Hidden Valley Tent Campground- Gunnison Rd

Hey there, Colorado wilderness lovers! Are you seeking an authentic, no-frills camping experience that truly immerses you in the raw beauty of our state's majestic mountains? If overcrowded campgrounds and endless amenities aren't your style, then Hidden Valley Tent Campground, nestled in the Gunnison National Forest near Lake City, might just be the secluded haven you've been dreaming of. This is a place where the sounds of the creek replace alarm clocks, and the vastness of the wilderness becomes your immediate neighbor.

Hidden Valley Tent Campground is specifically designed for those who appreciate primitive camping and the tranquility of a remote setting. It offers a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, making it an ideal spot for hikers, backpackers, and anyone longing for quiet solitude. While it may not offer all the conveniences of a developed resort, its natural charm and access to incredible landscapes more than make up for it. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential details about Hidden Valley Tent Campground, from its serene location and accessibility, to the limited yet vital services available, and the breathtaking features that define its unique appeal. We'll also provide contact information for the managing Forest Service office and explain why this beautiful, remote spot is perfectly suited for Colorado locals seeking a genuine, off-the-grid adventure.

Hidden Valley Tent Campground is located near Lake City, CO 81235, USA, specifically within the expansive Gunnison National Forest, under the purview of the Gunnison Ranger District. This places it in a beautiful, remote, and mountainous region of Colorado. The site is nestled "in a narrow valley with spruce, fir and aspen trees next to Cebolla Creek," painting a picture of a picturesque and serene natural setting. Its position "between the Powderhorn and La Garita Wilderness areas" highlights its prime location for accessing vast, undeveloped landscapes.

Accessibility to Hidden Valley Tent Campground requires a bit of an intentional drive, but it's generally manageable for those prepared for forest roads. To reach the campground, visitors should "Drive south on State Highway 149 to Forest Road 788. Turn left on FDR 788 and drive 6 miles, passing Deer Lakes Campground." This indicates that the final leg of the journey will be on a forest road, which may be unpaved or gravel. While not explicitly stated as requiring 4x4, forest roads can vary in condition depending on weather and recent maintenance. Visitors should always be prepared for potentially rough or uneven surfaces. The term "remote" is used to describe the campground, and it's important to recognize that Lake City, the closest town, is "about 47 minutes away." This means resupplying is not a quick trip, reinforcing the need for campers to be well-prepared and self-sufficient for the duration of their stay. The campground's remote nature is a key part of its appeal, ensuring light usage and a peaceful environment, but it does mean less immediate access to amenities.

Hidden Valley Tent Campground is a "primitive tent camping only area," meaning its services are minimal, designed for self-sufficient campers seeking a back-to-basics experience.

• Tent-Only Sites: As its name suggests, this campground is specifically for tent camping. It has "44 sites," (though another source indicates 4 sites) offering designated, though undeveloped, areas to pitch a tent. RVs or larger camping units are generally not accommodated here.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides "Vault Toilet (1)" or "pit toilets." These are basic, non-flush toilets, and while they offer a necessary convenience, campers should manage their expectations regarding their cleanliness or comfort, especially compared to flush toilets found in more developed campgrounds.

• No Potable Water: It is explicitly stated that "Water: No." and "There is no water so bring plenty of your own." This is a crucial piece of information, as campers must bring all their drinking, cooking, and washing water with them.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with "picnic tables, and fire pits" (or "fire pit and grate"). This provides basic infrastructure for meal preparation and enjoying a campfire (always check for fire restrictions before lighting a fire and bring your own firewood, as "firewood for sale" is not available on site).

• First-Come, First-Serve: Hidden Valley Tent Campground operates on a "First-Come, First-Serve Camping" basis, with "No Reservations" available. This means campers select an empty site upon arrival. While this offers flexibility, it also means there's no guarantee of a spot, particularly during peak seasons.

• Bear-Proof Storage Requirements: "Campers are required to store food and other items in a hard sided vehicle or camping unit constructed of solid non-pliable material." This indicates that the campground is in bear country, and proper food storage is a mandatory service and safety measure.

