Matterhorn
4.52149 reviewsUNCOMPAHGRE NATIONAL FOREST, MONTROSE, CO 81402, USA
Matterhorn
$26.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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 firewood is sold on-site for $10 (cash only). Discounts apply for seniors and Interagency Pass holders.
About this campground
Nestled at 8,500 feet along the spectacular San Juan Skyway, Matterhorn Campground offers an intimate mountain retreat just moments from Telluride. This tranquil haven features thoughtfully arranged sites beneath towering aspens, from cozy tent spots to convenient electric hookups. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural setting, including hot showers, well-maintained restrooms, and shaded picnic areas where families gather as golden hour light filters through the canopy.
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 SignificanceAdventure meets history on the nearby Galloping Goose Trail #449, where cyclists and hikers traverse the ghostly route of the Rio Grande Southern Railway. Meticulously restored trestles span dramatic gorges, telling the story of Colorado's mining boom through weathered timbers and rusted rails. These engineering marvels once carried the famous Galloping Goose railcars through impossible terrain, connecting remote mountain communities to the outside world.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Matterhorn into an alpine paradise, with crisp mornings perfect for coffee by the campfire giving way to pleasantly warm afternoons reaching 64°F. Evening temperatures dip to a refreshing 40°F, ideal for stargazing under crystal-clear skies. While afternoon showers occasionally roll through the peaks, they're typically brief and add to the mountain ambiance. Gentle breezes carry the scent of pine and wildflowers throughout the campground during peak season.
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 SceneryMatterhorn's landscape unfolds like a living postcard, where shimmering aspen groves create natural privacy screens between wooded outer sites and sun-dappled inner spaces. Walk-in tent sites reward the adventurous with commanding views of jagged peaks that glow pink at sunrise. Morning visitors often include curious deer picking their way through camp, while black bears remind everyone to secure their food. Lucky campers might spot a snowshoe hare bounding through the undergrowth or hear the haunting bugle of elk echoing across the valley.
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySome sites are accessible, and the campground layout allows for easy navigation even for first-time visitors.
Sites 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.'
Sites 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 CampsitesFor 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.
Best CampsitesHighly rated sites include #7, #19, #21, and #24 for privacy, views, and proximity to amenities.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutMatterhorn consists of a single loop with 28 sites, half of which are reservable and the other half first-come, first-served.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen 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.
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.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
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
The Galloping Goose Trail #449 is an 8.4-mile route accessible from the campground. It features a restored train trestle and bridges, making it popular among hikers and bikers. Reviews note 'Great location for hiking (the Galloping Goose trail can be accessed from the campground).'Fishing
Fishing is particularly celebrated, with one review stating 'The best fishing was found at Priest Lake, a short hike from camp.'Biking
Biking is supported on trails like the Galloping Goose, which is described as accommodating various skill levels.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with species like snowshoe hares noted in reviews such as 'We’ve been hanging out with a snowshoe hare that greets us all the time at our site.'Winter Activities
Winter activities such as skiing are possible in nearby areas, as one review noted, 'Did some skiing through the campground from the Priest Lake trailhead.'Water Sports
Water sports such as paddleboarding can be enjoyed at nearby Trout Lake, as per reviews like 'The camp is near to Trout Lake and a driving distance to Telluride.'Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings. Firewood is sold on-site for $10.
- Quiet hours after 10 PM are enforced.
Hazards
General hazardsBears 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.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Closest hospital and emergency services are located in Telluride, CO (7 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 to September 13.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available near the entrance. Recycling options are not explicitly mentioned in the sources.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Trout Lake and Priest Lake, with easy access to streams and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsRoad noise from CO-145 is noted by many reviewers. Other issues include cold showers, absence of food lockers, and water system failures.
HostHosts like Jocelyn, Anna, and Karl receive frequent praise for their friendliness and maintenance work. Others have been criticized for unhelpfulness in past seasons.
Campground Map
UNCOMPAHGRE NATIONAL FOREST, MONTROSE, CO 81402, USA
Driving directionsFrom Telluride, travel approximately 7 miles south on Highway 145. Watch for campground signs; the turn off from the road is on the left.
The campground is accessible via a paved road, but reviews note significant potholes on the access road that have been unaddressed for years. Seasonal accessibility depends on weather conditions as it is closed during winter.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.
Camper Reviews
4.5
149 reviews
Matterhorn is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 149 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 149 reviewsShow more
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 149 reviewsShow more
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 149 reviewsSeasonal 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 149 reviewsShow more
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 149 reviewsShow more
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 149 reviewsShow more
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 149 reviewsPet-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 149 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025