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Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument

Gates Of Lodore Campground, near Dinosaur National Monument, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the thrill of river activities. This campground is right by the Green River, making it a prime location for launching rafting trips and soaking in stunning views of the surrounding canyons.

The sites here are spacious and equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for evening gatherings. Visitors have mentioned that the campground is clean and well-maintained, with accessible potable water and pit toilets available. Just a heads up, it can get a bit buggy, so bringing some bug spray is a smart move.

For those who enjoy hiking, there’s a nice trail that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the canyon, offering a great opportunity to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. Wildlife is abundant, and some campers have even spotted deer wandering through the area. If you’re planning a trip, keep in mind that it’s first-come, first-served, so arriving early is a good idea. Whether you're here for a rafting adventure or just to relax by the river, Gates Of Lodore Campground has a lot to offer.

Description

National Park Service

Dinosaur National Monument

Overview

Gates of Lodore Campground is located on the Green River, near the boat ramp at the head of Lodore Canyon. It is at the north end of the monument, 137 miles (220 km) from the Quarry Visitor Center and 106 miles (170 km) from the Canyon Visitor Center. It is a long drive to the area and the wild, remote country adds to its sense of isolation. The campground is popular with river rafters who often stay here before launching on the Green River.__ There are 19 sites, some with shade. The sites have tables and some sites have grills while others have fire pits. During the summer, there is running water and vault toilets, but no showers. The campsites can accommodate tents and RVs (no hook-ups). Access in winter may be difficult due to snow and road conditions.

Recreation

Dinosaur National Monument covers over 210,000 acres (84984 ha).____ Visitor Centers. The monument features two visitor centers - one in Colorado and one in Utah.____ Quarry Exhibit Hall. You can see over 1,500 dinosaur fossils still in the rock inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall (Jensen, Utah).____ History & Culture. Numerous cultural sites reveal stories of the people who lived here before and include Fremont petroglyphs, homestead cabins and former ranches. Hiking trails allow in-depth exploration.____ Hiking. There are miles of trails for hiking and cross-country travel.____ River Rafting & Boating. Whitewater rafting, both commercial and private, are is popular on the Green and Yampa Rivers. The Yampa River multi-day rafting trips begin at Deerlodge Park. The Yampa rushes downstream 44-miles (71 km) to join the Green River at Echo Park. Boaters continue downstream on the Green River to the take-out at the Split Mountain boat ramp. The Yampa is the largest free-flowing tributary within the Colorado River system. As such, it has a shorter season marked by fluctuations in water level resulting from snow received in the winter. It is characterized by famous rapids such as Teepee, Big Joe and Warm Springs. Raft trips must be arranged in advance. For more information, visit Dinosaur's Commercial Guided River Trips page . Private River Trips require a permit.__ Scenic Drives. Several roads provide access to key destinations and scenic sites. Scenic drives allow the windshield visitor to see spectacular geology.__

Facilities

Dinosaur National Monument covers over 210,000 acres (84984 ha).____ Visitor Centers. The monument features two visitor centers - one in Colorado and one in Utah.____ Quarry Exhibit Hall. You can see over 1,500 dinosaur fossils still in the rock inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall (Jensen, Utah).____ History & Culture. Numerous cultural sites reveal stories of the people who lived here before and include Fremont petroglyphs, homestead cabins and former ranches. Hiking trails allow in-depth exploration.____ Hiking. There are miles of trails for hiking and cross-country travel.____ River Rafting & Boating. Whitewater rafting, both commercial and private, are is popular on the Green and Yampa Rivers. The Yampa River multi-day rafting trips begin at Deerlodge Park. The Yampa rushes downstream 44-miles (71 km) to join the Green River at Echo Park. Boaters continue downstream on the Green River to the take-out at the Split Mountain boat ramp. The Yampa is the largest free-flowing tributary within the Colorado River system. As such, it has a shorter season marked by fluctuations in water level resulting from snow received in the winter. It is characterized by famous rapids such as Teepee, Big Joe and Warm Springs. Raft trips must be arranged in advance. For more information, visit Dinosaur's Commercial Guided River Trips page . Private River Trips require a permit.__ Scenic Drives. Several roads provide access to key destinations and scenic sites. Scenic drives allow the windshield visitor to see spectacular geology.__

Natural Features

Just south of the campground, the Green River slices into the mountains and enters the steep-walled Canyon of the Lodore. A short trail provides a scenic view of the river as it enters the gates.

Nearby Attractions

Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge__ John Jarvie Historic Ranch__

Charges & Cancellations

This is a Scan & Pay campground. No refunds, changes, cancellations, or other fee changes are allowed with Scan & Pay payments.__

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Location

Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Maybell, Colorado, follow US Highway 40 west for approximately 0.4 mile (.6 km) west. Turn right onto CO 318. Follow 318 west or 46.2 miles (74 km). Turn left onto Moffat County Road 34N. Follow 34N for 1.7 miles (2.7 km). Turn right onto Moffat County Road 34. Follow 34 for 4.5 miles (7.2 km) until you arrive at the ranger station and campground.

Coordinates

40.72719 N
108.8880105 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

Reviews

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2024

Riverside delight

We camped here the night before launching on the Green along with another private group and NPS rangers. Was absolutely wonderful chatting and trading stories with other groups while rigging! Rangers are super helpful and there is potable water but it can be a bit warm in the evening, best to fill jugs in the morning. If you’re not running the river, there is a nice hike that goes up and looks into the canyon. Great access to the river, although be careful around the boat ramp as there is a lot of activity while trips are getting ready. There are volunteers in the morning to help manage parking too; as it can get a little congested.

