The Gate Campground
04 reviewsLake Fork of The Gunnison River Recreation Area, Gunnison Field Office, 210 West Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA
The Gate Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$5.00
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
Campsites are available for $5 per night. Some sources mention a $10 fee, likely for high-demand or premium periods. Fees cover basic amenities like potable water and vault restrooms.
About this campground
Nestled within The Gate, one of Colorado's most dramatic geological wonders, this intimate 8-site campground offers an escape into a world sculpted by millennia of rushing water. Here, where the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River has carved its masterpiece through ancient rock, campers find themselves surrounded by towering stone walls that tell the story of the earth itself. With essential amenities including two vault restrooms and a hand-pumped well providing fresh mountain water, visitors can comfortably immerse themselves in this natural amphitheater while enjoying classic outdoor pursuits like streamside picnicking and casting lines into the crystalline waters below.
The Gate Campground provides eight campsites suitable for a more primitive and natural camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Colorado's mountain moods at The Gate, where each season paints the landscape with its own distinct palette. Winter transforms the campground into a hushed, snow-draped wonderland where temperatures plunge and only the hardiest adventurers venture forth. As spring arrives, the landscape awakens with rushing snowmelt and emerging wildflowers. Summer unveils the campground's true glory, with warm days, star-filled nights, and perfect conditions for exploring every hidden corner of this geological marvel. Fall brings crisp air and golden light that sets the canyon walls ablaze with color.
ElevationPerched in Colorado's high country, The Gate Campground sits at the characteristic elevations that define the state's rugged interior. Here, the thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and sage, while the altitude creates those brilliantly clear skies and cool nights that make Colorado camping legendary. Visitors should prepare for the effects of high elevation and allow time to acclimate to fully enjoy all the area has to offer.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Gate reveals nature's artistry at its finest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a cathedral of stone around the persistent flow of the Lake Fork. Towering rock walls frame views of Colorado's pristine alpine wilderness, creating an ever-changing canvas of light and shadow throughout the day. The river itself provides both a soothing soundtrack and a ribbon of life through this dramatic landscape, supporting riparian vegetation that attracts wildlife and offers shaded respites from the high-altitude sun. This convergence of water, stone, and sky creates the kind of scenery that transforms a simple camping trip into an unforgettable encounter with the raw beauty of the American West.
Geological RegionThe Gate stands as a testament to the incredible power of water over time, where the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River has patiently carved its path through layers of ancient rock. This remarkable geological formation showcases millions of years of Earth's history written in stone, with each striation and fold telling its own chapter. The dramatic rock walls that give The Gate its name create a natural gateway between worlds - one moment you're in open mountain terrain, the next you're enveloped by soaring cliffs that channel both river and imagination. The proximity to the river not only shaped this landscape but continues to nurture a vibrant ecosystem where geology and biology intertwine in fascinating ways.
Campsite details
Total Campsites8 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 Day Stay Limit
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact information not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round unless otherwise specified.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable, as reservations are not accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. No specific details on fill patterns provided.
Cancellation PolicyNon-reservable campground, cancellations are not applicable.
Amenities available
Potable water
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Gate Campground is a serene spot that offers activities such as camping, picnicking, and fishing. It is ideally located near the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, making it particularly suitable for anglers.
Fishing
The campground offers direct access to the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, making it a great spot for fishing as highlighted in the official description and user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires permitted; following standard fire safety rules is required.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include cold weather conditions in winter and wildlife encounters. No specific safety alerts provided.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Closest hospital and emergency services are in Gunnison, approximately 37 miles away. Police and ranger stations are also available in Gunnison.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season details not provided. Likely summer months due to favorable weather.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, providing excellent opportunities for fishing and water-based recreation.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention the campground being busy at times and the undeveloped larger sites across the bridge.
Campground Map
Lake Fork of The Gunnison River Recreation Area, Gunnison Field Office, 210 West Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA
Driving directionsFrom Lake City, head north on Highway 149 for approximately 15.3 miles. Look for campground entrance sign on the left side of the highway. There is a short gravel driveway down to the campground.
Accessible via Highway 149, which is a paved road. The final driveway to the campground is gravel but relatively short, ensuring easy access for most vehicles.Nearby places
Lake City: Approximately 16 miles north, travel time around 25 minutes by car. Gunnison: Approximately 37 miles southwest, travel time around 50 minutes by car.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are available in Lake City, approximately 16 miles away. Gunnison, 37 miles away, offers a wider range of supplies.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
The Gate Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The Gate Campground is praised for its picturesque location and well-maintained facilities. It is described as a 'lovely small campground' with clean vault toilets and potable water.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
- Scenic location within The Gate formation.
- Clean and odorless vault restrooms.
- Availability of potable water.
- Affordable camping fee at $5 per night.
- Peaceful, less-visited environment.
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
- Limited amenities beyond basic facilities.
- Busy at times despite being less visited overall.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring all necessary supplies as additional amenities like firewood or a camp store are not mentioned.
- Ideal for fishing enthusiasts due to the river access.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No seasonal data trends specified in the reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'This campground is tucked into the center of the geologic formation known as The Gate.' (User Review)
2. '$5 a night- 14 days max stay, vaulted toilets (nice no smell) water pump (clean potable...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews were mentioned except a note about 'some undeveloped larger sites up on the other side of the bridge.'
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025