Established Camping
Box Elder
Box Elder, near the stunning landscapes of Colorado, is a unique camping spot that offers a blend of natural beauty and rustic charm. This area features picnic tables and fire pits, making it a cozy place to gather with friends or family while enjoying the serene sounds of the nearby river.
The drive to Box Elder can be a bit of an adventure, with some reviewers noting that high clearance vehicles are recommended due to the bumpy, rocky roads. Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself surrounded by picturesque canyon views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As one camper put it, “This camp is advertised as dispersed camping since it’s free but it actually has an outhouse, fire pits, and tables.”
While the amenities are basic, visitors appreciate the clean and well-kept facilities, including the outhouse. The area is known for its tranquility, with some campers enjoying the solitude so much that they found themselves the only ones there during their stay.
For those who love the outdoors, Box Elder is a great base for exploring the surrounding wilderness. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just soaking in the natural beauty, this spot has a lot to offer. Just be prepared for chilly nights, as the canyon can get quite cold after the sun goes down.
Description
Bureau of Land Management
BLM's Box Elder Campground is located within the Dolores River Canyon 6 miles NE of Dove Creek. The campground has 11 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables along with two vault toilets. Towering canyon walls cut by the Dolores River dominate this site, and when combined with the shade of the box elder grove and the proximity of the river, provide an element of relief from the summer heat. There is no fee at this site, and camping is on a first come, first served basis. The busiest time of year is when there is a 'boatable release' on the lower Dolores from McPhee Reservoir, generally mid-April to mid-June. Holiday weekends during the summer can also fill up this small campground. For more information, please contact the Tres Rios Field Office. ADA Access: ADA Accessible Vault Toilets
Fee Info
No Fee
Location
Box Elder is located in Colorado
Directions
When traveling US Highway 491, turn east on CR J, just south of Dove Creek. Then turn north on CR 9, east on H, then north again on CR 10. Veer left at the 'Y' and follow the county road down into the canyon. After passing the Mt. Sheep Point (the Pumps) boat access, you'll arrive at the campground in less than Ѕ mile.
Coordinates
37.80125747 N
108.82440267 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 58 min from Farmington
- 3 hrs 8 min from Grand Junction
- 4 hrs 38 min from Albuquerque
- 4 hrs 56 min from Santa Fe
