Camping near Colorado National Monument

Several good camping options surround Colorado National Monument, with Saddlehorn Campground sitting right inside the park boundaries. The 80 sites at Saddlehorn put campers close to the monument's rock formations and canyon views. Grand Junction KOA lies just outside the area for folks who want more comforts like full RV hookups and a swimming pool. Camping at the Fruita Section near the Colorado River works well for people who like fishing and kayaking. Hiking and mountain biking trails run throughout the region, and campers can take day trips to the Great Sand Dunes. Campground facilities range from places with flush toilets and drinking water to more basic sites without many services. The weather around Colorado National Monument stays mild enough for camping in all seasons. Most people visit during spring and fall when temperatures feel comfortable and the landscape shows its colors. Winter camping works fine but nights get cold. Summer days can get hot, so bringing plenty of water and sun protection makes sense. Both tent and RV campers find suitable spots near the monument. The area has enough camping choices that most people find something that meets their needs while they check out the local scenery and outdoor activities.

Best Camping Sites Near Colorado National Monument (143)

    1. Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument

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

    $22 / night

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

    "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."

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

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

    $26 - $41 / night

    "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"

    "Apparently sometimes I can't read and it was a walk in tent site, we have a lot of stuff, luckily they had wheelbarrows you could use."

    3. Grand Junction KOA

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

    "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!"

    "This KOA is very close to two National Park Sites, Colorado National Monument, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park."

    4. Canyon View RV Resort

    16 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    6 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."

    5. Monument RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Fruita, CO
    7 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."

    6. Nine Mile Hill

    18 Reviews
    Whitewater, CO
    14 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. Bookcliff Campground — Highline Lake State Park

    21 Reviews
    Mack, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 858-7208

    $28 / night

    "Its a bit of a drive to Grand Junction and the Colorado National Monument, but great if you want to get away from the crowds."

    "This is a small campground on the Western Slope of Colorado. It has a lake that allows motor boats. During high usage times, it gets smelly on the beach from boat exhaust."

    8. Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area BLM

    12 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    12 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. Palisade Basecamp RV Resort

    27 Reviews
    Palisade, CO
    20 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!"

    10. Rabbit Valley — Mc Innis Canyons National Conservation Area

    27 Reviews
    Mack, CO
    20 miles
    +1 (970) 244-3000

    $20 / night

    "We drove down anout 3 miles to knowles overlook campground overlooking the Colorado River. There are about six sites and a pit toilet, its free. So beautiful and peaceful."

    "There are some campsites closer to the highway, but if you are intrepid you can travel a little further down and really nestle into some rocks in a small canyon."

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Recent Reviews near Colorado National Monument

720 Reviews of 143 Colorado National Monument Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Jouflas Campground

    Lovely desert

    Some spots you can pull into, (are rv friendly (no hookups) others you can park where the road widens, and walk to your spot. (100 ft) bathroom (yes) lots of trails so mt bikes sneak by but if you sleep in, eventually you’ll hear dirts bikes buzzing by.

  • T
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Pyramid Rock Camp

    Perfection

    We pulled in at night. Our 4WD 28ft RV had no trouble with the dirt road- even though it was a little soggy in some spots. Big ruts in some sections, but most vehicles shouldn’t have trouble with the climb. When you pull in, there’s 5-6 designated spots, but they were full, so we went further down and found a pulloff to spend the night. Stars were phenomenal! Make sure you check fire restrictions beforehand.

  • L
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Pyramid Rock Camp

    Beautiful spot

    Bumpy road in but the view is incredible. I couldn’t make it all the way in because there was a spot with huge ruts in the road that my impreza couldn’t make it through. Not a lot of people and lots of space to choose from

  • Michael H.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Porcupine rim campground

    Amazing View, a little rowdy for kids

    We had been to Moab many times, but never camped in the La Sal's and wanted to try something new. 

    The view is worth the 40 minute drive from town and the campsite is very well taken care of, highly recommend! 

    There were a few large groups of people that were getting rowdy late into the night, so it was not ideal for camping with 2 kids. The kids slept great btw, but parents had a hard time operating the next day.

  • 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.


Guide to Colorado National Monument

Camping near Colorado National Monument offers stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique vibe.

What to do:

  • Explore the Monument: The Colorado National Monument is famous for its breathtaking rock formations and scenic drives. Many campers enjoy hiking the trails, with one reviewer noting, "The scenery beyond belief, location, clean facilities, access to the park" at Saddlehorn Campground.
  • Mountain Biking: The area is a hotspot for mountain biking. One camper at North Fruita Desert Upper Campground said, "Amazing MTB trails! The bike up can be difficult for beginner, average riders."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: If you’re near the Colorado River, fishing and kayaking are popular. Campers at James M. Robb Colorado River - Island Acres Section Camping enjoyed the "nice river walk" and the beautiful surroundings.

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are close to highways, which can be noisy. A camper at Fruita Section Camping - Colorado River noted, "If you can fall asleep to the sound of traffic, this is definitely for you!"
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have water or electric hookups. A visitor at Rabbit Valley - Mc Innis Canyons National Conservation Area mentioned, "There is no water, no trash but pit toilets that are very clean."
  • Reservation Fees: Some campgrounds now require reservations and fees. A camper at Jouflas Campground expressed frustration about the "reservation fee" on top of the camping fee.

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Palisade Basecamp RV Resort mentioned, "The sites are all jammed in together with no trees."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with electric hookups and clean facilities. A camper at Grand Junction KOA appreciated the "well-maintained facilities."
  • Be Prepared for Fees: Some campgrounds charge extra for reservations. A visitor at Jouflas Campground was surprised by the "service fee" on top of the camping fee.

Camping near Colorado National Monument, Colorado, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping near Colorado National Monument?

Several excellent camping options surround Colorado National Monument. Fruita Section Camping — James M. Robb Colorado River State Park is a popular choice offering Colorado River access, boat launches, and biking trails, all within close proximity to the monument. Another great option is Island Acres Section Camping — James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, located about 20-25 minutes from the monument with clean facilities, walking paths, and beautiful views. Both provide well-maintained sites suitable for various camping styles and serve as excellent base camps for exploring the monument.

Is camping available within Colorado National Monument itself?

Yes, camping is available inside Colorado National Monument at Saddlehorn Campground. This campground is situated right off the main road within the monument, providing immediate access to the park's stunning views and trails. Saddlehorn offers clean bathrooms, affordable rates (with discounts for America the Beautiful pass holders), and serves as an ideal base camp for day hikes throughout the monument. The outer loop sites are more spacious and better suited for trailers. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season, as this is a popular camping destination due to its location within the monument's breathtaking landscape.

What accommodations are available for visitors to Colorado National Monument?

Visitors to Colorado National Monument have diverse accommodation options beyond traditional camping. Canyon View RV Resort offers upscale amenities including a pool, games, and hotel-quality bathhouse facilities, perfect for big rigs and those seeking more comfort. For a more traditional campground experience with added amenities, Grand Junction KOA provides a pool, mini golf, dog run, and general store. Bookcliff Campground — Highline Lake State Park offers a peaceful alternative with well-maintained, tree-shaded sites, though it's a bit further from the monument. Each option provides a different experience while serving as a convenient base for exploring Colorado National Monument.