Camping in Ouray Colorado

[qedcook]

Any simple cheap areas to camp near Ouray, Colorado?

Thanks in advance.

[RyanGJ]

I assume by cheap you mean not commercial style campgrounds. As far as canyoneering goes the best option is likely the Amphitheatre campground. https://www.recreation.gov/camping/amphitheater-co/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70572

It conveniently sits at the start of several canyoneering routes. It is a forest service fee campground. There used to be free camping there but there is sign stating no camping is allowed, though I have seen tents set up regardless.

There are two other forest service campgrounds (Angle Creek and Thistledown) that are a little quieter this time of year up Yankee Boy Road, also not far from many canyoneering routes. There really is not much in the way of dispersed (free) camping very near Ouray. There are some free sites up Red Mountain Pass and also outside of Ridgway.