Camping and Lodging in the Gunnison Valley

Looking for a premium camping experience during The Original Growler weekend? Thanks to our 2025 Presenting Sponsor, Campfire Ranch, for having you covered, and offering incredible camping opportunities just 18 minutes from downtown Gunnison. Located off of County Road 742 known as the Taylor Canyon, Campfire Ranch puts you and your family in the heart of some of the most iconic views of granite walls, forested gullies and the roaring Taylor River. Using Campfire Ranch as your basecamp during the Growler weekend ensures you will find unique opportunities to rest and recover after your race with plenty of options for other adventures during your stay.

For more information and to book early, please reach out to Sarah at sarah@campfireranch.co

Campfire Ranch
Gunnison Camping - Hartman Rocks

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Gunnison Camping - Hartman Rocks

Hartman Rocks Guidelines:

  • Camp and park in designated sites only

    • There are 53 dry/primitive campsites available on a first come first serve.
    • Maximum of 2 vehicles per site except for group sites
    • Please preserve the ecosystem by camping and parking in designated spots only. Please DO NOT create new camp spots and DO NOT park in the sage.
    • All sites are first come, first serve. No fees.
    • Pack in/Pack out- please use only vault toilets or a self-contained system such as a wag-bag to minimize your impact. Please discard waste properly by packing it out with you and don’t leave it behind.
    • No hookups are available.
    • No potable water or developed facilities are at Hartman Rocks.
  • No fuel wood gathering for fires.

    • Bring your own wood purchased in town and follow all fire restrictions
    • DO NOT burn pallets
    • Only burn fires in DESIGNATED fire rings and fully extinguish fires by drowning them in water.
    • Keep the fire small and never leave a fire unattended.
    • Do not burn trash or waste, only burn wood you’ve packed in.
  • Pick up your dog’s waste.

    • Please be considerate to wildlife and other trail users by picking up after your dog every time. Leaving dog poop behind creates big environmental and social impacts that are easily mitigated with your help.

What if all the sites are full?

During the Growler weekend, all campsites at Hartman Rocks will fill up. For the best chance to snag a spot, arrive on Thursday at the latest. Do not expect to get a site if you are arriving on Friday, and have a backup plan. Check out the resources below for more camping opportunities in and around Gunnison.

Other camping options near Gunnison, Colorado are listed below.

Some sites are first come first serve and others require reservations at rec.gov. Know before you go.

SATURDAY MAY 29, 2021

THE CLASSIC GROWLER ($109) – around 32 miles on the dirt*
(limited to 350 riders)

SUNDAY MAY 30, 2021

THE PUP 20 ($99) – around 20 miles on the dirt*

SUNDAY MAY 30, 2021

THE BIG BAD 40 ($119) – around 40 miles on the dirt*
(Sunday’s starters limited to 350 riders)

We’re changing it up for 2021 and offering two new courses for Sunday’s race. While Saturday’s Classic Growler race remains the same, we’re replacing the grueling two lap, 64 mile Growler with two new options – The Pup 20 and Big Bad 40. The Pup is a 20 mile race course that’s our answer to those looking to experience the amazing trails at Hartman Rocks without suffering through the 32 mile course. A little shorter on distance but no shortage of sweet trail. For those looking for a bigger challenge, the Big Bad 40 course features the Aberdeen trails for the first time in Growler history. The Aberdeen trails make an 8 mile loop from the bottom of Skull Pass, crossing the icy Beaver Creek into Hartmans southern backcountry. We’ve wanted to feature this loop in the Growler for years, and we’re excited to finally have the chance.

Visit the route page for course maps/elevation profiles.