born beneath these pines and friendships forged around evening campfires. Each season brings familiar faces back to their favorite sites, creating an informal heritage of outdoor enthusiasts who consider this corner of Taylor Park their personal piece of mountain paradise.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late May through October, Dorchester Campground awakens from its winter slumber to welcome visitors into a world of dramatic mountain weather. Sun-drenched days invite exploration and outdoor play, with temperatures that keep you comfortable without the oppressive heat of lower elevations. As evening paints the peaks in alpenglow, the mountain air takes on a crisp edge—a reminder to pack that extra layer and gather around the campfire. This high-altitude climate creates perfect conditions for refreshing summer escapes and spectacular fall color displays.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 9,800 feet above sea level, Dorchester Campground places you firmly in Colorado's alpine wonderland. This lofty elevation transforms your camping experience—morning coffee tastes better with panoramic mountain views, afternoon thunderstorms roll through with dramatic flair, and the thin mountain air reminds you to pace yourself as you explore. Visitors should embrace the altitude gradually, staying hydrated and allowing time to acclimate to fully enjoy all the high-country adventures that await.
Natural Features and SceneryDorchester Campground unfolds across a stunning tapestry of Colorado's diverse mountain ecosystems. Towering pines provide natural shelter and frame postcard-perfect views of the surrounding sagebrush valleys, while nearby riparian meadows burst with wildflowers and wildlife. Your campsite offers front-row seats to the majestic Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, where jagged summits pierce the sky in every direction. As darkness falls, the absence of city lights reveals a celestial showcase—the Milky Way stretches overhead in brilliant clarity, while the clean mountain air carries the gentle sounds of the wilderness settling in for the night.
Geological RegionPositioned at the dramatic upper end of Taylor Park, Dorchester Campground sits at the intersection of multiple stunning geological features. This remarkable landscape tells the story of ancient forces—where dense pine forests give way to expansive sagebrush valleys, and riparian meadows trace the paths of mountain streams. The imposing Collegiate Peaks Wilderness forms a spectacular backdrop, its peaks and ridges carved by millennia of wind, water, and ice into the dramatic skyline that defines this corner of Colorado's high country.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not indicate specific accessibility features. Vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.
Sites SizeThe sites are standard-sized and fit tents or smaller vehicles. RV parking aprons are made of dirt and gravel.
Sites PrivacySites are relatively quiet and spaced out in a scenic area overlooking a sagebrush valley.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the Taylor River may offer the best access to fishing and scenic views, though no specific site numbers are listed.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsites are not highlighted as the 'best' in user reviews or official sources.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
:Not specified.
Check-out
:Not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 16 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
:Not explicitly mentioned.
Groups
No group sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground stretches along the base of a spruce-covered hillside and overlooks a spacious sagebrush valley.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 20 through October 1.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not applicable as this is a first-come, first-served campground.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities at Dorchester Campground cater to outdoor enthusiasts. OHV trail riding is a significant draw, with an extensive network of trails leading to Taylor Reservoir. Other popular activities include fishing for rainbow and brook trout at the nearby Taylor River, and the area is suitable for mountain biking. Picnicking is supported with single-site setups.
Fishing
Fishing is available in the nearby Taylor River, where anglers can catch rainbow and brook trout.Biking
The area offers opportunities for mountain biking through scenic landscapes.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as deer can be observed, especially in the evenings near the river.Winter Activities
None mentioned.Water Sports
No water sports are available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire information is not explicitly mentioned.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include high-altitude effects (9,800 feet), which can lead to altitude sickness, and wildlife encounters. The campground is also subject to cold nighttime temperatures that may catch visitors unprepared.
Active alertsNone reported.
Weather forecast
49
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services information is not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesLate May through early October.
Trash and recyclingNo information provided about trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is close to the Upper Taylor River, a popular fishing spot for rainbow and brook trout.
Common complaintsThere are no significant complaints listed in user reviews or official sources, but some visitors note the lack of potable water.
HostCampground hosts are described positively in user reviews. Volunteers help maintain the site and keep the latrines clean.
Campground Map
,
Driving directionsIn Almont, CO, at intersection of State Rt. 135 and County Rt. 742, take Rt. 742 for 23.3 miles to intersection of Forest Rts. 742 and 765. Continue straight on Rt. 742 for another 14.4 miles (last 12.8 miles are dirt) to campground sign. Turn left into campground.
The road changes to improved dirt immediately after the turn off for Cottonwood Pass Road. The last 12.8 miles to the campground are dirt.Nearby places
Almont is the nearest city, but specific distances beyond the driving directions are not provided.
Nearby supplies
Specific information about the nearest locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel is not provided.
Camper Reviews
4.7
6 reviews
Dorchester Campground - Gunnison Rd is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the secluded and serene nature of Dorchester Campground. Many reviewers appreciate the clean vault toilets and the scenic beauty of the area. One user described the campground as 'quiet, safe, and amazing,' while another highlighted the 'incredible night sky.'
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive features mentioned include the quiet setting, clean vault toilets, stunning views, and nearby fishing opportunities.
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users noted the lack of potable water and basic amenities such as showers.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own potable water and firewood. Campers should also prepare for high-altitude conditions as the campground is situated at 9,800 feet.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest the campground is less crowded during weekdays. Some reviews highlight the challenge of high-altitude camping, especially for those not acclimated.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Secluded, clean, night sky that is just incredible.' (user review) - 'Went to Dorchester for 20 straight years with my family... The stars are unbelievable. The air is indescribable and the views...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites within the campground were not singled out in the provided reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews or mentions of experiences from users with disabilities were provided.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific mentions of pet policies or experiences.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025