Situated at the put-in for the Green River's Gates of Lodore section within campgrounds near Dinosaur National Monument, this 19-site NPS campground runs $12-$14 per night on a first-come, first-served basis. Access requires a drive on a dirt road with a washboard stretch near the end, so take it slow. No reservations are accepted, and payment is cash or check only.
Sites are split between two distinct zones. The east-side sites offer more shade from cottonwood trees and suit tent campers or small groups wanting some separation from the activity near the water. River-side sites give direct access to the Green River and the boat ramp, which sees heavy traffic during rafting season. Rangers are present to check permits and safety gear before launches, and morning parking can get congested as groups rig their boats. Deer have been spotted walking through campsites. Mosquitoes and biting flies are a consistent presence, particularly in summer evenings, so bug repellent is worth packing.
Facilities include pit toilets, potable water (fill jugs in the morning when the water runs cooler), bear-proof containers, and picnic tables. No trash service means packing everything out. Cell coverage is unreliable; multiple reviewers reported no signal. A short hike from the campground reaches a viewpoint looking down into the canyon. Rafting permits for the Green River are competitive, and C. R. notes that permits "are hard to get for the float down the Green River, so apply early." Campers who want hookups or more developed facilities can look at BLM Rocky Reservoir Campground a few miles northeast.
Description
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
Gates of Lodore campground has vault toilets and drinking water spigots (seasonal). All campsites have picnic tables, some have a grill and others a campfire ring
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGates Of Lodore Campground is located in Colorado near Dutch John
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
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 50 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 4 hrs 21 min from Ogden, UT
- 4 hrs 29 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 hrs 49 min from Provo, UT
