Sunshine Campground

Are you a Colorado local yearning for a tranquil mountain getaway that offers breathtaking scenery, a forest filled with vibrant aspen trees, and easy access to one of the state's most iconic towns? Look no further than Sunshine Campground, nestled just outside the charming hub of Telluride. This article is designed to provide you with a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Sunshine Campground an excellent choice for residents seeking a peaceful and picturesque camping experience in the heart of the San Juan Mountains.

Telluride is famous for its dramatic box canyon, world-class outdoor recreation, and unique cultural events. While Telluride Town Park Campground offers a convenient in-town experience, Sunshine Campground provides a slightly more secluded, yet still incredibly accessible, alternative. Imagine waking up surrounded by a dense aspen forest, stepping out to stunning views of Sunshine Peak, and knowing that the vibrant town of Telluride is just a short drive away. This campground offers a perfect blend of natural immersion and convenient access to local attractions, making it a highly desirable destination for Colorado adventurers.

We understand that local campers appreciate sites that offer both natural beauty and essential comforts. This guide will delve into the specifics of Sunshine Campground, detailing its prime location, the key services it provides (including its notably clean facilities), and the standout features that make it a cherished spot among those who visit. We'll also provide essential contact information to help you plan your visit to this delightful Colorado campground.

Sunshine Campground is beautifully situated at 7676 CO-145, Telluride, CO 81435, USA. Its location is a significant advantage, offering an "excellent location, 15 mins from downtown Telluride" and approximately "10 minutes from the gondola." This convenient proximity means you can easily enjoy all that Telluride has to offer—its shops, restaurants, festivals, and the famous free gondola to Mountain Village—without being directly in the hustle and bustle.

The campground is located directly off Colorado State Highway 145, a paved road, ensuring easy access for all types of vehicles, including RVs and trailers. This eliminates the need to navigate challenging dirt roads, making the journey to Sunshine Campground straightforward and stress-free. Its position along this scenic highway also places it within easy reach of other regional attractions in the San Juan Mountains. While the sites are noted by some to be "close to each other," the overall setting within a dense aspen forest provides a sense of natural immersion and privacy.

Sunshine Campground provides a set of essential services that cater to comfortable camping, with a particular emphasis on cleanliness and hospitality:

• Campsites: The campground features 15 individual campsites. Each site comes with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate, providing the basics for outdoor living and cooking. The sites are generally suitable for tents and smaller RVs/trailers (up to 35 feet).
• Restrooms: A major highlight of Sunshine Campground, consistently praised by visitors, is the exceptional cleanliness of its bathrooms. Reviews describe them as "the cleanest bathrooms you could ever imagine for a campground" and "incredibly clean." While some sources mention "portable toilets" or "compost restrooms," their well-maintained condition is a significant plus.
• Potable Water: Drinking water (potable pressurized) is available via spigots within the campground. Campers should bring their own hoses if they wish to fill tanks.
• No RV Hookups: Sunshine Campground does not offer electric, water, or sewer hookups for RVs. It is designed for a more traditional camping experience, suitable for self-contained units or tent camping.
• First-Come, First-Served: This campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not accepted. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.
• Camp Hosts: The presence of "wonderful" and "nice and friendly" camp hosts (Jerry and Kathy are specifically mentioned) greatly enhances the visitor experience, providing assistance and maintaining the campground's excellent condition.
• Dog-Friendly: Sunshine Campground is noted as being "dog friendly," allowing campers to bring their leashed furry companions along for their mountain adventure.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is typically available for purchase from the camp host, ensuring you can enjoy a cozy campfire.

Sunshine Campground is rich with features that make it a compelling choice for Colorado locals seeking a memorable outdoor experience:

• Aspen Forest Setting: The campground is "saturated with Aspen trees," which makes for a particularly stunning visual, especially in the fall when the leaves turn brilliant shades of gold. This dense forest offers shade and a beautiful natural ambiance.
• Exceptional Cleanliness: The consistently clean bathrooms and well-maintained grounds are a major draw, setting this campground apart and contributing significantly to a pleasant stay.
• Friendly and Welcoming Hosts: The "wonderful" and "nice and friendly" camp hosts, Jerry and Kathy, receive high praise from visitors, contributing to the positive atmosphere and smooth operation of the campground.
• Overlook Trail with Insane Views: A specific highlight mentioned by campers is the "overlook Trail between campsites number 9 and 12." This short trail leads to incredible panoramic views, described as "insane," offering a perfect spot for sunset viewing and photography of Sunshine Peak and the surrounding mountains.
• Proximity to Telluride Attractions: Being just "10 minutes from the gondola" and "15 mins from downtown Telluride" means campers have easy access to world-class hiking, mountain biking, dining, shopping, and festivals without the need for long commutes.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite being close to the highway, the campground generally maintains a quiet and peaceful environment, allowing for restful nights amidst nature.
• Small Mountain Lake: The campground features or is very close to a "small mountain lake," adding another element of natural beauty and potentially offering opportunities for quiet reflection or simple enjoyment.
• Views of Sunshine Peak and Wilson Range: Many sites offer spectacular views of Sunshine Peak and the broader Wilson Range, providing a constant reminder of the majestic San Juan Mountains.

Sunshine Campground is managed by the US Forest Service (specifically, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests). While a direct phone number for the campground may not always be listed, the best way to get information or inquire about its operational status is to contact the relevant Forest Service office. Based on common practice, the local ranger district would be the primary contact.

Address: 7676 CO-145, Telluride, CO 81435, USA

For general inquiries related to Forest Service campgrounds in the area, you might use a regional information line. Although a specific phone number for Sunshine Campground isn't consistently listed in public data, typical contact for this region's US Forest Service is:

Phone: (970) 872-9900 (Uncompahgre National Forest Supervisor's Office - A general contact point for the broader area).

It is always recommended to check Recreation.gov or call the relevant Forest Service office (such as the Norwood or Ouray Ranger Districts, which are nearby) for the most up-to-date information on seasonal opening/closing dates, conditions, and any alerts. Remember, it's a first-come, first-served campground.

For Colorado locals, Sunshine Campground offers a remarkably suitable and appealing option for a mountain camping adventure, combining natural beauty with convenient access to one of the state's most sought-after destinations. Its charm lies in its ability to provide a serene, forest-immersed experience while remaining just a short drive from the vibrant town of Telluride.

Locals will appreciate the campground's picturesque setting within a dense aspen forest, which promises stunning fall colors and a pleasant summer shade. The consistently praised cleanliness of the bathrooms and the welcoming nature of the camp hosts, Jerry and Kathy, significantly enhance the overall comfort and enjoyment, elevating it beyond a typical rustic campground. This attention to detail reflects a commitment to visitor satisfaction that resonates with those who appreciate well-maintained public lands.

Furthermore, the strategic location—just 10-15 minutes from downtown Telluride and the gondola—is a massive advantage. It means residents can enjoy all the world-class hiking, dining, festivals, and activities of Telluride without the high costs of in-town lodging. The hidden gem of the "overlook Trail between campsites number 9 and 12" provides easily accessible, "insane" views, a perfect local secret to share. For any Colorado resident seeking a tranquil, scenic, dog-friendly, and conveniently located campground that offers true mountain charm, Sunshine Campground is undoubtedly a top choice for a memorable getaway.

Sunshine Campground

7676 CO-145, Telluride, CO 81435, USA