Colorado › Gunnison County › Uncompahgre National Forest

Big Blue Campground

Closed

Closed for the pre-season. Opens mid-June through October while roads are accessible. First-come, first-served with no fees or reservations. Winter access is hike-in only via Alpine Trail from Little Cimarron Road.

Red Flag Warning issued July 1 at 12:34PM MDT until July 2 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

12:34 PM — July 2nd, 2:00 PM

The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from noon to 8 PM MDT Thursday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 207 Southwest Colorado Lower Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 290 Paradox Valley Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 291 Northern San Juan Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 292 North Fork Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 293 Gunnison Basin Forecast Area and Fire Weather Zone 294 Southwest Colorado Upper West Forecast Area. In Utah, Fire Weather Zone 491 Southeast Utah. * TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until 8 PM MDT this evening. For the second Red Flag Warning, from noon to 8 PM MDT Thursday. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...6 to 11 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.

Red Flag Warning issued July 1 at 12:34PM MDT until July 1 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

12:34 PM — July 2nd, 2:00 PM

Air Quality Alert issued July 1 at 9:10AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

9:10 AM — July 2nd, 9:00 AM

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke. WHERE...Moffat, Routt, Jackson, Grand, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Eagle, Summit, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Mesa, Pitkin, Lake, Park, Delta, Gunnison, Chaffee, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores, and northern parts of Montezuma and Saguache Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Craig, Steamboat Springs, Walden, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, Meeker, Rangely, Glenwood Springs, Eagle, Vail, Breckenridge, Central City, Georgetown, Grand Junction, Aspen, Leadville, Fairplay, Delta, Gunnison, Buena Vista, Salida, Montrose, Nucla, Ouray, Telluride, Dove Creek, and Saguache. WHEN...900 AM Wednesday July 01 to 900 AM Thursday July 02 IMPACTS...Areas downwind of large fires in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah could have periods of moderate to heavy smoke through at least Thursday morning. HEALTH INFORMATION...Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness

This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Weed Free Forage Products

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Cave Closure and Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Lizard Head Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use Order

Lizard Head Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use

Uncompahgre National Forest

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

Based on persistent severe fire conditions, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests will begin Stage 2 Fire Restrictions at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Gold Mountain Wildfire Area Closure Order

For the safety of firefighter and the public, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests’ Ouray Ranger District has implemented a fire closure area in the vicinity of the Golden Mountain Fire.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Beaver Park Pit Closure Order

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests’ Norwood Ranger District closed public access to the Beaver Park Gravel Pit area beginning June 17 to protect public health and safety during active gravel crushing operations.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Mount Sneffels Wilderness Occupancy and Use

This order establishes specific restrictions within the Mount Sneffels Wilderness to protect natural resources, wildlife and the overall wilderness character. It outlines limits on group size, camping, campfires, waste disposal, dog control and other activities to reduce environmental impacts in…

Uncompahgre National Forest

Uncompahgre Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Uncompahgre Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Powderhorn Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Powderhorn Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.

Uncompahgre National Forest

La Garita Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the La Garita Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness and Fossil Ridge Recreation Management Area, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.

Uncompahgre National Forest

GMUG National Forests begin prescribed fires

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are planning prescribed fire operations this spring, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the summer as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help…

Uncompahgre National Forest

Little Bear Campground and Island Lake Day Use Area, Roads and Trail Closure

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Grand Valley Ranger District continues seasonal and year‑round closures for the Little Bear Campground, Island Lake day-use area and associated trails. These closures are required to ensure public safety during reconstruction…

Uncompahgre National Forest

Gold Creek Bridge Closure Order

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District to temporarily close Gold Creek Bridge and surrounding area for public safety during bridge reconstruction efforts starting March 17, 2026. The closure prohibits entry onto or travel on the bridge and…

Uncompahgre National Forest

Colorado Ski Safety Act

Order Number 2026-01 applies to areas under special use permits for Powderhorn, Telluride, and Crested Butte ski resorts on National Forest System lands within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. The order is intended to protect public safety and forest resources. The order…

Uncompahgre National Forest

Crested Butte Winter Recreation Management 2025-19

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District will implement annual winter travel restrictions beginning Dec. 31, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2030, in the Crested Butte Area.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Almont Triangle winter wildlife closure

