Home Camping Locations 5 Jaw-Dropping Reasons You Need to Explore Gunnison, Colorado
5 Jaw-Dropping Reasons You Need to Explore Gunnison, Colorado

5 min

September 7, 2023

If you’re planning your next camping trip to Colorado, the beautiful city of Gunnison should be at the top of your list. This area is the ultimate outdoor playground, and it doesn’t hurt that there are gorgeous views everywhere you look.

Camping in Gunnison, Colorado

gunnison-lakeside-rv-park-cabins-tent-site

Gunnison Lakeside RV Park & Cabins is located right next door to the Blue Mesa Reservoir, part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, and a short drive away from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Hartman Rocks Recreation Area, and the Gunnison Whitewater Park.

The campground offers amazing lakeside views and campers have their choice of RV sites, tent sites, beautiful cabins, and comfortable Travel Trailers. The park offers great amenities like barbecue grills, a convenience store, fire pits, showers, drinkable water, restrooms, picnic tables, laundry facilities, and free Wifi.

gunnison-lakeside-rv-park-cabins-campsite

Ready to start exploring? Here are 5 awesome places you need to experience during your getaway in Gunnison, Colorado.

1. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

75063529 - overlook along black canyon of the gunnison np, colorado

Welcome to a world of steep cliffs, gorgeous views, and wide-open skies. The Gunnison River took its time carving out this impressive canyon (nearly 2 million years) and the results are breathtaking. This park is ideal for scenic drives, fishing, experienced kayakers, rock climbing, spotting wildlife, and night sky viewing. If you’re searching for a hike, you will find trails for all experience levels here, as well as Inner Canyon hikes that aren’t for the faint of heart.

2. Blue Mesa Reservoir

blue mesa reservoir in gunnison national forest colorado

This beautiful reservoir boasts 96 miles of shoreline and just happens to be the biggest body of water in Colorado. Whether you want play on the water, explore on land, or lounge on the beach, there is something here to please everyone. The deep blue water of the reservoir offers opportunities for windsurfing, boating, water skiing, swimming, paddling, and fishing. Blue Mesa is home to the biggest Kokanee Salmon fishery in the country, and the ice fishing in the winter months is excellent.

3. Curecanti National Recreation Area

curecanti-national-recreation-area

Curecanti is made up of three beautiful reservoirs; Morrow Point, Crystal, and Blue Mesa (above). Besides for watersports and fishing, this area offers 7 hiking trails, boat tours, horseback riding, and bird-watching. This is also a great place to just sit back, relax, and take in the jaw-dropping views.

4. Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

Hartman Rocks

flickr/Leslie Kehmeier

Hartman Rocks is an outdoor mecca for mountain bikers, climbers, hikers, equestrians, and dirt bikers. Trails range from easy to difficult, and most of the routes accommodate bikes, feet, and horses. There are numerous climbing routes in the area and the winter months are popular with Nordic skiers, snowmobilers, and fat bikers.

5. Gunnison Whitewater Park

Located near downtown Gunnison, the whitewater park offers 3 different features that cater to different experience levels. Things can get pretty serious here in May and June, but it’s perfect for the intermediate and beginner in late summer and fall. This is a great place to practice or just hang out and take in the views. If you’re looking for a relaxing ride, you can put it further upstream and enjoy a float down to the park.

 

Ready to plan your camping getaway in Gunnison, Colorado? Book your stay today at Gunnison Lakeside RV Park & Cabins on Camp Native!

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