Grand Mesa National Forest elevations near Cedaredge range from 8,000-10,000 feet with multiple alpine lakes accessible via Forest Service roads. Dispersed camping opportunities on Grand Mesa provide more secluded options than established campgrounds, with most sites situated above 9,000 feet where summer temperatures typically remain below 80°F even during July and August.
What to do
Fishing at Island Lake: Located north of Cedaredge on Grand Mesa, Island Lake Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities. "We have been coming here for years. It's a great spot to go with family and just a short ride from the city. The fishing at Island Lake is always great (we use a troll boat) and there are plenty of great trails and trees for shade," notes camper Krystle T.
Hiking on Black Canyon rim: For more dramatic landscapes, travel to Black Canyon Dispersed Camping near Montrose. "BLM land just outside the south (main) entrance to Black Canyon National Park. Road can be rough, especially slippery mud after rain. Many dispersed sites with cleared space and fire rings along the road, which goes for miles," reports Todd B. The nearby national park features trails with stunning canyon views.
Wildlife viewing: Grand Mesa provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Jumbo Campground offers "excellent wildlife viewing and challenging trails," according to Dee D. Morning and evening hours provide the best opportunity to spot deer, birds, and occasionally moose in the higher elevation campgrounds.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Most campers appreciate the tranquil setting of Cobbett Lake campground. "This was a quiet spot that we enjoyed. There weren't any ATV's allowed so that really helped this spot stay quiet. Some of the other campgrounds do allow them and they buzz through the campground all night, not this one," explains Melissa K.
Lake access: Multiple dog-friendly campgrounds near Cedaredge offer easy access to fishing lakes. "The campground is nicely wooded, quiet and sites spaced nicely apart. There are great hiking trails from lake to lake in the area," notes Keith S. about Cobbett Lake Campground.
Fall colors: The aspen groves throughout Grand Mesa make fall camping particularly appealing. "The Grand Mesa is beautiful. Good separation between campspot. Lots of big RVs but lots of trees to make each spot feel cozy. Great fishing at the lakes," writes Mike H. about Jumbo Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds on Grand Mesa have minimal to no cell coverage. At Island Lake Campground, one camper noted, "Cell signal is very spotty. I could get one, maybe two bars of Verizon, but data did not always work well. Sometimes there was a faint T-Mobile signal."
Weather variability: Due to high elevations, weather can change rapidly. "Be prepared for any type of weather. We had a wild thunder, lightning and wind storm with violent downdrafts—typical for this country," warns Deborah D. about South Rim Campground at Black Canyon.
Fire restrictions: Fire bans are common during dry periods. Check current restrictions before planning campfires. "Due to fire danger, no fires are currently allowed in the fire ring," reported one camper during a summer visit.
Tips for camping with families
Check campground opening dates: Many Grand Mesa campgrounds have short seasons due to snow. "Arrived on Friday, 5/23 and we were the first campers of the season! The camp host arrived on 5/19 and there was still 6 inches of snow," reported Spencer B. about Jumbo Campground.
Lake activities for kids: The numerous lakes provide entertainment for children. "Near multiple fishing lakes, hiking trails and just down the road from a national recreation trail. Quiet and very clean. Love the walk up tent sites up on the hill. Gives opportunity to site on the hillside for breakfast while watching the fishing in the lake in front of the campground," recommends Cindy P.
Bug protection: Insects can be problematic at lake-adjacent sites. "Very buggy in general, not all are mosquitos but there are some of those too. Sites 1, 2, 4, 18, 21, 23 were all decent looking with some shade in the afternoon and relatively level pads," advises Mark M. about Jumbo Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Black Canyon: When visiting the Black Canyon area, consider site specifications carefully. "Only three stars as the sites are tight and most are not easy setup for larger RVs and most are side pull in so vehicles are passing you very close by and not good for kids and dogs. CG is in dense oak shrubs," cautions Greg L.
Palisade RV options: For full-service RV camping, Palisade Basecamp RV Resort offers more amenities than forest service campgrounds. "Clean. Super nice people on the phone and in person. Did I mention everything was clean, in good working order and ready for our arrival. The campground is beautiful, with the Colorado River on one side and peach orchards surrounding the rest," shares Rob S.
Leveling challenges: Many mountain campsites require leveling equipment. At Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed camping area, Justin R. reports: "Good views and flat spots. Got my 24ft rig in easily, had to go slow in a few spots." Most forest service roads to dispersed camping require slow, careful navigation.
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