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District is renewing the annual winter closure for the Almont Triangle area, which will span from Dec. 12 at 12 a.m. to April 30 at 11:59 p.m., and each subsequent year through 2030 from Dec. 1 at 12 a.m. to April…

Uncompahgre National Forest

Grand Mesa Winter Road Closure

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Grand Valley Ranger District is temporarily closing several roads in Mesa County to ensure public safety while timber is being harvested in the area. The following roads will be closed to visitors Monday through Friday from Dec. 10…

Uncompahgre National Forest

Crystal Creek Road Closure

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public safety during the Bald Timber Sale.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Forest Hill Road and Area Closure

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety due to the presence of mine tailings that contain elevated levels of lead and arsenic.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Occupancy and Use Regulations

To protect natural resources and wilderness character, this order describes prohibitions in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness

Uncompahgre National Forest

Matterhorn Mill Site Area Closure

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and the historic Matterhorn Mill.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Taylor Park Reservoir Use Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources from the zebra mussel/quagga mussel and other aquatic invasive species infestation.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

The purpose of this Order is to mitigate the effects of high levels of use and to protect natural resources and wilderness character.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Crested Butte Area Camping and Fire Prohibitions

The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public safety, as well as to provide high-quality, sustainable recreational opportunities for visitors.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Tincup Camping Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire and to protect public safety, natural resources, and property in the Tincup area.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Taylor Canyon and Reservoir Camping Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to protect Forest visitors, to protect NFS resources and to provide quality recreational opportunities for visitors in the Taylor River Corridor of the Gunnison National Forests

Uncompahgre National Forest

Food and Refuse Storage Order

The purpose of this Order is to is to protect public safety and wildlife by minimizing human-wildlife interactions.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Doctor Park (NFS Trail 424) Seasonal Closure

The purpose of this Order is to provide seasonal resource protection for migrating bighorn sheep.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Irwin Lodge Road Closure

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and to avoid visitor conflicts.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Lizard Head Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Lizard Head Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.

Uncompahgre National Forest

General Occupancy and Use on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

This Order is necessary to protect Forest visitors, to protect the resources of the National Forest System within the Restricted Area, and to provide quality recreational opportunities for visitors.

Uncompahgre National Forest

West Elk Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the West Elk Wilderness and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Raggeds Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Raggeds Wilderness and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.

About

Big Blue Campground sits at the gateway to the Uncompahgre Wilderness in a serene setting surrounded by aspen and spruce forest. Located near the confluence of Soldier Creek and Blue Creek, this primitive campground offers solitude and direct access to multiple wilderness trails including Big Blue Trail, Fall Creek Trail, Ridge Stock Driveway Trail, and Alpine Trail. This is a true backcountry experience with no fees and no reservations required. The campground operates first-come, first-served and sees light usage, making it ideal for campers seeking quiet and seclusion. Vault toilets are available, but campers must bring their own drinking water as none is provided on-site. The surrounding wilderness prohibits mechanized and motorized travel, so this serves as an excellent basecamp for hikers and backpackers exploring the high country. Access requires navigating approximately 9 miles of Forest Road 868 from Highway 149.

Directions

From Lake City, drive 10 miles north on State Highway 149 to Forest Road 868. Turn left onto FR 868 and drive approximately 9 miles to the campground.

Nearby Campgrounds

Alpine Ranger Station 0.5mi The Gate Campground 7.1mi Jackson Guard Station 7.4mi Silver Jack Campground 8.3mi Beaver Lake 8.8mi Big Cimarron 9.1mi Red Bridge Campground 11mi Gateview Campground 14mi Lake Fork Campground 17mi

Location

38.21842193603515, -107.38617706298828

4781 Forest Service Road 868, Powderhorn, CO 81243

Amenities

Water	No
Fires Allowed	—
Toilets	Yes
Dump Station	No
Wifi	No
Pets Allowed	—
Showers	No
Electric Hookups	—
Water Hookups	—
Sewer Hookups	—
Camp Store	No
Price	$0

Vehicle

Max RV Length	—
Max Trailer Length	—
Big Rig Friendly	—
Pull Through Sites	—

Contact

Phone

+1 (970) 874-6600

Cell Service

AT&T	None
Verizon	None
T-Mobile	None

Useful Links

USFS Big Blue Campground Page

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!