Ute Iii Camping Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Ute III Campsite is located in the Upper Gunnison watershed of Colorado and is a primitive, non-reservable, fee area.


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Summary

It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is located near several points of interest, including the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the Curecanti National Recreation Area.

The campground amenities include a vault toilet, fire rings, and picnic tables. It is important to note that there is no accessible water source at the campsite, so visitors must bring their own water or filter it from nearby streams.

Interesting facts about the area include that it is home to the largest aspen grove in the world, which provides beautiful fall foliage. Additionally, the Gunnison River is a popular destination for fishing, with rainbow and brown trout being the most common catches.

The best time of year to visit the Ute III Campsite is during the summer months, from June to August, when the average temperature ranges from 70-80°F during the day and drops to 40-50°F at night. Visitors should also be aware that the campsite sits at an elevation of 9,000 feet, so it may be cooler than expected during the summer months.

Sources:
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gmug/recarea/?recid=32516
- https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/colorado/gunnison-national-forest/camping
- https://www.colorado.com/camping/ute-iii-campground

       

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Camping Essential Practices

Pack It In, Pack It Out
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
Know Before You Go
Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.

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