Dispersed camping around Clifton, Colorado provides access to diverse terrain spanning red rock formations, river valleys, and high desert landscapes. The area sits at approximately 4,700 feet elevation in Colorado's Western Slope region, creating a milder climate than the state's mountain destinations. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing while summer evenings cool significantly from daytime highs that regularly exceed 90°F.
What to Do
Mountain biking at Colorado National Monument: Trail access from Saddlehorn Campground offers both casual and technical riding options. "Amazing views with multiple points of access for overlooks. As typical of national parks no electricity. Quite campground. Utility sink and flushable toilets in B area," notes Randy D.
Fishing the Colorado River: Several spots along the river have designated access points for anglers. "Fishing lakes, swimming lake and playground are all fun aspects my family enjoys," shares Tarrin M. about the fishing opportunities at Island Acres Section.
Fruit orchard visits: During late summer and fall, the area transforms with harvest activities. "The resort may not be busy in the fall, but that just adds to the appeal of staying this season. On property their is a very lovely peach orchard," writes Erica G. about her stay at Palisade Basecamp RV Resort.
Stargazing at Nine Mile Hill: The dispersed BLM site provides excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Tent camped and watched the Milky Way roll overhead," reports Beau G., highlighting the astronomical viewing opportunities at this free camping area.
What Campers Like
Private bathroom facilities: Modern, clean facilities rank high with visitors. "Bathhouse facilities like a grand hotel," writes Carol J. about Canyon View RV Resort, while Camp Eddy earns similar praise: "The bathrooms/showers are huge and private, staff was very friendly and welcoming."
River access: Direct Colorado River access provides summer cooling opportunities. "Nice level spot to park...we couldn't find a clean or easy route to the top of the hill, it made for an interesting charge over loose impediments and various cliff bands," Austin M. shares about Nine Mile Hill, a free camping area.
Dog-specific amenities: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Clifton feature dedicated pet areas. "I appreciated having a couple dog runs available plus a playground the kids really enjoyed. Plus the grass patches next to each site were a great addition," notes Sarah S. about her stay at Grand Junction KOA.
Concrete parking pads: Level sites with patio space receive consistent mentions. "Our camp spot had melted candy on concrete and rangers had no way to wash. They did scrape it off the concrete pad. Otherwise nice, clean and spacious," reports JoeLo G.
What You Should Know
Seasonal weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense with limited shade at many locations. "Hot in afternoon and evening, very little shade," warns Alisa H. about her experience at Saddlehorn Campground.
Highway proximity noise: Several campgrounds sit near major roads with associated traffic sounds. "The I-70 noise goes on day and night of course, but it's so hot so I've been inside with the AC on and can't hear it," explains Hilary about Canyon View RV Resort.
Fire restrictions: Rules vary by location and season. "Saddlehorn cost $20 for a campsite, but make sure and leave your open flame and smores at home fires are prohibited," advises Cj C.
Tent pad challenges: Some designated tent areas present leveling difficulties. "Really great spot but prepare to roll. All of the tent pads seem to be at a pretty wicked slope, including ours," Jacob D. mentions about Palisade Basecamp.
Tips for Camping with Families
Swimming spots: Natural swimming holes provide summer recreation options. "There is a nice swim beach that allows only swimming. It has natural cool and warm pockets. The sand gets super hot in the heat of the day," explains Melissa K. about James M. Robb Colorado River State Park.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated recreation facilities. "Great for kids (jump pad, pool, mini golf, playground). Friendly staff and nice little front store for kids purchases," shares kayce N. about Grand Junction KOA.
Glass hazards at dispersed sites: BLM land requires careful site selection. "Glass bottles were shattered everywhere around the spot I chose and I was grateful not to pop a tire," reports Jack W. about his experience at Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area.
Pet-friendly hiking limitations: Not all trails allow dogs despite pet-friendly camping options. "Dog friendly but don't plan on taking them off pavement for hiking," cautions lisa R. at Saddlehorn Campground.
Tips from RVers
Best hookup options: Full service sites vary in availability. "We have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site B02 for 4 days in mid June. The sites are nice, more widely spaced than most private CGs and the sites are angled, so you're not looking directly in your neighbor's windows," notes Ray & Terri F.
Satellite reception: Tree cover impacts connectivity differently across locations. "There are no tall trees at the sites(yet), so we were able to get DISH coverage on all three western satellites at our site," shares the same reviewer about their stay at Canyon View RV Resort.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds provide on-site facilities. "Internet was fast and we were able to stream and work at the same time," reports Brian C. about the amenities at Monument RV Park, which provides full hookup options.
Cell service reliability: Coverage varies significantly by location and provider. "This site was a bit tight, but doable. Nice table and grill, lots of space between sites. Very quite even though most of the sites were occupied," explains Gudrun C. about site selection at Saddlehorn Campground.
