Map showing campground location near La Junta, Colorado

Camper submitted image from Comanche National Grassland Withers Canyon Trailhead Campground

Comanche National Grassland Withers Canyon Trailhead Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

A dirt road that turns impassable when wet is the first thing to know about reaching this trailhead campground in Comanche National Grassland. Four first-come, first-served sites sit at the edge of Picket Wire Canyonlands, three of them overlooking the canyon and one designated for horse campers. There are no hookups and no water on-site, so arriving with a full supply is essential. Dehydration is a real concern here, particularly in warmer months.

The ground is rocky throughout the campground, and tent campers will want extra padding under their sleeping setup. Each site has a fire ring, though burn bans apply during dry conditions. Site 1 sits near some climbable rock formations but catches more wind. Site 2 has a sand area that works better for tents. Site 3 is flat and close to the vault toilet, making it the most practical choice for trailers. Site 4 requires a short walk but puts campers near varied terrain. The vault toilet has drawn consistent praise from visitors for its cleanliness, though toilet paper is not reliably stocked.

The main draw is the Picketwire Canyon trail, which leads to the largest dinosaur track site in North America, along with an old homestead visible about a mile in. Fall brings a tarantula migration that draws campers specifically for the event. Sites fill by Thursday on busy weekends, so midweek arrivals have better odds. As MarySusan C. put it, this is a "quiet campground with views for days." It suits campers who come prepared for remote, dry-country conditions and have a specific reason to be at this trailhead.

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Map & DirectionsComanche National Grassland Withers Canyon Trailhead Campground is located in Colorado near La Junta

Public Campground

Directions

From La Junta, Colorado drive south on Highway 109 for 13 miles; turn right (west) on County Road 802 (David Canyon Road) and continue for 8 miles. Turn left (south) on County Road 25 and travel for 6 miles. Turn left at Picket Wire Corrals onto Forest Service Road 500A. Travel along Forest Service Road 500A for 3 miles, following the signs to Withers Canyon Trailhead. Park at Withers Canyon Trailhead parking loop.

Coordinates

37.65953635 N
103.5722844 W

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Connectivity

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Last on 5/25/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 5/4/26
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 6 users
Last on 5/25/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 4 min from Pueblo, CO
2 hrs 44 min from Colorado Springs, CO
3 hrs 33 min from Denver, CO
4 hrs 1 min from Boulder, CO

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Comanche National Grassland Withers Canyon Trailhead Campground

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5 Reviews

Guests commonly noted the stunning canyon views, exceptionally clean facilities, and peaceful atmosphere at this first-come-first-serve campground. Visitors should bring water, toilet paper, and tent padding due to rocky terrain and limited amenities.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Miles W.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 10, 2025

Awesome dispersed camping!

This is a great dispersed camping location. It was a little hard to find, but following the directions on here got me there okay. I’d be nervous if I didn’t four wheel drive. 4 first come first serve campsites.

The hike down the canyon was difficult but it was definitely worth it to see the dinosaur tracks. Be careful of the extreme heat and lack of shade.

I wouldn’t come here in the summer but I would recommend it to a friend for a late spring trip.

Sitewithers canyon trailhead campground

Month of VisitMay

MarySusan C.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 20, 2023

Private and quiet

We rant camped here for the tarantula migration. Sites were full by Thursday. Quiet campground with views for days

Site2

Month of VisitSeptember

Andrew J.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 22, 2022

Off the beaten path and beautiful.

We boondocked with the kiddos in a travel trailer. Saw two other cars, two people, and one other campsite was occupied. There are 4 numbered campsites, and an overfill pull off with a fire ring just before the campground on the left that may or may not supposed to be there. April weather is great, we came here for some reprieve from our mountain winter and were not disappointed. Even in April, bring plenty of water, it’s easy to dehydrate here. The canyons and rock formations are beautiful. Campsite 1 has great rocks right behind it, fun for the kids to play on but more exposed to winds. Campsite two is better for tent camping and has a cool sand pit. Campsite 3 is flat and great for a trailer or RV, and right by the toilet (where we stayed), and campsite 4 is a short walk to some fun terrain.

Site3

Month of VisitApril

Serena L.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2021

Very secluded

Great camping experience overall. Bathrooms were clean but the toilet paper isn’t kept up with so make sure you bring some. And dehydration is very real out there, take water. There is no pump. Only 3 dedicated camping spots, with a fire pit. Bugs were bad when we went, LOTS of gnats. But it was quiet and peaceful, beautiful weather too. Lots of exploring opportunities and hiking. If you follow the main trail about a mile, you’ll see an old homestead which was really neat. We went on Sunday at noon and had our pick of the three spots as all three were packing up to leave, but if you go on a Friday afternoon or Saturday, you may not get a spot. FCFS.

Site3

Month of VisitJune

Vanessa M.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2020

Serene

This campground is NOT accessible by vehicle if the road is wet.. There are four designated sites, three overlook the canyon and one is intended for those with horses. There is a vault toilet. This campground is at the Picket Wire Canyonlands trailhead, which boasts the largest dinosaur track site in North America. Each campsite has a fire ring, but keep in mind the canyon is subject to burn bans. It is very rocky, so if your tent is on the ground you would probably be happier with some kind of padding. The vault toilet was the cleanest I have ever encountered. The sites are first come first serve. Keep in mind, there was a lot of parking available, so it is possible overflow camping may not be frowned upon so long as you stay in the parking areas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Withers Canyon Trailhead camping located in Comanche National Grassland?

Withers Canyon Trailhead camping is located at the Picket Wire Canyonlands trailhead within Comanche National Grassland near La Junta, Colorado. The campground overlooks a canyon and serves as the gateway to the largest dinosaur track site in North America. The area offers stunning views and is positioned to provide access to hiking trails that lead down into the canyon. The campground's remote location provides a peaceful experience with minimal crowds, though road access can be challenging in wet conditions.

Are there RV camping options at Withers Canyon Trailhead near La Junta?

Yes, RV camping is possible at Withers Canyon Trailhead, though with limitations. Travel trailers have been accommodated at the site for boondocking (dry camping). There are no hookups or designated RV-specific amenities. The access road can be challenging, and four-wheel drive is recommended, especially after rain when the road may become impassable. There are only 4 numbered campsites, so availability is limited and fills up quickly during popular times.

Is WiFi available at Withers Canyon Trailhead or other campgrounds near La Junta?

WiFi is not available at Withers Canyon Trailhead Campground. This is a remote, primitive camping area with no electricity, running water, or modern amenities like internet connectivity. Cell service is also likely to be limited or non-existent in this remote section of Comanche National Grassland. Campers should plan to be completely offline during their stay and download any necessary maps or information before arriving. For connectivity, visitors would need to travel to La Junta or other nearby towns.

What tent camping facilities are available at Withers Canyon Trailhead?

Withers Canyon Trailhead offers 4 designated primitive tent camping sites, with three overlooking the canyon and one designed for visitors with horses. Each site includes a fire pit. Facilities are minimal but include a vault toilet, though campers should bring their own toilet paper as supplies aren't consistently maintained. There is no water source or pump available, so campers must bring all water needed for their stay. The sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system in place.

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