Knowles Overlook Campground

We were really disappointed with this campground:( all the prior reviews we had read told us this area was free, but it turns out in 2023 all the BLM campsites in the area have switched to requiring reservations & fees. So it ended up being $28 for a night on BLM land. The site was so cool, too. Totally would have gotten 5 stars if it was free, or even just cheaper. It looks like a lot of the fencing, toilets, and picnic tables might be newer, I think they might’ve put a lot of new signage and other things in with the new fee use upgrade. But it felt like to drive the 30 minute road into the site and to have only some pit toilets did not warrant 28 dollars. Especially as travelers who are always looking for free BLM land to stay on. Again, the area was amazing, really well kept and gorgeous views, but the disappointment and frustration of having to reserve and buy a site knocked off some stars for us. Once arriving to the site as well, our service wasn’t great so it was difficult to reserve a site and everything, so do that all before you drive down the road, it’s long. Bumpy too, so AWD at a minimum. Anything lifted would be great, too. Sucks because you can’t really figure out which sites you want until you get there. Oh well. Really cool spot if you’re willing to spend the money. $28 minimum.

The drive in is bumpy and will take awhile. Higher clearance would help, but isn't necessary. Free range area, beware of cows on the road. Mind the cow patties, there are some on the tent pads. Outstanding views of the canyon and the Colorado River, depending on your site. Good bathroom. Full cell service w At&t. Picnic tables. Actual fire pit. The sites are fairly close together. There are some trees and shrubs, but not much privacy.

We were nervous about driving into the area that I think most people went to in these reviews, so we chose a bit easier route. I think it was to the right from the entrance. The road still wasn’t great, but we felt okay in a little rented campervan. The spot we ended up at had a fire pit, vault toilet, and a circle with several spots. There were a few friendly locals up there. Plenty more spots, but the spots were close together.

Really easy to get to off of 70. Signage made it very easy to find campground. Like another review mentioned there are about 20 spots and multiple toilets. Camp sites are pretty big and close to trails.

Easy to get to, short ~20 off road to get to the camp site. Good signage along the way. Had a hard time finding in Apple Maps, but Google maps worked better. Beautiful views and sites pretty spread apart. Toilet was clean too!

Driving for a few miles along a fairly compact but slightly washed out dirt road will drop you off right at a vista above the CO river. 2WD is probably fine but low clearance vehicles will likely struggle on the occasional deep rut. There are many, many sites, both along the river and further inland. Each site has a groomed, level tent site, picnic table, and fire pit. Dry toilets nearby are well maintained. Surprised we had the entire campground to ourselves.

Great views of the Colorado river from above. I would definitely recommend a 4WD car. There are about 20 sites which is more than it showed online where it only says there are 7.

Knowles Overlook is a quiet and beautiful place to camp. The outhouses are very clean. Campsites are very well maintained with easy access. Was a great getaway! We’ll definitely return!

Great location, a little deep into the park. Signs say high clearance 4x4 required, you could probably do it in dry weather slowly with 2 wheels. Established toilets, benches, designated sites yet free. Views of the river are unreal. Reception is spotty.

I was wondering expecting dispersed camping at this site but there are individual with tent pads and vault toilets. The view overlooking the Colorado River was exceptional. It was about a 6 mile ride back on dirt and sand that my suburu handled easily. What a find off of I-70!

I had no idea this area was even back here. When into Fruita for dinner and then popped back up here for a beautiful sunset overlooking the River. There’s a ton of spots - pretty much all of them have a man made area for ground tents, but you can park your vehicle right next to the site if you have a rooftop tent.

Beautiful site. We arrived around 5pm and there were many open sites. We tried to get to the river but no luck. There seems to be a road that gets down there but the gate was locked. Pit toilet was well maintained. Would advice an all wheel drive car with some clearance as the road is a bit treacherous in places.

My wife found this spot while we were heading back to New Hampshire after 4 weeks in Utah. The trails getting in are fairly sandy but very easy to follow, I recommend 4WD and some clearence. We were able to tow our square drop off-roading camper back there with no issues. The campsites are on the top of a cliff that overlooks the Colorado river. We didn't explore enough to find a way down to the river so I can't say there is water access. The pit toilet was remarkably clean and the site we stayed at was better than average as far as litter goes. The sites are spread out enough that it feels fairly private and there were only two other groups there the night we stayed. 

This spot is so close to I70 that it made for an easy overnight stop. Just a couple of miles from the interstate and we were in the back country and in the morning we were back on the road in a flash.

Plenty of camping on BLM land. Be advised, signage recommends high clearance vehicles.

Camping,kokopelli trail and views are amazing here. High ground clearance vehicles recommended. There were a few other campers, but we never heard a peep.

Great wilderness camping spot. Only 5 miles to it but definite high clearance vehicle needed. Takes about 30-35 minutes to drive to this. Overlooks the Colorado River. No SEEUMS were no fun, but with this view no problem! Soft soap seemed to keep them at bay pretty well!