Camping in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

98% (76 reviews)

A dramatic vertical wilderness ideal for hikers, rock climbers, and sightseers.

Top public campgrounds in the park

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

98% (76 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park adventure.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

96%

(25)

Delta Hobby Farm

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Delta, CO

We are a working hobby farm, complete with orchard, goats, pasture, and yurts. We love this slice of Western Colorado beauty... so close to the Grand Mesa, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and the Uncompaghre Plateau. So many outdoor possibilities! We build a brand new shower house with flushing toilet to share between all guests as we also have 2 yurts. We also welcome pets that don't chase the free range chickens and are on a leash when out n about. We have recently installed a Pergola for shade! Tent camping is in side the square (if you'd like!) as its lined with peegravel. There is a gate at the entrance of the field and there is a horse fence around the field is twine, so please use the gate! The share shower and bath house has on-demand hot water and a flushing toilet. We encourage all guests to be tidy and efficient as the yurts also share the same bath house.

100%

(1)

Muddy Creek At McClure Pass

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Marble, CO

3 acres of land with the Muddy Creek flowing through the property near McClure Pass in Colorado near Aspen, Carbondale, Marble, and Somerset Colorado. Paved road to the bridge, gravel just past the bridge which is where the property begins. Just pull off the road by the power pole (21-242 1/2 pole numbers) on the right side past the bridge after pulling off of hwy 133. There is no cell service in the immediate area so make sure to download maps in that the property has the river through it so down in the valley.

80%

(5)

Riverwood Resort on the Gunnison

42 sites · RVs20 acres · Delta, CO

Riverwood is your oasis in the high desert: we have a 1/3rd mile walking trail on the Gunnison River and a large pond, which allow for plenty of nature and shade. Guests have the best of both worlds: less than 20 minutes to the Gunnison Gorge NCA and Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Areas, but only a half-mile to the amenities of Delta including ample dining, minigolf, drive-in and vintage movie theaters and a large rec center. The Campground has nightly rentals, a bathhouse and grill station. Riverwood is your basecamp for adventure, whether that means gold medal fishing the Gunnison, ending a float from the Black Canyon or launching one through the Dominguez-Escalante NCA. Top-rated Colorado wineries, OHV Trails, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, mountain biking in Fruita or the Ridgway Area Trails (RAT) are all less than an hour away.

93%

(7)

Secluded Property Just Out of Town

1 site · RV, Tent9 acres · Paonia, CO

We have a lovely, shady, and quiet property about a mile outside of Paonia- just a 20 minute walk, or a few minutes bike ride into town. The camping spot is shaded and secluded with hookups on site, as well as a flush toilet and sink in rustic out house and is about 150 feet from the main house. There are a lot of birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and foxes around, and we do our best to respect them! The Entrance has been widened substantially to improve backing in and a deck, flushing toilet and sink have been added to the sight You can relax on the deck of the Dry Gulch Saloon mockup, or soak in one of the cool tubs while enjoying the serenity. Bathroom on site. Pets are welcome as long as they are well behaved and diligently picked up after :)

88%

(8)

Mesa Campground

12 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Gunnison, CO

Mesa Campground is located in a beautiful setting that boasts a multitude of activities including world class fishing, hiking, mountain biking, 4-wheeling, rafting/kayaking/paddle boarding, Colorado’s largest reservoir, Black Canyon National Park, amazing restaurants and specialty shops, wildflower festivals, rodeos and more! We offer both pull-thru and back in sites, 30 or 50 amp, patio sites, and we can accommodate any size rig. We also have van sites with full hook up for a special price. Our tent sites are grassy and provide shade. We have two beautifully kept modern cabins that you will find cozy and perfect for a get-away.

