Best Campgrounds near Clifton, CO

Camping options around Clifton, Colorado range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can access multiple state park locations including the Island Acres Section of James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, which offers year-round camping for both tent and RV users. Private facilities like Camp Eddy and Palisade Basecamp RV Resort provide additional amenities including cabin rentals and glamping options, while dispersed camping is available at Nine Mile Hill and Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area on BLM land.

Access to camping facilities varies significantly based on location and season. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months. The Colorado National Monument's Saddlehorn Campground operates seasonally from March to October, requiring advance reservations during peak summer periods. Dispersed camping areas on BLM land typically have no facilities but remain accessible to properly equipped vehicles throughout the year. Water availability poses a challenge at undeveloped sites, with visitors needing to bring sufficient supplies. "Free camping can be found but you need to come prepared without facilities," noted one camper reviewing dispersed options in the area.

Campers frequently mention the convenience of established sites like Grand Junction KOA and Camp Eddy for their proximity to attractions and clean facilities. Several visitors highlighted Camp Eddy's location along the Colorado River with one reviewer noting it offers "riverside camping, clean modern facilities, and bikeway along the river." Many appreciate the balance between natural settings and accessibility to nearby communities. Sites without shade receive lower ratings during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Reviews consistently mention the region's dual appeal of riverside camping opportunities combined with easy access to Colorado National Monument, local wineries in Palisade, and the amenities of Grand Junction, making the area suitable for extended stays with diverse recreational options.

Best Camping Sites Near Clifton, Colorado (128)

    1. Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument

    68 Reviews
    Fruita, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 858-3617

    $22 / night

    "This is one of my favorite campgrounds, because Colorado National Monument is so stunning."

    "Colorado National Monument is one of the treasures of the National Parks system."

    2. Island Acres Section Camping — James M. Robb Colorado River State Park

    40 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 464-0548

    $26 - $41 / night

    "Great walking path along the river for evening or morning stroll. Tucked in the canyon, surrounded by cliffs."

    "Add $9 daily for Colorado State parks. Full hookups (near I70/some road noise), and Electric only, and, Tent Pit long-drop toilets (fly haven)

    Lovely park on banks of Colorado river."

    3. Grand Junction KOA

    26 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 242-2527

    "Although this KOA is closely adjacent to US 50 as it enters the Grand Junction area, it is spacious, super-well-kept, nicely located for access to both Colorado River bridges (29 Rd. and Hwy 50), just"

    "Close to the highway, so some noise, but not enough to ruin your time. Best part if this KOA is being close to Colorado National Monument!! One of our favorite places we’ve ever been!"

    4. Palisade Basecamp RV Resort

    27 Reviews
    Palisade, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 462-9712

    $41 - $136 / night

    "Located on the Colorado River. Winery’s & Distillery’s close by. Clean restrooms & laundry, a general store with just about everything you might have forgotten."

    "Super clean and close to endless Colorado adventures!"

    5. Canyon View RV Resort

    16 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 730-2600

    $40 - $85 / night

    "We visited the Palisades and hiked in Colorado National Monument. Bathhouse facilities like a grand hotel. We also road our mountain bikes all around."

    "It is close to I-70 and the road noise is quite noticeable if you’re outside. The restrooms, showers and pool are very nice. The WiFi was fair with speeds of around 0.5 MB/s."

    6. Nine Mile Hill

    18 Reviews
    Whitewater, CO
    11 miles
    Website

    "Stayed one night on the way to Colorado. Super easy to find right off the highway and plenty of spots. I was the only one there when I stayed."

    "Easy to get to and only about 30 minutes or so away from Grand Junction. We were able to get our T@G trailer to a good spot, but the road to the different camping areas can be a bit rocky."

    7. Fruita Section Camping — James M. Robb Colorado River State Park

    27 Reviews
    Fruita, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 858-9188

    $26 - $41 / night

    "This a a great campground very close to downtown Fruita. It is well maintained and the bathroom/shower rooms are by far the warmest and cleanest we have ever been too."

    "We like camping location for a couple of reasons:

    • Close proximity to Colorado National Monument
    • 1.5 hour drive to Moab/Arches National Park
    • Colorado River and great biking trails within the"

    8. Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area BLM

    12 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    7 miles
    Website

    "After searching for a campsite for a while, we finally stumbled across this place around 10pm on a Saturday night at the end of April 2021."

    "A few other people, lots of biking and OHV trails nearby."

    9. Camp Eddy

    5 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 462-7153

    "The good - riverside, clean, modern, nice showers, nice clubhouse, bikeway along river, close to GJ amphitheater for walking to concert The cons - very exposed - zero shade, little commercial within"

    "While in town we visited a couple of wineries in Palisade, did u pick peaches, and explored Colorado National Monument."

    10. Monument RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Fruita, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 858-4405

    "Walking distance to Ice cream, bagels and variety of food."

    "Monument RV park is located in Fruita, CO which is only 12 miles or 20 minutes from Grand Junction. Fruita has a lot to offer for a small town."

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Recent Reviews near Clifton, CO

610 Reviews of 128 Clifton Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Entrada Bluffs

    Elusive sites

    Breathtaking area but no signage marking Entrada Bluffs or designated camp spots. Nothing to specifically indicate you are in the correct area.

  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    RV Ranch at Grand Junction

    Nice stop!

