Lake Irwin Campground

How does a campground defy expectations at 10,200 feet? Lake Irwin Campground, located west of Crested Butte, Colorado, offers a rare blend of convenience, beauty, and adventure. Set along the serene Lake Irwin and framed by the Ruby Mountain Range, this campground stands out for its alpine setting, pristine amenities, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.

With 32 single-family sites suited for tents, trailers, and RVs, the campground is equipped with essentials like fire pits, picnic tables, vault toilets, and potable water from hand pumps, though it lacks hookups, ensuring a more rustic experience. The surrounding landscape is dotted with towering spruce and fir trees, vivid wildflowers in summer, and trails leading hikers and mountain bikers to panoramic vistas such as the Scarp Ridge Trail. Lake Irwin itself invites anglers, kayakers, and paddleboarders to enjoy its clear waters, stocked annually with trout, making it ideal for both relaxation and activity.

Just 9 miles from the vibrant town of Crested Butte, Lake Irwin Campground is within easy reach of local dining, shopping, and cultural events, including the famed Wildflower Festival. Accessible from mid-June to early October, the campground offers a perfect base for day trips, weekend escapes, or extended vacations in Gunnison National Forest’s high alpine wilderness.