Iron Springs Campground — Uncompahgre National Forest
Iron Springs is one of the more reliable developed camps on the Uncompahgre Plateau’s west side, tucked into mixed conifer and aspen at around 9,000 feet. Sites have fire rings and picnic tables, vault toilets on-site. The spring for which it’s named is nearby but treat any surface water. It’s a low-traffic camp most of the season — you’ll share it with elk hunters come fall, and that crowd fills it fast in October. Summer weekends it stays manageable. Views through the trees hint at the canyon country dropping away to the west.
Access is via FR 402 (Divide Road) and connecting forest roads off the plateau’s west side — plan on high-clearance 2WD minimum, 4WD preferred if you’ve had recent rain. No reservations, no fee. Season runs late May through early November most years. Nearest fuel and resupply is Montrose, roughly 30 miles east.
Low-traffic plateau basecamp, west rim country.
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | Iron Spring Campground Road, Colorado Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 9000 ft |
| Nearest town | Montrose, CO |
| Miles from pavement | 28 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Gravel |
| Cell service | None |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | May-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Fire ring, Picnic table, Shade, Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |