The best camping near Billy Creek State Wildlife Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Billy Creek State Wildlife Area adventure.

Discover the natural allure of Billy Creek State Wildlife Area.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Billy Creek State Wildlife Area

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Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents35 acres · Hotchkiss, CO

The House where we live is the corner stone of the Bruce Property and is on the Colorado Register of Historic Houses.The residence was constructed between 1905 and 1912, using red bricks made on the site. John and Sophia Bruce, early pioneers in the North Fork Valley, were first involved in cattle raising. The family later became successful fruit growers. Located along the West Elk Loop, a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway, the large two-story residence features a steeply pitched hipped roof with prominent attic dormers.As a guest of Riverwalk you will have full access to the river during your stay. In addition, there is the Riverwalk Trail System that skirts the North Fork of the Gunnison River from the top of the property, by the Riverwalk Yurt, (available on this site) meandering downstream past the Riverwalk TIPI (available on the site) passing the Grove Yurt (available on this site) and terminating at the bottom of the property with the sandy Riverwalk Beach. There is a trial that zigs through the Cottonwood Grove and zags back along the gentle Monitor Ditch skirting a newly planted grove of young trees.For RV Campers we provide 2- 30amp,1-50 amp and 1- 110-amp electrical services and potable water. There is a dump station available. There is also access to our heated shower house with running water and bathroom amenities (<3 min. walk, may be shared with other guests). The property is perfectly geared to groups of friends gathering in a central location between the onset of the Rockies and the termination high desert to the west. Friends or family will reserve both Yurts and the RV Site for a perfect reunion setting!

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Spectacular Mountain Getaway

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Ridgway, CO

5 acres of trees up on a hill with breathtaking views of the mountains, including the 14er peak, Mount Sneffels. Only 5 miles from the small mountain town of Ridgway, Colorado and only 30 miles from the famous mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. Friendly hosts willing to offer great advice about how to explore the area. The mountain views from the property makes you imagine you are in Nepal looking at one of the Himalayan Peaks!

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Dragonsong Sanctuary Forest Retreat

2 sites · Lodging40 acres · Cedaredge, CO

Dragonsong is home to our family and we are available to provide nourishment and nurturing if that is what you need. Tai Ji, Qi Gong, herbal consultations, Rune Readings, healthy organic homecooked meals (with advanced notice, vegan and gluten free too ), guided journeys to the Mesa or to your inner spaces, and hugs are always available. We also realize that sometimes what you need most is space and silence and that is something Dragonsong has in abundance. This is your journey and we want to support you in whatever way feels best! We're also here to host your joyful gatherings of friends who want to share stories, tasty beverages, and a beautiful fire. (weather and wind permitting) We are 25 minutes from the Grand Mesa and it's breathtaking 500 square miles of wilderness and 300 mountain lakes. Dragonsong Sanctuary sits amidst 40 acres of Juniper and Pinion forest with incredible views of the San Juan and West Elk Mountains. There are trails running through the property for you to explore and all well behaved dogs are welcome. We have a unique and colorful tiny home, several camp sites with a compost potty nearby, paddleboards available for adventures on the Mesa, a 23 ft Star Belle tent, and big open skies perfect for catching meteor showers and basking in the wonder of the Milky Way. We are 10 minutes from the town of Cedaredge, where you will find restaurants, galleries, a beautiful town park with playgrounds and a creek for the kiddos, free live music Friday nights through the summer at the Grand Mesa Arts and Event Center, antique shops, Snow Capped Cider tasting room, SIPS wine bar, and Applefest, our annual fall festival. Stop by the Appleshed, our local indoor art mall and enjoy a wine tasting from Williams Cellars, with Sugar Mama's bakeshop inside providing cafe faire and mouth watering fresh breads. Just add a well stocked local grocery store, golf course, thrift shops and wonderful boutiques, Cedaredge has something for everyone! We are an hour from The Black Canyon, Paonia and Palisade and their incredible wineries and organic farms, an hour and 20 min from Orvis Hot springs in gorgeous Rdigeway,and only 15 more min to Ouray, called the Switzerland of Colorado. National monuments, forests, canyons, hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, ancient culture, petroglyphs, rivers, mountains, incredible fall foliage and kind folks at every turn, there is something for everyone close by! Our mission at Dragonsong Sanctuary is to provide a space of safety, love and belonging while helping people connect deeply to the heart of Nature. We foster kindness, compassion, inclusivity, and believe in celebrating life with mirth and reverence. We welcome groups and retreats in alignment with that vision. We hold all life as sacred and ask that you honor the land and all the creatures who call this forest home. We look forward to sharing this beautiful landscape with you. Bright Blessings and lovelovelove, Kaewyn, Jory, Tirion, Nana Karen and Russ

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Oasis RV Resort

104 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Gunnison, CO

Nestled beside Colorado’s expansive Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in the state, our location offers unparalleled access to serene waters and breathtaking views. Our Gunnison Lakeside Oasis Vacation Cottages offer a range of sizes and sleeping capacities, with a two-night minimum stay requirement. Each cottage includes restroom facilities, including a shower. Options include two-bedroom cottages, 12×12 and 12×16 cottages with or without covered porches, and even a 1960 Retro Trailer. Enjoy your stay close to the beautiful Blue Mesa Reservoir! Discover the exceptional amenities at Oasis RV Resort and Cottages where modern comforts meet the tranquility of nature. Equiped with fiber optic internet, stay connected to the world while surrounded by the serene beauty of our natural surroundings.

