Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The BLM's Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area features a 30-unit campground with tent sites and 14 RV camping spots. It’s a great choice for RVers looking for a quieter getaway with access to waterfalls, wildflowers, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and kayaking. RV campsites should be reserved in advance through the campground’s six-month rolling reservation window. Because the access road is steep and rough, RVers should review conditions before arriving. Read the Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area Rules Page for additional details.
Quick Facts About RVing in Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area
● RV Friendly: Yes ● Max RV Length: Depends on the specific campsite ● Camping Type: Developed campground ● Reservations: Yes ● Hookups: None ● Dump Station: None onsite ● Potable Water: Bring your own ● Cell Service: None ● Pets: Allowed; dogs must be on leashes ● Roads: Dirt ● Best Season: Summer
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
● A direct connection to the campground ● Abundant recreation on land and water ● A short commute (by car or bike) to Crested Butte ● Mountain peak and river views from camping spots ● Immediate access to hiking and biking trails
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Oh Be Joyful Trail
The trail takes you along Oh Be Joyful Creek, which provides breathtaking views of waterfalls and wildflowers. Length: 8 miles round trip Intensity: Moderate
Daisy Pass Trail
This trail rewards hikers with spectacular views of the Elk Mountains and the town of Crested Butte. Length: 4.8 miles round trip Intensity: Moderate
Fishing
The Oh Be Joyful Creek is a popular spot for fly-fishing with anglers seeking out native cutthroat trout. Some specific locations for fishing along the creek include:
Be Joyful Campground Fishing Access
This access point provides a convenient spot for fishing enthusiasts to cast their lines downstream from the campground.
Trailhead Fishing Area
The Oh Be Joyful Trailhead offers another excellent spot for fishing, providing easy access to the creek.
Boating
While there are no boating facilities within the recreation area, the Taylor River, 50 minutes southeast of the recreation area, offers excellent rafting, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities.
Almont Campground
Located about 40 minutes southeast of the recreation area, Almont Campground offers river access. It is an ideal starting point for a day on the water.
Five-Mile Boat Launch
Situated along the Taylor River, Five-Mile Boat Launch provides easy access for rafters, kayakers, and canoeists looking to explore the river's exciting rapids.
North Bank Campground
Another watercraft launch option is North Bank Campground, located approximately 45 minutes southeast of the recreation area. The campground offers a boat ramp and is situated near prime fishing spots.
Wildlife Viewing
Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area is home to various wildlife species, including elk, deer, and black bears. In addition, keep an eye out for smaller critters such as marmots, pikas, and an array of bird species.
Picnicking
The area offers several designated picnic spots for visitors to enjoy a meal in the great outdoors. There are no covered shelters, but the beautiful natural surroundings more than make up for it.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
Oh Be Joyful Campground is the primary camping destination within the recreation area, featuring 15 first-come, first-served campsites. While no hookups are available, the campground provides vault toilets, bear-proof food storage lockers and fire rings. For an RV camping experience beyond the recreation area, consider staying at the Crested Butte RV Resort, which is only a 24-minute drive to the southeast.
Developed Campgrounds
RVers will find developed RV camping spots; however, there are no hookups. Camping spot reservations are provided on a six-month rolling basis. You must stay at least one night, with a seven-day maximum. Facility amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables, food storage locks, and fire rings. Season fees range from $20 to $60 per campsite.
Dispersed Camping
Currently, Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area doesn’t offer dispersed camping. You can find dispersed camping at the Slate River Valley on CR 734 and Washington Gulch about a 10-minute drive from Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area. At the Slate River Valley, be mindful to stay within pull-out boundaries and refrain from parking near water sources. At Washington Gulch, you must camp at designated pull-out sites and remain at least 30 feet from the main road. You can read our dispersed camping guide to learn about what to expect in areas where it is available.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
● Camper Vans: Camper vans are the best choice because the road is steep and rough. These vehicles can maneuver into tight turns and manage the steep pitch on 3220. ● Travel Trailers: Travel trailers are light and easy to pull. It’s a good type of RV for driving through the shallow river near distant camping spots. ● Fifth Wheels: Smaller fifth wheels can work, but it depends on the tow vehicle’s clearance and the dimensions of your reserved campsite. Small models are easier to navigate on the unpaved, steep road and would also clear the turnoff at County Road 734. ● Class A Motorhomes: The Class A motorhomes' size and low clearance make them an unsuitable choice for this recreation area. You could bottom out, get stuck, or scrape the undercarriage, and they are difficult to turn and fit into the camping spots. ● Class B Motorhomes: Compact Class B motorhomes with enough ground clearance can easily maneuver on the washboarded access road. They’ll fit in the RV camping spots with ease. ● Class C Motorhomes: This recreation area is better suited for smaller Class C motorhomes without low rear overhang clearance.
