Closed
The campground is currently closed for the season. It opens for first-come-first-served camping around May 22, with the peak reservable season running May 27 through September 30. Reservations are available via Recreation.gov with 22 sites bookable 180 days in advance and 7 sites bookable 4 days in advance. Maximum stay is 14 days.
About
Oh Be Joyful Campground is a 30-unit BLM campground along the Slate River, approximately 5 miles north of Crested Butte, Colorado at roughly 9,000 feet elevation. The campground takes its name from nearby Oh Be Joyful Creek, known for massive waterfalls and spectacular wildflower displays including Colorado columbines, Indian paintbrush, and avalanche lilies. A footbridge allows access to the west side of the Slate River for hiking along Oh Be Joyful Creek and into the Raggeds Wilderness.
The campground features 14 RV campsites, 15 walk-in tent campsites, and one walk-in group campsite, with three vault restrooms. Each site includes a parking space, metal fire ring, picnic table, tent pad, and bear-proof food storage locker. There is no potable water, electric hookups, trash service, or cell service at this location. Campers must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash.
The area offers exceptional recreation including fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and wildflower viewing. Access requires navigating BLM Road 3220, which is steep and rough. Low-clearance vehicles and larger RVs should scout the road before driving down to the campground.
Directions
From Crested Butte, drive north on Gothic Road (County Road 317) toward Mount Crested Butte. Cross the Slate River and turn left on Slate River Road (County Road 734). Follow this up the valley for approximately 5 miles to BLM Road 3220. Turn left onto BLM Road 3220 and continue for approximately 0.3 miles to Oh Be Joyful Campground. BLM Road 3220 is steep and rough; low-clearance vehicles and larger RVs should scout the road before driving down.