93%

(14)

Poplar Place

4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Olathe, CO

Locally owned, this large tree grove with over 100 trees, was planted in 1979 for privacy and shade between 2 homes. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent, sleep in a hammock or park your RV at the Poplar Place. Several campsites within a large grove of trees which provide privacy & shade. Enjoy the sounds of nature including but not limited to: woodpeckers, owls, hawks, farm animals, frogs, crickets & much more. Hammocks, local area maps & yard games available at our check-in station and don’t forget to carve your initials in the totem pole before you leave. You can enjoy visiting with friends around the fire pit, play a game of tic-tac-toe, have an axe throwing contest or hide out in the Tee-Pee, whatever your heart desires. **Pets are welcome, however, they MUST BE ON LEASHES AT ALL TIMES & PROPER DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTE IS A MUST* Thank you

98%

(66)

Spectacular Mountain Getaway

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Ridgway, CO

5 acres of trees up on a hill with breathtaking views of the mountains, including the 14er peak, Mount Sneffels. Only 5 miles from the small mountain town of Ridgway, Colorado and only 30 miles from the famous mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. Friendly hosts willing to offer great advice about how to explore the area. The mountain views from the property makes you imagine you are in Nepal looking at one of the Himalayan Peaks!

79%

(7)

Spirit Ranch (4WD)

2 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Montrose, CO

4WD Spirit Ranch is comprised of 35 acres of isolation in the lush green aspen forest, above the sage and juniper at 8800’. Somewhat hard to get to, up a bumpy road, it’s very private, quiet and green. Within 45 minutes to the city of Montrose, a day trip to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Ouray, the Cimarron's and the San Juan's. Spirit Ranch’s seclusion gives you respite from civilization. Soak in the peace. To access the property, you need some clearance, AWD or 4WD is recommended (something like a RAV4 or better). Larger vehicles will probably touch some soft branches along the way. After a big rain, the road can be muddy and slick. Not a serious jeep trail, but definitely “off roady”. The last 1.4 miles is through a locked gate through private property. Camp host is only there 25% of the time, with only two sites, you are not likely to see anyone else. Each campsite is marked, has a fire ring and flat spots for tents. There is plenty of dead aspen to burn. One composting porta potty serves both sites. You will need to bring your own water and leave with your garbage. There is decent cell phone reception (Verizon), but with towers on top of Waterdog Mtn, other providers are likely. Foot traffic to the top of Waterdog, from near the locked gate, is totally tolerated despite the signs. Blessed with the state’s finest top soil, it’s lush in a way most of the west can’t provide. A great place to play with a plant identification app, foragers will be thrilled with the amount of edible plants. Feel free to explore our 35 acres (property boundaries are not marked, the OnX app works great and comes with a free trial, our property is currently labeled as “Providence…”). Responsible firearm target practice is allowed. Wildlife is abundant. You’ll hear coyotes, see the scratches and tracks from mountain lions, scat and tracks from bear, elk, deer and free range cattle. Be careful with your pets.

Top-rated campgrounds near Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

98%

(22)

Down at the Hop Yard Camping

12 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Montrose, CO

Wake up to the fresh aroma of hops, enjoys beers made with the hops grown next to your sleeping bag, have a campfire with an incredible view of the San Juan Mountains and open night sky, take a tour and learn about the unique world of hops, walk around an 18-foot tall, 32-acre hop trellis, and adventure in all that the Western Slope of Colorado has to offer. This is a perfect basecamp for adventure! The attractions are endless: Exploring Black Canyon NP, Curecanti NRA, and Gunnison Gorge NCA; fly fishing in gold metal waters; hunting; hiking, climbing, and traversing the Via Ferrata in the San Juan Mountains; rafting, kayaking, or SUPing on three different rivers, including a wave park right in town, as well as on reservoirs and lakes; relaxing in mineral-rich hot springs; shopping for unique souvenirs and gifts; and enjoying the activities, restaurants, and shopping of nearby Ouray and Telluride!

