How much does camping cost at Matterhorn?

Camping fees at Matterhorn range from $26-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Matterhorn first-come first-served or reservation?

Matterhorn 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 Matterhorn before I book?

Yes! Matterhorn has 2 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 Matterhorn?

Matterhorn is open June 1 to September 13.. 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 Matterhorn?

Yes, Matterhorn has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Matterhorn?

Fire policies at Matterhorn: Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings. Firewood is sold on-site for $10.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Matterhorn have?

Matterhorn has 28 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Matterhorn?

Yes, pets are allowed at Matterhorn. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Matterhorn?

Matterhorn offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Matterhorn?

Popular activities at Matterhorn include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Matterhorn

4.36

253 reviews

UNCOMPAHGRE NATIONAL FOREST, MONTROSE, CO 81402, USA

Featured in:Tent Camping Colorado

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$26 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open from June 1 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

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

8,500 ft

Price

$26 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open from June 1 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Matterhorn

$26.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates range from $26 for standard non-electric and tent-only sites to $40 for standard electric sites. Non-camper showers cost $8, and...

Standard Site Fee$26.00

Hookup Site Fee$40.00

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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150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-249-4552camping@rrmofa.com

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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 253 reviews

91 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanfriendly

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"Matterhorn Campground consistently receives positive reviews, with an average sentiment rating of 4.43. Key themes include praise for cleanliness, helpful hosts, and scenic views."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

UNCOMPAHGRE NATIONAL FOREST, MONTROSE, CO 81402, USA

Matterhorn

UNCOMPAHGRE NATIONAL FOREST, MONTROSE, CO 81402, USA

Nearby places

Telluride, CO (7 miles, approximately 15-minute drive)

Mountain Village, CO (10 miles, approximately 20-minute drive)

Montrose, CO (approximately 2 hours by road)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Telluride, CO, which is 7 miles away. Additional supplies can be accessed in Mountain Village, CO, about 10 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Matterhorn

Summer delivers the most reliable access and the best conditions. Daytime temps hover in the mid-50s to mid-60s, cooling to 35-40°F at night. Trails, bike routes, and high-alpine fishing hit peak form. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through occasionally but usually clear fast. Expect the busiest crowds in July and early August. Late June and September see fewer campers. Winter access is limited, though the campground sits near snow-sports terrain.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Aspen groves imply excellent fall color; supported by mountain scenery and trails.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 1 to September 13.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from June 1 to September 30, weather permitting. Reservations are available from June 25 to September 13, with first-come, first-served availability for the remainder of the season.
Current Alerts: Past issues include broken water systems and road potholes. No alerts are active currently.

About Matterhorn

Matterhorn Campground sits at 8,500 feet along the San Juan Skyway, minutes from Telluride. The 28-site loop offers everything from walk-in tent spots to full-hookup RV sites ($26-40/night), with hot showers and flush toilets. Perimeter sites deliver better privacy beneath towering aspens, though highway noise from CO-145 carries through camp.

Matterhorn Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent sites, RV sites with hookups, and walk-in tent sites for a more secluded experience.

Historical Significance

The Galloping Goose Trail #449 runs nearby, following the old Rio Grande Southern Railway route. Restored trestles span gorges where the famous Galloping Goose railcars once connected remote mining communities during Colorado's boom years. The trail's weathered timbers and iron rails tell the story of impossible engineering in impossible terrain.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable access and the best conditions. Daytime temps hover in the mid-50s to mid-60s, cooling to 35-40°F at night. Trails, bike routes, and high-alpine fishing hit peak form. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through occasionally but usually clear fast. Expect the busiest crowds in July and early August. Late June and September see fewer campers. Winter access is limited, though the campground sits near snow-sports terrain.

ElevationPerched at 8,500 feet in Colorado's high country, Matterhorn Campground invites visitors to experience the exhilaration of mountain camping. The thin air adds a touch of adventure to every activity—take it slow on your first day and stay hydrated as your body adjusts to the altitude. Many find the elevation enhances their connection to the landscape, making colors seem more vivid and the night sky impossibly bright.

Natural Features and SceneryAspen groves and conifers wrap around the campground loop, creating pockets of shade and filtered light. Outer sites back into denser forest. Inner sites tend to be more open. The San Juan peaks rise in jagged ridgelines beyond the trees. Pink at sunrise, gray-blue at dusk. Deer wander through camp most mornings. Black bears pass through often enough that food storage matters. Elevation is real here: nights drop to 35-40°F even in summer, and wildflowers peak in late June through July.

