Hubbard Mesa OHV East, near Rifle, Colorado, is a rugged spot perfect for those who love the thrill of off-roading and the simplicity of free camping. This area offers a no-frills experience, with just a gravel lot for parking and some flat ground for pitching a tent, though be prepared for some slanted spots.

Visitors have shared that the views here are pretty spectacular, especially if you can find a good spot on the other side of the water crossing. Just a heads up: that crossing can be tricky, especially if it’s been raining. One camper mentioned, “Don’t go through the water crossing unless you have a lifted off-road vehicle.” If you’re in the right vehicle, you’ll be rewarded with a peaceful night under the stars and a chance to soak in the natural beauty.

While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, many campers appreciate the chance to disconnect and enjoy the outdoors. Some have even taken the time to clean up the area, leaving it better than they found it. If you’re looking for a place to park your vehicle and enjoy a night in nature, Hubbard Mesa OHV East is a solid choice. Just remember to pack out what you pack in!

Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM

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Hubbard Mesa area is an off highway vehicle area that is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

There's not much in this area except a small little campsite right off the road. I didn't explore all the rest of the HOV cuz I wasn't in a four-wheeler, but it was perfect for an overnight stay on a motorcycle trip to Sturgis.

The Road in is dirt and there are no durable paved surfaces anywhere, so I would imagine if it had rained this would be a muddy mess.

For a free campsite in Southwest Colorado, it's not bad

This campground was really the epítome of BLM land. It was just a big dirt patch. It got suuuuuuper muddy overnight which was unpleasant to get off our shoes in the morning. And it was quite small really only space for a few cars. But for free camping area near rifle mountain park it’ll certainly do for a weekend climbing trip. Tent camping wouldn’t be very fun here. Kinda creepy and muddy. We slept in my car 

Muddy but free

We were just passing through and needed a place for the night but wanted to wake up to a cool view in the morning- and this place delivered.
We stopped in the second “parking” section which meant we were in gravel (so pitching the tent there was a no go unless you have a serious bed roll). But for us sleeping in a￼ vehicle it was perfect. There were two other vans but it was quite, peaceful and the perfect place for us to sleep for the night.

Good spot

The ground was exceptionally muddy so my subaru forester did some off roading which was a bit of an adventure, but otherwise had a lovely view and a great place to car camp. We cleaned up some trash in the area but otherwise pretty clean. The entrance was muddy and difficult for my car so if you don't have high clearance I don't recommend driving further past the gravel path. Saw some vans parked up there and we decided to travel out a little further. 

Nice place to stay for the night!

So if you Google it make sure to designate east.   We are on the west Mesa.   About a 5-6 mile trail ride in.   I have a stock Tacoma and was fine but I wouldn't want to be too much wimpier than that.   However you can pull right up to the cliff in several place and the views are amazing.

Went to west instead of east 

There's a gravel lot right off the road where people were car camping. Good place for a safe one night stop if you're passing through. We went through the water crossing and found a nice spot on the other side of the small hill. Great views, fairly quiet, and enough flat ground for a 4 person tent, but the rest is slanted. Don't go through the water crossing unless you have a lifted off road vehicle. The bottom is soft, sandy ground that's easy to sink into. We made it through with our truck, but ripped the bumper off. Crossing would be impossible with rain. Might be more doable as the summer dries it out but it would still be a deep rut to climb out of.

Photos of Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM

Real photos from real campers