Pumphouse Campground

For many Colorado outdoor enthusiasts, the call of the wild, particularly the rushing waters of the Colorado River, is an irresistible siren song. If you're looking to immerse yourself in a genuine riverside experience without a hefty price tag, Pumphouse Campground, nestled along County Highway 106 near Kremmling, offers a unique opportunity. This isn't your typical resort-style campground with all the frills, but rather a robust and functional hub, especially cherished by those who seek direct access to the Upper Colorado River for rafting, kayaking, and fishing adventures. While it embraces a more primitive camping style, it provides the essential facilities to make your outdoor escapade memorable. Let's explore what makes Pumphouse Campground a go-to spot for locals looking to hit the water and enjoy the raw beauty of Colorado's river country.

Colorado is known for its diverse landscapes, and the area around Kremmling, particularly the stretch of the Colorado River near Pumphouse, is a prime example. This campground caters to a specific type of adventurer – those who prioritize river access and a no-frills, authentic outdoor experience. It’s a popular put-in point for river trips, offering a glimpse into the thriving whitewater and fishing culture that defines this part of the state. While some campgrounds offer extensive amenities, Pumphouse focuses on providing the fundamentals necessary for a great base camp, allowing the magnificent Colorado River to be the main attraction. If you're a local seeking an accessible yet wild river experience, Pumphouse Campground deserves your attention.

Pumphouse Campground is strategically located at Co Hwy 106, Kremmling, CO 80459, USA. This address places it directly on the banks of the Upper Colorado River, approximately 14 miles west of Kremmling via Trough Road (County Road 1). For Coloradans, reaching Pumphouse is a relatively straightforward drive from major population centers, making it an excellent option for weekend trips or longer excursions. Trough Road, which leads to the campground, is also part of the Colorado Headwaters National Scenic and Historic Byway, offering picturesque views even on the approach. Its proximity to Kremmling means that while the campground itself is primitive, essential supplies and services are just a short drive away in town.

The primary appeal of Pumphouse Campground's location is its unparalleled access to the Colorado River. It serves as one of the most heavily used access points for the Upper Colorado River between Kremmling and State Bridge. This makes it an ideal launch point for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Anglers will also appreciate the direct river access for prime fishing spots. The campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), ensuring it’s part of public lands dedicated to outdoor recreation. While the road leading in is well-maintained, be mindful of the natural surroundings and prepare for a more rustic setting compared to some private campgrounds. Its accessibility combined with its wild river environment creates a unique blend for local adventurers.

• Boat Launch Ramps: Pumphouse Campground is primarily known for its three developed boat launch ramps (two paved, one rail launch), making it a premier put-in point for rafters, kayakers, and other river enthusiasts looking to explore the Upper Colorado River.
• Restroom Facilities: Multiple vault toilets (outhouses) are available throughout the campground and at the launch ramps. While a reviewer noted that some might occasionally be out of toilet paper, they are generally kept "reasonably clean."
• Bear-Proof Garbage and Dumpsters: To ensure wildlife safety and cleanliness, the campground provides bear-proof garbage cans and dumpsters for waste disposal.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, offering a designated spot for meals and gatherings. Covered picnic tables are also available at the launch ramps.
• Fire Rings: Individual campsites include fire rings, perfect for enjoying a campfire under the Colorado stars.
• Day Use and Overnight Parking: Ample parking is available, including space for truck and trailer combinations, catering to visitors engaged in day-use river activities as well as overnight campers.
• Potable Water (Seasonal): A seasonal potable water system may be in operation between mid-April to mid-November, though it is not available for RV or trailer filling. It's always a good idea to bring your own water as a backup.
• Reservable Group Campsites: While most individual campsites are first-come, first-serve, several group campsites are available by reservation, ideal for larger parties or planned excursions.
• Single Campsites (First-Come, First-Serve & Reservation): The campground offers 18 single campsites, which are now largely reservable through Recreation.gov, though some might be available on a first-come, first-serve basis if not reserved. It's highly recommended to check availability and reserve in advance, especially during peak season.
• Fee System: A fee is required for day use and camping, with single campsites priced at $25 per night (as of April 1, 2025) and group campsites at $75 per night. Additional vehicle fees may apply.

• Premier River Access: The standout feature of Pumphouse Campground is its direct and extensive access to the Upper Colorado River. It's widely regarded as the most heavily used launch point in the region, offering diverse sections of river from calm flatwater to Class III whitewater.
• Rafting and Kayaking Hub: For those passionate about whitewater sports, Pumphouse is an ideal starting point. It provides quick access to the Gore Canyon Whitewater Playpark, a popular spot for kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The campground’s riverside location makes it a prime spot for fishing. Anglers can enjoy wade fishing along the Colorado River, targeting species like rainbow and brown trout.
• Primitive Camping Experience: Pumphouse offers a more rustic camping experience, appealing to those who prefer less development and more direct immersion in nature. One reviewer described the "Camping area is very primitive and has no shade," which highlights its rugged charm for some.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: Several hiking opportunities are accessible from the campground, including the Gore Canyon Trail and Gore Canyon Ranch Trail, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding canyons and natural beauty on foot.
• Affordable Camping: With a camping fee of $10 for single sites (prior to the April 2025 fee increase, which will be $25), it offers a relatively inexpensive option for accessing a prime recreational area, making it budget-friendly for locals.
• Large Parking Areas: The campground features extensive parking, accommodating large truck and trailer combinations, which is crucial for those transporting rafts, kayaks, or RVs. "Lots of parking for truck and trailer combinations," noted a satisfied user.
• Bear-Proof Amenities: The presence of bear-proof garbage and dumpsters indicates a commitment to responsible wildlife management and visitor safety in a natural habitat.
• First-Come, First-Serve & Reservation Options: While previously largely first-come, first-serve, Pumphouse now mostly operates on a reservation system for individual sites (with some potential for unreserved sites to be first-come, first-serve) and requires reservations for group sites, offering flexibility for planning.

Address: Co Hwy 106, Kremmling, CO 80459, USA

Phone: (970) 724-3000 (BLM Kremmling Field Office)

Pumphouse Campground holds a special appeal for Coloradans, particularly those who gravitate towards authentic, river-centric outdoor adventures. For many locals, the lure of the Upper Colorado River for rafting, kayaking, and world-class fishing is undeniable, and Pumphouse offers arguably the best, most accessible launch point in the region. It's not about luxury, but about providing the essential gateway to some of Colorado’s most sought-after river experiences. While reviews mention the campsites are "pretty close together" and "trains are running near the river all night long, very loud if you're a light sleeper," for true outdoor enthusiasts, these are often minor trade-offs for the unparalleled river access and the genuine, unvarnished wilderness feel.

The affordability of camping, especially for individual sites at $10 (pre-April 2025 fee change), makes it a fantastic budget-friendly option for Coloradans looking for a quick escape without breaking the bank. The extensive parking for trucks and trailers is a significant advantage for those bringing their own watercraft, making the logistics of a river trip much smoother. The primitive nature of the camping, with no shade in some areas and vault toilets, encourages a back-to-basics approach that many local adventurers appreciate. It's a place where the focus is firmly on the natural surroundings and the activities they afford, rather than artificial comforts. Whether you're planning a day of fishing, a multi-day rafting expedition, or simply want to camp close to the river, Pumphouse Campground offers the practicalities and raw beauty that define a true Colorado outdoor experience. It’s a vital piece of the state's recreational landscape, a go-to spot for those who truly love to get out and enjoy the river.

Pumphouse Campground

Co Hwy 106, Kremmling, CO 80459, USA