Tent camping around Collbran, Colorado offers diverse options within the Grand Mesa National Forest, at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 feet. Most dispersed camping sites in this area sit above 8,000 feet, where temperatures drop significantly at night even during summer months. The region's combination of high desert terrain and alpine forests creates microclimates that can vary drastically within short distances.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Carson Lake Recreation Area provides fishing access in a recently reopened reservoir. According to one camper, "Carson Lake was closed for a couple years to reconstruct the dam. Open again and there is a large parking area with a new vault toilet. However, no floatation devices are allowed on the lake as it is a water supply for towns below."
Rock climbing: Steamboat Rock Campground features excellent climbing opportunities. A visitor notes, "This campground was at the bottom of Sand Canyon...the road was very steep and rugged for the first 1/2 mile, after that it was fairly manageable. 4 stars because the river was so low...other than that a sublime campground."
Mountain biking: The area around Lower Prince Creek Campground offers excellent trail access. As one reviewer mentioned, "Easy access to mountain bike trails and the greater Carbondale area. During our stay in June, the upper loop was overrun by grazing cattle."
Hiking trails: Multiple primitive trails wind through the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness near Mesa. A camper at Big Dominguez Campground shared, "Stayed for one night. Arrived on foot trail via a Little Dominguez Canyon going to Big Dominguez Canyon. Half of Campground is on one side of the river need four-wheel-drive to cross the river."
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Black Canyon dispersed camping areas provide exceptional privacy. One camper reported, "I stayed here 3 days and never saw or heard another person. It's only 5 miles from the North Rim of Black Canyon National Park."
Water proximity: Several campgrounds feature stream or lake access. At Big Dominguez Campground, campers appreciate the "pretty spot with stream water right behind the sites. You have to drive over a stream when you come in but it was easily crossed when we visited."
Night skies: The minimal light pollution makes stargazing exceptional. According to a visitor at Harvey Gap BLM, "This is a great little parking area across the street from Harvey gap State Park. There are two off-road trails coming off the parking area and you can see the water and people paddle boarding at the beach from the Sites."
Historical sites: Some areas contain abandoned ranches and archaeological features. A visitor to Steamboat Rock Campground noted, "There was a river hike, petroglyphs, a life saving cave on a hot day, and a wonderful abandoned ranch to explore."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many camping areas require high-clearance vehicles. At Harvey Gap BLM Dispersed, a camper warned, "Really pretty spot if you have 4x4 or something that can handle hills and off roading. I tore the back of my rv on a tiny hill entering the area."
Limited facilities: The best tent camping near Collbran, Colorado typically means primitive conditions. At Carson Lake Recreation Area, "There are about 4 camping spots that were created with tables and fire rings. These spots are not for RVs or Trailers, most are for tent campers. The road access is steep from the mesa above. No water, no dumpsters, no cell signal."
Weather changes: Mountain elevations mean rapid temperature shifts. Campers at Thompson Creek Campground noted, "We have stayed in the designated spots down by the stream, and also up the steep, dirt road to the dispersed sites past the designated spots. The spots by the stream are cooler, more shaded but empty in late August."
Seasonal closures: Some sites have restricted access during winter and spring. At Black Canyon, visitors noted "signs say no camping 12/1-7/15," limiting when this dispersed camping area can be used.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose established campgrounds for easier family camping. At Grand Junction KOA, families appreciate that it's "Very clean, with courteous staff. We had a back-in full hookup. Site A8. It came with a patio & a small patch of grass. Sites & roads are gravel & well maintained."
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific facilities for children. A family camping at Grand Junction KOA mentioned it's "Great for kids (jump pad, pool, mini golf, playground). Friendly staff and nice little front store for kids purchases."
Noise considerations: Some sites may have unexpected noise sources. One camper at Grand Junction KOA observed, "The campground is very clean and level. It's great for us to be able to get on WiFi to work. Hope you want to get up early because the rooster in the distance woke us up early."
Water safety: Lakes in the area may have specific restrictions. At Carson Lake Recreation Area, "no floatation devices are allowed on the lake as it is a water supply for towns below," making swimming access limited.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: The terrain in this area requires extra preparation. A camper at Harvey Gap BLM advised to "bring lots of leveling blocks. I used all of mine to get my camper fairly level."
Site spacing: Campground layouts vary significantly. At Lower Prince Creek Campground, "I would say except for the large picnic area and site one, the campground is best set up for tents and camper vans. There is fairly decent privacy due to the thick scrub oak between each of the sites."
Access challenges: Many roads require careful navigation. At Steamboat Rock Campground, "the road was very steep and rugged for the first 1/2 mile, after that it was fairly manageable," making access difficult for larger RVs.
Weather precautions: Seasonal changes affect road conditions significantly. Thompson Creek campers warned, "Be aware the only way up can be at risk of being washed out by torrential rains that are not uncommon in our part of CO during the summer months."
