Corkscrew Camping Area
USFS · Camping Area · Dispersed · Free
Fast facts
- Cost
- Free
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Camping Area
- Hours
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
- Nearest dump station
- Taylor Lagoons Dump Station · 87.4 mi
- Coordinates
- 37.9391, -107.6713
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
Corkscrew Camping Area is in the San Juan Mountains 8 miles outside of the town of Ouray, CO. This area provides dispersed camping recreational opportunities. Campers would be centrally located to multiple hiking and four-wheel drive trails. Iconic trails in the area include Black Bear Pass, Corkscrew Gulch, Hayden Trail, Engineer Pass, and the infamous Alpine Loop. All-Wheel Drive or Four-Wheel Drive is recommended for dispersed camping access. A vault restroom is not available at the camping area.
From the USFS.
Is Corkscrew Camping Area free?
Yes. Corkscrew Camping Area is free to use. It is managed by the USFS. It is a dispersed area, so there are no hookups, no water and no trash service unless a report below says otherwise.
How do I get to Corkscrew Camping Area?
From Ouray, CO travel south on US Highway 550 (Million Dollar Highway) for 8 miles. Turn right on Ouray County Road 20. Camping area is located at the base of the Corkscrew Gluch Four-Wheel Drive route.
What are the rules at Corkscrew Camping Area?
This is bear country: campers must properly store food and other attractants.
Nearby
- Thistledown Campground4.1 mi
- Angel Creek Campground4.5 mi
- AMPHITHEATER (CO)5.8 mi
- Amphitheater Campground5.9 mi
- Cement Creek Dispersed Campsite 37.5 mi
- Cement Creek Dispersed Campsite 27.5 mi
- Cement Creek Dispersed Campsite 17.5 mi
- South Mineral Dispersed Area Campground8.6 mi
- Taylor Lagoons Dump Station87.4 mi
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
