Cement Creek Campground

For those of us in Colorado who thrive on authentic outdoor experiences and relish the peace of a mountain retreat, Cement Creek Campground near Crested Butte offers a compelling escape. It's a place where the grandeur of the Gunnison National Forest envelops you, providing a rustic yet immensely rewarding setting for your next adventure. While it may not boast luxurious amenities, its natural beauty and proximity to world-class trails make it a highly desirable destination for locals seeking to truly immerse themselves in the Colorado wilderness.

This article is crafted to give you a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Cement Creek Campground. We’ll explore its serene location, important accessibility details, the essential services it provides, and the unique features that make it a standout choice for Coloradans. From its stunning "creek side sites" to the myriad of hiking and mountain biking opportunities, discover why Cement Creek Campground is a true gem in the heart of our beautiful state.

Cement Creek Campground is a charming and somewhat primitive Forest Service campground situated within the breathtaking Gunnison National Forest, just a short drive from the vibrant town of Crested Butte, Colorado. It's known for its serene ambiance and picturesque setting, nestled "between the mountains" and often alongside Cement Creek itself, which provides "great white noise if the water is flowing." With approximately 13 individual campsites, it offers a more intimate camping experience compared to larger, more developed facilities.

Visitors appreciate its rustic appeal and the friendly atmosphere often fostered by the camp host. As one camper remarked, "Pretty good FS campground. Diane, the host, was wonderfully friendly." While it embraces a more traditional camping style with limited amenities, it serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the vast recreational opportunities that the Crested Butte area and the surrounding National Forest have to offer, particularly for mountain biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It’s a "first-come, first-served" campground, which adds to its authentic, less-commercialized feel.

Cement Creek Campground is located at 4670 Co Rd 740, Crested Butte, CO 81224, USA. This places it approximately 7.5 miles southeast of the town of Crested Butte or Mt. Crested Butte, directly off Highway 135. You'll turn onto Cement Creek Road (Forest Road 740) and continue for about 4 miles to reach the campground.

The accessibility of Cement Creek Campground is generally good for a Forest Service site. The road leading in, Cement Creek Road (Forest Road 740), is "unpaved just past South Crested Butte, but it's quite well maintained." This means it's typically "manageable for most vehicles," including 2WD cars for the initial sites (CC 1-9), though higher clearance vehicles might be more comfortable. However, it's worth noting that "Sites CC 10-23 are more remote and require a high clearance 4x4 vehicle to access," so if you're aiming for those specific spots, be prepared with the appropriate vehicle. While one reviewer mentioned "Lots of traffic on the road next to the campground," the overall consensus leans towards a relatively peaceful experience once settled.

The drive itself is scenic, passing through beautiful forested terrain. Its proximity to Crested Butte (about 15 miles away) means that essential services, unique shops, and renowned restaurants are within a short and convenient drive, offering the best of both worlds: rugged outdoor immersion and town amenities. The campground is situated at an elevation of approximately 8,700 feet, providing cool summer temperatures and clear mountain air.

Cement Creek Campground provides fundamental services typical of a Forest Service campground, focusing on basic needs to facilitate a rustic camping experience.

• Campsites: The campground features 13 individual campsites. These sites are described as "clean, flat spots" and are "well-spaced" with some located "right by the water" or "right above the little creek." Many sites are forested, offering shade. While most can "accommodate a big tent," campers with trailers/RVs should note that some sites "are definitely going to be tough to get level in" and maximum RV length is around 28 feet.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: "There are fire rings and tables at each site," providing essential amenities for outdoor cooking and gathering around a campfire. Remember to always check current fire restrictions before lighting a fire.

• Restroom Facilities: The campground is equipped with vault toilets, also known as pit toilets. Reviews offer mixed experiences regarding their cleanliness: one stated they were "clean and kept up with," while another had a particularly negative experience with "the worst smelling vault toilet I've ever experienced." This suggests that conditions can vary, and it's wise for campers to be prepared.

• No Potable Water: A significant point to note is that "no drinking water" is available at the campground. Campers must bring all their own potable water for drinking, cooking, and washing, or be prepared to filter/treat water from natural sources like Cement Creek.

