Red Bridge Campground
3.906 reviews210 West Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA
Red Bridge 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
Camping fees are $5 per night at the pavilion sites and $10 per night at the main campground. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
About this campground
Tucked away along the rushing waters of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, Red Bridge Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's rugged beauty. This charming riverside retreat features just seven thoughtfully spaced campsites, each a private sanctuary complete with its own parking area, sturdy metal fire ring, and weathered picnic table perfect for morning coffee or evening meals under the stars. While you'll need to bring your own drinking water, the campground provides modern ADA-accessible vault facilities, ensuring comfort meets wilderness. Here, the soundtrack of flowing water replaces city noise, and the simplicity of unplugged living invites you to reconnect with nature's rhythms.
Red Bridge Campground is small and offers basic camping options. It caters to tent and potentially small RV campers given the parking spurs.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Red Bridge into a sun-drenched paradise where warm days invite lazy afternoons by the river and cool evenings gather campers around crackling fires. Early fall paints the landscape in golden hues, offering crisp mornings and comfortable temperatures ideal for exploration. Winter visitors should come prepared for the mountain's icy embrace, as temperatures plummet and snow blankets the region in pristine white. The campground truly shines from June through September, when wildflowers dot the meadows and the river runs full with snowmelt.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Lake Fork of the Gunnison River serves as your constant companion at Red Bridge, its crystalline waters carving through ancient rock and creating a natural symphony that lulls campers to sleep. From your campsite, panoramic vistas unfold along the celebrated Silver Thread National Scenic Byway, where each bend reveals postcard-worthy scenes of Colorado's untamed wilderness. Morning mist rises from the river, afternoon sun illuminates rippling waters, and evening light transforms the surrounding peaks into silhouettes against painted skies.
Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic landscape traversed by the Silver Thread National Scenic Byway, Red Bridge Campground occupies a special place where the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River has carved its path through millennia. This riverside haven provides front-row seats to one of Colorado's most scenic corridors, where geological forces have sculpted a masterpiece of rushing water, weathered stone, and mountain grandeur. The byway itself winds through this natural gallery, offering campers easy access to breathtaking drives through some of the state's most photogenic terrain.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe single restroom available at the campground is ADA accessible.
Sites SizeEach campsite has a parking spur suitable for one vehicle. Specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacySome reviews suggest limited privacy due to the small size of the campground. One user noted, "It starts to feel crowded with 2 spots filled."
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe pavilion sites offer slightly more privacy and may be less crowded than the main campground. Visitors should select riverside spots for optimal views.
Best CampsitesTwo pavilion sites located 200 feet south of the main campground have $5/night fees and include picnic tables, fire rings, and parking spurs.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 Day Stay Limit
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned as an option at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of seven campsites arranged along the riverside, with a separate pavilion area containing two additional sites.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made in advance; all sites are first-come, first-served. No refund or cancellation policy is applicable as the campground does not accept reservations.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Red Bridge Campground is primarily geared toward those seeking a relaxing outdoors experience with opportunities for fishing and scenic enjoyment. The location provides access to the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River and a nearby scenic drive.
Fishing
Fishing access to the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River is highlighted as one of the main activities. The campground description notes, "You'll find public fishing access to the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River."Winter Activities
No information on winter activities is provided.Water Sports
No information on non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within the provided metal fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsChipmunks may pose a minor nuisance as one camper reported, "The chipmunks ate through one of my water jugs."
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 12.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
Gunnison Field Office (210 West Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, CO 81230)
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific information on trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, providing fishing access and a tranquil riverside environment.
Common complaintsComments from reviews indicate that the small size of the main campground can lead to a crowded feeling when multiple sites are occupied. Lack of potable water is another drawback.
Campground Map
210 West Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, CO 81230, USA
Driving directionsFrom Lake City, drive north on Highway 149 approximately 21 miles. As the road makes a strong turn to the right, look for a gravel road (County Road 25) and mailboxes on your left. Turn left and travel about 2.3 miles to the Red Bridge Campground.
The campground is accessible from County Road 25, which is a gravel road. It is located approximately 2.3 miles from Highway 149. No seasonal closures or navigation challenges are mentioned.Nearby places
Lake City (21 miles), Gunnison (approximately 33 miles, including 9 miles west on Highway 50 followed by 24 miles south on Highway 149)
Nearby supplies
Supplies and fuel are most likely available in Lake City (21 miles away) and Gunnison (33 miles away). No specific details are provided about supply locations.
Camper Reviews
3.9
6 reviews
Red Bridge Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground as a serene and scenic location ideal for fishing, star-gazing, and relaxing. However, its small size and lack of potable water are common criticisms.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciated the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the area. One user described it as "a wonderful relaxing campground," and another mentioned that the "night sky was breathtaking! So...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The lack of potable water and potential overcrowding were frequently mentioned. One camper noted, "It starts to feel crowded with 2 spots filled," while another emphasized, "One vault toilet and NO...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water as there is no potable water available. Be prepared for wildlife, such as chipmunks, which may damage camping gear. Early arrival may help secure a more private spot within the...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
September appears to be a popular time for visitors, as noted in a review from that period. The lack of potable water and basic amenities may make summer a more convenient time to camp, as there...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Gorgeous, off the beaten path, a wonderful relaxing campground." "Tiny campground, but a welcomed opportunity for road-weary travelers." "Night sky was breathtaking! So many stars!" "It starts to...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground's small size (7 sites) was a point of focus. Two sites south of the main campground with a pavilion may be confused as part of the primary area, as explained by one user: "THOSE two...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The vault toilet is ADA accessible, but no additional accessibility features are mentioned.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific information on pet-related policies or experiences was provided.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025