Wake up in the cool, pine scented air tinged with the smoky remnants of your campfire. There's nothing like unplugging and escaping the noise and chaos of modern life. With options ranging from off-the-grid camping to modern sites with convenient amenities, there is something for everyone.
Designated Camping
Camp in sites that have a post with a campsite number, metal fire ring, and parking spot. For these areas, you can camp only at signed sites first come, first served with a 14 day maximum. Fires are only permitted in the established metal fire rings and limited to two vehicles per site. There is no site saving; it is illegal to leave property unattended for more than 24 hours.
Established Campgrounds
Looking for a campground with amenities? These pay-for sites offer fire rings, picnic tables, trashcans, and bathrooms. Campgrounds can fill up fast during the summer, so make sure to reserve campsites before arriving.
Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov.
Dispersed Camping
Unlike established campgrounds, camping in undeveloped areas require more from campers to help keep sites in the condition in which they were found. Individuals should camp where others have camped before or on durable surfaces and should be stationed 100 feet from all water sources. Campsites can be occupied for no more than 14 days and is also limited to a total of 28 days in a 60 day period. Click here for more info.
Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment. Try to use a lightweight stove for cooking. Where fires are permitted:
- Use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires
- Try to keep fires small
- Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, and put out campfires completely with water
If possible, try to use an established toilet before going into the woods. There are more than a dozen public restrooms and portable toilets at trailheads and other outdoor areas in Crested Butte. Know where they are before you head out.
When you don't have access to outdoor restrooms, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, campsites and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter to prevent animals from invading the area. For more information of proper outdoor waste guidelines, brush up on Leave No Trace.
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach animals and never feed them. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely in bear canisters or by setting up a bear bag.
Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Camping Map
Below is an interactive map for camping in the upper and lower Gunnison Valley. Upper valley includes Crested Butte and nearby areas, while Lower consists of Gunnison and the Taylor Reservoir area.
RED = established campgrounds
BLUE = dispersed camping areas
YELLOW = designated camping areas
In order to access our custom maps on MOBILE, please sign into a Google account in the Google Maps app.
Dispersed camping in the Gothic Corridor is not allowed from June 15 - Aug 15. For a map of closure, click here.
Upper Valley Camping
| Key | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H= Host | W = Water | T = Trash | R = Restroom/Toilet | A = Handicap Accessible |
| Site | Area | Established or Dispersed | Features | Fee per night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gothic Campground | East River Valley | Established - 4 Sites - Designated sites ONLY | R | $12.00 |
| Lost Lake Campground | Kebler Pass | Established - 18 Sites | H, W, T, R, | $18.00 |
| Lake Irwin Campground | Kebler Pass | Established - 32 Sites | H, W, T, R, A | $18.00 |
| Oh Be Joyful Campground | Slate River Drainage | Established | R | |
| Kebler Pass Road (12) | Kebler Pass | Dispersed | 30 miles on County Road 12 | |
| Lake Irwin Road | Kebler Pass | Dispersed | Before and after established campground | |
| Slate River Road (734) | Slate River Drainage | Designated - 43 Sites | Use signed/numbered sites only throughout the valley and Poverty Gulch. | |
| Gothic Road (317) | East River Drainage | Dispersed - Only before or after June 15th - Aug 15th | Past the town of Gothic (camping in this area is closed from June 15-August 15) | |
| Washington Gulch Road | Washington Gulch | Designated - 48 Sites | 5 miles up the road after private property. Use signed/numbered sites only. | |
| Brush Creek Road | Brush Creek | Designated - 41 Sites | 6 miles up road from HWY 135 | |
| Crested Butte RV Resort | Riverland | Established - 21 Sites | H, W, T, R, A 2 miles south of CB | $50.00 - $75.00 |
Lower Valley Camping
| Site | Area | Established or Dispersed | Features | Fee per night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunnison Mountain Park Tent Camp | Taylor Canyon | Established - 6 Sites | H, T, R | $12.00 |
| Granite Tent Camp | Taylor Canyon | Established - 6 Sites | H, T, R | $12.00 |
| One Mile Campground | Taylor Canyon | Established - 23 Sites | H, W, T, R, A | $18.00 |
| North Bank Campground | Taylor Canyon | Established - 17 Sites | H, W, T, R | $14.00 |
| Rosy Lane Campground | Taylor Canyon | Established - 22 Sites | H, W, T, R, A | $18.00 |
| Lodgepole Campground | Taylor Canyon | Established - 16 Sites | H, W, M, R | $16.00 |
| Cold Springs Campground | Taylor Canyon | Established - 37 Sites | H, W, T, R | $18.00 |
| Spring Creek Campground | Spring Creek | Established - 12 Sites | H, T, R | $14.00 |
| Mosca Campground | Spring Creek | Established - 16 Sites | H, T, R | $14.00 |
| Spring Creek Road | Spring Creek | Dispersed | Just before the second bridge on the right | |
| Hartman Rocks | Gunnison | Designated | Just southwest of Gunnison | |
| Cement Creek Road | Cement Creek | Designated - 22 Sites | Just past the town of CB South | |
| Stevens Creek Campground | Blue Mesa | Established - 17 Sites | H, W, T, R, A | $8.00 - $16.00 |
| Elk Creek Campground | Blue Mesa | Established - 75 Sites | H, W, T, R, A Electric hookup and RV hookup available | $8.00 - $16.00 |
If you’re looking to park it and stay: Check out Crested Butte RV Resort, 2 miles south of town. It’s far enough away, it’s quiet and close enough to bike to town. They’re the only big rig friendly spot in upper Gunnison Valley.