I have heard it can be a little buggy and it wasn’t too bad for us, but mosquitoes did exist. Not too bad but you might want a tent instead of cowboy camping just so they don’t annoy you while you’re trying to sleep.

The last little bit of road to the site is a bit washboard-y but take your time, you’ll get there.

Site21
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by Katherine B., July 18, 2024
  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by Katherine B., July 18, 2024
  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by Katherine B., July 18, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2022

Looked like something out of Lord of the Rings

Really cool spot on the river. The river running into the mountains look like something out of the Lord of the rings. The river itself had beautiful colors! Mosquitoes were bad, but we’re manageable.

Month of VisitJune
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by Patrick W., July 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by Patrick W., July 19, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2021

Nice but not exceptional

Very nice campground, easy drive in on well maintained dirt road. I believe it has 19 sites, we were the only ones there. Most people seem to just use the area for launching their boats and not staying. Very clean and nice campsites. The sites on the east side offer much more shade than the river side. Offers Pit toilets and potable water. We enjoyed our stay here and will come back.

Site5
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by Bryan P., June 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by Bryan P., June 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by Bryan P., June 26, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 19, 2021

Quiet in the offseason and super clean.

We came to this campground on a holiday weekend expecting it to be busy and packed since it was the first day opened. What we found was a completely empty campground, a beautiful beach, and lots of wildlife. 

The campsites themselves were beautiful, and the ones on the East side of the campground were perfect for a large tent or for small groups to get a little bit of privacy. The sites on the Westside were better for RVers and had river access. 

I'm guessing that because it was an empty campground because it isn't rafting season and because there are ample amounts of free camping nearby for the large groups and weekenders that come out from around the area. It was only $10 per night with no camp host. 

The bugs are probably also pretty bad during the Summer but we only experienced a couple of bites. We spent most of our time on the beach and fishing. It was a great location to play around with the pups and in the water.

The nature hike to the Gates of Lodore view point was nice and easy but not wheelchair accessible. Most of the sites and the bathroom can be handicap accessible. The bathrooms were super clean (keep it mind it was day 1 of the open season). 

We got a nice surprise each day and a herd of young deer wandered through our site. They didn't seem too worried about our dogs either.  

There are lots of sites nearby to visit like Vermillion Falls, Gates of Lodore School, Irish Canyon, Wild Horse area, and Browns park.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by Hayley K., May 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by Hayley K., May 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by Hayley K., May 19, 2021
  • (30) View All
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2018

Perfect place to camp prior to Lodore put-in

19 tent & RV sites. One site is ADA accessible. A bit buggy so bring the bug spray. This is the perfect place to stay prior to your Gates of Lodore river trip put in. No cell service that I remember & it's a long drive from "civilization" so make sure your car is filled with gas, is in good repair & that you have all the items you'd need for your trip. Vault toilets & water spiggot are great to have to fill up water jugs prior to rafting. No electric, sewer or water hook ups for RVs. No reservations so it's 1st come, 1st served. They have bear proof containers for anything with a scent. No trash containers so pack everything out. Only cash & checks accepted so bring $10 (although discounts for Seniors & when water is not available at the campsite).

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2018

Very rough long dirt roads, but nice campground

Nice campground, fire pits, picnic tables, pit toilets, had water, no power,, NO Verizon service at all,, very dark out in the middle of nowhere,, but glad we did it, stayed 3 nights in May 2018

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by Bill S., July 21, 2018
  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by Bill S., July 21, 2018
  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by Bill S., July 21, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2018

Rafters Put-In Camp on Green River for Gates of Lodore Float

This campground is a typical rafter's camp, very distant and out of the way. Make sure you have enough gas for the return trip or shuttle. The nearest gas is in Maybell, but the service station is closed in the evening.There is water, pit toilets, bear lockers, and picnic tables. There are a few big cottonwood trees, but otherwise little shade. Very much a high desert camp. There is also a ranger station there and rangers check rafters for safety equipment and permits prior to departure. Permits are hard to get for the float down the Green River, so apply early. There is a great view down the river to the Gates of Lodore. When we were there on June 28, it was extremely buggy in the evening with both mosquitoes and biting flies, so beware and bring some DEET.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by C. R., July 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by C. R., July 6, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 3, 2018

Remote and beautiful

This campground is in the most remote part of the Dinosaur National Monument. Big campspots with a few Cottonwood trees right on the Green River. Can be busy with rafts launching and retrieving. The gates are the entry into the canyon. Amazing! Worth the stop if you have the time.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2016

Large and peaceful campsite

This spot is in a pretty remote section of Northwest Colorado so it's pretty calm and quiet. It's also the put-in for the Gates of Lodore wilderness river trips and the take-out for the Flaming Gorge section. Large campground with many campsites. The boat ramp and launch area is huge as well.

  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by Brad G., August 23, 2016
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2016

Rafting trip

We stayed here during a rafting trip and it's so tranquil. It's right next to the river and that makes it easy to launch you boat. Dinosaur national park was a treat it was a blast to see all the fossils that are there. Overall we will stay there again.

  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by Cj C., July 31, 2016
  • Review photo of Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument by Cj C., July 31, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument has water hookups.

  • Are fires allowed at Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument?

    There are 21 campsites at Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts