Nestled in the Elk Mountains of central Colorado, Crested Butte is a scenic wonderland perfect for outdoor recreation. Known for its wildflowers in summer and world-class skiing in winter, this historic mining town also makes an excellent base camp for camping adventures year-round. Whether you prefer RV camping, car camping, or roughing it in a tent, Crested Butte has amazing campgrounds surrounded by stunning mountain vistas. In this article we talk about Crested butte Camping Guide-Oh Be Joyful in 2024.
Oh Be Joyful Campground – A Secluded Gem
One of the best campgrounds near Crested Butte is Oh Be Joyful. Tucked away on the banks of the East River, the Oh Be Joyful campground feels secluded yet close enough to enjoy Crested Butte. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, it contains 21 first-come, first-served single campsites in a peaceful, shaded pine and spruce forest.
Each campsite at Oh Be Joyful contains a fire ring and picnic table. Vault toilets are centrally located in the campground but there is no potable water available. However, the scenic East River flows directly adjacent to the campground, perfect for filtering water. Oh Be Joyful is open June through September with nightly fees of $24 per site as of 2023. No RV camping is available but tents and passenger vehicles are welcome.
Nearby Recreation from Oh Be Joyful Campground
Oh Be Joyful campground places you close to an abundance of outdoor recreation around Crested Butte. Excellent hiking trails lead directly from camp including the scenic Trail 401 to Meridian Lake. This moderate 5-mile round trip hike gains 1,000 feet in elevation culminating in one of Crested Butte’s prettiest alpine lakes.
From Oh Be Joyful, you also have easy access to the 401 Trailhead that leads deeper into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. Expert backpackers can connect to the sublime West Maroon Trail with spectacular views of the Maroon Bells and Snowmass Mountain along the way.
If you have a properly equipped off-road vehicle, some of Colorado’s most iconic 4×4 trails also begin right from Oh Be Joyful Campground. Iconic routes like Gothic Road, Washington Gulch, and Schofield Pass offer stunning high-alpine scenery for advanced drivers.
For something less extreme, enjoy fishing in the East River right next to camp. Or simply relax at your private campsite and soak in the lovely scenery of aspen groves, wildflower meadows, and snow-capped peaks surrounding Oh Be Joyful.
RV and Car Camping Alternatives near Crested Butte
While Oh Be Joyful offers a scenic backcountry camping experience, Crested Butte has other options for RV and car camping. If you need more amenities, consider these alternatives:
Elk Creek Campground – Located only 4 miles from Crested Butte along Kebler Pass Road (Hwy 12). Contains 22 first-come, first-served RV and tent sites in a open, sunny meadow. Each site features a picnic table, fire ring, and parking spur. Vault toilets and potable water taps available. Nightly fee $24 per site as of 2023.
Lake Irwin Campground – Situated 8 miles from Crested Butte along Cement Creek Road (Hwy 738). Contains 11 RV and 8 tent sites in a lakeside ponderosa pine forest with incredible views. Sites have picnic table, fire ring, and parking spur. Vault toilets, water taps, and a dump station available. Electric hookups at some RV sites. Nightly fees $24-30 per site depending on amenities. Open June through September.
Dispersed Car Camping – Free backcountry camping is permitted on certain public lands around Crested Butte, including parts of the Gunnison National Forest. Ask for current regulations at the local ranger station. Practice Leave No Trace ethics when dispersed camping.
Best Time to Visit Crested Butte for Camping
Crested Butte offers excellent camping from late spring through early fall. July and August are peak season with warm sunny days ideal for hiking, biking, fishing and relaxing in camp. Temperatures range from 45-75°F on average. Afternoon thunderstorms are common so be prepared with rain gear.
June and September are excellent shoulder season options with smaller crowds and lower rates. Spring wildflowers and fall golden aspens create stunning scenery. Temperatures range from 30-65°F so pack layers. Snow typically melts out of the mountains by early June while light snowfall can start in September at higher elevations.
While winters are long and cold, Crested Butte also has Nordic skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing opportunities from December through April. Backcountry yurts and cabins allow winter camping with proper gear. I sincerely hope you find this “Crested butte Camping Guide-Oh Be Joyful in 2024” article helpful.
