RVParks.us
Federal Parks State Parks Private Resorts Top Picks Travel Guides Trip Planner Search All Parks
Black Canyon South Rim Campground
National Park

Black Canyon South Rim Campground

Montrose, Colorado
4.5 (209 reviews)

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

About Black Canyon South Rim Campground

Black Canyon South Rim Campground is a popular national park campground near Montrose, Colorado offering 88 sites for campers and RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities this destination provides.

Black Canyon South Rim Campground offers one of Colorado's most dramatic and awe-inspiring camping experiences, positioned right along the rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Located just outside Montrose in southwestern Colorado, this campground serves as the gateway to some of the most stunning geological formations in the American West. The canyon itself plunges nearly 2,000 feet straight down, with walls so steep and narrow that sunlight barely reaches the Gunnison River flowing far below. Camping here means waking up to vistas that shift with the light throughout the day, from deep purple shadows at dawn to brilliant red and orange hues during golden hour.

The campground's 88 sites are well-distributed along the rim, many offering direct views into the canyon's dramatic depths. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, allowing you to enjoy traditional campfire meals while gazing across one of nature's most impressive canyons. The established restroom facilities keep the camping experience comfortable, and the on-site camp store provides convenient access to supplies without requiring a trip into town. This is truly a destination for those seeking solitude and natural beauty rather than extensive resort-style amenities.

Montrose, located about 15 miles away, is a charming small town that serves as a supply hub for your camping adventure. The area around Black Canyon offers excellent hiking opportunities, with trails ranging from easy rim walks to more challenging descents. Photography enthusiasts find endless opportunities to capture the interplay of light and shadow across the canyon walls. The Gunnison River below attracts experienced kayakers and rafters seeking Class III and IV rapids. Fishing for trout is also popular in the river and nearby lakes.

The campground operates year-round, though spring and fall typically offer the most comfortable conditions with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter camping here provides a unique experience under starry skies, though snow can make road access challenging. The night sky above the canyon is remarkably clear, making this an exceptional location for stargazing. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or someone seeking a memorable escape from everyday life, Black Canyon South Rim Campground delivers an unforgettable connection to Colorado's natural grandeur. Pet-friendly policies mean your furry companions can enjoy the adventure too.
88

Total Sites

4.5

Rating

209

Reviews

Amenities & Features

Amenities

Picnic Tables
Fire Rings
Camp Store
Restrooms

Booking & Operations

Pet Friendly

Park Details

Season Year-round
Total Sites 88

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 South Rim Campground Reviews

Sign in to Review
G
Kristen Green

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Kristen Green

We stayed at site B18 over memorial weekend. We had a great time. Sites are close together. There was no bear box at our site. We were greeted often by a Mangrove Warbler bird, he had a nest close by. Deer were active around the campground. Pit toilets were clean and a little walk from out site. Amazing stars and views

G
Peter Hey (RV PLANET)

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Peter Hey (RV PLANET)

A typical national park system campground. The sites are well developed, but no electricity or sewage offered. Bathrooms have toilets and running water, but no showers. This campground does not have a dump station either, so you should plan carefully your water containers and use. But, as with all the other national parks, this place is so special, that having a campground is a very welcome opport... A typical national park system campground. The sites are well developed, but no electricity or sewage offered. Bathrooms have toilets and running water, but no showers. This campground does not have a dump station either, so you should plan carefully your water containers and use. But, as with all the other national parks, this place is so special, that having a campground is a very welcome opportunity to stay.

G
Dutch Woman

Mar 23, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Dutch Woman

**This is a review of the campground only** Family of 4 adults who recently stayed at this campground for 5 nights, in order to see and explore the Black Canyon. We were in loop B, which is the only loop with shore power and has only 23 sites. I did not see any power poles in loop A (34 sites) & loop C (32 sites). My only gripe with our site (#B11) was that there was a large bush with overhangin... **This is a review of the campground only** Family of 4 adults who recently stayed at this campground for 5 nights, in order to see and explore the Black Canyon. We were in loop B, which is the only loop with shore power and has only 23 sites. I did not see any power poles in loop A (34 sites) & loop C (32 sites). My only gripe with our site (#B11) was that there was a large bush with overhanging branches near the picnic table, so we could not put up our gazebo over the table. Also, the fire pit did not seem to have been cleared out in a while as it was full of ash. We knew this is a fairly primitive campground as it only has vault/pit toilets (non-flush), which also do not have sinks with running water. Each loop has 2 small vault toilet outhouses. In loop B, they were, surprisingly, not foul-smelling and relatively clean, albeit a bit old. Each outhouse has a hand sanitizer unit, a light with a timer switch, a deodorizer unit, and even a small infrared heater on the wall. There are no sites with water or sewage hook-up for RVs with flush toilets and showers, and consequently there is no dump station to empty your black & gray water tanks. In fact, potable water for drinking and some limited washing, is only available during the high camping season. There's one pump or water station per loop. Most sites are gravel and sand/dirt-based and most RV sites also have a raised area to pitch a tent. In loop B, at many RV sites you just park your RV in a space next to the road, but there are several pull-through sites as well. B11 is pull-through and affords a bit privacy due to a large bush in front. Each loop also has one or two ADA sites, which are paved, and close to the vault toilets. The road through each loop is fairly narrow, so take that into account if you have a very large RV or motorhome. Special metal bear boxes are available throughout each loop to store your food (for tents and pop-up campers), and all trash/recycling cans as well as dumpsters have bear-safe locks. Apparently, there are black bears in the area (didn't see any) that may come into the campground. All in all, it's a simple, well-kept campground, but fairly remote. There is no camp store, and if you need groceries or want to eat out, you'll have to go into the town of Montrose. We did not experience unruly campers and it was mostly quiet. South Rim Road runs next to the campground, so you'll hear cars passing by during the day. From the campground, you can easily access some hiking trails that take you to the main draw, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River). If you're not up to hiking, you can easily access South Rim Road to drive (or bike, in our case) to a number of view points, which afford different and amazing views of the Black Canyon.

G
Katie Prue

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Katie Prue

Stop at the corner store when you turn off 50W for firewood! The campground is pretty remote, and you won’t have cell service or much else. Pit toilets, but they’re clean and stocked with TP and hand sanitizer. We stayed in B7 with a tent and it was great. The gravel was a little rough so I do wish I had a larger footprint under the tent. The sites are close together, but we weren’t bothered by an... Stop at the corner store when you turn off 50W for firewood! The campground is pretty remote, and you won’t have cell service or much else. Pit toilets, but they’re clean and stocked with TP and hand sanitizer. We stayed in B7 with a tent and it was great. The gravel was a little rough so I do wish I had a larger footprint under the tent. The sites are close together, but we weren’t bothered by anyone else’s noise and there are enough trees and plants to make a barrier. We saw some deer and tons of chipmunks. The visitors center is close, and there are tons of good trails and drives nearby.

G
Tommy Williams

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Tommy Williams

Our experience was wonderful at the desert view / South rim campground. There is a trail that leads to the rim of the canyon, better than any overlook you'll ever be at. Reserve a spot here, you will be very happy.

Own or manage Black Canyon South Rim Campground?

Claim this listing for free to update info, respond to reviews, add real photos, and start accepting online bookings.

Claim This Listing — Free
RR

Ranger Rex

Your RV Park Expert

Online
RR

Howdy! I'm Ranger Rex, your RV park expert. Ask me anything about campgrounds, state parks, national parks, or planning your next adventure!

RR

Powered by AI · Responses may not be 100% accurate