Camping in Lake City and Hinsdale County, Colorado
Camping in Lake City and Hinsdale County, Colorado
Hinsdale County is one of the most remote and least populated counties in Colorado, with roughly 96% of its land held in public trust by the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Park Service. That makes it a paradise for campers. Whether you stay close to Lake City and Lake San Cristobal or venture out toward Creede, Powderhorn, or the Rio Grande Reservoir, you will find campgrounds across the county that range from secluded free sites in the Uncompahgre and Weminuche wilderness areas to fully developed sites with potable water, vault toilets, and trailer-friendly pull-throughs.
Use the area index and interactive map below to plan around where you want to spend your trip. Always confirm current fees, reservation requirements, and seasonal road conditions directly with the managing agency before you travel.
Find a campground by area
Lake San Cristobal & Cinnamon Pass
Wupperman Campground · Williams Creek Campground · Mill Creek Campground
Cebolla Creek & Powderhorn Area
Deer Lakes Campground · Hidden Valley Tent Campground · Spruce Campground · Cebolla Creek Campground
Lake Fork of the Gunnison & Blue Mesa
Red Bridge Campground · The Gate Campground · Big Blue Campground · Gateview Campground
Silver Thread Byway & Rio Grande Reservoir
Bristol Head Campground · North Clear Creek Campground · Silver Thread (South Clear Creek) Campground · Road Canyon Campground · River Hill Campground · Thirty Mile Campground · Lost Trail Campground
Lake San Cristobal & Cinnamon Pass
Just south of Lake City, these campgrounds put you on Lake San Cristobal — Colorado’s second-largest natural lake — and along the historic Alpine Loop Scenic Byway over Cinnamon Pass.
Wupperman Campground
Address: County Road 33, Lake City, CO 81235
Phone: 970-944-2225
Website: https://hinsdalecounty.colorado.gov/recreation-campground-boatdock
Open Seasonally: Late spring through fall (seasonal)
Number of Units: 31
Rates: $15
Located at Lake San Cristobal on County Road 33. Dump station for guests only. Campground hosts on-site. Elevation: 9,000’. First-come, first-served only — no reservations. Water, trash, vault toilets, picnic tables, grills, and fire grates provided. No electricity. Owned and managed by Hinsdale County.
Williams Creek Campground
Address: County Road 30, Lake City, CO 81235
Phone: 970-944-2500
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/recreation/williams-creek-campground-gunnison-rd
Open Seasonally: June through September
Number of Units: 23
Rates: $20 per night; $10 additional vehicle; $6 day-use
Located along the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, providing access to hiking, fishing, 4-wheel-driving, and scenic driving. The Colorado and Continental Divide Trails can be accessed via the Cataract Gulch Trailhead, a short drive from the site. The Lake Fork of the Gunnison River runs adjacent to the campground, making it a great place for anglers. First-come, first-served. Vault toilets only. Firewood bundles available for $10.
Directions: Drive two miles southeast on State Highway 149 to County Road 3 / BLM Road 3306. Turn right on County Road 3 / BLM 3306 and drive 7 miles.
Mill Creek Campground
Phone: 970-642-4940
Website: https://www.blm.gov/visit/mill-creek-campground-co
Open Seasonally: June through September
Number of Units: 22 (13 reservable, 9 first-come)
Rates: $7–$20 per night (reservable sites priced higher)
Located on CR 30, Cinnamon Pass Road, 14 miles southwest of Lake City. Elevation 9,500’. Managed by the BLM. 13 sites are reservable on Recreation.gov (campground ID 271727). Bear-proof food storage on every site.
Cebolla Creek & Powderhorn Area
East of Lake City on Forest Road 788, this string of campgrounds runs along Cebolla Creek between the Powderhorn and La Garita wilderness areas — quiet, lightly trafficked, and excellent for trail access.
Deer Lakes Campground
Reopened May 2025 after Great American Outdoors Act renovation, with new vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, accessibility improvements, and kiosks.
Phone: 970-944-2500
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/recreation/deer-lakes-campground-gunnison-rd
Open Seasonally: June through September
Number of Units: 12
Rates: $18 per night; $9 additional vehicle; $6 day-use
Located near Deer Lakes, with fishing access to the lakes. Most visitors come for great fishing in a beautiful location. Hikers, backpackers, and equestrians will enjoy the trails of the La Garita and Powderhorn Wilderness Areas located southeast and northeast of this site. This high-elevation landscape (10,500’) is mostly aspen trees. First-come, first-served.
Directions: Drive 9 miles southeast on State Highway 149 to Forest Road 788. Turn left onto FDR 788 and drive 3 miles, then continue on Forest Road 458 for 2 miles.
