South Rim Campground
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Write a Review Rim Drive Rd. Montrose, CO 81401 970-641-2337 Reservations: 877-444-6777 Official WebsiteGPS: 38.5428, -107.6885
Overview of South Rim Campground
In the summer, loops A, B, and some of the sites in loop C can be reserved through Recreation.gov. In the spring, fall, and winter, all sites are first-come, first-served.
This campground can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 55 ft. long.
Last Price Paid: $34
Reported by Topidoc on 4/30/2024
Longest RV Reported: 43 feet (Fifth Wheel)
Reported by Running.From.Normal on 11/7/2020
Number of Sites 88
Pad Type gravel
Reservations yes
Open Seasonally mid May to mid September
Elevation 7,939 ft / 2,419 m
Max Stay 14
Max Length 55 ft
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about South Rim Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 970-641-2337
Room4Two asked on 2/13/2023
How s the drive going up to S Rim campground? We are in a Class C Sprinter MH, and are towing a jeep. Does the road...
Reviews of South Rim Campground 36 people have reviewed this location.
“Easy trail access and dynamite views!”
Reviewed 9/15/2020
Nightly rate: | $16 |
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Days stayed: | 4 |
Site Number: | A1 |
RV Length: | 25' (Travel Trailer) |
Campground is suitable for small to medium sized rigs. Potable water in each loop. Watch for wildlife, deer abundant in the campground area. Bear crossed entrance road around 3pm. Hiking from campground at Loop C. Midday seems best for picture taking when shadows are minimized. Be sure to take the East Portal scenic drive. The primitiv... more
Campground is suitable for small to medium sized rigs. Potable water in each loop. Watch for wildlife, deer abundant in the campground area. Bear crossed entrance road around 3pm. Hiking from campground at Loop C. Midday seems best for picture taking when shadows are minimized. Be sure to take the East Portal scenic drive. The primitive trail up the river is worth the effort. Take hiking sticks.
NauNomads would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Get reservations if you have a big rig”
Reviewed 9/7/2020
Nightly rate: | $8 |
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Days stayed: | 7 |
Site Number: | C14 |
We have a 23 ft camper and got a first come first serve spot in loop c. The other loops take reservations and were full the entire time we were there. Loop B has electric hookups and both A and B have bigger sites. There are a few sites in loop c for a trailer similar to ours but most work best for tents or pickup campers. Many huge RV... more
We have a 23 ft camper and got a first come first serve spot in loop c. The other loops take reservations and were full the entire time we were there. Loop B has electric hookups and both A and B have bigger sites. There are a few sites in loop c for a trailer similar to ours but most work best for tents or pickup campers. Many huge RV’s drove thru and I wish they would post a sign because there were no spots to accommodate them. We arrived fairly early and waited for others to vacate our spot. That is a good idea even if you have a smaller RV. Many of the tent sites were still open later in the day. The campground was fine and we regularly saw deer and chipmunks. You can see the canyon if you take a trail down the hill and with a short drive, there are many beautiful overlooks. Drive to East Portal also but don’t take your trailer! It’s lovely down by the river.
Karen would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great access to the National Park”
Reviewed 8/21/2020
Nightly rate: | $8 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | C21 |
RV Length: | 25' (Travel Trailer) |
We were tent camping and I strongly suggest that for this campground. Big RVs can fit in some of the reservable sites but smaller rigs will have the pick of available sites. The skies were huge and filled with stars until the smoke from the fires moved in. Plenty of deer to watch but beware of the does with fawns in the summer. Th... more
We were tent camping and I strongly suggest that for this campground. Big RVs can fit in some of the reservable sites but smaller rigs will have the pick of available sites. The skies were huge and filled with stars until the smoke from the fires moved in. Plenty of deer to watch but beware of the does with fawns in the summer. There are alot of sites crammed in but divided very well with short gamble oaks and shrubs so visual privacy isn't an issue but hopefully your neighbor isn't a chainsaw snorer. Might stay here again but would probably look outside the park or try to score a site on the East Portal.
