Thistledown Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens in late May when roads become accessible, operating through late fall depending on snow conditions.
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.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect the public health and safety in the Rocky Mountain Region. This Order is supplemental to and does not rescind or replace those restrictions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, or any Forest Supervisor Order issued under 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart B.
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.
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.
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.
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.
GMUG National Forests begin prescribed fires
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are planning prescribed fire operations over the next several months, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the spring as conditions allow.
St. Germain Area Closure Order
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety during the construction rebuild of the powerlines by San Miguel Power Association (SMPA).
Cottonwood Road Closure
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests announce temporary closure of a short section of Cottonwood Road (National Forest System Road 504), from the intersection of Lockhart Road (NFSR 507) to the intersection of NFSR 504.1E, for public safety.
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 announces temporary closure of Little Bear Campground and the Island Lake day-use area for reconstruction and rehabilitation starting June 2.
Crystal Creek Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public safety during the Bald Timber Sale.
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.
Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Occupancy and Use Regulations
To protect natural resources and wilderness character, this order describes prohibitions in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness
Matterhorn Mill Site Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and the historic Matterhorn Mill.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Food and Refuse Storage Order
The purpose of this Order is to is to protect public safety and wildlife by minimizing human-wildlife interactions.
Doctor Park (NFS Trail 424) Seasonal Closure
The purpose of this Order is to provide seasonal resource protection for migrating bighorn sheep.
Irwin Lodge Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and to avoid visitor conflicts.
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.
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.
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.
Mount Sneffels Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
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.
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.
Perimeter Trail Winter Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect a bighorn sheep winter concentration area.
Almont Triangle Winter Closure
This Order is necessary to protect the special biological communities of deer, elk and bighorn sheep on critical winter range.
Colorado Ski Safety Act Closure Order
The purpose of this Order is protect the health and safety of National Forest visitors and to protect the resources within the boundary of the developed ski areas.
Telluride Ski Area Motorized Travel Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect visitors and ski area employees from hazards associated with the public operating vehicles, including over the snow machines, within the Telluride Ski Area and preventing undue interference with ski area maintenance and operations that are authorized under
East Naturita & Thunder Roads Camping Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources along National Forest System Roads 609 and 642.
Cement Creek Winter Recreation Analysis Area
The purpose of this Order is to prevent conflicts of winter uses within the Cement Creek Analysis area.
East Brush Creek Winter Recreation Analysis Area
The purpose of this Order is to prevent conflicts of winter uses within the East Brush Creek Analysis area.
East Kebler Pass Winter Recreation Analysis Area
The purpose of this Order is to prevent conflicts of winter uses within the East Kebler Pass Analysis area.
Middle Brush Creek Winter Recreation Analysis Area
The purpose of this Order is to prevent conflicts of winter uses within the Middle Brush Creek Analysis area.
Upper East River Winter Recreation Analysis Area
The purpose of this Order is to prevent conflicts of winter uses within the Upper East River Analysis area.
Washington Gulch Winter Recreation Management
The purpose of this Order is to provide short-term resource protection or to protect public health and safety.
West Brush Creek Winter Recreation Area Analysis
The purpose of this Order is to prevent conflicts of winter uses within the West Brush Creek Analysis area.
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.
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.
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
Thistledown Campground is located in Canyon Creek just outside Ouray, Colorado, adjacent to the historic Thistledown site and the Weehawken Trailhead. This small National Forest campground experiences heavy use from outdoor enthusiasts planning to hike into Mount Sneffels and other nearby wilderness trails, explore the wildflowers in Yankee Boy Basin, or drive the local jeep trails. The campground is best suited for tent camping, as most sites are small and not conducive to larger RVs or trailers. The campground provides vault toilets and bear boxes but no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. The setting is rustic and scenic, nestled in the mountains with some sites positioned near the confluence of two creeks during spring snowmelt. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Access to hiking trails and OHV routes is excellent from this location, making it a popular staging area for backcountry adventures in the San Juan Mountains. The campground operates seasonally from late May through late fall, remaining open while roads are accessible. Winter snow typically closes access from November through May. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $10 per night, with a 50% discount for holders of Interagency Senior or Access passes. Cash or check payment is required.
Directions
From Ouray, travel south on Highway 550. At the end of town, turn right (west) on County Road 361 (Canyon Creek Road). Turn left at the campground sign.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 240-5300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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