Colorado · Camping · Near Telluride

Thistledown Campground

from $10
fee
Jun–Jul, Sep
best months

Is Thistledown Campground open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. It doesn't name Thistledown Campground, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

  • At 8,746 ftHigh camp: expect cold nights, even in summer
  • Ouray Ranger DistrictGrand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

Thistledown Campground sits in the Ouray Ranger District of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, about 10 miles from Ouray, Colorado. It is adjacent to the historic Thistledown site and the Weehawken Trailhead in Canyon Creek, and it serves as a base for hikers heading into Mount Sneffles and other nearby trails, as well as for those exploring the wildflowers of Yankee Boy Basin or driving the local jeep trails. Most campsites are small, and tent camping is recommended. Vault toilets are the only facility on site, and a fee is charged for stays. Summer is the most comfortable time to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Telluride show July highs around 77°F with lows near 41°F, while winter highs stay in the mid-30s. The Weehawken hike and the Canyon Creek canoeing route both start about 0.1 mile away. Alpine Mine and the Camp Bird Road climbing area are each about 0.6 mile off, and Angel Creek Campground is about 0.7 mile away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Thistledown Campground

    Campground

    Campground · < 0.1 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Colorado Boy Southwest Pub

    Restaurant

    Open after 6
  • If it rains

    Smuggler Union Tramhouse

    Attraction

    On your way back · 5 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Telluride

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Jul, Sep

    Best time to visit Thistledown Campground

    Best months: June–July and September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      36° / 0°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      38° / 5°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      44° / 13°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      51° / 22°

      9 wet

    5. May

      60° / 29°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      73° / 34°

      7 wet

    7. Jul

      77° / 41°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      74° / 40°

      15 wet

    9. Sep

      68° / 34°

      11 wet

    10. Oct

      57° / 23°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      45° / 13°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      36° / 2°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Telluride 4wnw, CO, 9.9 mi away at 8,646 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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