The Gate Campground

About

The Gate Campground occupies a unique setting within a dramatic rock formation known as The Gate, carved over millennia by the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. Managed by the BLM Gunnison Field Office, this small campground offers 8 primitive sites along one of Colorado's most scenic drives, the Silver Thread National Scenic Byway (Highway 149). The campground provides essential amenities including two vault restrooms and a hand pump delivering potable water. Each site features a picnic table and fire ring. All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day stay limit. The Lake Fork of the Gunnison River runs adjacent to the campground, providing direct access for anglers targeting trout. The setting is intimate and sheltered, tucked into the rock notch rather than exposed on open terrain. A short gravel driveway leads from Highway 149 down to the camping area. The campground serves both as a destination and a convenient stopover for travelers heading between Lake City and points north.

Directions

From Lake City, head north on Highway 149 for approximately 15.3 miles. Look for the campground entrance sign on the left side of the highway. A short gravel driveway leads down to the campground.