96%

(181)

Zenzen Gardens

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Paonia, CO

Zenzen Gardens is now the official tasting room for Alfred Eames Cellars, a local winery located 3 miles south of Paonia. Come enjoy some local wines in the garden with a beautiful mountain view. Our tasting room is open May 1st to November 1st from 12 PM - 6 PM. We will be hosting several Farm to Table Dinners along with a Summer Concert Series, Water Lantern Festival and Masquerade. Check out our calendar for concerts and dinner dates at www.zenzengardens.com There is veranda seating to enjoy the beautiful flower gardens and where you can access the internet. Wine tastings are offered daily 12pm-6pm. The veranda is open until 8pm. At the turn of the century, this farm was a dairy operation with its huge old red barn built in the 1880's. The property is pastoral, relaxing, rural and beautiful! It is surrounded by hay and alfalfa fields. It is very quiet with wide open spaces. You might see deer, fox, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Red Tail Hawks and Red Wing Blackbirds, just to name a few.

99%

(354)

Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents35 acres · Hotchkiss, CO

The House where we live is the corner stone of the Bruce Property and is on the Colorado Register of Historic Houses.The residence was constructed between 1905 and 1912, using red bricks made on the site. John and Sophia Bruce, early pioneers in the North Fork Valley, were first involved in cattle raising. The family later became successful fruit growers. Located along the West Elk Loop, a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway, the large two-story residence features a steeply pitched hipped roof with prominent attic dormers.As a guest of Riverwalk you will have full access to the river during your stay. In addition, there is the Riverwalk Trail System that skirts the North Fork of the Gunnison River from the top of the property, by the Riverwalk Yurt, (available on this site) meandering downstream past the Riverwalk TIPI (available on the site) passing the Grove Yurt (available on this site) and terminating at the bottom of the property with the sandy Riverwalk Beach. There is a trial that zigs through the Cottonwood Grove and zags back along the gentle Monitor Ditch skirting a newly planted grove of young trees.For RV Campers we provide 2- 30amp,1-50 amp and 1- 110-amp electrical services and potable water. There is a dump station available. There is also access to our heated shower house with running water and bathroom amenities (<3 min. walk, may be shared with other guests). The property is perfectly geared to groups of friends gathering in a central location between the onset of the Rockies and the termination high desert to the west. Friends or family will reserve both Yurts and the RV Site for a perfect reunion setting!

Oasis Cottages

6 sites · Lodging20 acres · Gunnison, CO

Our Vacation Cottages at Gunnison Lakeside Oasis vary in size and sleeping capacities. A two-night minimum stay applies to all. Pricing starts at $109/night All of our cottages/cabins are equipped with restroom facilities, including a shower. From a two-bedroom cottage to 12×12 and 12×16 cottages with and without covered porches all the way to a 1960 Retro Trailer await you close to the shores of Colorado’s largest body of water, the Blue Mesa Reservoir!

96%

(229)

Tater's Black Canyon Campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Crawford, CO

Hot showers and toilets are now available! Tater's was voted a 2024 top runner up as 'Best Hipcamp in Colorado'. 35 acres of bliss shared with 2 humans, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 3 horses and 4 chickens [Eggs may be available upon request]. Black Canyon National Park is a short drive to the west. Conveniently located to Crawford and the North Fork Valley to wineries, music fests and local eateries. Incredible views and dark skies make the perfect respite for just hanging out, climbing in the Black, foodie time in the North Fork Valley or pretty much whatever you like to do. Hunters are welcome as this is a perfect base camp to Unit 63.

100%

(79)

Campfire Ranch on the Taylor

20 sites · Tents10 acres · Almont, CO

We believe campgrounds should be more fun, more accessible and more inclusive for all kinds of campers - that's why we started Campfire Ranch to make camping easier. Our campground is nestled between the granite walls of Taylor Canyon alongside the Taylor River in central Colorado, halfway between Gunnison and Crested Butte, CO. If you've never been to the area, get ready to be amazed, with over 2,500 square miles of public land, 700+ miles of singletrack trail and countless rivers, creeks and lakes to explore. We'll see y'all in the woods! We will open May 16th for the 2025 season! Bookings are available up to 60 days in advance. Please contact us before booking if you are seeking a family focused experience - we do not have a kids area or playground and require that children under the age of 16 be in the company of an adult at all times due to our proximity to Co Rd 742 and the Taylor River. No multi-room tents are allowed at camp, we simply don't have the room, the largest tent size we can accommodate is 12'x12' - please inquire if you have specific tent questions. You can check-in with us anytime after 3pm the day of your reservation, please message us if you need to check-in after 8pm. All campers will be required to sign our release of liability waiver before camping (parents/guardians will have to sign for minors in your group) - you can review these terms and rules on our website: CampfireRanch.co

