Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim Campground

Sunlit Black Canyon of the Gunnison cliff face as seen from the South Rim
Recycling and trash disposal options available in South Rim Campground
One of South Rim Campground's electric sites
South Rim Campground standard non-electric site
A campsite at South Rim Campground showing the firepit and picnic table.

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly

Available sites

84 total sites

About Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim Campground

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.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Hiking

Hiking

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 14 to Dec 31

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

84 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ A001, Loop: Loop A Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ A002, Loop: Loop A Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ A003, Loop: Loop A Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ A004, Loop: Loop A Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ A005, Loop: Loop A Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ A006, Loop: Loop A Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐 A007, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 22 ft wide · Gravel
🚐 A008, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 14 ft wide · Gravel
🚐 A009, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 13 ft wide · Gravel
🚐 A010, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 14 ft wide · Gravel
🚐 A011, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 14 ft wide · Gravel
🚐 A012, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 16 ft wide · Gravel
🚐 A013, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 18 ft wide · Gravel
🚐 A014, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 11 ft wide · Gravel
🚐 A015, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 12 ft wide · Gravel
🚐 A016, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 15 ft wide · Gravel
🚐 A017, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 14 ft wide · Gravel
🚐 A018, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 11 ft wide · Gravel
🚐 A019, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 12 ft wide · Gravel
⛺ A020, Loop: Loop A Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐 A021, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 12 ft wide · Paved
🚐 A022, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 17 ft wide · Gravel
🚐 A023, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 16 ft wide · Gravel
⛺ A024, Loop: Loop A Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ A025, Loop: Loop A Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐 A026, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 12 ft wide · Gravel
⛺ A027, Loop: Loop A Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐 A028, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 9 ft wide · Gravel
⛺ A029, Loop: Loop A Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐 A030, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 12 ft wide · Gravel
🚐 A031, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 16 ft wide · Gravel
🚐 A034, Loop: Loop A RV
Pet Friendly · 10 ft wide · Gravel
🚐 B001, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · 22 × 12 ft
🚐 B002, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · 70 × 10 ft
🚐 B003, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · 33 × 30 ft
🚐 B004, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · 42 × 11 ft
🚐 B005, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · 52 × 12 ft
🚐 B006, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · 38 × 20 ft
🚐 B007, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 B008, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 B009, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 B011, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 B012, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 B013, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 B014, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 B015, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 B016, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 B017, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 B018, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 B019, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 B020, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 B021, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 B022, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 B023, Loop: Loop B RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
⛺ C001, Loop: Loop C Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐 C003, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · 30 × 20 ft · Gravel
🚐 C005, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · 42 × 18 ft · Gravel
🚐 C006, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · 45 × 15 ft · Gravel
🚐 C007, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C008, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C009, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C010, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C011, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C012, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C013, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C014, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C015, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C016, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C017, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C018, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C019, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C020, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C021, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C022, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C023, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C024, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C025, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C026, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C027, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C028, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C029, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C030, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C031, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 C032, Loop: Loop C RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Pull-through

Reviews (685)

What Guests Are Saying

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim Campground offers breathtaking views and a peaceful environment, making it a great spot for camping. Many reviewers praised the cleanliness of the facilities and the helpfulness of the camp host, as well as the accessibility of restrooms and water. However, recent wildfires have led to some sites being less than ideal, with limited shade and closeness of campsites, which affected some visitors' experiences. Overall, it remains a beautiful destination worth visiting despite the challenges.