Hidden Valley Tent Campground
Phone: 970-944-2500
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/recreation/hidden-valley-tent-campground-gunnison-rd
Open Seasonally: June through October 1 (weather permitting)
Number of Units: 4 (tent sites only)
Rates: $14 per night; $7 additional vehicle
A primitive tent-camping-only area located between the Powderhorn and La Garita Wilderness areas at 9,700’ elevation. Great for hikers and backpackers — offers access to extensive trail systems within both wilderness and general forest areas. The landscape is a narrow valley with spruce, fir, and aspen trees next to Cebolla Creek. No potable water. First-come, first-served.
Directions: Drive south on State Highway 149 to Forest Road 788. Turn left onto FDR 788 and drive 6 miles, passing Deer Lakes Campground.
Spruce Campground
Phone: 970-944-2500
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/recreation/spruce-campground-gunnison-rd
Open Seasonally: June through September
Number of Units: 9
Rates: $14 per night; $7 additional vehicle; $6 day-use
Located on Cebolla Creek, lying between the Powderhorn and La Garita Wilderness areas. Popular with hikers, backpackers, and anglers. Several miles of trail exist in both wilderness areas. First-come, first-served. Restrooms on-site.
Directions: Drive 9 miles southeast on State Highway 149 to Forest Road 788. Turn left onto FDR 788 and drive 8 miles, passing Deer Lakes and Hidden Valley Campgrounds.
Cebolla Creek Campground
Address: 210 W Spencer Street, Gunnison, CO 81230
Phone: 970-641-0471 (BLM Gunnison Field Office)
Website: https://www.blm.gov/office/gunnison-field-office
Open Seasonally: Memorial Day to Labor Day
Number of Units: 5
Rates: Free
Located 6.5 miles from Powderhorn on FS Road 788 (CR 50). Sites are short in length — RVs limited to about 20 feet. Tables, water, and vault toilets. Elevation approximately 9,200’. Managed by BLM.
Lake Fork of the Gunnison & Blue Mesa
North of Lake City along Highway 149 and the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. These campgrounds suit anglers, river floaters, and travelers heading toward Blue Mesa Reservoir and the Uncompahgre Wilderness.
Red Bridge Campground
Address: 210 W. Spencer Street, Gunnison, CO 81230
Phone: 970-642-4940
Website: https://www.blm.gov/visit/red-bridge-campground
Open Seasonally: Memorial Day to Labor Day (late May through early September)
Number of Units: 7
Rates: $5
Located on the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. Elevation: 7,800’. Managed by the BLM. First-come, first-served (not reservable on Recreation.gov).
The Gate Campground
Address: 210 W. Spencer St, Gunnison, CO 81230
Phone: 970-642-4940
Website: https://www.blm.gov/visit/gate-campground
Open Seasonally: June through October
Number of Units: 8
Rates: $10
Located on the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, just off Hwy 149, several miles past the Blue Mesa Cutoff Road (Miller Flats). On the Silver Thread Scenic Byway about 16 miles north of Lake City — roughly a 20–30 minute drive. Elevation: 8,000’. Hand-pump potable water and two vault toilets. Managed by the BLM.
Big Blue Campground
Phone: 970-944-2500
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/recreation/big-blue-campground-gunnison-rd
Open Seasonally: June through October
Number of Units: 11
Rates: Free (donation-based)
A secluded campground overlooking a picturesque valley adjacent to the Uncompahgre Wilderness. Located near the junction of Soldier Creek and Blue Creek, with a variety of hiking trails in the area including Big Blue Trail, Fall Creek Trail, Ridge Stock Driveway Trail, and Alpine Trail. Most of these trails lead south into the wilderness where mechanized and motorized travel is not allowed. The landscape is mostly aspen and spruce trees. First-come, first-served.
Directions: Drive ten miles north on State Highway 149 to Forest Road 868. Turn left onto FDR 868 and drive nine miles.
Gateview Campground
Address: Blue Mesa Cut-off Road, Blue Mesa, CO 81230
Phone: 970-641-2337 (Curecanti National Recreation Area)
Website: https://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/camp_gateview.htm
Open Seasonally: Summer through fall (seasonal, first-come/first-served)
Number of Units: 6
Rates: Free
Located in a deep, narrow canyon at the extreme south end of the Lake Fork Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Elevation 7,538’. Take CO Highway 149 7 miles west of Powderhorn, then 6 miles north on the gravel Blue Mesa Cutoff Road. Best for tent camping; the narrow gravel access road is not recommended for RVs or trailers. Water available mid-May to mid-September. Vault toilets only. No reservations. Managed by the National Park Service.
