Lake Irwin

Show on map 970-349-6348 camping@rrmofa.com

Notice

Lake Irwin will be closing to get a major renovation. Closure will begin 09/08/2026 and will remain closed for the 2027 Season!

Sep 8, 2026 – Aug 18, 2027

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.

Camp site features

Across 25 camp sites:

Pets allowed: all 25 sites
ADA accessible: 3 of 25 sites
Longest RV: 99 ft
Largest party: 6 people

Directions

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 1 PM.

Reviews

75 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Jillynn L

Loop:Lake

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Beautiful! Short hike around the lake with a small waterfall. Lake is calm and perfect for paddleboarding. there's a rock to jump off into the water. Campsites are large and most with a view of the water. Road to the site is a little bumpy.

David C

Loop:Lake

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

The walk around the lake is easy and delightful.

Judith K

Loop:Lake

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

The location is beautiful and we loved our campsite. Although I wish they would put better signage by the lake so people wouldn’t be walking through our campsite to get to the bathroom. I must say our host was the worst host we have ever had and we camp a lot. The first day/night we were there, the bathroom was completely out of toilet paper for over 24 hours. Then 3 days later the same thing happened. This time I walked up to the camp host’s site to let him know. he did not apologize but did come put some toilet paper in a little while later. The trash was never emptied and the bathroom/pit toilet area was never cleaned the 6 days we were there.

Sarah L

Loop:Lake

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Spot 6 was lovely spot overlooking the lake. There is a lot of daytime recreational activity on the lake, but it cleared out well before dusk. We saw plenty of wildlife, including two bald eagles, a doe and her fawn that came right into our campsite while we were cooking dinner, a moose and baby from afar, and a red fox. The spots themselves are a little small, but not obscenely so. The restrooms are the old school hole in the ground style w/o a sink - but TP is provided! We also found a couple hidden waterfalls giving Fern Gully vibes near the lake's parking lot.

Kara O

Loop:Lake

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Great location!

Kayla E

Loop:Lake

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

An amazing time at Lake Irwin. Stayed for two nights. The lake was very walkable from our campsite (22). Bathroom and dumpster were fairly close. The lake didn’t get busy in the morning but got busier in the afternoon. The only reason it’s not 5 stars is because the pit toilets definitely need some TLC.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve