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.

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

Box Elder

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Dove Creek, CO is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Dove Creek is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Dove Creek, CO. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Dove Creek

The Best Camping Near Dove Creek, Colorado

Amazing 

I recommend high clearance and possibly 4WD vehicles for the road. However, I was able to drive most of the road in a FWD, low-clearance car. If it's rained recently, look out for flooding and giant puddles.
The area is pretty but a had a bad feeling about the place the entire time I was there.
The bathroom is clean and well-kept.

Pretty, kinda creepy

The road is smooth until the boat launch then rutted but no prob with an AWD SUV. We were the only ones there.  Quite, flat sites, picnic table at each site.

Great spot - quiet

This camp is advertised as dispersed camping since it’s free but it actually has an outhouse, fire pits, and tables. Right next to the river inside a canyon it’s hella beautiful. Only tricky part is getting there. You have to have high clearance to get through the bumpy, rocky road leading to the camp. I have a crosstrek so nothing crazy though. You have to drive through some farmland to get here but don’t worry you’re going the right way. Gets very cold at night since it’s in a river canyon but other than that no complaint.

When returning from the camp it took me 20 minutes of driving on rough dirt road, a lot longer when I came in, at night, going downhill. So don’t beleive maps when it tells you you’re 5 minutes away

Photos of Box Elder

Real photos from real campers