• Trash Disposal: A "dumpster for trash" is available on site, making it convenient for campers to dispose of their waste properly and helping maintain the cleanliness of the area.

• Firewood for Sale: The camp host often has "firewood for sale," which is a convenient service for campers who don't bring their own.

• First-Come, First-Served: All campsites are "first-come, first-served," meaning reservations are not accepted. This requires campers to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.

Cement Creek Campground, despite its rustic nature, boasts several attractive features that draw campers seeking an authentic Colorado outdoor experience.

• Stunning Natural Beauty: The campground is nestled in a "beautiful camping spot between the mountains" with "great views" and "impressive landscapes." It sits "under a large gorgeous rock face" and along Cement Creek, creating a picturesque and serene environment.

• Creekside Sites: Several sites are located "right by the water" or "right above the little creek," offering soothing sounds and a tranquil ambiance. The "great white noise from the creek" is a highlight for many.

• Access to Premier Mountain Biking: Cement Creek Road and the surrounding area are renowned for their mountain biking trails. There are specific "Cement Creek mountain bike trails" that range in difficulty, making it an excellent basecamp for cyclists. The road itself is a "motorized, groomed road" in winter for fat biking.

• Hiking Opportunities: The area provides access to "numerous trails ranging from easy to challenging," allowing for diverse hiking experiences amidst stunning scenery and "beautiful wildflowers."

• Proximity to Crested Butte: The campground is only about 15 miles from Crested Butte, known as Colorado's "Wildflower Capital" and a "last great Colorado ski town." This offers easy access to town amenities, dining, and cultural events.

• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding Gunnison National Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, offering opportunities to spot deer, elk, and diverse bird species.

• Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite potential road traffic, the campground generally maintains a "quiet campground" atmosphere, providing a relaxing retreat away from the crowds.

• Friendly Camp Host: The presence of a "friendly" and "wonderfully friendly" camp host (like Diane) greatly enhances the camping experience, providing a welcoming and helpful presence.

As Cement Creek Campground is a first-come, first-served Forest Service campground, there isn't a direct reservation line for the campground itself. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding its seasonal opening/closing dates (typically Memorial Day to early October, weather dependent), current conditions, fire restrictions, and any alerts, it is best to contact the local Ranger District.

Address: 4670 Co Rd 740, Crested Butte, CO 81224, USA (located within the Gunnison National Forest, managed by the Gunnison Ranger District)

Phone: (970) 641-0471 (Gunnison Ranger District)

It is highly recommended to call the Gunnison Ranger District directly or visit the official Forest Service website (fs.usda.gov, specifically for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests - GMUG) before your trip. This will ensure you have the latest information on road conditions (especially for the more remote sites), water availability, and any important safety guidelines, such as bear precautions.

For us Coloradans, Cement Creek Campground embodies the authentic, rugged yet accessible mountain camping experience that truly defines our outdoor lifestyle. While the absence of drinking water and the occasional (though not universal) issue with vault toilets mean it's a bit more primitive, these minor inconveniences are easily outweighed by the sheer beauty and tranquility of the location. We appreciate a campground where you can truly immerse yourself in nature, and Cement Creek, with its "beautiful camping spot between the mountains" and soothing creek sounds, delivers just that.

Its "first-come, first-served" policy means that while it requires a bit of planning (or luck!), it maintains a less commercialized feel, allowing for a more genuine wilderness connection. For those who love to explore, the direct access to "renowned mountain biking" and hiking trails is a huge draw, making it an ideal basecamp for some of Colorado's best outdoor recreation. The proximity to Crested Butte means that should you need supplies or a taste of town life, it's conveniently close without compromising the remote feel of the campground.

Cement Creek Campground is perfect for the local adventurer who values stunning natural scenery, peaceful solitude, and direct access to thrilling outdoor activities. It’s a place to truly unwind, reconnect with the natural world, and experience the rugged charm of Colorado's backcountry, all within a reasonable drive from our homes.

Cement Creek Campground

4670 Co Rd 740, Crested Butte, CO 81224, USA