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A camping trip to the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park makes for a beautiful getaway for sightseeing, stargazing, and hiking. The park protects the most dramatic section of the Gunnison River Canyon; no other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths of Black Canyon.
Take one of many spectacular hikes such as the Oak Flat Loop Trail, and watch for the black-billed magpie. In summer, catch an evening educational program in the campground amphitheater. In winter, try snowshoeing on Rim Rock Trail or go cross country skiing on South Rim Drive.
Campsites are open year round, but drinking water is only available mid-May through mid-October. Electric hookups are in Loop B and available in the summer only.
Perched on the South Rim of the Black Canyon, this campground is surrounded by scrub oak forests and sits atop ancient hard rocks. Deer, grouse, bears, and bobcats are known to frequent the area.
Visit the Cimarron Rail Exhibit to see railcars and the last remaining railroad trestle on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison route. Head upstream to Curecanti National Recreation Area to enjoy water recreation on Colorado's largest reservoir.
Cell service is unreliable at best, and often non-existent. Do not expect cell service within the park.
From Montrose, take Hwy 50 east for 6 miles, then turn left onto Hwy 347 and follow it for 6 miles. Hwy 347 turns into the South Rim Drive of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. About 1 mile past the park’s entrance station, turn right onto the South Rim Campground road.
Loop A Standard Camping FeeThe nightly camping fee for Loop A at the South Rim is $16.00. There is an $3 fee for reservations. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. When water is turned off in the campground (spring and fall), camping fees are not charged.Cost: $16.00
Loop A Senior / Access Camping FeeDiscounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $8.00. There is an $3 fee for reservations. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. When water is turned off in the campground (spring and fall), camping fees are not charged.Cost: $8.00
Loop B Standard Camping FeeThe nightly camping fee for Loop B (RV sites with electricity) at the South Rim is $22.00. There is an $3 fee for reservations. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. When water is turned off in the campground (spring and fall), camping fees are not charged.Cost: $22.00
Loop B Senior / Access Camping FeeDiscounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $14.00. There is an $3 fee for reservations. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. When water and electricity are turned off in the campground (spring and fall), camping fees are not charged.Cost: $14.00
Loop C Standard Camping FeeThe nightly camping fee for Loop C at the South Rim is $16.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. When water is turned off in the campground (spring and fall), camping fees are not charged.Cost: $16.00
Loop C Senior / Access Camping FeeDiscounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $8.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. When water is turned off in the campground (spring and fall), camping fees are not charged.Cost: $8.00
In the summer, loops A and B may be reserved through recreation.gov. In the Spring, Fall, and Winter, all sites are first-come, first-served. Loop C is always first-come, first-served.
Smallish spots but we're usually dispersed campers. Nice flat spots, great tent area. Quite campground. Easy to ride bikes trip look outs.
Our experience was wonderful at the desert view / South rim campground. There is a trail that leads to the rim of the canyon, better than any overlook you'll ever be at. Reserve a spot here, you will be very happy.