Geological RegionThe mighty San Juan Mountains embrace Matterhorn Campground, where ancient volcanic peaks tower above forests of quaking aspen and stately conifers. This corner of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests borders the wild and remote Lizard Head Wilderness, where 14,000-foot summits pierce the sky. The landscape tells a story written in stone—from mineral-rich formations that sparked Colorado's mining rush to glacial valleys carved by ice age giants.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00 AM

Check-out

1:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 7 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One camping unit per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutA single loop with 28 sites. Half are reservable, half first-come. Mix of walk-in tent sites and large RV spots with full hookups. Perimeter sites back into forest and feel more separated. Inner sites sit closer together with less screening.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or its app, and through the contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityApproximately half of the sites are first-come, first-served. Walk-up availability is only guaranteed on-site and cannot be reserved over the phone.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to a $10 fee. Late cancellations incur an additional fee equal to the first night's use fee. No refunds are provided for cancellations made after check-in time begins.

AccessibilitySome sites are accessible, and the campground layout allows for easy navigation even for first-time visitors.

Site SizeThe campground offers a mix of site sizes, from walk-in tent sites to large RV sites with full hookups. Specific site recommendations include 'Spot 18 was our favorite,' and 'Site 27...was on the perimeter and felt very private.

PrivacySites vary in privacy, with perimeter sites offering more seclusion, such as 'Most of the campsites on the outside of the circle are fairly private.

Total Campsites28 campsites

Recommended SitesFor tent campers, walk-in sites offer better views and privacy. Electric hookup sites #24, #25, #26 are ideal for RVs. Reserving outer-loop sites reduces road noise.

Need help booking Matterhorn?

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

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Matterhorn Campground provides a plethora of recreational activities, leveraging its proximity to trails, wilderness areas, and scenic spots. Popular activities include hiking the Galloping Goose Trail and exploring nearby Trout Lake. Wildlife viewing is common, and fishing opportunities abound in the area.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area, but food lockers are not available; campers must use bear bags or secure food in vehicles. Bugs can be prevalent during wet weather.

Active AlertsPast issues include broken water systems and road potholes. No alerts are active currently.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire rings. Firewood is sold on-site for $10.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours after 10 PM are enforced.

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital and emergency services are located in Telluride, CO (7 miles away).

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available near the entrance. Recycling options are not explicitly mentioned in the sources.

Water FeaturesLocated near Trout Lake and Priest Lake, with easy access to streams and fishing opportunities.

Camp HostHosts like Jocelyn, Anna, and Karl receive frequent praise for their friendliness and maintenance work. Others have been criticized for unhelpfulness in past seasons.

Weather at Matterhorn

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

4.4

253 reviews

Recommended

Matterhorn is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Matterhorn Campground consistently receives positive reviews, with an average sentiment rating of 4.43. Key themes include praise for cleanliness, helpful hosts, and scenic views.

Review Summaries

Based on 253 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews frequently commend the campground's cleanliness ('The bathrooms were clean throughout my stay'), scenic beauty ('Beautiful views, nice tree cover'), and host attentiveness ('Host was friendly...

Based on 253 reviews

Common Concerns

Some complaints include road noise ('The downside is that sometimes the main road adjacent to the campsite gets loud from traffic'), inconsistent water availability ('Chlorinator was broken so no...

Based on 253 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include choosing perimeter sites for privacy, bringing extra water in case of issues, and utilizing the free gondola to explore Telluride.

Based on 253 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the most popular, with many reviews praising activities like hiking and fishing. Early season visitors have reported water access issues, while winter visitors enjoy nearby skiing...

Based on 253 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'This place is a dream. Every campground site is surrounded by Aspens and a fantastic view.' - 'Bathrooms and hot showers! Was the best and VERY clean.' - 'Host Sue was amazing. She helped us with...

Based on 253 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews include: - Site 7: 'Had no trees and was situated next to the bath house, it was really quiet and peaceful.' - Site 27: 'On the perimeter and felt very private.' - Site 18: 'Our...

Based on 253 reviews

Accessibility Features

Sites are accessible with well-maintained facilities. Hosts are frequently noted for their helpfulness, such as 'Host Sue was amazing. She helped us with everything.'

Based on 253 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, with one user stating 'They were very nice to my dog Mason.' Another noted the camp host's off-leash dog tried to bite their leashed dog.

Based on 253 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

0 review