Ouray, CO
Ouray Riverside Resort
Riverfront cabins, deluxe bungalows, and full-service RV sites line the Uncompahgre River half a mile north of downtown Ouray, the 'Switzerland of America.' Walk the…
San Juan Mountains · Colorado
Private campsites & glamping in Ouray, CO
Ouray is the 'Switzerland of America' - a Victorian mining town squeezed into a box canyon at 7,800 feet, ringed by 13,000-foot peaks on three sides. It's Colorado's adventure capital in miniature: the Ouray Ice Park's farmed ice climbs, the Million Dollar Highway's hairpins, Box Canyon Falls, and the town's famous sulfur-free hot springs pool.
Summer brings Jeepers running the Alpine Loop's legendary passes (Black Bear, Imogene, Engineer); winter brings ice climbers from around the world. The town is walkable and packed with restaurants and breweries, but lodging books out for summer weekends and ice season - reserve early.
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1 stays in Ouray
Questions, answered
Camping in Ouray: FAQs
When is the best time to visit Ouray?
June-September for Jeeping and hiking; December-March for ice climbing and winter quiet. Late September brings spectacular color on the Million Dollar Highway.
Is the Million Dollar Highway scary to drive?
It's dramatic - narrow, no guardrails in spots, big dropoffs - but thousands drive it safely. Take it slow, avoid it in active snowstorms, and let confident drivers take the wheel.
Do I need a Jeep for the Alpine Loop?
For Black Bear and Imogene passes, yes - high clearance and 4WD are required. Stock SUVs can handle Engineer Pass in good conditions; rentals and tours run from town.
What's the Ouray Hot Springs Pool?
The town's public pool complex, fed by natural hot springs - slides, soaking sections, and lap lanes. A separate, more natural option: the vapor caves and pools at nearby resorts.
How's winter access?
US-550 stays open but can close temporarily in big storms. Red Mountain Pass demands respect - check cotrip.org and carry traction.