Camping at Matterhorn Campground in Telluride

Camping at Matterhorn Campground, located just outside Telluride, Colorado, offers a remarkable experience in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. This campground is unique due to its stunning alpine scenery, proximity to outdoor activities, and serene atmosphere. As a local expert, it’s important to highlight this area, as it draws adventurers and nature enthusiasts looking for a true mountain escape.

Adventure Guide To Camping at Matterhorn Campground

Location & Access: Matterhorn Campground is situated along the beautiful Last Dollar Road, only a 30-minute drive from Telluride. The scenic vistas along the drive set the perfect tone for a camping adventure.
Campground Features: The campground includes 25 campsites, each thoughtfully spaced to ensure privacy. Amenities such as potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables enhance the camping experience. A hiking trail leading directly from the campground offers opportunities to see local wildlife and diverse plant life.
Scenic Views and Activities: Visitors can indulge in breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. The area is well-known for hiking, with trails such as the Bear Creek Trail and Jud Wiebe Trail nearby, offering stunning overlooks and varying difficulty levels.

Local Insights

Collectively used by outdoor enthusiasts, camping spots in the area exemplify the commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the San Juan Mountains. Historically, this region has been a favored location for mining, and remnants of that history can sometimes be spotted on hiking trails, offering campers a glimpse into Telluride's past.

Visitor Tips

Best Times to Visit: Late spring through early fall (May to September) is ideal due to pleasant weather.
What to Bring: Essential gear includes hiking boots, a sturdy tent, warm clothing for cooler nights, and camping cookware.
Driving Directions: From Telluride, take Highway 145 south, then turn onto Last Dollar Road. After about 10 miles, look for signs directing to the campground.

Camping at Matterhorn Campground combines natural beauty with rich outdoor experiences, making it a must-visit destination for campers of all expertise levels.

Reviews

Joette Reidya year ago

Matterhorn Campground is the best! Anna, the campground host, was super helpful and knowledgeable about the area. She kept everything clean and well stocked. We did not have reservations and were so happy to find a beautiful spot open by the river, close to the bathrooms, with a picnic table and fire ring. Love this place!

Greg D. Lind2 years ago

Very nice FS CG, close to hwy so access is good but some hwy noise. CG hosts onsite are very nice, 28 sites total, 8 sites are full hookups. Of all sites...1/2 are reservation, 1/2 are FCFS. $36/$24 senior full hookups, $24/$12 senior standard. Two restrooms, one is flush toilets and showers and other by tent walk-in sites is a vault toilet. CG is run by RRMof A. Cell limited to none but my Starlink worked great in #1. Dumpsters and water spigots. Best deal here for me was the non electric site with senior pass...$12 and free showers!

J2 months ago

We really enjoyed this campground. We went at the end of September when the trees were turning colors. Our camper was surrounded by beautiful shades or yellow, red, and green. It was gorgeous! The site was very clean and very well maintained. There was a picnic table, a metal fire pit, and a standing hook for lanterns. The staff was very kind and helpful. I am looking forward to staying here again in the future.

Tiana Carnes2 weeks ago

We rented this cabin through recreation.gov for thanksgiving night (thurs) through Sunday. 12 of us from 3 different states, drove 6 hours to get to the cabin and when we arrived realized our reservation confirmation did not include the entry code for the door to gain access. We spent the next almost 2 hours trying to gain access and call someone for help, the emergency contact “John” had his phone off and even after multiple text, calls and voicemails never followed up. The local sheriff had no idea how to help, CO State Patrol did their best but could not help either and recreation.gov was closed. We eventually gained access through an open door and found some keys. The cabin is beautiful and more than equipped for a large group of different age groups. We stayed the whole weekend and never once heard back from anyone after our almost catastrophic holiday. Be aware and prepared. I would definitely recommend staying here, just be sure you don’t do it on a holiday and make sure you have the entry code prior to leaving!

liz kuza year ago

Top 5 campgrounds I’ve stayed at and here’s why. 1. The views. Holy smokes this campground is just tucked off of the road and 25 minutes away from Telluride with some of the best views of the mountains with sunsets that don’t disappoint. 2. Showers. Yes they are included with your site fee. Ya might get a warm one, might get a cold one, regardless it’s great to have the option to clean up after a long day on the trail. There are 2 shower stalls in the women’s and 2 flush toilets which is such a “luxury” compared to pit toilets. There is even the option to buy a shower 2023 rate is $8 and you don’t have to stay the night. 3. Book online. Reservations are available online or if your lucky snag a first come fist serve spot. some sites are more expensive if you need electric or water. But there are even 3 tent only campsites that you have a shot hike to, with absolutely gorgeous views. We just needed a spot for the proximity out of Telluride, and got one with full hookups, which we didn’t think we would need but it was great to fill up water, charge our electric bikes and dump our grey water. The rate this year is $40 a night. 4. Trail access and wildlife viewing. This is a small campground with access to a stream, trail and just a short drive to ghost town by Alta lakes. We’ve been hanging out with a snowshoe hare that greets us all the time at our site all weekend. 5. Space. This is a small campground but it’s well designed. There is lots of space between sites and even though our site 7 had no trees and was situated next to the bath house it was really quiet and peaceful. With all that said. This is the WORST campground ever. I just would never stay here and recommend you NOT booking it so I can come back. Ok in all seriousness, the campground hosts were so friendly and happy. They are so sweet and even sell firewood at their site for $10. I was in and out of 1 bar for cell service and our next door neighbor had his STARLINK out. There are trash dumpsters by the entrance, and our site 7 had a pole, tent pad area, fire ring and picnic table. This place is wonderful and I would go back in a heartbeat.

Camping

Camping at Matterhorn Campground in Telluride