Lottis Creek Campground
4.74175 reviewsCty Rd. 742, Taylor River Canyon, Gunnison, CO, 81231, USA
Lottis Creek Campground
$26.00 - $250.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$36.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$250.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $26 for non-electric sites to $36 for electric sites during peak season. Group sites cost $250 per night. Fees may vary during the first-come, first-served season.
About this campground
High in the Taylor River Canyon, where the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests converge, Lottis Creek Campground awaits at a breathtaking 8,600 feet. Here, adventure beckons from every direction—cast a line into crystal-clear mountain streams, navigate thrilling four-wheel drive trails, or explore endless hiking paths that wind through pristine wilderness. This mountain sanctuary perfectly balances accessibility with the raw beauty of Colorado's high country.
Lottis Creek Campground offers facilities for a mix of campers, including sites with electric hookups and a group site with a pavilion.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this alpine retreat into a haven of perfect camping weather. While valley floors swelter, Lottis Creek stays refreshingly cool with daytime temperatures hovering in the comfortable 70s°F. Pack layers though—mountain nights can surprise you with temperatures dipping into the 30s°F, and even July might dust your tent with a whisper of snow. The campground welcomes visitors from June through September, when wildflowers paint the meadows and the high country truly comes alive.
ElevationPerched at 8,600 feet above sea level, the campground offers that perfect sweet spot where the air is crisp but not thin, where summer heat becomes a distant memory, and where panoramic mountain vistas stretch endlessly before you. This elevation gifts campers with spectacular stargazing, wildlife viewing opportunities, and natural air conditioning that makes every summer night perfect for campfire stories.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their straight trunks filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The melodic rush of Lottis Creek provides nature's soundtrack, its cold waters tumbling over ancient stones just steps from your campsite. Adventure radiates outward—the shimmering expanse of Taylor Park Reservoir beckons anglers and paddlers, while the untamed beauty of Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area promises solitude and discovery for those willing to explore its rugged trails.
Geological RegionThe Taylor River Canyon showcases Colorado's geological artistry at its finest. Here in the heart of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, ancient forces carved deep valleys between soaring peaks, creating a landscape where dense lodgepole forests give way to alpine meadows and rocky ridgelines. The nearby Fossil Ridge Wilderness preserves some of Colorado's most dramatic and untouched mountain terrain, offering glimpses into the raw power that shaped these mountains over millions of years.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details are provided about accessibility features.
Sites SizeSites are spacious, with some able to accommodate RVs up to 24 feet. Pull-through sites are available and some sites feature tent pads as large as 20x40 feet, according to user reviews.
Sites PrivacySites offer a moderate level of privacy, with some reviewers describing their sites as "very private" while others noted that certain sites were close together.
Total Campsites47 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor maximum privacy, choose end sites like Site 8. Electric users should consider Baldy Loop. Primitive campers may prefer Park Cone Loop.
Best CampsitesSite 8 is noted for its privacy, while loop-specific reviews highlight Baldy Loop for electric sites and the Park Cone Loop for quieter, primitive camping experiences.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in from 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Up to 14 consecutive nights allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum number of guests per site varies depending on site type but generally up to 8 per single-family site.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 50 people and 10 vehicles. It includes a pavilion with covered picnic tables and grills.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops, including Baldy Loop, Union Park Loop, and Park Cone Loop, with well-spaced sites for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 1, 2025, through September 13, 2025, for reservations; first-come, first-served until September 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or through the app.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites available on a first-come, first-served basis from September 14 through September 30.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made before midnight one calendar day prior to check-in for individual sites. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Lottis Creek Campground offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions such as Taylor Park Reservoir provide additional activities like boating and swimming.
Hiking
The campground provides direct access to hiking trails such as the South Lottis Creek Trailhead. The Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area, located two miles away, offers pristine trails for hikers and equestrians. Some reviewers highlighted the trails as "accessible for all hiking abilities."Fishing
Fishing is abundant in the nearby Taylor River and Taylor Park Reservoir. "We fished off the shoreline and caught our bag limit in a couple of hours," shared one camper.Swimming
Swimming opportunities are available at Taylor Park Reservoir, along with boating activities.Biking
Biking is explicitly mentioned as one of the recreational activities available. Cumberland Pass Road nearby offers adventurous routes for bikers and four-wheel drivers.Boating
Boating opportunities are available at Taylor Park Reservoir, which features a boat ramp and rental options.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight at Lottis Creek, with one reviewer recounting seeing a moose walk through the campground.Winter Activities
The campground is accessible during snowy conditions, and one visitor mentioned snowstorms, but no specific winter activities like skiing were outlined.Water Sports
Opportunities for water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are available at Taylor Park Reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted in designated rings. Campers are encouraged to buy local firewood to prevent the spread of pests.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife hazards include the presence of bears and cougars in the area. Campers are advised to secure food and remain vigilant.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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 are located in Gunnison, including Gunnison Valley Health Hospital.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 to September 13, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are present, with dumpsters available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along Lottis Creek and near Taylor Park Reservoir, which offers boating, fishing, and swimming.
Common complaintsSome users complain about road maintenance issues, such as potholes, and the noise from ATVs in certain loops.
HostHosts have been frequently praised for their friendliness and diligence in maintaining cleanliness.
Campground Map
Cty Rd. 742, Taylor River Canyon, Gunnison, CO, 81231, USA
Driving directionsFrom Gunnison, Colo., travel north on Highway 135 for 10 miles to Almont. At the intersection of State Rt. 135 and County Rt. 742, take Rt. 742 for 16.7 miles to the campground sign. Turn right into the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from Gunnison. County Rt. 742 leads directly to the site; there are no reports of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
Gunnison (27 miles, 40-minute drive), Almont (10 miles, 15-minute drive), Crested Butte (approx. 40 miles, 1-hour drive).
Nearby supplies
The nearest supplies are available at Taylor Park Trading Post, approximately 10 miles away, or in Gunnison (27 miles) for larger grocery stores and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.7
175 reviews
Lottis Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently highlight the cleanliness of the facilities, the friendliness of the camp hosts, and the tranquility of the campground. For example, one reviewer described it as "impeccably maintained," while another called it "one of the cleanest campgrounds we've visited."
Review Summaries
Based on 175 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include exceptionally clean vault toilets, spacious campsites, and helpful camp hosts. Multiple reviewers praised the natural beauty, proximity to hiking trails, and peaceful...
Based on 175 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some complaints include noise from four-wheelers, lack of a dump station, and occasional overbearing behavior from certain camp hosts. "Why are people allowed to ride ATV's in the campground? They...
Based on 175 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies due to the remote location and limited cell service. "Make sure to bring a heater and a long extension cord for tent camping in early June," advised...
Based on 175 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors enjoying warm days and cool nights. Snowstorms were mentioned during early fall stays.
Based on 175 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The cleanest vault toilets I have ever seen." "Camp hosts were so friendly and helpful." "Bathrooms were spotless and cleaned daily."
Based on 175 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 8 was noted for its privacy and proximity to the South Lottis Creek Trailhead. The group site was described as perfect for large gatherings, with amenities like grills and a pavilion.
Based on 175 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressed accessibility features.
Based on 175 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and the campground was described as generally dog-friendly. One user mentioned, "Dog-friendly and close to trails."
Based on 175 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025