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Black Canyon Of The Gunnison North Rim Campground
National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison North Rim Campground

Montrose, Colorado
4.7 (50 reviews)
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison North Rim Campground - Yosemite-style valley
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison North Rim Campground - Mountain peaks national park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison North Rim Campground - Wide open national park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison North Rim Campground - National park lodge
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison North Rim Campground - Redwood trees

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Black Canyon Of The Gunnison North Rim Campground

Federal campground in Colorado.

Perched on the dramatic North Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, this campground offers one of Colorado's most stunning natural settings. The narrow, steep canyon walls plunge nearly 2,000 feet down to the Gunnison River below, creating a landscape of such raw geological drama that it leaves visitors speechless. The campground sits at an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet, nestled among ponderosa pines and Douglas firs, providing a cool refuge even during summer months.

The Black Canyon earns its name honestly. The canyon's extreme narrowness means sunlight rarely reaches the river bottom, casting much of the gorge into perpetual shadow and creating an otherworldly atmosphere that photographs struggle to capture. This unique geography shaped by over 2 million years of erosion presents some of the oldest rock in North America, with granite and metamorphic stone telling stories spanning back two billion years. For geology enthusiasts, the interpretive programs and exhibits here are genuinely fascinating.

Staying at this campground places you perfectly for exploring the North Rim's rim trails and overlooks. The Painted Wall, the tallest cliff in Colorado, dominates the southern view and showcases beautiful striations of white quartz and pegmatite against dark rock faces. The quieter North Rim side offers a more intimate experience than the busier South Rim, with fewer crowds and a genuine sense of remote Colorado wilderness.

This location appeals to photographers seeking dramatic landscapes, hikers wanting accessible rim walks with incredible vistas, and anyone craving a peaceful mountain retreat away from busy tourist areas. The area offers respite from summer heat at higher elevations while providing unparalleled access to one of America's most distinctive canyons. Whether you're interested in exploring the canyon's geology, enjoying quiet time among the pines, or simply standing at the rim and contemplating the immense forces that carved this landscape, this campground serves as an ideal base for an unforgettable Rocky Mountain experience.
4.7

Rating

50

Reviews

Park Details

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Montrose is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

Colorado weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Montrose.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Montrose. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison North Rim Campground Reviews

Sign in to Review
G
Ken Hartling

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Ken Hartling

Small campground and was very quiet for our stay. 13 sites. Short walk to the rime for amazing views of the gorge .

G
Donald Petrie

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Donald Petrie

Nice small campground. Water, vault toilet. Not so nice washboard gravel road coming in. Still worth the drive.

G
Nicholas

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Nicholas

The north rim campground is the much less busy side of the Black Canyon, it's a lovely small campground with shade from trees and sites suitable for smaller RVs and car/tent camping. There's a short walk to the canyon rim with a great view down to the bottom.

G
cole mine

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by cole mine

Nice, quiet campground with a short trail to the rim with a few decent views. Shade is easy enough to find in most sites; some sites rather close to each other with others having a bit more room; bear boxes provided for anything scented. Despite being at elevation, it is hot! Only issue was trying to pay. The wreck.gov app would not allow any progress after scanning the QR code. Ranger statio... Nice, quiet campground with a short trail to the rim with a few decent views. Shade is easy enough to find in most sites; some sites rather close to each other with others having a bit more room; bear boxes provided for anything scented. Despite being at elevation, it is hot! Only issue was trying to pay. The wreck.gov app would not allow any progress after scanning the QR code. Ranger station was closed, so ended up just going the old school route & dropped $ in an envelope. Too bad broken technology is taking over spaces people go to escape such hassles. Took stars off due to the trouble.

G
cole mine

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by cole mine

Nice, quiet campground with a short trail to the rim with a few decent views. Shade is easy enough to find in most sites; some sites rather close to each other with others having a bit more room; bear boxes provided for anything scented. Despite being at elevation, it is hot! Only issue was trying to pay. The wreck.gov app would not allow any progress after scanning the QR code. Ranger statio... Nice, quiet campground with a short trail to the rim with a few decent views. Shade is easy enough to find in most sites; some sites rather close to each other with others having a bit more room; bear boxes provided for anything scented. Despite being at elevation, it is hot! Only issue was trying to pay. The wreck.gov app would not allow any progress after scanning the QR code. Ranger station was closed, so ended up just going the old school route & dropped $ in an envelope. Too bad broken technology is taking over spaces people go to escape such hassles. Took stars off due to the trouble.

G
Mario Fernandes

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Mario Fernandes

Very well organized camping ground (even though sometimes you can't find the camp host), a lot of space and privacy for each spot and definitely way less crowded than the South Rim campground. Less than half a mile away hiking from the Chasm View viewpoint, which is a fabulous one!

G
Mario Fernandes

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Mario Fernandes

Very well organized camping ground (even though sometimes you can't find the camp host), a lot of space and privacy for each spot and definitely way less crowded than the South Rim campground. Less than half a mile away hiking from the Chasm View viewpoint, which is a fabulous one!

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