Silver Thread Byway & Rio Grande Reservoir
South over Slumgullion and Spring Creek Passes, the Silver Thread Scenic Byway runs from Lake City to Creede past a corridor of campgrounds along South Clear Creek, the Rio Grande River, and the Rio Grande Reservoir. Trailheads for the Weminuche Wilderness and Continental Divide Trail are clustered here.
Bristol Head Campground
Phone: 719-657-3321 (Divide Ranger District)
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/riogrande/recreation/bristol-head-campground
Open Seasonally: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend (peak)
Number of Units: 15 (11 pull-through)
Rates: $26–$52 per night
15 campsites ranging from 35 to 55 feet in length, with both dead-end spurs and pull-throughs. Sits in a meadow on a bench above South Clear Creek. A short trail from the campground leads to an overlook of the Clear Creek Canyons and a waterfall. The campground stretches 0.6 miles along the bench above South Clear Creek. Every site has a view of towering mountains dominated by Bristol Head Peak. Spruce and aspen line the meadow and provide some shade. Excellent area for viewing wildlife, especially moose. Quiet and secluded with fishing in the creek nearby. Cash or check only — no cell service. 14-day camping limit.
Directions: From Creede, take Hwy 149 south (toward Lake City) 21.6 miles to North Clear Creek Road sign (Forest Rd. 510). Turn right onto Rd. 510 (gravel) and go 0.3 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.
North Clear Creek Campground
Phone: 719-657-3321 (Divide Ranger District)
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/riogrande/recreation/north-clear-creek-campground
Open Seasonally: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend
Number of Units: 21
Rates: $26–$52 per night
Located 24.5 miles west of Creede on Forest Road 510. Completely hidden from FR 510, with 21 sites, each having parking spurs, tables, and a fire ring. Two vault toilets are provided and potable drinking water comes from a well. Garbage cans are centrally located. Firewood is not provided. A host is usually stationed at the campground. Adjacent to North Clear Creek for fishing. Elevation roughly 9,900’. Some sites are in sunny openings; others are screened and shaded with small aspen, spruce, and fir. Good general area to observe and photograph aspen colors in the fall and possibly spot a moose. First-come, first-served (not reservable). Cash or check only; no cell service. 14-day camping limit.
Directions: From Creede: travel west on Colorado Highway 149 for 22.4 miles to Forest Road 510. Take FR 510 north for 2.1 miles to campground entrance.
Silver Thread (South Clear Creek) Campground
Phone: 719-657-3321 (Divide Ranger District)
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/riogrande/recreation/silver-thread-campground
Open Seasonally: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend (peak); reduced services off-season
Number of Units: 11 (6 gravel pull-throughs, 5 dead-end spurs)
Rates: $26 per night peak ($31 with hookup); $10 per night shoulder season
Campground elevation is 9,500’. There is a beautiful waterfall within a few hundred feet that you can hike to easily from the south end of the campground. The campground, just off State Highway 149, is well suited for overnight stays with many level pull-throughs. Fishing in South Clear Creek, nearby trails, and the beauty of the area may cause longer stays. Aspen provides shade for some campsites while spruce trees soften the surrounding hillsides. Take the short trail to view South Clear Creek Falls. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. Located adjacent to Highway 149 for easy access for travelers on the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, approximately halfway between Creede and Lake City. Off-season has no potable water — pack out trash.
Directions: From Creede: take State Highway 149 south (toward Lake City) 23 miles to the campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground. From Lake City: take Highway 149 south over Slumgullion Pass and Spring Creek Pass for 29 miles and turn left at the campground sign.
Road Canyon Campground
Phone: 719-657-3321 (Divide Ranger District)
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/riogrande/recreation/road-canyon-campground
Open Seasonally: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend (peak)
Number of Units: 6
Rates: $26 per night peak; $10 per night shoulder
This small campground, located at the head of Road Canyon Reservoir, usually has vacancy when other upriver campgrounds are full. The area is in a fully open meadow, with no trees, and is not screened from Rio Grande Reservoir Road. It has 6 camping units, each with a parking spur, table, and fire ring. An undeveloped overflow camping area is directly across the road. A vault toilet is provided, but no trash receptacles (please pack out your trash). No firewood or drinking water is available. Fishing access and a boat launch at Road Canyon Reservoir. First-come, first-served. 14-day camping limit.
Directions: From Creede: travel southwest on Highway 149 for about 20 miles to the intersection of Highway 149 and Forest Road 520 (Rio Grande Reservoir Road), then drive almost 6 miles west on FR 520.
