Managed by the Bureau of Land Management as part of the campgrounds just outside BLM Land — Grand Junction Field Office, Knowles Overlook Campground sits atop a cliff edge above the Colorado River in western Colorado. Getting there takes roughly 30 to 35 minutes of driving along a dirt road that is bumpy, occasionally rutted, and sandy in stretches. High clearance is strongly recommended, and 4WD becomes essential after rain. Free-range cattle roam the area, so watch for cows on the road and cow patties on tent pads.
The payoff is a direct view down into the canyon and the Colorado River below, depending on which site you land on. There are far more sites than the seven listed in some databases: multiple reviewers count around 20, spread across the plateau with fire pits, picnic tables, and groomed, level tent pads at each one. "Outstanding views of the canyon and the Colorado River, depending on your site," notes Malcolm C.. The sites are fairly close together with limited tree cover, so privacy is minimal, though the campground has occasionally been found completely empty on weekday visits.
Vault toilets are consistently described as well-maintained, which is notable given the remote feel of the location. Hiking and biking trails are accessible directly from camp. Campers have tried to reach the river from above but found the gate to the access road locked, so water access from the site is not reliable.
Cell service exists but is inconsistent. AT&T users have reported a full signal, while others have struggled to load reservation pages after arriving. One reviewer flagged a shift to a reservation and fee system in 2023, so verify current BLM policy and complete any required booking before heading down the road. Nearby alternatives worth considering include Rabbit Valley and Jouflas Campground, both within a few miles along the same stretch of I-70.
Knowles Overlook works best for campers with high-clearance vehicles who want a canyon-rim site close to the interstate without the infrastructure of a developed campground. No pets are allowed.
Description
CONSTRUCTION AT KNOWLES OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND BEGINS NOVEMBER 15, 2021 AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE WINTER. THE CAMPGROUND WILL BE CLOSED DURING CONSTRUCTION.
Fee Info
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsKnowles Overlook Campground is located in Colorado near Mack
Directions
From Grand Junction, CO travel west on I-70 and take exit 2 towards Rabbit Valley. Take a left over the interstate and travel straight into McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. Take a right at the first intersection and a left at the second intersection. Stay on the main road for approximately 2.8 miles and take a left. The campground is approximately 1.3 miles further.
Address
McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area
2815 H Road
Grand junction, CO 81506
Coordinates
39.136 N
109.03 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/16/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/4/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/4/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/16/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/4/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/4/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Knowles Overlook Campground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 52 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 35 min from Provo, UT
- 4 hrs 6 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 hrs 39 min from Farmington, NM

































