How much does camping cost at Amphitheater (Co)?

Camping fees at Amphitheater (Co) range from $28/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Amphitheater (Co) first-come first-served or reservation?

Amphitheater (Co) accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Amphitheater (Co) before I book?

Yes! Amphitheater (Co) has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Amphitheater (Co)?

Amphitheater (Co) is open June 1st - September 13th, with peak season rates of $28/night.. 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 Amphitheater (Co)?

Amphitheater (Co) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Amphitheater (Co) have?

Amphitheater (Co) has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Amphitheater (Co)?

Pets are not allowed at Amphitheater (Co). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Amphitheater (Co)?

Amphitheater (Co) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Amphitheater (Co)?

Popular activities at Amphitheater (Co) include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Amphitheater (Co)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Amphitheater (Co)?

Fire policies at Amphitheater (Co): Campfires are allowed, but sourcing local firewood is recommended. One review mentions fire ban enforcement issues.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.67

399 reviews

Scenic ViewsStargazingGreat Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison#1 Mountain Camping Colorado Summer Camping Colorado +1 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Season opens on June...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Season opens on June...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Amphitheater (Co)

$28.00 - $28.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Facility rates are $28/night across all site types (Standard Nonelectric, Tent Only Nonelectric, RV Nonelectric). Rates do not reflect taxes,...

Standard Site Fee$28.00

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com

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What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 399 reviews

177 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhikingfriendly

"User reviews highlight the campground's stunning views, excellent hiking opportunities, and friendly camp hosts. However, some complaints about the condition of vault toilets and limited cell service were noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Amphitheater (Co)

38.0225, -107.6617

Nearby places

Ouray (2 miles, ~5 minutes), Montrose (~40 miles, ~1 hour), Ridgway (~10 miles, ~15 minutes)

Nearby supplies

The closest supplies can be found in Ouray, CO (~2 miles). The town features grocery stores, camping supplies, fuel stations, and a variety of restaurants.

Best Time to Camp at Amphitheater (Co)

Summer is the sweet spot at this elevation. Mornings start crisp, warming to 65–75°F by afternoon, then dropping back to the low 40s after dark. Trails are snow-free and wildflowers peak. Late July and August bring afternoon thunderstorms that roll in fast. Mid-summer is also the busiest window, when most sites require reservations.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in CO

Peak season June–Sept; pleasant summer temps and fully booked sites indicate prime season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 1st - September 13th, with peak season rates of $28/night.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens on June 1st and closes September 30th. Reservable dates run June 24th - September 13th. First-come, first-served dates follow from September 14th.
Current Alerts: The campground is closed during winter. One review notes seasonal closures due to rockslides on Highway 550.

About Amphitheater (Co)

Amphitheater Campground sits at 8,400 feet in the San Juans above Ouray, with 30 sites split between tent and small RV pads. The setting delivers big mountain views framed by cliffs and mixed forest. Sites run $28 per night, reservable from late June through mid-September.

Amphitheater Campground offers sites primarily for tent camping, with some accommodating small trailers and RVs. Sites are suitable for single-family use and are set in a rugged, natural environment.

Historical Significance

Ouray sits in the valley below, a mining town turned mountain resort. Victorian storefronts line streets where prospectors once passed through. The town's hot springs have drawn visitors for generations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the sweet spot at this elevation. Mornings start crisp, warming to 65–75°F by afternoon, then dropping back to the low 40s after dark. Trails are snow-free and wildflowers peak. Late July and August bring afternoon thunderstorms that roll in fast. Mid-summer is also the busiest window, when most sites require reservations.

ElevationAt 8,400 feet, you'll find yourself in that sweet spot where the air is crisp enough to invigorate your senses but not so thin as to leave you breathless. This elevation gifts campers with naturally air-conditioned summer nights and panoramic vistas that stretch for miles. From your campsite, watch as clouds drift below you through the valley, and eagles soar at eye level against the backdrop of fourteener peaks.

