Dog-friendly camping in Blue Mesa Reservoir

Colorado’s largest body of water offers great fishing, plus lakeside and boat-in camping.

94% (1342 reviews)

United States
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Colorado
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Blue Mesa Reservoir

94% (1342 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Blue Mesa Reservoir

Public campgrounds in and near Blue Mesa Reservoir

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Star Hosts in Blue Mesa Reservoir

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Spectacular Mountain Getaway

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Ridgway, CO

5 acres of trees up on a hill with breathtaking views of the mountains, including the 14er peak, Mount Sneffels. Only 5 miles from the small mountain town of Ridgway, Colorado and only 30 miles from the famous mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. Friendly hosts willing to offer great advice about how to explore the area. The mountain views from the property makes you imagine you are in Nepal looking at one of the Himalayan Peaks!

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Zenzen Gardens

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Paonia, CO

Zenzen Gardens is now the official tasting room for Alfred Eames Cellars, a local winery located 3 miles south of Paonia. Come enjoy some local wines in the garden with a beautiful mountain view. Our tasting room is open May to October from 12 PM - 6 PM. Every Thursday evening, from June to October, we host Tapas events from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring our local guest chef. Please note that there will be no Tapas events in August due to our Pickin' in the Park festivities! The property is also a music venue with two performance sites in the barn and a stage by the pond. We also offer farm-to-table dinners throughout the summer, and tapas on Thursdays. Check out our calendar for concerts and dinner dates at www.zenzengardens.com There is veranda seating to enjoy the beautiful flower gardens and where you can access the internet. At the turn of the century, this farm was a dairy operation with its huge old red barn built in the 1880's. The property is pastoral, relaxing, rural and beautiful! It is surrounded by hay and alfalfa fields. It is very quiet with wide open spaces. You might see deer, fox, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Red Tail Hawks and Red Wing Blackbirds, just to name a few.

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Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

7 sites · Lodging22 acres · Paonia, CO

Formerly known as the North Fork Tipi Haven, this 22 acres was once owned by International sculptor Lincoln Fox, and built by Mr. Wooten in the early 1900's as an apple orchard, Old Moon Acres is now home to Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven. The North Fork Valley of the Gunnison River, encompassing Crawford, Hotchkiss and Paonia, was an important fruit orchard area in the late 1800's and well into the early 1900's. The valley's climate is a banana belt, perfect for fruit with the cold air coming down from the mountains at night and the heat from the mesas warming up the valley during the day. Coal mines up the road in Bowie and Somerset paid better, so many of the orchards languished over the years. Since the closing of all the mines but one, today the NFV is home to the largest concentration of organic farms in the state of Colorado as well as becoming a state Creative District serving the multitudes of artist and creatives that call the valley home. There are many pick-your-own peaches, cherries, apples, pears, nectarines and if we are lucky, apricots, in the valley. Delicious Orchards, 1 mile down Hwy 133, is an excellent place to pick your own, drink local hard cider and listen to live music on the weekend over a wonderful brunch. It is all about the farms, cattle, art, music, outdoor adventure, fun and relaxation here in the North Fork Valley. The tipis are custom made by the Colorado Yurt Company in Montrose, Colorado where they have been making yurts, tents and tipis since 1976. The tipis are expertly designed and made with custom paintings invoking the animal spirits that inhabit our land. These are a Sioux design tipi as the Ute's mainly lived in wiki-ups until they were introduced to the tipi in the 1800's. The Ute's appropriated the tipi design from the Sioux or Plains Natives. We have solar showers (solar bags of water heated by the sun during the day) available for free. Showers are also available at the local laundromat in Hotchkiss. Our goal is to awaken your sense of wonder by sleeping out in nature and waking up to the Colorado blue sky in clean, clear air at 5500 ft. You can visit the many high altitude wineries, fruit orchards, organic farms, farm-to-table restaurants, great music, interesting movies at the community owned Paradise Theater, art at the Creamery Arts Center in Hotchkiss, stand-up paddle boarding, WSSUP, at Crawford reservoir, mountain biking in Grand Mesa, hiking in the West Elks, rafting down the Gunnison river in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, fishing up canyon in the coolness of the forest or relaxing in one of many hot springs within an hour of us. Colorado Detours is highly recommended by us to take you and yours on a hiking, farm, wine, or geology tour of the area. Aspen, Crested Butte (over Kebler Pass), Glenwood Springs, Gunnison, Ouray, Grand Junction, Ridgeway and Telluride all are about an hour or two away by car. Welcome to Colorado.

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Beautiful Valley

10 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Marble, CO

Nestled high in the mountains of Colorado is a respite from the summer heat. This property has a beautiful log cabin along with several choice tent camp sites. Ponds and wild flowers and high mountains surround this property. Great hiking, access to rivers near by for fishing. Pet and kid friendly. Perfect for families, groups and smaller special occasions.

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Tater's Black Canyon Campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Crawford, CO

Hot showers and toilets are now available! Tater's was voted a 2024 top runner up as 'Best Hipcamp in Colorado'. 35 acres of bliss shared with 2 humans, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 3 horses and 4 chickens [Eggs may be available upon request]. Black Canyon National Park is a short drive to the west. Conveniently located to Crawford and the North Fork Valley to wineries, music fests and local eateries. Incredible views and dark skies make the perfect respite for just hanging out, climbing in the Black, foodie time in the North Fork Valley or pretty much whatever you like to do. Hunters are welcome as this is a perfect base camp to Unit 63.

5 top dog-friendly campgrounds in Blue Mesa Reservoir

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JuNo Farms Glamping

2 sites · Lodging5 acres · Hotchkiss, CO

We moved to our new small farm in 2014 to settle down and do what we love. We have over 4 acres of irrigated land, nice big fields, bordered by long standing trees. It overlooks the North Fork valley, the West Elks with a perfect view of Mt. Lamborn and Needle Rock off in the distance (Where the late Joe Cocker lived). We've been in actual produce and freeze drying production going on year 8. This is an operating farm and has all the excitement, beauty and noises associated with it.

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Riverside Vintage Campers

5 sites · Lodging26 acres · Ohio City, CO

Just 20min from Gunnison, sit two Vintage 16ft Shasta Campers that have recently been renovated and updated. Inside the campers there are full size beds that convert into couches as well as a seating areas in the front for eating or reading. The campers have amenities like running water for hand washing, heat, and small fridges. Ohio City is a mecca for hiking, biking, ORV riding, and fishing making this the perfect jumping off point for all the recreation activities in the area.

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Muskitty Acres Farm

7 sites · Tents26 acres · Paonia, CO

Muskitty Acres Farm is on the site of the oldest certified organic orchard in Colorado. Only three miles from the nearest town, Paonia, our farm borders on the north fork of the Gunnison river to the north, the ditch line to the south, and farms to the west, which means there are no main roads and no traffic at all, save from the railroad line that runs near the ditch. (Trains tend to go by about once every 24 hours). Expect the land to be bumpy and somewhat overgrown.

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The YURT at Screwball Ranch

1 site · Lodging80 acres · Cedaredge, CO

The YURT at Screwball Ranch sits on its own private 80 wooded acres only 20 minutes away from the western Colorado town of Cedaredge - Gateway to Grand Mesa. The YURT will comfortably sleep 4 - 6 guests and there's room for several tents within the fenced compound that includes The YURT, parking, corrals, & fire pit. You're within an hours drive of Grand Mesa (300+ lakes on the world's largest flat top mountain) The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and many, many other monuments and points of interest. Gold Medal fishing in the Gunnison River, North Fork of the Gunnison can keep you away from challenging golf courses in both Cedaredge and Delta (Devil's Thumb Golf Course.)A beautiful view across Cactus Park to the West Elks Mountain Range is the perfect setting for that evening cocktail or wine. Other than the occasional deer or elk walking by, a distant Coyote howl or Owl hoot - the silence can be almost deafening. We love pets - all pets. A little over 2 acres surrounding the YURT, Fire Pit, Corrals, Loafing Shed, and parking area is surrounded by a pet secure fence that allows guests to turn pets (children, guests) loose without fear they will get lost or bother any of the neighbor's livestock, Just close the gate after you enter the YURT area.Part of Cedar Mesa - northeast of the town of Cedaredge, The YURT at Screwball Ranch is maintained by it's owners as a base camp for their own big game hunting each fall. Because of the unique setting, close proximity to the host's property and only one of it's kind of YURT (...full kitchen, 3/4 bath, loft, spiral staircase - WOW! - What a YURT!) the owners offer it for rental during the non-hunting seasons.Learn more about this land:You'll be camping(?) in a 30' diameter YURT with loft, enclosed entryway, large surrounding deck, solar energy (generator backup). loft with twin beds, spiral staircase, two full sized futon on the main floor, full kitchen (range, oven, refrigerator, microwave, slow cooker, coffee maker, pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc.), 3/4 bath with hot and cold running water - all while off-the-grid and isolated on 80 private acres including hiking, biking, riding, ATV trails galore. You also have private access to 1000's of acres of BLM land not open to public access. Base Price ($157.00 per night, 3 night minimum) is for double occupancy. Children 12 and under stay free SO DO NOT ADD THOSE KIDDOS TO THE ADDITIONAL GUEST COUNT. Additional guests over 12 pay an additional $15.00 per day (we're off-the-grid and additional guests consume more of all the stuff we have to haul in and stock for you - like water, generator fuel, firewood, etc.) 7.7% Applicable taxes will be added.The YURT at Screwball Ranch sits at the base of Grand Mesa, the largest flat-top mountain in the world. Grand Mesa has over 300 lakes and hundreds of miles of Hiking, Bicycle, riding, ATV, Snowmobile, jeep trails. With most of Grand Mesa's activities near 11,000 feet above sea level, the air is cool, crisp and clean, even during the hottest days of summer. Find us on google maps.Treat yourself to Glamping (Glorious Camping) - not just camping. You deserve it!

Fire Mountain Farmstead

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Hotchkiss, CO

Fire Mountain Farmstead has easy access to the area's many attractions. Right on Hwy 92, 7 minutes to downtown Hotchkiss and 20 min to Paonia. Drive 45 min to the Black Canyon's North Rim, or 45 min the other direction to the Grand Mesa. World class fishing right down the road! High desert views of the Gunnison Gorge and the Uncompahgre Plateau. We raise Dorper sheep, chickens, ducks, geese, and pigs. We also grow 90% of our own food and have a market garden for a popular Paonia Producer's Market. We sell meat, eggs, veggies, herbs, medicinal tinctures, hand-made soap, and more! All of these items are available for our guests to purchase, although some are only available seasonally. Inquire with your hosts for more information or to schedule a farm tour! Well-stocked kitchenette. 100 Mbps WiFi. Fire pit! Dog allowed. No cats. Smoking OK outside, 420 friendly!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Dog-friendly camping in Blue Mesa Reservoir guide

Overview

In the high mountain desert between Gunnison and Montrose, Blue Mesa Reservoir is the largest body of water in Colorado. Part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, the 29-mile-long reservoir offers 96 miles of shoreline surrounded by canyons and mesas. Stocked with fish and home to the largest kokanee salmon hatchery in the country, the fishing is legendary. Visitors also come to go boating, paddling, windsurfing, and swimming, as well as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife spotting. Campers can choose from more than 10 lakeside and boat-in campgrounds around the reservoir, with many more options available elsewhere in Curecanti National Recreation Area and Gunnison National Forest nearby.

Where to go

Sapinero Basin

At the western end of the reservoir is the Sapinero Basin, with three arms branching off north and south, and four campgrounds. The largest campground in the area, Lake Fork, offers 90 tent and RV sites, along with a marina and an information center. The Ponderosa campground can be found along the Soap Creek Arm while the West Elk Creek boat-in campground can be found along the West Elk arm.

Cebolla Basin

Centrally located, the Cebolla Basin is home to the Dillon Pinnacles and Elk Creek Campground, offering 160 sites for tents and large RVs, with fire rings and picnic tables. It’s also the only campground with electric hookups. Near the Elk Creek Visitor Center are a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, and a seasonal marina and restaurant. The basin is also home to the Red Creek, Dry Creek, and East Elk Creek Group Campground, plus the Cebolla Creek boat-in campground.

Iola Basin

On the eastern end of the reservoir, the Iola Basin is home to the Stevens Creek Campground, with 53 tent and RV sites. The Turtle Rock boat-in campground can also be found in this area, along with several picnic areas, two boat launches, and the Lake City Bridge.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

To the west of Blue Mesa are two other lakes that form part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area—Morrow Point Lake and Crystal Lake. Just west of Blue Mesa, Morrow Point offers two boat-in campgrounds at Curecanti Creek and Hermits Rest. Further west, Crystal Lake offers one boat-in campground and two developed campgrounds for tents and RVs, including East Portal, at the far western end of Curecanti National Recreation Area and just below Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Gunnison National Forest

To the northwest of Blue Mesa River is the Gunnison National Forest, spanning more than 1.6 million acres. In addition to plenty of space for dispersed backcountry camping, there are more than 30 developed backgrounds that offer tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. The closest developed campgrounds to Blue Mesa Reservoir include Soap Creek Campground, with 21 campsites, Lake Irwin Campground, with 25 campsites, and the Lost Lake Campground-Paionia, with 18 campsites.