Josh would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Full moon- Wednesday, August 5”
Reviewed 8/6/2020
Nightly rate: | $14 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | B12 |
RV Length: | 22' (Class C) |
What a treasure! The night sky is magnificent; so many stars. We lucked out that someone had cancelled. Our 22 ft motorhome fit perfectly. It is rustic but for the cost and the scenery, it can’t be beat.
It was hot so we had to use AC. Didn’t check out the bathroom no cell service.
Fabulous talk by the ranger.
KathyB would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Perfect camping and hiking adventure”
Reviewed 7/15/2020
Nightly rate: | $14 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 5 |
We stayed here during early July for three nights to enjoy this beautiful campground and hike along the canyon trail. The rate was $14 per night with our America the Beautiful Senior Pass, this included Electric hookup in Loop B, site #5. The camp site was level and included table, fire ring, with water and vaulted toilets nearby. O... more
We stayed here during early July for three nights to enjoy this beautiful campground and hike along the canyon trail. The rate was $14 per night with our America the Beautiful Senior Pass, this included Electric hookup in Loop B, site #5. The camp site was level and included table, fire ring, with water and vaulted toilets nearby. On multiple occasions we had deer wander through our camp site, this was definately a wonderful experience. We also enjoyed our hikes along the Black Canyon with a great trail system. We will definately return again.
Richard n Mary would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“No reservations and found a spot”
Reviewed 7/12/2020
Nightly rate: | $16 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | C14 |
We came not expecting to find a spot and were pleasantly surprised. Loop C had many openings, even on weekends. Dry camping. Variety of campers from large to small. Some were probably too large for the site but it worked. Certain times of the year (now) you cannot walk your dog in the campground because of mule deer fawning season... more
We came not expecting to find a spot and were pleasantly surprised. Loop C had many openings, even on weekends. Dry camping. Variety of campers from large to small. Some were probably too large for the site but it worked. Certain times of the year (now) you cannot walk your dog in the campground because of mule deer fawning season. Apparently mom's become very protective. We had a doe in our campground most days and saw a doe with twins but had no problem. Everyone camping was respectful and quiet. Campsites are along main road into park but it was only noisy during day and early evening.
Watch where you are parking with afternoon sun if it's hot. Nights were spectacular as it is a Dark Sky Site
Candyce would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Come for the canyon, stay for the incredible night sky”
Reviewed 9/4/2019
Nightly rate: | $22 |
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Days stayed: | 10 |
Site Number: | B16 |
RV Length: | 25' (Travel Trailer) |
The spots in Loop B combine the best of all worlds: reservable so you can get a site that fits (some are quite small), with electric service, decent separation and privacy via Gambel oak hedges, and wildlife aplenty. There is a 1-mile trail from the campground to the visitor center and a 3-mile loop that can be completed from the campg... more
The spots in Loop B combine the best of all worlds: reservable so you can get a site that fits (some are quite small), with electric service, decent separation and privacy via Gambel oak hedges, and wildlife aplenty. There is a 1-mile trail from the campground to the visitor center and a 3-mile loop that can be completed from the campground on the Rim Rock, Oak Flat, and Uplands trails. Be sure to drive the scenic drive and visit every overlook -- some require a fair bit of walking to get out to the points, but it's worth it to see different perspectives on this very unique geological feature.
Our favorite part of the park was the very dark skies at new moon. Views of the Milky Way and other stars were incredible, and the campground is dark just like the rest of the park so there's no need to venture far from home to take in the night skies.
The biggest ding on the campground is that sites tend to be very unlevel, and larger rigs may have trouble getting into spaces and getting level. We saw several Class As with their wheels in the air in an effort to level up, and we never quite got level even using all our blocks. There is no cell service on AT&T in the campground, but we were pleasantly surprised to find we had 6-8 over the air TV stations including ABC, NBC, ION, CW, and several PBS stations. Our visit of 10 days was way too long to see the park but with Montrose just 15 miles away we got a lot of errands done. The City Market on the south side of town by the WalMart is a real standout for groceries!
