Designated Camping on the GMUG

New Camping Regulations In Effect Around Crested Butte

 

In 2022, new regulations were passed to convert dispersed camping areas within seven major drainages around Crested Butte to designated campsites or established campgrounds per Forest Order, GMUG-2022-10.

This change aims to minimize the harmful effects of resource damage caused by high recreational use, such as trampled vegetation, expanded campsite footprints and littering.

Camping is permitted in the designated campsites listed below or the following established campgrounds, Lake Irwin, Gothic or Cement Creek Campgrounds.  

 

What is a designated campsite?

Designated campsites are vehicle-accessible campsites outside of developed campground facilities. Each designated site is marked with a metal fire ring and a site-numbered post with a universal camping symbol. Designated campsites are spread out and may require four-wheel drive access. Camping is only allowed in designated sites.
 

Designated campsite with a signpost, fire ring, tent and sprinter van Designated campsite with signpost and truck camper
Left: Designated campsite Slate River #2 with signpost, fire ring, tent and sprinter van. Right: Designated campsite Washington Gulch #25 with signpost and truck camper. USDA Forest Service photos by Isabel English.

 

Where are the designated campsites located?

Campsites are dispersed along the following National Forest System Roads (NFSR). View a map of each area by clicking on the NFSR routes below. 

  • Kebler Pass–NFSR #12/Irwin–NFSR #826
    • Kebler Pass–NFSR #12 sites KP 1-9
    • Lake Road–NFSR #826 sites KP 10-31
    • Splains Gulch–NFSR #774 sites SG 1-5
  • Slate River–NFSR #734
    • Roadside sites SR 1-19
    • Musicians Camp sites MC 1-17
    • Poverty Gulch–NFSR #522 sites PG 1-7
  • Washington Gulch–NFSR #811 WG sites 1-48
  • Gothic–NFSR #317 sites G 1-14
    • Includes picnic tables. Fees are required.
  • Brush Creek–NFSR#738
    • Roadside sites BC 1-13
    • Tent City sites TC 1-17
    • Farris Creek sites FC 1-6
    • West Brush sites WB 1-8
  • Cement Creek–NFSR #740 CC sites 1-23
    • Walrod–NFSR #740.2 W sites 1-3

 

Plan and Prepare

Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be occupied for a maximum of 14 days. Leaving property unattended for over 24 hours is prohibited. Fires are only permitted in established fire rings at the designated campsite. Plan ahead, as restroom facilities, trash services and potable water are unavailable. Assess vehicle length before pulling into a campsite, as site sizes vary. Many campsites are located on high clearance, four wheel drive roads so be sure to check vehicle requirements. Know before you go, check local weather, fire restrictions and road closures before you head out. 

 

Campsite Amenities

Designated campsite with signpost and tent set up
Designated campsite Washington Gulch #15 with signpost and tent set up. USDA Forest Service photo by Isabel English.
  • All designated campsites have a fire ring and a signpost.
  • Restroom facilities are available at Musician’s Camp, Tent City, Washington Gulch and Gothic.
  • Gothic sites G 1-14 include picnic tables. Fees are required.

 

Developed Camping Options

Developed campgrounds are an excellent option for campers seeking additional amenities like toilets and picnic tables. These campgrounds require fees. Lake Irwin Campground requires reservations.

  • Lake Irwin Campground 25 sites
    • End of Lake Road–NFSR #826
  • Gothic Campground 6 sites
    • 2 miles past Gothic Townsite–NFSR #317
  • Cement Creek Campground 13 sites
    • 4 miles down Cement Creek–NFSR #740

 

Things to Know for Campers, Trailers and RVs

There are several areas of designated campsites that can accommodate larger vehicles, including:

  • Washington Gulch–NFSR #811 sites WG 3-26
  • Musicians Camp–Slate River–NFSR #734 sites MC 1-17
  • Tent City–Brush Creek–NFSR #738 TC 1-17

Oversized vehicles should avoid driving beyond these designated campsites because of rough roads, lack of turnaround space and lack of sites with adequate parking for larger vehicles.

 

Follow Leave No Trace Guidelines

  • Dispose of human waste by packing it out or digging a 6–8-inch hole at least 200 feet from any water source and burying it.
  • Avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Do not drive off-road or beyond designated parking locations.
  • Do not leave food or trash unattended or in the open to avoid attracting wildlife. Review tips for camping in bear country. 
  • Never leave campfires unattended. Extinguish the fire with water before leaving. Use the drown, stir and feel method to ensure it is dead out and cool to the touch.
  • Keep fires small. Only use down and dead wood from the ground that can be broken by hand.
  • Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.