Camping at Sunshine Campground in Telluride

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Camping at Sunshine Campground in Telluride

Camping at Sunshine Campground offers a unique gateway to the stunning landscapes of Telluride, Colorado. This campground is situated at a higher elevation, providing campers with a truly immersive mountain experience. With its proximity to the San Juan Mountains and the vibrant culture of Telluride, it serves as a perfect base for outdoor adventures and relaxation.

Adventure Guide To Camping at Sunshine Campground

1. Scenic Campsites
Sunshine Campground features well-maintained campsites surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks. Each site offers picnic tables and fire rings, allowing for memorable evenings under the stars. The breathtaking views of the rugged mountains create an enchanting atmosphere that is hard to replicate elsewhere.

2. Hiking Trails
The campground provides immediate access to several hiking trails, including the popular Sunshine Mountain Trail. This 5-mile round trip offers hikers panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys and opportunities to view local wildlife such as deer and elk. The trail's moderate difficulty makes it suitable for families and casual hikers alike.

3. Local Amenities
Despite its rustic feel, Sunshine Campground is equipped with essential amenities. Restrooms with running water are available, and drinking water is provided, ensuring a comfortable stay. The nearby town of Telluride has a grocery store and restaurants, making it easy to stock up on supplies or enjoy local dining experiences.

Local Insights

Sunshine Campground is located within the Uncompahgre National Forest, which is rich in history and cultural significance. The area is known for its mining heritage, and remnants of old mining trails can be explored nearby. Understanding this history enhances your appreciation of the landscape and the community.

Visitor Tips

  • Best Times to Visit: Late spring through early fall provides the most accessibility and pleasant weather.
  • What to Bring: Include sleeping bags, camping gear, and hiking essentials. It’s also recommended to bring layers due to fluctuating temperatures.
  • Driving Directions: From Telluride, head north on Route 145 for approximately 15 minutes. Look for signs leading to Sunshine Campground.

Reviews

Emily Herndon2 years ago
I would stay at this campground every single time just for the sunset views off the little trail/overlook between campsites 10 and 11. It is marked and only about 50-100 yards up the path. We stayed at campsite 15 which didn’t offer much privacy, but we met some cool neighbors (and pups) and had a great time! Camping folk are always friendly! Campsite is only about 15 minutes from Telluride.
Haley Kuhnsa year ago
OF NOTE: this review has nothing to do with the actual campsite, but rather my experience. This past weekend I drove up to Telluride to catch the Aspen’s at their peak and get some cool hiking in. I planned on staying at Sunshine Campground, but knowing that it was first come first serve and I couldn’t make it until Friday night, I expected it to be full that night. I circled back around Saturday night and to my surprise found a spot! Or so I thought. Someone had written on their post that if they weren’t back by 7pm, whoever wanted the spot could have it. I decided to sit on the picnic table in the lot and enjoy the sun while I waited an hour for this person to show up (or not)! That’s when I was rudely greeted by the camp host. In an annoyed tone she asked me if I realized that this spot was taken. I told her that I had read the sign with the 7pm stipulation. She then asked if “I go around reading signs “(?). I told her that I’ve had luck in the past where people have abandoned their camp spot and I was able to score a cool place by asking/checking things out. She said that the person who had paid for that spot “didn’t have the authority to give it up,” which frankly doesn’t make sense to me considering they had already paid for it. She told me I needed to leave immediately and that it wasn’t “fair to her other campers if I just walked up and got this spot.” Keep in mind, this is a first come first serve no reservation campground. After she told me I needed to leave because I wasn’t allowed “to just hang out at this empty spot waiting,” a sweet old man told me I could just car camp at his lot if things fell through. Long story longer I did not feel welcome or comfortable around the camp host and ultimately car camped on the side of the road. I was surprised by this woman’s (camp host) demeanor and overall lack of understanding of the calm nature of camping. It’s just a camping spot, it’s not that deep. I did not have other motives at play, I just thought I got lucky with a cool spot! Hopefully you don’t have my experience and things run smoothly for you, but just be aware that this woman is VERY serious about how things are (or are not) done at her campground. Besides that, the views are amazing and you’re surrounded by Aspen trees so how much more could you want! Also only ~12 minute drive from down town Telluride. Porter potties and trash bins on site.
Sarah3 months ago
Great location if you want to visit all things telluride. You’re about 10 minutes from the gondola. The host are so nice and friendly. It’s dog friendly and has some of the cleanest camp bathrooms I’ve ever stepped foot in.
Marie Woods3 months ago
Excellent location, 15 mins from downtown Telluride. The campground is saturated with Aspen trees, and would be gorgeous in the fall. The hosts, Jerry and Kathy are wonderful, and have the cleanest bathrooms you could ever imagine for a campground. The only slight downside to this Campground is how close the sites are to each other. I would definitely come back though Make sure that you check out the overlook Trail between campsites number 9 and 12. The views are insane!.
Carissa Grossa week ago
Absolutely loved staying at this campground. It is close drive to Telluride and the camp hosts were so sweet! The bathrooms were incredibly clean as well. There is a beautiful lookout area to watch the sunset and so many aspen trees!

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