Campground

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground

Facilities

Campsites are open year round, but drinking water is only available mid-May through mid-October. Electric hookups are in Loop B and available year around.

Natural Features

Perched on the South Rim of the Black Canyon, this campground is surrounded by scrub oak forests and sits atop ancient hard rocks. Deer, grouse, bears, and bobcats are known to frequent the area.

Recreation

Take one of many spectacular hiking trails such as the Oak Flat Loop Trail and watch for birds like the black-billed magpie.

In summer, catch an evening educational program in the campground amphitheater.   

Winter activities include snowshoeing on Rim Rock Trail or go cross country skiing on South Rim Drive (South Rim Campground is first-come, first-served in winter).

Recreation Sites

  • Standard Nonelectric
  • Standard Electric
  • Management
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Day Use Area
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Amphitheater
  • Backpacking
  • Birding
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Evening Programs
  • Fishing
  • Guided Interpretive Walks
  • Interpretive Programs
  • Photography
  • Picnicking
  • Scenic Drive
  • Star Gazing
  • Visitor Center
  • Wilderness

Amenities

  • Accessible Campsites
  • Accessible Drinking Water
  • Accessible Parking
  • Campfire Programs
  • Campfire Rings
  • Drinking Water (peak season)
  • Electric Hookups
  • Entrance Station
  • Food Storage Locker
  • Host
  • Paved Roads
  • Pets Allowed
  • Picnic Tables
  • RV Parking
  • Self Pay Station
  • Tent Pads
  • Vault Toilets
  • Accessibility
  • Accessible Occupant Message
  • Accessible Grills
  • Accessible Vault Toilets
  • Electricity Hookup

Nearby Attractions

Visit the Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit to see railcars and the last remaining railroad trestle on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison route. Head upstream to Curecanti National Recreation Area to enjoy water recreation on Colorado's largest reservoir.

Getting Here

Latitude
38° 33' 2.0002" N
Longitude
107° 41' 12.0001" W

The park is located approximately 250 miles (402 km) southwest of Denver. The South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is 15 miles (24 km) east of Montrose, CO, via U.S. Hwy 50 and CO Hwy 347.

Need to Know

  • There are no water hookups or dump station at South Rim Campground.

  • Cell phone reception is unreliable in the area. 

  • Check out time is 11:00 a.m.

  • 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. 

    • Contact Information

    10346 Hwy. 347
    MONTROSE, CO 81401

    For campground inquiries, please call: 970-249-1914 EXT 425

    blca_info@nps.gov

    Additional Information