River Hill Campground
Phone: 719-657-3321 (Divide Ranger District)
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/riogrande/recreation/river-hill-campground
Open Seasonally: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend
Number of Units: 20
Rates: $29 single, $34 with hookup, $58 double; $10 shoulder season
Located west of Creede at an elevation of 9,250’. Situated in a meadow surrounded by willows and spruce trees on the banks of the Rio Grande River. Campers come here to fish for trout, hunt, and enjoy the beautiful views of the forested hills and rock bluffs. On the Rio Grande River just below Rio Grande Reservoir, it offers kayaking and fishing. Many sites are screened well with trees. Adjacent to Little Squaw Resort. Fishing is possible on the Rio Grande River, Grizzly Creek, Weminuche Creek, and the Rio Grande Reservoir. Trail access to the Continental Divide and Weminuche Wilderness via Weminuche Creek Trail 818 and Squaw Creek Trail 814. Forest Roads 533 and 931 are nearby 4WD roads. A popular campground that remains full from mid-June through August, with hosts stationed on-site. Most sites accommodate trailers up to 30 feet; some take 40-foot units. Two vault toilets. Drinking water provided with two wells. Garbage cans centrally grouped. Firewood not provided. Bear country — practice safe food storage techniques. Reservations available on Recreation.gov (campground ID 233811) or call 877-444-6777. 14-day camping limit.
Directions: From Creede: travel southwest on Colorado Highway 149 for 20.1 miles to the intersection with Forest Road 520 (Rio Grande Reservoir Road), then 9.5 miles west on Road 520.
Thirty Mile Campground
Phone: 719-657-3321 (Divide Ranger District)
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/riogrande/recreation/thirty-mile-campground
Open Seasonally: Late May through end of August (peak)
Number of Units: 35 (28 reservable, 7 first-come)
Rates: $29–$58 per night peak; $10 shoulder season
Nestled on the banks of the Rio Grande River, just a short mile from the Rio Grande Reservoir. The location is perfect for fishing, canoeing/kayaking, and swimming. There is an amphitheater where campfire programs are periodically presented during the summer, and nature trails. Two trailheads take you into the Weminuche Wilderness, with climbing and backpacking/horse packing in the San Juan mountains. The campground is in a wooded meadow situated between the Rio Grande River and Grizzly Creek, with some sites overlooking the creek. All sites are nestled among mature spruce or aspen trees. Two trailheads (Squaw Creek 814 and Weminuche Pass 818) link to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Very popular with both fishermen and hikers. Firewood is available for a fee. Ample parking for fishermen and backpackers. No stock unloading or horse trailers permitted, but 1/2 and 3/4 miles east, adjacent to Forest Road 250, pack stock can be unloaded and stock trailers parked near public corrals. Bear country — practice safe food storage techniques. Reservable on Recreation.gov (campground ID 232338).
Directions: From Creede: take State 149 south (toward Lake City) 19.3 miles to the Rio Grande Reservoir sign (Forest Rd. 520). Turn left onto Rd. 520 and go 0.5 miles to a Y intersection. Bear left onto a dirt road, staying on Rd. 520, and go 10.8 miles to the campground sign. Left turn into the campground.
Lost Trail Campground
Phone: 719-657-3321 (Divide Ranger District)
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/riogrande/recreation/lost-trail-campground
Open Seasonally: Mid-May through November 15 (weather permitting)
Number of Units: 7 (3 pull-through)
Rates: $10 per night
This isolated campground is located 38.2 miles southwest of Creede on Forest Road 520. Nearby trails include access to the Continental Divide, Lost Trail Creek Trail 821 to Carson City Mining area, West Lost Creek Trail 821 to Cataract Lake, Heart Lake Trail 823 to Heart Lake, and Ute Creek Trail 819 to the Weminuche Wilderness. 4WD roads include Stony Pass (Forest Road 520) and Beartown/Kite Lake (Forest Road 506). Lost Trail Creek, Ute Creek, and the upper end of Rio Grande Reservoir all offer fishing access. The Lost Trail Guest Ranch is adjacent to the campground. Do not use the private land footbridge on the Sky Hi Ranch. 7 sites, each with a parking spur, table, and fire ring. Vault toilet provided. The well-based drinking water system is CLOSED — water does not test as safe. Bring all drinking water. Firewood and refuse receptacles are not provided. Only limited maneuvering for RVs and trailers — most spurs and pull-throughs are short. The access road above Rio Grande Reservoir is narrow and sometimes rough. Screening and trees are limited. Usually busy from mid-June through the end of August. First-come, first-served. 14-day camping limit.
Directions: From Creede: travel 19 miles southwest on Colorado Highway 149 to Forest Road 520 (Rio Grande Reservoir Road). Take Road 520 west for 18.1 miles. The campground is on the south side of the main road.
