Tent camping near De Beque, Colorado sits at elevations ranging from 4,800 to over 7,000 feet in the western slope region of Colorado. Summer temperatures can reach 100°F during daytime hours with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 50s, making proper clothing and gear essential. Most camping areas require visitors to navigate unpaved roads with varying conditions depending on recent weather.
What to do
Mountain biking access: 5-10 miles of trails available at Jouflas Campground, popular with outdoor enthusiasts seeking desert terrain. "Great camping area, about a mile off the interstate 70. dirt road to camp spots with limited camping spots available. One toilet no water. I stopped here for the night and definitely would stop by here again," notes a camper who visited in August 2021.
Hiking to petroglyphs: 1-2 hour trail from lower camping areas to view ancient rock art. "This campground was at the bottom of Sand Canyon...there was a river hike, petroglyphs, a life saving cave on a hot day, and a wonderful abandoned ranch to explore," mentions a visitor to Big Dominguez Campground.
Fishing at small lakes: Stocked seasonally for recreational fishing with proper Colorado fishing license required. "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," reports a visitor from August 2024.
What campers like
River overlooks: Multiple viewing areas with panoramic vistas of major waterways. "Great views! We camped just south of the pin but there are several spots to pull over with fire rings along 123 rd. There wasn't much shade but we set up a tarp and it was fine. Bring lots of water and sunscreen but worth it!" shares a camper at Gunnison River Overlook.
Dark night skies: Minimal light pollution in most camping areas away from highways. "The space was maybe 80% full this time as opposed to me having one neighbor last time. Otherwise somewhat secluded, and with a toilet. Pack in/out, but quite nice amenities for where it is," notes a Jouflas Campground visitor.
Canyon exploration: Day hikes to striking geological features with rock formations. "My wife and I did the Rattlesnake Arches hike and camped nearby. There were three campsites we found on the way to Rattlesnake Arches. Two of them left Black Ridge Road via double track and one was just before you entered day use area territory," explains a visitor to Rattlesnake and Mee Canyons.
What you should know
Road conditions: High clearance vehicles recommended for most campsites beyond established areas. "The road was very windy and gravel/dirt. It wasn't too bad until the turn off to the campground. That road was almost all dirt. Wash out in some places. Single width for most of it," cautions a visitor to Big Dominguez Campground.
Limited water sources: No potable water available at most tent camping areas. "Bring plenty of water, bring a 'luggable loo' or equivalent, burying human waste is difficult because of SUPER rocky soil, bring an awning or something for shade," advises a camper who stayed at Rattlesnake and Mee Canyons.
Weather preparedness: Sudden storms possible during summer months. "We did read that the road gets dangerous when wet, we totally can see that as the case, which is one reason we left. Although it didn't really look like rain when we started, it definitely was going to rain once we got there."
Tips for camping with families
Protected swimming areas: One designated spot at Harvey Gap BLM with beach access for children. "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."
Campgrounds with basic facilities: Vault toilets available at several locations but no running water. "We stayed here in the tent camping spots for two nights. The restrooms were clean and the site had a light over the picnic table which was really nice for setting up in the dark," reports a camper who stayed at Grand Junction KOA.
Shade considerations: Bring portable shade structures for most De Beque area tent campsites. "You're exposed to wind with some small bristlecone tree cover, but we loved the site and would go again. Bring an awning or something for shade," suggests a visitor to Rattlesnake and Mee Canyons.
Tips from RVers
Tight turning radius: Plan arrival timing carefully when towing larger trailers. "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. Oops. And its very u level by the front so bring levelers," warns a visitor to Harvey Gap BLM.
Leveling challenges: Bring extra leveling blocks for uneven parking areas. "Most were simply going over to the reservoir to fish or hike. I was up on the next to the highest spot and wasn't bothered by any of this activity. I used all of mine to get my camper fairly level," notes another Harvey Gap visitor.
Limited hookups: Prepare for boondocking at most De Beque area campsites. "This KOA is exactly what you'd expect for an RV park right off of a state highway: small campsites, close quarters with your neighbors, and a county fairgrounds right next door with loud music and horses whinnying most of the night."
