Lake Irwin
FSU.S. Forest Service — Colorado · Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest |
| Location | Colorado · Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest · 38.88111, -107.10694 · Map |
| Sites | 25 public sites counted from the federal listing — 10 standard nonelectric; 9 tent only nonelectric; 6 rv nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 25 sites Water hookups at 0 of 25 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 25 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 25 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 99 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 13 sites · 30 ft: 11 sites · 35 ft: 7 sites · 40 ft: 5 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 1:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 25 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 4 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 970-349-6348 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Lake Irwin Campground is situated on the western banks of its picturesque namesake lake, approximately 9 miles from Crested Butte, Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its abundant trail opportunities, fishing and beautiful scenery. Recreation Mountain biking and hiking are popular activities in this challenging, rugged terrain. Canoeing and fishing are favorite pastimes as well. The lake is usually so full of fish, one can see them rise to the calm surface. Facilities The campground offers several single-family campsites, some of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Currently no water is provided, please bring your own.
Natural Features The campground is set high in the Colorado Rockies at an elevation of 10,200 feet. Summer days are cool and afternoon showers are common. Nights can be chilly.
Lake Irwin borders the campground on the east, and the Ruby Mountain Range lies to the west. Vivid wildflowers fill the landscape during July and August. Most campsites are shaded by mature Englemann spruce and subalpine fir trees.
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests are located on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. Together, the three forests cover 2.9 million acres in the central and southern Rocky Mountains, south of the Colorado River and west of the Continental Divide. Nearby Attractions The charming town of Crested Butte is a short drive from the campground. The former coal mining town offers a variety of outdoor activities, dining and shopping options and annual festivals, like the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
Directions, from the listing
From Gunnison, take Colorado Highway 135 north 28 miles to Crested Butte. Turn left on Gunnison County Road 12. Proceed 7 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 826 and follow signs to the campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
5 mi straight-line · ColoradoFSU.S. Forest ServiceGothic
9 mi straight-line · ColoradoFSU.S. Forest ServiceErickson Springs
10 mi straight-line · ColoradoFSU.S. Forest ServiceCement Creek
15 mi straight-line · ColoradoFSU.S. Forest ServiceMaroon Bells Amphitheatre
17 mi straight-line · Carbondale Colorado
Trip Card — Lake Irwin
Colorado · Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Colorado · Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 99 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 25 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232153 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.