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Dark Sky Paradise

6 sites · RVs, Tents181 acres · Naturita, CO

Did you know the Milky Way has color? Come experience night skies like you have never seen them before! Look up when the next meteor shower is and reserve your spot. Most visitors love the quite serene atmosphere and want to get away from it all. You can explore 45 of our acres and access 45 acres of land locked BLM lands. A quick 5 min drive away is endless BLM and public lands. Most mobile phone service does not work here. AT&T is the only one that works really well. The land is around 10 miles from the town of Naturita which has a restaurant, Side by Side rentals, a bar, a grocery store, thrift store, consignment store, and a couple dispensaries and gas stations. Naturita is an amazing place for Dark Sky viewing, hiking, camping, biking, and scenic drives. The outdoor recreation opportunities are endless. It is very close (driving) to the Dolores River. The land is surrounded by BLM and near the Uncompahge National Forest. The Dark Sky campsite is also close to the Unaweep/Tabegauche Scenic and Historic Byway. Come here to get away from it all! The land itself offers incredible mountain views. You park at the tree line with desert Sage brush views to the East, Pinion and Juniper trees with a private canyon and beautiful rock formations to the West. Just North is 45 acres of landlocked BLM public land walking distance from the campsite. Unit 70 for the hunters who know how legendary this area is. Our land has an obstacle course, private paintball field, seasonal lake, trails, canyon, elevation gains and drops. Pets are encouraged to join you.

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Tongue Creek Ranch

3 sites · Lodging70 acres · Austin, CO

Tongue Creek Ranch is beautifully situated at the base of the Adobe Buttes on the southern side of the Grand Mesa in Austin, Colorado. The 70-acre ranch has over 40 acres in hay and alfalfa with seasonal cattle grazing in the fall and winter months. Whether you come to stay at one of the rental properties, get married or host a special event, we welcome you to enjoy the beautiful setting of Tongue Creek Ranch and the incredible sites of the Western Slope! David and Barb Cocetti purchased the ranch in June 2019 to embark on a new life where they could cultivate the land and be more self-sustaining. By following Biblical guidelines for work and agriculture, this land has come to life! It is proving to be an oasis where people find peace while enjoying the serenity of the surroundings. The clamping Cabin sits behind the horse arena and in front of Tongue Creek. It's the cutest little cabin and we mean little, more like an expertly finished big shed. It is 10x14 with a 3x14 covered porch but finished inside like a 5 star hotel. AC, TV, Wifi, fireplace, comfortable queen size bed. Beetle kill tongue and groove ceiling, cultured barn wood wanes coating. It's super nice. The ranch itself may be the reason for the "glamp" booking. The yard is manicured and the 25 house, goats and chickens are fun to see. The big plus is we are only 20 minutes away from the Grand Mesa outdoorsman mecca. This is probably the cheapest base camp to the Mesa. The ranch is a great base camp to wineries, Moab, Telluride, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, fishing, boating, hiking, trails and hundreds of open BLM land for Razor riding. Check us out.

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Zenzen Gardens

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Paonia, CO

Zenzen Gardens is now the official tasting room for Alfred Eames Cellars, a local winery located 3 miles south of Paonia. Come enjoy some local wines in the garden with a beautiful mountain view. Our tasting room is open May to October from 12 PM - 6 PM. Every Thursday evening, from June to October, we host Tapas events from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring our local guest chef. Please note that there will be no Tapas events in August due to our Pickin' in the Park festivities! The property is also a music venue with two performance sites in the barn and a stage by the pond. We also offer farm-to-table dinners throughout the summer, and tapas on Thursdays. Check out our calendar for concerts and dinner dates at www.zenzengardens.com There is veranda seating to enjoy the beautiful flower gardens and where you can access the internet. At the turn of the century, this farm was a dairy operation with its huge old red barn built in the 1880's. The property is pastoral, relaxing, rural and beautiful! It is surrounded by hay and alfalfa fields. It is very quiet with wide open spaces. You might see deer, fox, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Red Tail Hawks and Red Wing Blackbirds, just to name a few.

