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

Brian F

Verified

July 8, 2021 • Stayed at: B008, Loop: Loop B

5

Stayed 4 days and 3 nights at the B campground.

Space is tight, would not recommend anything more than a 15-20 ft trailer or a conversion van.

Had fresh water each day, bathrooms were maintained very well, and the host and Rangers provided the best of help throughout our stay.

Canyon is incredible, do yourself a favor, go see it!

Teresa W

Verified

July 7, 2021 • Stayed at: A004, Loop: Loop A

3

Many of the spaces in the campground are very tight and vehicles have to be parked on the road. From about 4 until 7 there was a steady stream of cars without reservations traveling through Loops A and B looking for spaces. Loop C isn’t very well publicized but it is first come first served and there were empty spaces but it appeared that people were leaving when there was nothing in A or B. The bathrooms were not as clean as other parks we have visited. The campground was fairly quiet though and there was a beautiful sunset.

If you are traveling westbound from Denver be aware that 50 is closed intermittently during the day and plan your travel accordingly. The day we traveled 70 west was also closed due to a mudslide. CoDot was very helpful but there was not much they could suggest to make westbound travel easier.

All that said, the canyon is beautiful and the rim drive is fantastic. It was well worth the trip.

Andrew B

Verified

July 7, 2021 • Stayed at: A027, Loop: Loop A

4

Most of the sites are small, but OK for smaller RVs. Somewhat close together, but good screening with the oaks, for the most part. Very poor cell reception, people often made friends with the one or two sites with any service at all!

Nancy K

Verified

July 6, 2021 • Stayed at: A018, Loop: Loop A

5

I visited 11 National Parks in June and this was one of my favorite experiences. It was beautiful, and very peaceful. Deer and bunnies wandered through our campsite and the cicadas were a welcome surprise with their clicking sounds. The camp supervisors were very welcoming as well.

Joan H

Verified

July 5, 2021 • Stayed at: A002, Loop: Loop A

5

It is a primitive campsite so bringing water from home was helpful. The vault toilets have hand sanitizer but no other washing station.
Beware the cheeky chipmunks are little food thieves.
Make time for the Ranger talks at the Amphitheater. They are wonderful and informative.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is beautiful!

Jan N

Verified

July 3, 2021 • Stayed at: A007, Loop: Loop A

4

My drive to the South Rim was very nice, especially with the storm clouds brewing. The woman at the entrance booth was so friendly and enthusiastic! (You don't find that too often anymore.) When we got to our campsite, we had to wait in the car about an hour due to the downpour, but I WILL NOT complain about rain when we are desperate for it!! I wrote postcards instead. The sites are so nice and spaced out perfectly. I walked the loop a few times that evening and it was nice to see so many people outside enjoying themselves! I wasn't able to hike any trails since I had my dog with me because of the restrictions (which I totally understand), so early in the morning, I made quick stops at the lookout areas to take in the awesome views! A wonderful overnight adventure!

Samantha S

Verified

June 30, 2021 • Stayed at: A023, Loop: Loop A

4

Our site was very close to the other, sharing a driveway (which their RV took up the majority of the space) but besides that, the campground was very clean and in a beautiful location.

Cary S

Verified

June 30, 2021 • Stayed at: A023, Loop: Loop A

5

Mackenzie M

Verified

June 28, 2021 • Stayed at: B016, Loop: Loop B

5

Great campsites that are well maintained! The campground volunteers were very friendly and helpful.

Paul M

Verified

June 28, 2021 • Stayed at: A016, Loop: Loop A

5

Clean campground and not too heavily trafficked. Great Park to visit.

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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