• Fees: There is a fee of "$14 per night per camping unit" and "$6 per day for day use/picnic use in a campsite." Payment is often made on an "honor system" at a ranger's station.

Hidden Valley Tent Campground, despite its primitive nature, offers several compelling features and highlights for those seeking an authentic Colorado wilderness experience.

• Beautiful and Remote Setting: The campground is universally praised for being "Beautiful and remote." It's nestled in a "narrow valley with spruce, fir and aspen trees next to Cebolla Creek," providing a picturesque and tranquil environment.

• Wonderful Creek Access: The presence of a "wonderful creek" (Cebolla Creek) flowing nearby is a significant highlight. This offers the soothing sounds of running water, and potentially opportunities for fishing (though one review for a different "Hidden Valley" in a different state mentions "No bites and a steep walk to the Res," indicating fishing success can vary and should be researched for Cebolla Creek specifically).

• Extensive Trail System: It offers "access to extensive trail systems within both wilderness and general forest areas." This is a major draw for "folks interested in hiking and backpacking," allowing exploration into the Powderhorn and La Garita Wilderness areas.

• Light Usage: The Forest Service states that "Usage: Light." This is a key feature for those seeking solitude and a less crowded camping experience, particularly appealing to those who prefer to "get away from it all."

• Wildlife Viewing: Being deep in a National Forest, the area offers opportunities for observing local "wildlife."

• Proximity to Lake City: While remote, its relative proximity to Lake City (about 47 minutes) means that emergency supplies or a quick town visit are possible, providing a balance between wilderness and limited convenience.

• Scenic Mountainous Terrain: The campground is "surrounded by mountainous terrain," providing stunning vistas and the classic Colorado mountain atmosphere.

• Ideal for Backpackers and Hikers: Its primitive nature and access to trails make it particularly suited for those who use it as a basecamp for more extensive hiking and backpacking trips into the surrounding wilderness.

For specific inquiries about Hidden Valley Tent Campground, given its management by the U.S. Forest Service, you'll typically need to contact the relevant Ranger District office within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests.

Address: Lake City, CO 81235, USA (The physical location is approximated by the address, as it's a forest campground.)

Phone: (970) 874-6600

Mobile Phone: +1 970-874-6600

These phone numbers belong to the main GMUG National Forests office in Delta, Colorado, or the Gunnison Ranger District. When calling, be prepared to specify "Hidden Valley Tent Campground" and its location near Lake City to ensure you get accurate, site-specific information. It is highly recommended to call before your trip to inquire about current conditions, such as:

• Road status and accessibility (especially early or late in the season).

• Any fire restrictions in place.

• Current fees and payment procedures (as it is "first-come, first-serve").

• Bear activity or specific food storage requirements.

Since there are no reservations, having up-to-date information is crucial for planning your visit to this remote and primitive site.

For Colorado locals, Hidden Valley Tent Campground offers an authentic and deeply rewarding wilderness experience, making it an excellent choice for those who genuinely seek to "get away from it all." If you're a hiker, backpacker, or simply someone who thrives in a quiet, natural setting, this primitive tent-only campground is ideally suited for your adventures. Its remote location near Lake City, nestled next to the soothing Cebolla Creek and surrounded by the vastness of the Powderhorn and La Garita Wilderness areas, provides an unparalleled sense of solitude and immersion in nature. The access to an "extensive trail system" means endless opportunities for exploration and discovery right from your campsite. While you'll need to be fully self-sufficient, bringing your own water and adhering to bear-safe practices, the reward is a beautiful, serene environment with light usage, allowing you to truly disconnect and appreciate the pristine beauty of the Gunnison National Forest. Hidden Valley Tent Campground isn't for everyone, but for the prepared and adventurous Coloradan, it's a slice of mountain paradise waiting to be discovered.

Hidden Valley Tent Campground- Gunnison Rd

Lake City, CO 81235, USA