How much does camping cost at Dry Gulch Campground?

Camping fees at Dry Gulch Campground range from $16/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Dry Gulch Campground?

Dry Gulch Campground is open Summer months are likely peak season based on user reviews and proximity to hiking/beach activities.. 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 Dry Gulch Campground?

Dry Gulch Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Dry Gulch Campground?

Fire policies at Dry Gulch Campground: Campfires are permitted in designated metal fire pits only. Guests must bring their own firewood.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Dry Gulch Campground?

Cell phone service at Dry Gulch Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Dry Gulch Campground have?

Dry Gulch Campground has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Dry Gulch Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Dry Gulch Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Dry Gulch Campground?

Dry Gulch Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Dry Gulch Campground?

Popular activities at Dry Gulch Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Dry Gulch Campground

Q: Is Dry Gulch Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Dry Gulch Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-served. Users noted busy weekends might fill up sites early, emphasizing the importance of arriving in the morning.

3.27

11 reviews

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,560 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,560 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Dry Gulch Campground

$16.00 - $16.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The camping fee is $16 per night and payment methods include both card and cash.

Standard Site Fee$16.00

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

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What Campers Say

3.27

Mixed Reviews

Based on 11 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadespaciouswater

"User reviews for Dry Gulch Campground are generally positive, with visitors appreciating its secluded atmosphere, spacious sites, and well-maintained facilities like clean vault toilets. However, the campground's limited capacity and the first-come, first-served system can be a drawback during peak times. The spotty cell service is noted, but it is still functional enough for basic needs like calls and music streaming."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Dry Gulch Campground

38.4841, -107.1884

Nearby places

Gunnison (17 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Montrose (approximately 1 hour), Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (approximately 1 hour)

Nearby supplies

Downtown Gunnison offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel options, located approximately 20 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Dry Gulch Campground

Summer is the reliable window here. Daytime highs run 65–85°F, nights drop into the 40s–50s, and the cottonwoods leaf out fully, casting shade over the sites. This is when the trails to Dillon Pinnacles and Bay of Chickens see the most use, with long daylight and easy access. Expect the campground to fill on holiday weekends. Cell service is spotty but functional. Calls and music streaming work, video less so. Winter brings light snow and clear skies, though the campground sees little traffic in the cold months.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is reliable (65–85°F); cottonwoods provide welcome shade though site fills quickly on weekends.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months are likely peak season based on user reviews and proximity to hiking/beach activities.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open year-round but may be less accessible during snow-bound periods.

About Dry Gulch Campground

Dry Gulch Campground sits 17 miles west of Gunnison in a quiet cottonwood grove, offering 9 first-come, first-served sites for tents and RVs. Sites run $16 per night and include picnic tables, fire rings, and bear lockers. Vault toilets are consistently described as super clean, and potable water is available. Expect to arrive early on summer weekends. The small campground fills quickly.

Dry Gulch Campground is primarily designed for traditional camping, with facilities to accommodate tents and medium-sized RVs. All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are no provisions for luxury or group camping.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the reliable window here. Daytime highs run 65–85°F, nights drop into the 40s–50s, and the cottonwoods leaf out fully, casting shade over the sites. This is when the trails to Dillon Pinnacles and Bay of Chickens see the most use, with long daylight and easy access. Expect the campground to fill on holiday weekends. Cell service is spotty but functional. Calls and music streaming work, video less so. Winter brings light snow and clear skies, though the campground sees little traffic in the cold months.

ElevationPerched at 7,560 feet above sea level, Dry Gulch Campground sits in Colorado's sweet spot where the air is crisp, the nights are cool, and the stars shine with remarkable clarity. This elevation brings refreshing temperatures even during summer's peak, while winter visitors should come prepared for snow and the enchanting beauty it brings to the cottonwood grove. The thin mountain air adds an invigorating quality to every breath, reminding you that you've truly escaped to the high country.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a sheltered valley at 7,560 feet, shaded by large cottonwoods that provide a cool canopy against the surrounding high-desert landscape. Beyond the grove, the Dillon Pinnacles rise to the east: volcanic rock formations that tower over the terrain in jagged spires. The Bay of Chickens recreation area sits nearby, named for its unusual geology and offering another pocket of exploration in this patchwork of cottonwood valleys and volcanic outcrops.

Geological RegionTucked into a protective low valley, Dry Gulch Campground showcases the remarkable geological diversity of western Colorado. The campground's cottonwood-shaded haven provides a gentle contrast to the dramatic landscapes that surround it. Venture out to witness the awe-inspiring Dillon Pinnacles, where volcanic rock formations tell the story of the earth's fiery past, or explore the intriguingly named Bay of Chickens, where unique geological features create a playground for the curious. This special corner of Colorado demonstrates how water, wind, and time have sculpted a landscape that seamlessly blends serene valleys with spectacular geological monuments.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Typical limit for sites is up to 8 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are tucked among the cottonwoods with enough spacing for privacy. Medium RVs and small trailers fit, as do multi-tent setups. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit, though some tables may need a wipe-down before use.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as Dry Gulch is exclusively first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Users noted busy weekends might fill up sites early, emphasizing the importance of arriving in the morning.

Cancellation PolicyAll sites are first-come, first-served, so reservations cannot be cancelled.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious enough for multiple tents and additional equipment, such as pop-up canopies.

PrivacyThe campsites are shaded by large cottonwood trees, providing a decent level of privacy.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure sites, especially during weekends. Site #7 is recommended for space and proximity to restrooms.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions and activities. It is close to destinations like the Bay of Chickens recreation area, the Dillon Pinnacles hiking trail, and the Black Canyon. This makes it an ideal spot for those who enjoy outdoor activities in the surrounding areas.

Hiking

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wet firewood and isolated location with limited cell service (3 bars 4G max). No specific wildlife or terrain warnings noted.

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are available for food storage and are included in the camping fee.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted in designated metal fire pits only. Guests must bring their own firewood.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are in Gunnison, including hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingNo information available about trash and recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesClose to Bay of Chickens recreational area and Dillon Pinnacles hiking trail.

Camp HostRangers maintain the site daily, checking bathrooms and providing fresh water. 'Rangers were extremely friendly!!!' - User review.

Weather at Dry Gulch Campground

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

3.3

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Dry Gulch Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Dry Gulch Campground are generally positive, with visitors appreciating its secluded atmosphere, spacious sites, and well-maintained facilities like clean vault toilets. However, the campground's limited capacity and the first-come, first-served system can be a drawback during peak times. The spotty cell service is noted, but it is still functional enough for basic needs like calls and music streaming.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciated the campground's 'super clean' vault toilets, potable water availability, and well-shaded, spacious campsites. The proximity to local attractions like the Dillon Pinnacles and...

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned that the campground could use more sites, as it fills up quickly on busy weekends. Another drawback is the lack of on-site firewood, although rangers occasionally make wet wood...

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend arriving early, especially on busy weekends, to secure a spot. Bringing your own firewood is advised since the available wood is often wet. It’s also suggested to bring a tablecloth...

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews suggest the campground is busiest during holiday weekends and summer months. The secluded nature and shade provide comfort during warmer weather.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Wonderful little spot for traditional camping.' - Sam Lang - 'Rangers were extremely friendly!!! Great advice and really accommodating.' - Sam Lang - 'Great Campground with super clean compost...

Based on 11 reviews