Natural Features and SceneryMassive gray cliffs surround the campground, exposing layers of volcanic ash and lava flows built up over millions of years. Gambel oak and conifers soften the rock faces. Mule deer browse through camp at dawn. Chipmunks and songbirds are constant company. Elk, marmots, and raptors appear regularly on nearby trails and meadows.

Geological RegionThe San Juan Mountains tell a story written in stone—a tale of ancient volcanoes and patient glaciers that sculpted this landscape over millions of years. From Amphitheater Campground, you'll witness this geological masterpiece firsthand, where massive gray cliffs reveal layers of volcanic ash and lava flows frozen in time. The surrounding forest of Gambel oak and mixed conifers softens these dramatic rock faces, creating a perfect balance between the raw power of geological forces and the gentle persistence of life that has taken root in this alpine sanctuary.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in details are unspecified.

Check-out

Check-out details are unspecified.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site allows one camping unit only.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutNarrow, winding roads climb through the campground. Sites are compact and best suited for tents or small trailers. Privacy varies. Some sites feel secluded, others sit close together.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, either online or via their app.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available during the first-come, first-served season from September 14th - September 30th. These sites must be booked in person on-site.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee if done before the day of check-in. Late cancellations result in forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee. Modification fees and refund rules apply.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed, but the terrain and some campsite designs may make it challenging for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeMost sites are small and best suited for tent camping or small trailers. One user commented, 'Sites are best suited to small to medium rigs.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Several reviews highlight seclusion: 'Campsites feel secluded,' but some noted that 'a lot of the sites are close together.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #24 offers views of the amphitheater and the valley below. Site #11 is noted as quiet and well-shaded. Site #20 provides a mix of privacy and views.

Need help booking Amphitheater (Co)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is a hub for outdoor recreation, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and off-road activities. Several trails, such as the Upper Cascade Falls Trail and Baby Bath Tubs Trail, can be accessed directly from the campground. The nearby town of Ouray offers additional recreational opportunities, including hot springs and festivals.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is a noted concern due to non-bear-proof dumpsters. Steep and narrow access road may pose challenges for larger vehicles. Afternoon thunderstorms can occur.

Active AlertsThe campground is closed during winter. One review notes seasonal closures due to rockslides on Highway 550.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, but sourcing local firewood is recommended. One review mentions fire ban enforcement issues.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Ouray, CO, including a police station, medical clinic, and fire department.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available. Some concerns about the dumpsters being overfilled were noted, which could lead to bear problems.

Water FeaturesNo direct water features within the campground, though nearby Ouray offers access to hot springs and streams.

Camp HostHosts Steve, David, Nancy, and Lori are described as 'friendly,' 'helpful,' and 'accommodating.' Their knowledge of the area and local recommendations are highly praised.

Weather at Amphitheater (Co)

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

4.7

399 reviews

Top-Rated

Amphitheater (Co) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's stunning views, excellent hiking opportunities, and friendly camp hosts. However, some complaints about the condition of vault toilets and limited cell service were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 399 reviews

What Campers Love

Stunning views, friendly and helpful camp hosts, clean and well-maintained sites, abundant wildlife, and excellent hiking trails nearby. One reviewer stated, 'The camp hosts were the BEST. Absolutely...

Based on 399 reviews

Common Concerns

Smelly vault toilets, tight and small campsites, limited cell service, and accessibility challenges. One user noted, 'Pit toilets are extraordinarily stinky.'

Based on 399 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book early as sites fill up quickly. Bring cash, as some transactions are cash-only. Visit nearby Ouray for additional amenities and activities.

Based on 399 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is highly popular during summer, with most sites fully booked. Fall sees less crowding, making it an ideal time for visitors seeking a quieter experience. Winter closures limit access...

Based on 399 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Amazing views in all directions, and a good amount of room between sites.' 2. 'Some sites have little privacy, however, site 20 was a great mix of views and privacy.' 3. 'The vault toilets were...

Based on 399 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 24: 'An amazing view of the valley on one side and the amphitheater on the other.' Site 20: 'A perfect mix of views and privacy.' Site 35: 'Stellar views of Ouray.'

Based on 399 reviews