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Sage View Ranch

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Paonia, CO

After traveling the US in our motorhome for almost 5 years my husband Scott and I know the value of a smiling face and a helping hand after a day (or week) of travel. Exploring and experiencing this amazing country, its diversity and incredible people enhanced our lives in so many ways. In mid 2017 we found out our first grandchild was on the way. Long story short we parked the RV and parked ourselves here in Paonia, CO. In December of that year, we moved onto this amazing property full time and started the long list of fix ups (the list is still long). lol We are blessed to have our two adult sons and (aforementioned) grandson living on this property with us. Our philosophy is to live in the moment as the present is the gift. Whether enjoying a sunrise or a sunset or anytime in between you’ll likely find us outside most days. In that, we love all that nature has to offer including fresh fruits and veggies, animals, beauty and fragrances. Sage View Ranch is being created with the desire to have people experience the natural rustic beauty and magic of Paonia. Scott and I look forward to meeting you :)

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Darbywoods Mountain Lot

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Cimarron, CO

This is a one acre lot for just one RV located at 9500ft in the Colorado mountains between Montrose and Gunnison. Located half way between and six miles up the Alpine Plateau road this area is surrounded by BLM land and National Forest. The lot is located with full hook ups and wifi in a neighborhood with cabins and rv lots.

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Tater's Black Canyon Campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Crawford, CO

Hot showers and toilets are now available! Tater's was voted a 2024 top runner up as 'Best Hipcamp in Colorado'. 35 acres of bliss shared with 2 humans, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 3 horses and 4 chickens [Eggs may be available upon request]. Black Canyon National Park is a short drive to the west. Conveniently located to Crawford and the North Fork Valley to wineries, music fests and local eateries. Incredible views and dark skies make the perfect respite for just hanging out, climbing in the Black, foodie time in the North Fork Valley or pretty much whatever you like to do. Hunters are welcome as this is a perfect base camp to Unit 63.

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CampV Colorado

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Naturita, CO

Inspired Shelter for the Spirited Wanderer CampV was established in 1942 by the Vanadium Corporation to house the engineers who worked in the uranium mines outside of Naturita, Colorado. In 2020, this historic gem was restored by StudioVille Crew to welcome wanderers to a remote and scenic corner of SW Colorado. Discover your Wild without the crowds. Beautiful with a tiny bit of dirt under the fingernails and 120 acres to explore, travelers can sleep well in one of the newly reimagined historic cabins, glamping tents, Jupes, airstreams or river front camping. Through our arts non-profit WEarts, explorers can experience our curated art and support art and creative programming in a rural community. When you’re ready for a mission, check out Planet V, our annual arts and music gathering over Memorial Day and prepare to lift off.

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Delta Hobby Farm

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Delta, CO

We are a working hobby farm, complete with orchard, goats, pasture, and yurts. We love this slice of Western Colorado beauty... so close to the Grand Mesa, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and the Uncompaghre Plateau. So many outdoor possibilities! We build a brand new shower house with flushing toilet to share between all guests as we also have 2 yurts. We also welcome pets that don't chase the free range chickens and are on a leash when out n about.

The best camping near Billy Creek State Wildlife Area guide

Overview

About

If you've ever dreamt of camping near Billy Creek State Wildlife Area, this might just be your call to adventure. For campers with a keen interest in nature and a sense of exploration, Billy Creek presents an eclectic mix of terrain and wildlife. It is divided into distinct sections of land, each possessing a unique allure. The low, shrub-covered hills beckon for exploration and bird-watching adventures.

Perhaps the most intriguing section is the riparian forest along the stream bottom, a haven for the Western Screech-Owl. This wildlife area doesn't stop at birdlife, though. Campers can expect encounters with elk and deer amidst the oaks, and if you're lucky, you may even spot the vibrant Colorado Hairstreak butterfly, a true spectacle of nature.

Ready for some aquatic fun? Billy Creek State Wildlife Area offers public access to the Uncompahgre River, where flows from Cow Creek have recently cleared up, making it an excellent spot for fishing. Anglers, pack your gear and cast your line to try your luck with the big stonefly nymphs and attractor nymphs, known to lure fish in these parts.

Please note, everyone aged 16 or older will need a valid hunting or fishing license or an SWA pass to access this unique state wildlife area. Remember, as campers, we respect and preserve nature while enjoying its abundance. Spice up yuour next expedition with a Billy Creek State Wildlife Area camping trip – nature is calling, and the adventure awaits.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Billy Creek State Wildlife Area is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural world is vibrant with activity. Summer brings warmth and an abundance of life, but also the peak of visitor numbers. Winter can be harsh, with some areas less accessible, offering a tranquil solitude for the hardy adventurer.

Know before you go

Check the latest updates on area closures or restrictions before planning your visit.
Ensure you have the necessary permits for fishing or hunting activities.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions and dress accordingly.
Respect wildlife habitats by observing from a distance and following Leave No Trace principles.
Accessibility information can be obtained by contacting the park's management prior to your visit.