91%

(17)

Oasis RV Resort

104 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Gunnison, CO

Nestled beside Colorado’s expansive Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in the state, our location offers unparalleled access to serene waters and breathtaking views. Our Gunnison Lakeside Oasis Vacation Cottages offer a range of sizes and sleeping capacities, with a two-night minimum stay requirement. Each cottage includes restroom facilities, including a shower. Options include two-bedroom cottages, 12×12 and 12×16 cottages with or without covered porches, and even a 1960 Retro Trailer. Enjoy your stay close to the beautiful Blue Mesa Reservoir! Discover the exceptional amenities at Oasis RV Resort and Cottages where modern comforts meet the tranquility of nature. Equiped with fiber optic internet, stay connected to the world while surrounded by the serene beauty of our natural surroundings.

100%

(1)

Hartwork Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Placerville, CO

A beautiful 40 acre ranch on Hastings Mesa with views of Alder Canyon and Hayden’s Peak. You can hear Alder Creek flowing through the canyon from the comfort of your campsite. Many nearby options for bicycling, hiking, kayaking and skiing in the area. Once you pull out the driveway you are a few minutes from Last Dollar Ranch Road (hike, bike, or 4x4) and about a 25 minute drive to Telluride, 30 minutes to Ridgway, and 30 minutes to Norwood. Just outside of Ridgway is Orvis Hot Springs, and more hot springs can be found in Ouray. The property offers access to Alder Creek and our beaver ponds down in the canyon. The fields are blanketed with Iris and clematis flowers in May and June and other wild flowers throughout the summer including pentstemon, larkspur, and wild roses. There are patches of scrub oak and fields with cinquefoil bushes in the camping areas, and as you go down in the canyon there’s aspen groves, blue spruce, and ponderosa pines. We raise ducks for eggs, so there are usually duck eggs available.

97%

(466)

Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

7 sites · Lodging22 acres · Hotchkiss, CO

Formerly known as the North Fork Tipi Haven, this 22 acres is now home to Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven. This property offers spectacular views, a large grass field for activities and games, a short hike up Mandala Mountain (behind the solar panels), and relaxion by Love Gulch in the many hammocks. Two mile drive from Big B's and even closer to the nearest winery (Storm Cellar). Tipi camping offers an authentic camping experience, complete with possible bugs and other critters one would expect to find in nature.

91%

(16)

Arrowhead Getaway

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Cimarron, CO

Come to a private camping space with great scenery and access to lakes. This space provides access to water, a tent, fire pit/grill with an additional tent pad and rv pad. There is also an additional shower and bathroom tent on the premise. Arrowhead lodge has live entertainment throughout the summer as well as dining and additional housing if needed.

99%

(63)

Coworking Space with Mountain Views

6 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Montrose, CO

We bought a school house! Our long-term plan is to build out a full campground on the property, but in the interim we will be offering boondocking. While we are under construction on the outdoor space, the main building that we have converted into a coworking space is available for our guests to use from the hours of 9AM - 6PM. Unfortunately, we are on old agricultural land so the sites are in the direct sun during the day. Please be aware that it gets hot out here in the summer and take this into consideration when booking your stay with us. Please note that there is only one camping structure allowed per site (one tent, one rv, one van, etc.). Since we are under construction we ask that you use caution when pulling into the lot. Our property is also on a bike trail that connects to 70 miles of (mostly paved) bike trails across the town of Montrose. Please reach out with any questions. We look forward to hosting you!

