Cimarron Campground
Open

The campground is open. Water systems are currently shut off; campers must bring all water needed for their visit. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect: campfires are allowed only in designated metal fire grates.

East Portal Closed Due to Wildfires

East Portal remains closed due to fire activity and post-fire hazards. Do not enter closed or burned areas until further notice.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect. Campfires are prohibited except within designated metal fire grates at campgrounds and picnic areas. Additional restrictions apply.

Blue Mesa Water Update

As of 8/22 cyanotoxin levels were negative/below acceptable State of Colorado public health levels at Iola Basin. Cautionary signs will remain posted around Iola Basin on Blue Mesa Reservoir due to possible future reoccurrence as conditions may change.

From Recreation.gov

The water at our facility has been shutoff for the winter season. Please bring all the water you’ll need for your visit, including drinking water.

About

Cimarron Campground sits at the site of a historic narrow gauge railroad town along U.S. Highway 50 within Curecanti National Recreation Area. The 21-site campground operates entirely on a first-come, first-served basis and rarely fills. Sites accommodate everything from tents to medium-sized RVs, each equipped with a fire grate and picnic table. Elevation is 6,895 feet. The campground's primary draw beyond camping is the adjacent Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit, featuring Engine #278 resting on a historic truss bridge—the last remaining railroad bridge along the Denver and Rio Grande's narrow-gauge route through the Black Canyon. Crystal Reservoir near Morrow Point Dam is approximately 1.5 miles away, though boating is limited to hand-carried craft due to hazardous conditions from fluctuating water levels and dam releases. Amenities include vault toilets, seasonal potable water, and seasonal trash/recycling collection. No hookups or showers are available. The campground enforces quiet hours from 10pm to 6am, including generator use. Sites are limited to eight people and two vehicles maximum.

Directions

From Montrose, drive 20 miles east on U.S. Highway 50. The campground is located between mile markers 112 and 113.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $24

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (970) 641-2337

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Cimarron Campground
Denver & Rio Grande Western  train (Narrow Gauge), engine number 361, engine type 2-8-0, as seen in 1949
Campsite at Cimarron Campground
A typical campsite at Cimarron Campground

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