    We are passing through across country and stopped here over night. Booking was easy to do online. Campgrounds are clean and are easy to maneuver through with the map provided in our confirmation email. Full hookups provided on paved sites. Pull through and back in sites are available. There are two fenced in dog runs also at the campground for puppy exercise! There is a pool, but it is closed for the season I assume. Apple trees lined our site, so squished fruit can make a mess in your rig. We will definitely be back!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Pyramid Rock Camp

    Not my favorite

    Do not go past the gravel road if it’s rained or going to rain. Most spots were close together or just out in the open which isn’t what I like personally. I managed to find one a bit farther out up the dirt road which turned to a mud pit on my way out the next morning after some rain. Was kind of fun honestly but would not recommend for 99% of vehicles after/during any rain. Be sure to check the forecast and steer clear if there’s any chance of rain. Also a bit buggy even in October.

  • Michael S.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    BLM Cottonwood Grove Campground

    Cottonwood Campground

    The road here is a bit rough but it is manageable for most vehicles its just sections that are rocky, the campsite is awesome you get some signal a bathroom lots of trails on the road and there's a river right beside you. Also firepits and not busy at all. There is no water hookup but thats fine

  • j
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Island Acres Section Camping — James M. Robb Colorado River State Park

    Loud

    This is a beautiful location right on the Colorado river. My girlfriend and I decided it would be a beautiful place to camp and we were only 20 feet from the river. There was a beautiful cliff on the other side of the river. There was a beautiful cliff behind us. Unfortunately, we discovered that we were about 100 feet from a railroad track on the other side of the river. Trains went by all night every half hour or so. On the back side was I-70. Semi trucks went by all night long. In the middle of the night we had jets flying directly overhead. Being as we were between two cliffs, we were sleeping in a giant echo chamber. It was, without a doubt, the loudest campground I have ever been in. If you want a good night’s sleep, I would suggest you find a campsite elsewhere.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Bitter Creek Overlook Camping Area

    Two ways to approach - both are good

    The GPS coordinates, when mapped in Google (not Apple) Maps, take you down the FIRST dirt road past the exit, not the SECOND as detailed in the directions.

    If you take the first dirt road, you’ll quickly hit rougher roads and a BLM sign. Most cars can handle this if you take it slow, and find a campsite near the front. If you decide to follow all the way to the coordinates, you’ll end up on some pretty rough roads that can be tricky without a higher clearance vehicle. You’ll end at an overlook which is nice, but can be windy.

    If you follow the directions and not the coordinates (taking the SECOND dirt road) you’ll go down a much wider, smoother road. Watch closely for the turn, it’s easy to miss. You’ll find spots to camp pretty quickly, and they’re not out in the open so you’ll find them to be a bit more sheltered from wind.

    The photos attached to this review are at a site the written directions take you to, as opposed to the GPS coordinates.

  • Donnie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Lands End Camp

    LONG views from the edge of the mesa

    Only 2 spots out here at lands end that are actually on the edge of the mesa. No tree cover out on the edge of the mesa. Alt is around 10.5k so won't get super hot. Glow of the city lights from below at night is pretty. During the daytime in clear weather, you have 100+ mile views.

  • J
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument

    Gem on the Mesa

    Beautiful campground in the Colorado National Monument. Sunrise vistas over the Grand Valley. No water hookups or electric but clean, flush toilet bathrooms, water spigots around the campground. Bring levelers! Sites are not level.


Guide to Clifton

Camping near Clifton, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The area is rich in trails. Many campers enjoy the one-mile hike from the South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the visitor center. One reviewer mentioned, “This is a dark sky park. Took photos of the stars,” highlighting the beauty of the night sky.
  • Fishing: The Rifle Gap State Park Campground is known for its fishing opportunities. A camper noted, “This campground is great for a family site. Has a lake to swim/boat in as well as plenty of hiking trails around.”
  • Wildlife Watching: At the Black Canyon Dispersed Camping, you might hear coyotes howling at night, adding to the wild experience. One camper shared, “Very close to Black Canyon park, nice private spots.”

What campers like:

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. The Palisade Basecamp RV Resort has a playground and is close to the river, making it a great spot for families. One parent shared, “The bathrooms are very clean and nice!”
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A reviewer at the Rifle Gap State Park Campground mentioned, “Great views regardless of site,” but safety should always come first.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. Campers at the Glenwood Springs West/Colorado River KOA appreciated the convenience of having a camp store nearby.

Tips from RVers:

  • Space Considerations: Some campgrounds have tight spaces for RVs. A visitor at the Palisade Basecamp RV Resort noted, “The sites are all jammed in together with no trees.”
  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at the James M. Robb Colorado River - Island Acres Section Camping mentioned, “Water turned off at the end of October.”
  • Stay Connected: If you need internet, check for cell service. One RV traveler at the Grand Junction KOA said, “Wifi was good and cell service at 2 bars.”

Camping around Clifton, CO, offers a variety of experiences, from family-friendly spots to serene nature retreats. Whether you're tent camping or RVing, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Clifton, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Clifton, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 128 campgrounds and RV parks near Clifton, CO and 36 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Clifton, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clifton, CO is Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument with a 4.5-star rating from 68 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clifton, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 36 free dispersed camping spots near Clifton, CO.

What parks are near Clifton, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Clifton, CO that allow camping, notably Colorado National Monument and Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests.