Camping Near Crested Butte
Camping around Crested Butte offers an incredible way to experience the valley, but it takes a little planning before you hit the road. Following major changes after the pandemic, camping in many of the area’s most popular drainages shifted to designated campsites only, with just over 200 designated sites available around Crested Butte. Most sites are first come, first served, and during peak summer weekends and wildflower season they can fill quickly. Whether you’re looking for designated camping rules, campground options, maps, or tips for finding the right spot, explore the links below to help plan ahead and camp responsibly.
Overall Camping Guidelines:
- First-Come, First-Served: Sites cannot be reserved and must be claimed in person.
- 14-Day Limit: Stays are limited to a maximum of 14 days.
- Site Saving: You cannot leave property (tents or chairs) unattended for more than 24 hours to save a spot.
- Vehicle Limits: Sites are restricted to a maximum of two vehicles per site.
- Facilities: There are no trash services or potable water. Pack out all garbage and human waste.
Our friends at the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association have the most thorough details on camping. Click here to connect to their website, or click on the tabs below.
Designated Camping
Designated camping has become the primary way to camp in many of the Crested Butte area’s most popular recreation corridors. Following changes implemented after the pandemic, camping shifted to designated sites only, with approximately 200 designated campsites available throughout the valley. These sites are first come, first served and can fill quickly during the busy summer season — especially in July, when demand is at its highest. If you're planning a summer visit, arriving early and having a backup plan is highly recommended. Explore the resources below for maps, regulations, and designated camping information before heading out.
Lake Irwin Campground
Lake Irwin Campground is one of two campgrounds near Crested Butte where camp spots can be reserved in advance. Camp sites frequently fill up in advance, even during quieter months.
It is situated on the western banks of its picturesque namesake lake, approximately 9 miles from Crested Butte, Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its abundant trail opportunities, fishing and beautiful scenery.
In 2026 and 2027, this campground will be undergoing major improvements. A blanket closure will go into effect the fall of 2026 and last through 2027.
Oh Be Joyful Campground
Approximately 5 miles from Crested Butte, Colorado, Oh Be Joyful Campground is a 30-unit campground along the Slate River. The campground itself gets its name from nearby Oh Be Joyful Creek that features massive waterfalls and colorful wildflowers in the summer months. The campground is located at approximately 9,000 feet in elevation and the views are spectacular. There is no cell service at this location.
Water, Showers & Dump Stations
Potable water can be found at the Crested Butte Dump Station.
Please note that the Crested Butte Dump Station is not open year-round. It will open for the season on Memorial Day weekend. For details click on the link below.
The only option for showers in the north-end of the valley is to purchase a day pass to the Elevation Spa. The Gunnison Rec Center has showers.
Trash Disposal
Trash in the backcountry is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out situation. There are no dumpsters in camping areas and no public trash collection points around town, so plan to leave with everything you bring. Please help keep Crested Butte wild and beautiful by properly disposing of your trash at the Waste Management transfer station in Riverland — and please skip resident and business trash receptacles. Improperly stored trash doesn’t just create litter; it can attract bears, creating dangerous situations for both wildlife and people. Keep campsites clean, keep bears wild, and help preserve these places for the next group of campers and future generations who come to enjoy them.
Campfires & Fire Safety
Wildfire risk is high after the driest winter we've seen in decades. Fire bans are common during dry years. To check for current fire rules, click here.
Campfires are only permitted within established, permanent metal fire rings at designated campsites; building new fire rings is strictly prohibited.