UNCOMPAHGRE NATIONAL FOREST
UNCOMPAHGRE NATIONAL FOREST
he Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests are a combination of separate National Forests located on the western slope of the Colorado Rockies. These three combined Forests cover 3,161,912 acres of public land in the central and southern Rocky Mountains, an area that lies south of the Colorado River and west of the Continental Divide with some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies.
The Forests vary in elevation from 5,800 feet above sea level in Roubideau Creek Canyon to 14,309 feet on Uncompahgre Peak.
The Forests include spectacular features like the 355 foot high Bridal Veil falls; the Grand Mesa with over 300 lakes, one of the world's largest flat top mountains; and Alpine Tunnel, once the highest railroad tunnel in North America.
1. Amphitheater Campground: Located just outside of Ouray, this campground offers stunning views and easy access to hiking trails.
2. Angel Creek Campground: This is a small, remote campsite with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings but no water or electricity.
3. Billy Creek State Wildlife Area: Offers dispersed camping for those who prefer solitude in the wilderness.
4. Cimarron East Fork Dispersed Camping Area: A free site offering several spots along the river bank without any facilities.
5. Dry Creek Basin Dispersed Camping: Another option for primitive camping where you can set up anywhere that doesn't block roads or damage vegetation.
6. Matterhorn Campground: It's located near Telluride, has 28 sites available on first come basis.
7. Ridgway State Park: Though not directly within Uncompahgre National Forest boundaries it's very close by & provides full-fledged campsites including RV hookups as well as yurt rentals.
8. Sunshine Campgrounds: Near Telluride Ski Resort, these are popular during summer months due to proximity to various outdoor activities.
9. Woods Lake Recreation Site: Provides both single-family campsites and equestrian-friendly group sites.
10. Uncompahgre Plateau area also allows dispersed backcountry camping at certain locations.