Big Cimarron Campground

For those of us who call Colorado home, the appeal of escaping into our state’s vast and rugged wilderness is undeniable. When the desire for unparalleled natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and a true outdoor experience calls, Big Cimarron Campground, nestled within the expansive Gunnison National Forest near Gunnison, offers an authentic and unforgettable retreat. This article is designed to provide our fellow Colorado residents with a comprehensive and engaging overview of Big Cimarron Campground, helping you discover why it’s a compelling destination for your next adventure into the heart of our state's wild landscapes.

Big Cimarron Campground stands out for its breathtaking scenery and its prime location directly on the Cimarron River. It’s a place where the air is crisp, the vistas are expansive, and the opportunities for connecting with nature are limitless. While some aspects of its rustic nature might be noted by visitors, its core appeal lies in its unparalleled natural beauty and the sheer abundance of outdoor activities available right at your doorstep. From the vibrant wildflowers to the towering trees and diverse wildlife, this campground offers a sensory feast for any outdoor enthusiast. It’s a destination that promises to fill your camera roll with stunning shots and your memories with exhilarating experiences.

Big Cimarron Campground is located in the expansive Gunnison National Forest, near Gunnison, CO 81230, USA. This places it in a truly magnificent part of Colorado, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including deep canyons, soaring peaks, and lush forests. The campground sits directly on the Cimarron River, offering a serene riverside experience that is a major draw for visitors. Access to the campground typically involves navigating through scenic routes within the national forest, often off major highways, which contributes to its secluded and immersive feel.

While the specific access roads might vary depending on your approach, reaching the campground involves a journey into a more remote, but incredibly rewarding, part of the state. It is generally accessed via routes that traverse through stunning mountain passes and valleys, providing a taste of the wilderness even before you arrive. Its proximity to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the Silver Jack Reservoir area further enhances its appeal, offering additional exploration opportunities. For Colorado locals, this location is ideal for those seeking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the wild, knowing that while it's rustic, the payoff in terms of natural beauty and outdoor access is immense. It's a place that feels far removed from urban bustle, yet remains within reach for a dedicated weekend or longer getaway.

• Designated Campsites: Big Cimarron Campground provides individual campsites, designed for both tent and RV camping, though its rustic nature suggests a more primitive setup.
• Restroom Facilities: The campground features bathroom facilities. Reviews mention that the bathroom was "very clean and recently updated," which is a significant plus for a national forest campground. These are likely vault toilets or simple flush toilets depending on the specific setup.
• On-Site River Access: Being located directly on the Cimarron River, the campground offers immediate access to the river for fishing and other water-related activities.
• Nearby Amenities (Silver Jack Lake Campground Staff): While Big Cimarron itself might be more rustic, the mention of "Gita and Thomas were great employees at Silver Jack Lake campground" suggests that assistance or information for the area, potentially including Big Cimarron, might be available through staff at the nearby Silver Jack Lake Campground. This could imply a shared management or support system for the area's recreational sites.

• Breathtaking Scenery: This campground offers "some of the most breath taking scenery" experienced by visitors. The surrounding Gunnison National Forest provides stunning vistas of mountains, valleys, and the Cimarron River itself.
• Abundant Wildlife: The area is rich in wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for observation and photography. This includes not just common forest animals but also local herds that might wander through the campground.
• Wildflowers and Diverse Flora: Visitors can enjoy a vibrant display of wildflowers, adding to the picturesque beauty of the landscape. The presence of diverse trees further enhances the natural setting.
• Photographer's Paradise: With its beautiful vistas and rich natural elements, the campground is an excellent spot for "shutterbugs to focus on," promising many opportunities for stunning photographs.
• Direct River Access: Its location on the Cimarron River is a key feature, providing soothing sounds and easy access for fishing and enjoying the river.
• Multi-Activity Hub: The surrounding area offers a wide array of outdoor activities, including:
  • Fishing (on the Cimarron River and nearby Silver Jack Reservoir)
  • Hiking (numerous trails in the national forest)
  • Mountain Biking (trails for various skill levels)
  • 4-Wheeling (designated routes for off-road vehicles)
  • Camping (the primary activity)
  This makes it an all-encompassing destination for adventure seekers.
• Recently Updated Bathrooms: Despite some rustic aspects, the recently updated and very clean bathrooms are a significant comfort highlight for campers.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Big Cimarron Campground, including reservations, site availability, and current conditions (such as fire restrictions or road closures), it is best to contact the managing authority, which is the U.S. Forest Service office for the Gunnison National Forest. While a direct phone number for the specific campground might not always be available, the main district offices can provide comprehensive assistance.

Address: Gunnison, CO 81230, USA (The campground is located within the Gunnison National Forest near Cimarron)

General Information / Ranger District: The Gunnison Ranger District of the Gunnison National Forest would be the primary contact. While a specific phone number for Big Cimarron Campground isn't provided in the prompt, the general information line for the Gunnison National Forest can be reached.

Please note that National Forest campgrounds often operate on a first-come, first-served basis or require reservations through Recreation.gov. It is highly advisable to check the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG National Forests) or Recreation.gov for reservation details and the latest information before planning your trip.

For us Coloradans, Big Cimarron Campground presents an opportunity to truly embrace the wild heart of our state, making it an exceptionally suitable destination for a myriad of reasons. It appeals directly to our inherent love for rugged landscapes, diverse outdoor activities, and the raw beauty of untamed nature.

Firstly, its location within the vast Gunnison National Forest, right on the Cimarron River, is a prime draw. This isn't just a place to park an RV; it's an immersive experience in one of Colorado's most breathtaking regions. The dramatic scenery, from towering peaks to lush valleys, offers an unparalleled backdrop for any outdoor adventure. For locals who often seek to escape the more crowded spots, Big Cimarron delivers a sense of wildness and solitude that is increasingly hard to find. The opportunity for "breath taking scenery" and "plenty for shutterbugs to focus on" resonates deeply with Coloradans who are accustomed to and constantly seeking out those iconic views.

Secondly, Big Cimarron acts as a gateway to an extensive playground of outdoor activities that are quintessential to the Colorado lifestyle. Whether you're an avid angler hoping to catch trout in the Cimarron River, a hiker eager to explore challenging trails, a mountain biker seeking thrilling descents, or a 4-wheeling enthusiast looking for expansive routes, "this place has it all." This diverse offering means that friends and families with varied interests can all find something to enjoy, making it a versatile destination for a truly Colorado-style multi-day adventure.

While some might note its rustic nature, including occasional visits from local cattle and the need for some site refurbishments, these elements contribute to an authentic wilderness experience that many Coloradans actually seek. The fact that the bathrooms are clean and updated adds a crucial layer of comfort to this rustic charm. For those who appreciate raw, unfiltered nature, where wildlife is part of the scenery (even the cows!), Big Cimarron Campground offers an honest and deeply rewarding connection to our state's wild side. It's a place where we can truly disconnect, breathe deeply, and remind ourselves why we choose to live in this incredible outdoor paradise.

Big Cimarron Campground

Gunnison, CO 81230, USA