The Must Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP

Allie • • Best Free RV Camping, Midlife Hiking, National Park Visits

This post discusses camping at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado. I live in my RV full-time mostly on public lands yet when the occasion arises for a stay in a National Park I take advantage of it.

Before checking in to my camp spot I hike a gorgeous trail at the end of the main road – Warner Point Trail.

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Hiking Warner Point Trail on the South Rim

Arriving at 8 AM camping at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park had to wait since I couldn’t check into my campsite until later that day.

I had previously been to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in 2021 and remember parking for RVs is very limited so heading in early was a must to get a spot at the end of the road along the south rim of the park called High Point, there are 3 large vehicles parking spots here.

I headed straight for one of the best options for hiking along the south rim : Warner Point. It sits at the very end of the South Rim Road and is marked as an easy, 2-mile out-and-back… though I’ll be honest, a few uphill stretches definitely reminded me I was hiking.

The morning was warm and calm as I wandered through junipers and pops of wildflowers. Every now and then, the trees opened just enough to reveal the valley where I’d camped the night before – such a cool little surprise each time.

About a mile in, the trail ends at a jaw-dropping overlook of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. You can see the Gunnison River slicing through the rock nearly 1,800 feet below. I didn’t get anywhere near the edge (not even close… fear of heights wins every time), but if you’re braver than me, you can step right up for the full “holy wow” moment and really feel how deep and dramatic this canyon is.

I lingered on the way back, taking my time since I’d lucked into a campsite inside the park but couldn’t check in quite yet. It was the perfect slow, scenic morning.

South Rim Campground : Camping at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

After my hiking stroll and breakfast in my RV it was time to check in to the South Rim campground. I’m generally not one to pay for overnight stays in my RV but I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to camp at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP.

The campground and campsite are easy to find, the National Parks have great signage for information and navigation. I stopped to read the campground rules, this is always good practice since this could be a great location to find out if there are any camp restrictions or warnings in effect.

Once I found my site I checked out the general area and the site itself. The sites all have bear boxes to place any food or scented items in when they aren’t in use. Since I’m in my RV I tend to not use bear boxes, yet if I was tent camping I would certainly take advantage of keeping my valuables safe from pesky bears. And it keeps bears safe as well from us pesky humans.

The site is very clean and also has a picnic table and fire ring – what nice features for hanging out for dinner and a campfire! Be sure to bring firewood since none is sold at the park.

It didn’t take long to set up camp since the site was relatively level, it only took one leveling block under my front passenger side to keep things from rolling downhill in my Minnie Winnie while I stayed here.

I opted to pay a little more for a site with electrical hook-ups. Since I mostly stay on public lands in my RV I rely mostly on my house battery or generator for electricity, it’s always nice to have a campsite with power, I felt so spoiled!

Each campsite feels pretty private with trees surrounding each site, this was a nice feature.

After setting up I decided to take a stroll around the campground and I found another trail! One that leads straight to the visitor’s Center. I’ll take that trail later that day to get my permit to hike the Gunnison Route Trail.

Rangers cruised by later that day and the campground is quiet. Also note there are vault toilets, no showers, no cell coverage and seasonal potable water (yet it is not for refilling RV water tanks.)

What a great way to spend time in a national park!