Zamia Ventures would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“AMAZING park, decent campground”
Reviewed 7/8/2019
Nightly rate: | $16 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
I'm so glad I decided to make the trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison. What an amazing park! I look forward to returning and exploring other areas. The campground itself was nice but fully packed. Of course I was visiting in the summer and on a weekend no less so I didn't expect solitude. The sites are pretty small but bushes arou... more
I'm so glad I decided to make the trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison. What an amazing park! I look forward to returning and exploring other areas.
The campground itself was nice but fully packed. Of course I was visiting in the summer and on a weekend no less so I didn't expect solitude. The sites are pretty small but bushes around them offer some visual privacy.
Loops A and B are for reservations, while loop C is first come first served. I was lucky to arrive at around 10AM on Friday and get a spot in C. The other loops were fully reserved. By afternoon loop C was totally full. Seems like a lot of one nighters though as all my neighbors left Saturday morning. Of course new people promptly arrived.
The park service summer programs are cool and the amphitheater is just a short stroll. This summer there is an astronomy program with presentations on things like black holes and constellations and volunteers with telescopes you could peer through. The stars here are outstanding.
The campground currently has restrictions on pets. I guess the lady deer here are aggressive and don't like dogs and dog walkers hehehe. There are a lot of deer! So cute to see baby Bambi in your campsite.
The campground has vault toilets and limited water supplies that are trucked in. I suggest bring your own water. There are bear boxes and picnic tables.
Loop C is the oldest and the sites are small with pretty tight parking. Think twice before bringing your big ol RV in here. It really isnt the place. Most sites have pull over parking spots along the side of the road through the campground. When I was there someone put their slides out and blocked the one lane small road. If you have a bigger rig I suggest making a reservation for the other loops, I think loop B has electric.
No cell service at all in the campground but you might get service on the park roads or the road out of the park towards Montrose.
Oh and btw Montrose is actually a really cool town. I went into town to get some stuff done and went to the farmers market and other downtown shops. So cute!
shoshannah would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Amazing Cayon a beautiful place to visit. ”
Reviewed 10/7/2018
Nightly rate: | $16 |
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Days stayed: | 4 |
Site Number: | 26 |
RV Length: | 30' |
We stayed here the end of September weather was beautiful, but I am sure it is hot in the summer, little shade. The altitude was 8,500 ft which we had some trouble adjusting to it. There are 3 loops, one loop has electric, one loop is reservations and one is first come first serve. We were there off season so all of them were fir... more
We stayed here the end of September weather was beautiful, but I am sure it is hot in the summer, little shade. The altitude was 8,500 ft which we had some trouble adjusting to it.
There are 3 loops, one loop has electric, one loop is reservations and one is first come first serve. We were there off season so all of them were first come first serve.
There were vault toilets. We have a cell booster so we could text and make calls. No dump station, but there is one water station at each loop.
RVn Like Royalty would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice campgound”
Reviewed 7/27/2018
Nightly rate: | $8 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | Loop C |
RV Length: | 18' |
We camped here on 7/6/18 for 3 nites. Some sites have shade. Loop C is first come. Bear boxes water and no cell coverage. We had an excellent lightning storm one nite.
Michael would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Terrible Rude Host”
Reviewed 7/20/2021
Nightly rate: | $22 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | A15 |
The Loop A host Mark is unprofessional, rude, untruthful, unethical and falsely accused us of breaking a rule which the park ranger confirmed we did not. He defamed our character and judged us. Do not interact with this guy..
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Amenities
Hookups
- 30 Amp
- 20 Amp
- dry camping
- Partial Hookups
Site Amenities
- fire ring
- picnic table
- pull thru
Facilities
- recycle
- restrooms: vault
- trash
- water available
Pets
- pets
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