Lake Irwin
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest
Lake Irwin Campground is situated on the western banks of its picturesque namesake lake, approximately 9 miles from Crested Butte, Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its abundant trail opportunities, fishing and beautiful scenery.
The campground offers several single-family campsites, some of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Drinking water is provided.
Need to Know
Standard Single Family sites: Recreation Use Fee allows ONE camping unit ONLY.
- Opening date is weather permitting; please call 928-537-8888 for conditions
Extra Vehicles: Cannot be paid for in advance - upon arrival coordinate with the host for payment and where to park.
FIRST COME FIRST SERVE sites must be booked in person. DO NOT call to determine availability, as they are only available on-site.
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
- Click here for more information on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
Natural Features
The campground is set high in the Colorado Rockies at an elevation of 10,200 feet. Summer days are cool and afternoon showers are common. Nights can be chilly.
Lake Irwin borders the campground on the east, and the Ruby Mountain Range lies to the west. Vivid wildflowers fill the landscape during July and August. Most campsites are shaded by mature Englemann spruce and subalpine fir trees.
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests are located on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. Together, the three forests cover 2.9 million acres in the central and southern Rocky Mountains, south of the Colorado River and west of the Continental Divide.
Nearby Attractions
The charming town of Crested Butte is a short drive from the campground. The former coal mining town offers a variety of outdoor activities, dining and shopping options and annual festivals, like the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival.
Recreation
Mountain biking and hiking are popular activities in this challenging, rugged terrain. Canoeing and fishing are favorite pastimes as well. The lake is usually so full of fish, one can see them rise to the calm surface.
Contact Information
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GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO CO
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 970-349-6348
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Gunnison, take Colorado Highway 135 north 28 miles to Crested Butte. Turn left on Gunnison County Road 12. Proceed 7 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 826 and follow signs to the campground.
Available Campsites
- Site 006, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 027, Loop LAKE, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 028, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 024, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop LAKE, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 025, Loop LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 030, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop LAKE, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop LAKE, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 026, Loop LAKE, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop LAKE, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 032, Loop LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
