Details
South Rim, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Montrose, CO, 81401
National Park ServiceLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
The South Rim Campground is located one mile (1.6 km) from the South Rim Visitor Center. All campsites are by reservation only. Reserve sites online at Recreation.gov. Sites are fairly close together and partially shaded by Gambel oak and serviceberry bushes. Only Loop B offers 20 and 30 amp electric hookups. During the warm season, drinking water is available, but there are no showers or dish cleaning stations, and no water for RV tanks. Elevation: 8400 ft (2560 m).
Campsite Details
Operating Hours
Campground is open 24 hours a day, all year. Check out time is 11:00 am. Water is limited and typically only available mid-May to mid-September (after the last frost of spring and before the first frost of fall). In the winter, only Loop B is open (has electrical hookups).
Weather
This campground is on the rim of Black Canyon, at 8,400 feet (2560 m) in elevation. Weather can rapidly change from warm and sunny to cold and rainy or snowy. Be prepared for 3-season camping, even in summer. The campground is often windy.
Amenities
Trash & Recycling Collection
Toilets
Amphitheater
Staff or Host On-Site
Potable Water
Food Storage Lockers
Directions
From Montrose, take Hwy 50 east for 6 miles, then turn left onto Hwy 347 and follow it for 6 miles. Hwy 347 turns into the South Rim Drive of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. About 0.3 mile (500 m) past the park’s entrance station, turn right onto the South Rim Campground road.
Rates & Fees
Loop A Standard Camping Fee
The nightly camping fee for Loop A at the South Rim is $20.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles.
Loop A Senior / Access Camping Fee
Discounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $10.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles.
Loop B Standard Camping Fee
The nightly camping fee for Loop B (RV sites with electricity) at the South Rim is $34.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles.
Loop B Senior / Access Camping Fee
Discounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $17.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles.
Loop C Standard Camping Fee
The nightly camping fee for Loop C at the South Rim is $20.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles.
Loop C Senior / Access Camping Fee
Discounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $10.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles.
Rules & Regulations
Fire/Stove Policy
Fires are permitted only in the designated fire rings, and only as long as there are no burn bans or dangerous fire weather.Regulations Overview
-Camp only in designated sites. -Maximum occupancy: 8 people, 2 vehicles per campsite. -Check In/ Out Time: 11 am -Pets must be leashed at all times. -Properly extinguish fires. Do not leave fires unattended. -Use bear boxes for any scented items, food, etc. -Stay is limited to 14 consecutive nights for a total of 30 days within a calendar year.Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
There is sidewalk access from paved roads to the pit toilets.
Cell Phone Information
Cell service is unreliable at best, and often non-existent. Do not expect cell service within the park.
RV Allowed
Yes
RV Information
RVs and trailers are allowed. Loop B has sites large enough for RVs and trailers (combined length) up to 55 feet. Most sites in Loop B average about 30 feet. Sites in Loops A and C can typically fit a 23-foot RV or car/ trailer combined length.
RV Maximum Length
55
Trailer Maximum Length
55
ADA Information
There are two designated ADA accessible campsites on the South Rim: A21 and B1. Both are reservable on Recreation.gov. The sites are level concrete with easy access to pit toilets. The campground road/loop roads are paved. The campground amphitheater is not currently ADA accessible.
Trailer Allowed
Yes
Access Roads
Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Classifications
Limited Development Campground
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!