Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim Campground

Location

10346 Hwy. 347
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Policies

Check-in

1:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Max stay

14 nights

Pets

Allowed (per listing)

Campfires

Allowed (per listing)

About

Perched on the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the South Rim Campground puts you on the high ledge above some of the steepest cliffs and oldest rocks in North America, surrounded by scrub oak and the hard, ancient stone that shapes this dramatic gorge. From camp you can step onto Skyline and Oak Flat viewpoints and join a network of trails the Oak Flat Loop is easily reached from the rim to watch for deer, grouse, black-billed magpies and the occasional bobcat or bear. Daytime options in the park include hiking, auto touring, climbing and fishing, while the reservoir upriver at Curecanti National Recreation Area offers paddling opportunities; in summer the campground runs evening educational programs in its amphitheater, and in winter visitors often snowshoe on the Rim Rock Trail or cross-country ski South Rim Drive. Camping here is also a good choice for nighttime skywatching: with the rim's exposure and minimal nearby development, the stars are prominent on clear nights. The campground has 85 sites total, all configured to accommodate both RVs and tents, divided across three loops: Loop A has 33 sites, Loop B has 21 sites, and Loop C has 31 sites. Campsites are open year round, but note that drinking water is available only seasonally from mid-May through mid-October; electric hookups are concentrated in Loop B and are available year around. There is an additional $6 electricity attribute fee for Standard Electric sites, and in winter the South Rim Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The South Rim is about 15 miles east of Montrose via U.S. Highway 50 and Colorado Highway 347 (roughly 250 miles southwest of Denver), and nearby points of interest include the Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit and the boating and fishing areas at Curecanti.