98%

(214)

Sage View Ranch

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Paonia, CO

After traveling the US in our motorhome for almost 5 years my husband Scott and I know the value of a smiling face and a helping hand after a day (or week) of travel. Exploring and experiencing this amazing country, its diversity and incredible people enhanced our lives in so many ways. In mid 2017 we found out our first grandchild was on the way. Long story short we parked the RV and parked ourselves here in Paonia, CO. In December of that year, we moved onto this amazing property full time and started the long list of fix ups (the list is still long). lol We are blessed to have our two adult sons and (aforementioned) grandson living on this property with us. Our philosophy is to live in the moment as the present is the gift. Whether enjoying a sunrise or a sunset or anytime in between you’ll likely find us outside most days. In that, we love all that nature has to offer including fresh fruits and veggies, animals, beauty and fragrances. Sage View Ranch is being created with the desire to have people experience the natural rustic beauty and magic of Paonia. Scott and I look forward to meeting you :)

The best camping near Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park guide

Overview

About

Carved over millions of years by the Gunnison River winding its way through metamorphic rock, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is so narrow in spots that the sun barely touches it, making it appear black in the middle of the day. The canyon’s sheer vertical cliffs make a challenging playground for rock climbers, while expert kayakers will find technical whitewater down below. Scenic drives offer stellar views of the canyon, where hiking trails meander along the rim. Campers will find sites perched on both the south and north rims, and at the bottom of the canyon.

Notable campgrounds

Best for RVs: South Rim Campground
Best for solitude seekers: North Rim Campground
Best for river access: East Portal Campground

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations are only available for the South Rim Campground. North Rim and East Portal campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
Campground reservations open six months in advance on a rolling basis.
Make sure to check the campsite details before booking. Only Loop B of the South Rim Campground offers electric sites and many sites have limits on RV length.

When to go

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is open year-round, but sights and services are limited during the winter months. The best time to visit is May through mid-November when the South Rim Road, the North Rim, and all campgrounds are open. The park is busiest in summer, so visit in May, September, or October if you wish to avoid the crowds. In winter, only one loop of the South Rim Campground remains open, and much of the South Rim is only accessible by skis or snowshoes.

Know before you go

Electric hookups are only available at the South Rim Campground.
The East Portal Campground is for tents only. It’s located at the bottom of the canyon and although the road to the campground is paved, it’s windy and steep. Vehicles exceeding 22 feet in length are not allowed on the East Portal Road.
Dogs are allowed at the South Rim Campground, but from early June through early August, dogs may not be walked around the campground (even on a leash) to prevent deer conflicts.
Drinking water is not always available in the campgrounds. Come prepared with your own water.
Temperatures can vary greatly between the rim and the bottom of the canyon. Bring layers and be prepared for wind if camping on the rim.

98%

76 ratings · 47 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

Very pretty and not too crowded so it was a good place to stop, wish we would have had time for a hike

Makayla H.

12 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

Beautiful and extraordinary experience!

Tracy T.

4 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

Great park, Tomachi trail was super fun.

Erin F.

2 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

The Park is breathtaking and a definite must see.. This is a park that you can drive to overlook sites and see amazing views, or spend the day hiking.

Dawn O.

19 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

Went during winter and it was amazing

Amalia G.

19 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

Beautiful park. Stunning views. Easy trails.

Jennifer T.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Yes — worth visiting. If you just have a little time go to the viewing platform near campgrounds. It’s a short walk from a small parking area.

Rena C.

16 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Loved camping here

With pets ·

South Rim Campground

The Black Canyon is really something to see and camping here was great! I stayed in loop B #2 which has electricity. Potable water to fill jugs was available right next to my spot.

Stefanie S.

5 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

An incredible scramble down to the river and swim in the sunny afternoon!

Melissa K.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Arrived late right before sunset, and got to see some of the best views. Nice and quiet

Maddi S.

6 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

The mountains are quite literally made of quartz!

Caroline C.

4 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Amazing views after only short hikes!

Sarah & Louie L.

20 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Black Canyon is beautiful and not super trafficked or busy, even for memorial day weekend

Joseph H.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

2023 Trip

The most underrated National Park - the colors are beautiful. We only got to stop in quickly, which if you’re short on time, it’s worth the stop. We plan to go back and explore more.

Morgan W.

6 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Amazing

Sandy P.

16 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Big ol canyon