J
Joe M.
Scout
ScoutPinball Point BLM Camp
This is not free. $20 and one restroom.
Camping near Bond, CO
338 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping options near Bond, Colorado span from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites along the Colorado River, with several BLM-managed areas offering varied experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. The area features notable locations like Radium Campground and Rancho Del Rio, providing opportunities for tent camping, RV parking, and even cabin accommodations. Pumphouse Recreation Site and Radium Recreation Site serve as popular destinations for river access, while Blue Lake Camp offers more remote dispersed camping experiences. Most established sites in the region include basic amenities like fire rings and vault toilets, though services vary considerably between developed and primitive locations.
Road conditions and seasonal availability significantly impact camping experiences in the Colorado River Valley near Bond. Many campgrounds operate primarily from May through October, with some sites like BLM Cottonwood Campground remaining accessible year-round. As one visitor noted, "Road is very rutted and would be virtually impassable in any sort of heavy rain. I did successfully get my honda civic down the road on a prayer, but was only successful because it was very dry." Access to popular spots like Radium Hot Springs requires short hikes from designated parking areas, while some dispersed sites demand high-clearance vehicles. Cell service remains limited throughout the region, particularly at remote locations. During peak summer weekends, campgrounds fill quickly, especially those with river access points used by rafting outfitters.
The Colorado River corridor provides the primary attraction for most camping destinations in the area, with opportunities for fishing, rafting, and soaking in natural hot springs. Campers consistently mention the Radium Hot Springs as a highlight of their stay, accessible via a short trail from several nearby campgrounds. A review indicated, "I have camped at Rancho del Rio for both music festivals and on my own. The community there is wonderful, local, and kind. The river is super fun to raft or float down." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with campers frequently reporting sightings during morning and evening hours. Though sites near the river offer scenic views, they provide limited shade, as most are situated in sage-dominated landscapes rather than forested areas. Weekday visits typically offer greater solitude, particularly at more primitive sites farther from main access roads.
Best Campgrounds near Bond (338)
1. Radium Campground
"This place was amazing and close to the hot springs, which had an amazing view. The river was too high for the water to really be warm but the trip was great and the weather was good."
2. Wolcott Campground
"This campground is small and simple but offers great accessibility to all sorts of adventures. The greatest part of this campground is by far, the location."
"The cover for the box was off and lying on the ground next to it. Maybe it was built for a host. Both hwy 70 and hwy 6 run right along this campground and it is LOUD."
3. Lynx Pass Campground
"A pond within walking distance was stocked with trout for some fishing. Tons of ohv and mountain bike trails nearby. Tons of wildflowers in July! Great place to get away from road noise."
"Walk ups only. Weekends might be crowded but weekdays were empty. $10 per night."
4. State Bridge
5. Rancho Del Rio
"Radium Hot Springs is nearby for a good soak. Lots of amazing memories here!"
from $90 - $210 / night
Check Availability6. Blue Lake Camp
"Blue Lake is by far one of the most serene glacial lakes in the area and offers multiple primitive camp sites designated by fire rings."
7. Pumphouse Recreation Site
"Nestled next to the Colorado River with some nice hiking trails and river access. We had a corner site, which made the weekend super nice. Beautiful views!"
"There's fresh Sage plants for miles, the Colorado River runs right by it and is great for fishing, the campgrounds have plenty of parking for boat trailers, RVs, and cars."
from $10 - $75 / night
Check Availability8. BLM Mountain View
"Can confirm the views and location are superb, but very primitive with zero shade. As the other reviewer mentioned, the road is passable but extremely rough."
9. Radium Recreation Site
"I have stayed at this campground many times over the last few times due to its’ close proximity to access points along the Upper Colorado River and one of Colorado’s best kept secrets, Radium Hot Springs"
from $10 - $75 / night
Check Availability10. BLM Cottonwood Campground
"Abundance of wildlife, amazing views of mountains, the Colorado river, and the sky, amazing hiking with a nearby natural hot spring."
"It is accessible to the water. If you go to the hot spring, pack everything out. Do not ruin this spot for the locals."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 16 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 26 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 58 min from Greeley, CO
- 3 hrs 1 min from Fort Collins, CO
Recent Camping Photos near Bond, CO
524 Photos of 338 Bond Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
State Bridge
Rancho Del Rio
Catamount Bridge Boat Launch
Collective VailG
Cottonwood
Mugrage Campground
Blue Lake Camp
BLM Cottonwood Campground
Dispersed Grand County Rd 212, Medecine Bow-Routt National Forest
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest Road 214 Dispersed
Lynx Pass Campground
Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed
Recent Reviews near Bond, CO
1723 Reviews of 338 Bond Campgrounds
- AApril K.Scout
Dearhamer Campground
Small campground with nice size sites.
Kylee R.
RangerSylvan Lake Campground — Sylvan Lake State Park
Sylvan Lake
This place was beautiful. The rough road was worth it. There were trails all around the grounds. The lake was beautiful and absolutely a fisherman’s paradise. There was no water available and the main water was turned off, but they had plenty of clean porta-potty’s. There were plenty of spots open and we were able to reserve our spot online after we picked it.
Fa B.
GuideUpper Colorado River BLM Dispersed
No camping, this site is locked out.
No access as the site is chain-locked.
- SSarah S.Scout
Jones Pass
Great spot
Several places to pull off and camp along the road with pre-built fire rings. Some traffic comes through but still very peaceful. 22’ AWD camper van was able to make it there with no issues.
- kkasey P.
TravelerDry Lake Campground
Don’t expect full hook-up!