Review Summary

4.3
685 reviews
5
58.5%
401
4
26.3%
180
3
9.1%
62
2
3.2%
22
1
2.9%
20

Jamie F

Verified

August 17, 2023 • Stayed at: C014, Loop: Loop C

5

Our spot in the campground was just as described. The bathroom was easily accessibly. Even with a full campground, the noise levels were not bad at all. Side note: If/when you drive down into the canyon, be sure your vehicle is locked in a low gear. I ignored the sign and aaaaaalmost overheated my brakes on the 6 mi of continuous 16% downhilll grade. :) The sign is there. DO IT. :)

Jose S

Verified

August 16, 2023 • Stayed at: A003, Loop: Loop A

5

Beautiful Park, downside is light pollution from Montrose creeps on the supposed "dark sky" of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Jerry S

Verified

August 15, 2023 • Stayed at: B003, Loop: Loop B

5

Cool and quiet

Meeke v

Verified

August 14, 2023 • Stayed at: B014, Loop: Loop B

5

Beautiful park and great hike to the visitors center

Kim N

Verified

August 13, 2023 • Stayed at: C001, Loop: Loop C

5

this campground is located at a great point in the park - close to the visitor center, easy drive to the overlooks, and a short drive down to the river. The campground was very clean and quiet

Paul M

Verified

August 13, 2023 • Stayed at: C010, Loop: Loop C

5

Our family (3 kids- 5, 8, and 11) had a blast camping and hiking. This place was as mesmerizing as I had hoped it would be, and the night sky was as awesome as the daytime views of the canyon. We plan to return and go down the East Portal road next time. C-10 was a great campsite- not too close or too far from a couple of bathrooms, and at the periphery (but near the canyon and a road, so seemingly safe from “bear frontier” concerns). There were metal “bear boxes@ at each site and a nice metal campfire ring - very convenient! We missed the twilight talk but checked out the nature amphitheater later that night (great place for star-gazing). There is a hiking trail to the visitor center (1 mi) but a quick hike part way there offers awesome views of the canyon. Great place!

ANNE T

Verified

August 13, 2023 • Stayed at: A030, Loop: Loop A

4

We enjoyed our camping visit and thought the campground was adequate. The nightly ranger shows were quite informative and fun. The only supply missing was not being able to buy ice at the visitor center but of having to drive into the nearest town. Montrose has a nice community center where showers can be bought and
an excellent western history museum.

Karyl B

Verified

August 12, 2023 • Stayed at: B012, Loop: Loop B

5

Saw a bear one morning right in my camp site! Luckily I was inside looking out at him. Pretty exciting.

Michael F

Verified

August 11, 2023 • Stayed at: A016, Loop: Loop A

5

Beautiful location, nice sites. Note: Not all bear boxes are in working conditions (ours - site A016 - couldn't be secured shut). Great ranger led presentaion in the evening.

Madison K

Verified

August 11, 2023 • Stayed at: A005, Loop: Loop A

5

The campground was easy to find. We loved walking the canyon rim at sunset. The bathrooms are drop toilets but smell surprisingly good. There is drinking water and dumpsters. The campgrounds are a good size with shrubs/ small trees to separate sites. Minimal shade.

Location & Directions for Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim Campground

10346 Hwy. 347, Montrose, CO 81401 United States

Elevation: 2,518 ft

Getting There

The park is located approximately 250 mi (249.8 mi) southwest of Denver. The South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is 15 mi (14.9 mi) east of Montrose, CO, via U.S. Hwy 50 and CO Hwy 347.

Nearest town

Montrose, CO - 14 mi

About 22 min to downtown

Highway access

The campground is accessible via U.S. Highway 50 and Colorado Highway 347, located approximately 15 miles west of Montrose, CO.

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check out time

11AM

General

  • There are no water hookups or dump station at South Rim Campground.
  • Cell phone reception is unreliable in the area. 
  • Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
  • This is a high elevation facility (8,000 feet/2438m). Learn how to "Take it Easy at Altitude" and more on the park's Safety web page. 
  • Weather varies greatly from the canyon rim to the canyon floor; bring appropriate clothing
  • Generator use is not permitted.
  • There is NO wood collection or firewood sales in the park. Don't Move Firewood : Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. 

Nearby Campgrounds


Last updated: October 19, 2026

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Explore Montrose, CO

Population: 21,044

Nearby larger city

Grand Junction, CO

Approx. 59 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 5,807 ft

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