Free Camping 
Bureau of Land Management free camping and dispersed camping are allowed in the Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area as long as campers follow the BLM's guidelines for "Leave No Trace" camping. Some popular locations for dispersed camping in the area include: Gunsight Pass Road Located approximately 28 minutes south of the Oh Be Joyful Campground, this area offers several dispersed campsites along the road. Be prepared for rough, unpaved terrain, and ensure your vehicle can handle the conditions. Slate River Road Twelve minutes southeast of Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area, Slate River Road provides additional Bureau of Land Management camping opportunities along the scenic Slate River. Look for established campsites with fire rings. Kebler Pass Road (County Road 12) Drive 37 minutes southwest of the recreation area to find Kebler Pass Road. This area offers a variety of dispersed camping sites amidst beautiful aspen groves. The road is well-maintained but can be busy during peak season. While camping in these areas is free, campers must remain within designated areas and adhere to the 14-day stay limit. Be sure to practice "Leave No Trace" principles and respect the surrounding environment.
RV Rentals Near Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area Plan your next adventure
Planning your Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area BLM trip
Before embarking on your adventure, pack essentials such as warm clothing, rain gear, and bear spray. Also, be prepared to store your food securely as the area is home to wildlife, including bears. Checking the weather forecast before your trip and finding RV-accessible Bureau of Land Management campgrounds will help ensure a smooth experience. The joys of BLM camping in the Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area includes stunning landscapes and various outdoor activities. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
RVers staying at Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area should bring their own potable water. You must dispose of your trash elsewhere, and there is no dump station. There’s no cellular service or internet access available. The road is rough and steep and is not suitable for low-clearance, larger RV models. Crested Butte is a 14-minute drive away, offering an Exxon station, Clark’s Market Grocery store, and three camping and supply stores. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. You can read our guide on boondocking for more tips.
Leave No Trace 
When camping in the Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area, practicing "Leave No Trace" principles is essential. This means cleaning up, disposing of waste properly, and minimizing your environmental impact. By doing so, you help preserve the area's natural beauty for future generations to enjoy.
Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area Location
The Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area is located just north of Crested Butte, Colorado. To reach the area, drive approximately four miles north of Crested Butte on Gothic Road (County Road 317), and turn left onto Slate River Road (County Road 734). Follow this road for about five miles to reach the Oh Be Joyful Campground and trailhead. Address: 2343-2345 Co Rd 734, Crested Butte, CO 81224 Ready to visit Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen; bathroom; and nice, soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area
● Morning: Enjoy a quick breakfast at your RV campsite and take in the mountain views. Head out to the Oh Be Joyful Trail and enjoy views along the Oh Be Joyful Creek. Take pictures of the cascading waterfalls and the beautiful wildflower-covered meadows. ● Afternoon: Head to your RV camping spot for lunch around 1 p.m., rest, and relax. After lunch, venture to the Slate River banks for fishing or take a quick dip in the water. Set up your lawn chairs or hammock and enjoy a good book surrounded by breathtaking nature. ● Evening: Around 6 p.m., cook a delicious meal on your RV stove or use the fire ring. You can enjoy a meal and watch the sunset. About 8:30 p.m., you can enjoy an unplugged evening of stargazing and the crisp mountain air.
Nearby Attractions
● The Town of Crested Butte: The town of Crested Butte is a 15-minute drive from Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area. It offers camping and gear shops, grocery stores, shops, and many restaurants. ● The Oh Be Joyful Falls: The Oh Be Joyful Falls are just a one-mile or 30-minute hike from your RV campground. You’ll find beautiful cascading waterfalls surrounded by wildflower meadows. ● The Peanut Lake and Lower Loop Recreation Area: The Peanut Lake and Lower Loop Recreation Area is a 12-minute drive from Oh Be Joyful. It offers flat trails and scenic wetland views. ● Gothic Natural Area: The Gothic Natural Area is about a 30-minute drive from Oh Be Joyful. It offers a high-altitude research site, a ghost town, and stunning views of mountain peaks. ● Musician's Camp: Musician’s Camp is a dispersed camping area about 10 minutes up Slate River Road. It’s a fun alternative if you’ve already stayed the seven-day maximum at Oh Be Joyful. Read our guide on finding an RV campsite near national parks and state parks during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park overnight at Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area? Currently, you can only park overnight at Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area with a reserved RV camping spot. There are no designated RV parking areas outside of the campground. There are no dispersed camping options for this recreation area. How long can I camp at Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area? Currently, you must stay at least one night at the campground. You can stay for a maximum of seven days. We recommend reviewing the BLM's official reservation booking deadlines and cutoff dates. There are only 14 RV camping spots, and they fill up quickly. Read our guide to finding free overnight parking if you need further assistance. Can I park an extra vehicle on my camping spot? You can park your RV or travel trailer with one additional vehicle, such as a car or truck. The camping spots are tight and can accommodate no more than two vehicles. The size of your RV may also affect whether you are permitted to have an extra vehicle. Can I run my generator the whole time during my visit? You are allowed to run your generator between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. However, the recreation area is at a high elevation of 9,000 feet, and generators could disturb other campers and wildlife. Currently, you cannot run a generator non-stop, but you can run a quieter model as needed. Do any weather conditions impact my stay at Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area? Yes, in July and August the area experiences afternoon monsoon storms. Heavy downpours and severe lightning are likely, and the road will become muddy and slick.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
When RV camping at Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area, it’s important that you rent the right RV. The best choice for this campground is a smaller Class B camper van or a more modest off-road travel trailer. The road is steep, unpaved, and narrow, so choose an RV with high clearance. The camper van offers sturdy protection against monsoon storms. Some RV rentals may offer delivery and setup at your campground for a worry-free experience. Browse RV rentals in Crested Butte to find the best options for your trip.