This is a great Forest Service campground up Buffalo pass, but it’s quite inaccurate for The Dyrt to indicate full hook-ups. Each site has a picnic table, bear proof food container and maybe a fire pit. A couple of vault toilets are also offered in the campground. Good spacing between camp sites and quite quiet as well for us on the Saturday we stayed (despite the campground being nearly full that night.) We were not expecting to have any power or water, as we knew there is barely cell service in the area, but just wanted to be helpful to others that may be taking the information provided at face value.
- SSharon H.Traveler
Urban Retreat
Met My Needs
Cheri is a gracious host. She met me and made sure I was setup. Online reservation and self check-in was convenient.
The site is about a 10-15 minute drive with light traffic. It's in a quiet cul-de-sac with plenty of options for walking my dog. An elementary school is 2-3 blocks away.
All-in-all, a very enjoyable stay. Electric hookup was available but I had no need to use it.
It's not an inexpensive stay, but options in Glenwood Springs are limited. Convenience and safety are primary factors.
- LLori M.Guide
Dearhamer Campground
Nice and empty.......Cleanish bathrooms
My husband loved this campground because of the rushing stream nearby that you could hear while sleeping. I liked it because there was only one other camper in the entire campground. I will say that if the campground had been full the campsites would be very close. We arrived late afternoon, never ever saw the camp hosts which was fine. The drinking water that DYRT says is available is just a place where you can fill jugs of water not a hookup to fill an RV freshwater tank. Over all I thought the campsite was nice enough. Frying pan road coming in was paved, the last little bit into the campsite was dirt, wasn't that bad. There is a road behind the campground that seems to attract some off road vehicles but that was only a few.
- DDeborah L.Traveler
Stillwater Campground
Beautiful and quiet
There are showers! This is the reason we came, but we stayed for the quiet and beautiful views. The campsites are close to each other but when we came, it was quiet and peaceful. $32/night when we came. Worth it for the showers.
Guide to Bond
Camping options near Bond, Colorado range from established facilities to primitive dispersed sites along the Colorado River corridor. The Bureau of Land Management operates several campgrounds in the area, including Radium Campground, Radium Recreation Site, and BLM Cottonwood Campground. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from tent camping to RV sites, with Rancho Del Rio offering cabin accommodations. The region includes both free and fee-based options, with most developed campgrounds charging modest fees while dispersed sites on public land typically remain free.
Roads in this area vary significantly in quality, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles to access more remote sites. "Road is very rutted and would be virtually impassable in any sort of heavy rain. I did successfully get my honda civic down the road on a prayer, but was only successful because it was very dry," noted one visitor about Trough Road. Most campgrounds in the Bond area operate seasonally, with peak season running from May through October. Winter access can be limited by snow and mud conditions, particularly at higher elevations. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with coverage varying by location and carrier. Campers should come prepared with adequate supplies, as amenities like drinking water and trash service are limited at most sites.
The Colorado River serves as the defining feature for many campgrounds in the Bond area, providing opportunities for rafting, fishing, and soaking in natural hot springs. Radium Hot Springs represents a significant draw for campers, accessible via hiking trails from several nearby campgrounds. A camper described the hot spring as "a beautiful natural hot spring located at the bottom of a cliff along the banks of the Colorado River." Developed campgrounds typically offer basic amenities such as vault toilets and fire rings, while most lack hookups or shower facilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with visitors reporting frequent sightings along the river corridor. Camping limits typically restrict stays to 7-14 days, depending on land management regulations. Tent and RV sites fill quickly during summer weekends, especially at developed campgrounds with river access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bond Falls located in Michigan?
Where is Bond Falls located in Michigan?
Bond Falls is located in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, approximately 10 miles southeast of Paulding in Ontonagon County. The waterfall sits on the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River within the Ottawa National Forest. This scenic area is about 15 miles east of Watersmeet, making it accessible from US-45. The falls are managed as a state scenic site by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, similar to how Rancho Del Rio and Pumphouse Recreation Site are managed in their respective areas.
What is the best time of year to visit Bond Falls?
What is the best time of year to visit Bond Falls?
The best time to visit Bond Falls is during early to mid-fall (late September through October) when the surrounding maple and oak forests display spectacular autumn colors that frame the cascading water. Spring (May-June) offers impressive water volume from snowmelt, though conditions can be muddy. Summer provides reliable access and pleasant temperatures for exploring. Photographers often prefer early morning or late afternoon light. Like at Heaton Bay Campground and Vaughan Lake Campground, weather can change quickly in this region, so always check conditions before your visit.
What are the best hiking trails around Bond Falls?
What are the best hiking trails around Bond Falls?
The main trail at Bond Falls is the accessible boardwalk loop (0.3 miles) that circles the base of the falls with multiple viewing platforms. For more extensive hiking, explore the North Country Trail which passes near Bond Falls and offers longer segments through the Ottawa National Forest. The Bobcat Lake Trail (1.5 miles) is another good option about 10 minutes from the falls. Similar to the trail networks near Meadows Campground and Robbers Roost, these paths offer varying difficulty levels with opportunities to view wildlife and scenic forest landscapes.
Is camping allowed at Bond Falls?
Is camping allowed at Bond Falls?
Camping is not allowed directly at Bond Falls Scenic Site, as it's designated as a day-use area only. However, several nearby camping options exist within a short driving distance. The Ottawa National Forest offers multiple campgrounds within 15-20 miles of the falls. For dispersed camping opportunities similar to those found at NFSR 120 Dispersed Site or Gore Creek Campground, check Forest Service regulations for dispersed camping in designated areas of Ottawa National Forest. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and obtain any necessary permits before setting up camp in these areas.
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