Dispersed camping sites near Delta, Colorado typically sit at elevations between 4,800 and 10,700 feet, creating dramatic temperature variations throughout the year. Summer daytime temperatures often reach the 90s while dropping to the 50s at night, with higher elevation sites staying 10-15 degrees cooler. Most camping areas require campers to travel 25-45 minutes from town on gravel or dirt roads to reach established sites.
What to do
Fishing access at multiple reservoirs: Grand Mesa offers numerous lake fishing opportunities at elevations around 10,700 feet. At Grand Mesa FS 105 Dispersed Camping, campers can find spots "overlooking 'reservoir 1'" that are "peaceful and gorgeous" according to one visitor. For trout fishing specifically, there are stream-fed lakes where "the lake is stream fed and looks like good trout fishing."
Hiking and mountain exploration: The area provides multiple hiking options with varying difficulty levels. Near Black Canyon Dispersed Camping, you'll find convenient access to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. One camper noted the campground is "right off the main road, 1 mile from the entrance to the park. Could not have been more convenient." For more remote hiking, some areas require "bushwhacking to get quiet" away from ATV traffic.
Stargazing and night sky viewing: With minimal light pollution, the area provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. At Nine Mile Hill, campers can "watch the Milky Way roll overhead" from their sites. The elevated terrain offers excellent visibility, with one visitor describing how they "enjoyed the night sky" from their campsite.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Many sites offer significant separation between camping areas. At Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed, one camper advised, "once you pass the private land and get to the first campsites continue further. There are plenty more to go, some with access to the water." Another visitor at Twin Lake Dispersed Area recommended: "Don't pick the first campground you see, keep driving and exploring two track roads to find the perfect spot."
Diverse terrain options: The region offers everything from desert canyon to high-elevation forest settings. At Lands End Camp, sites are located "on the edge of the mesa" at around "10.5k" feet elevation, providing "100+ mile views" during clear weather. For water access, Gunnison River Overlook offers spots with "several spots to pull over with fire rings along 123 rd."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting supports diverse wildlife observation opportunities. One camper at Black Canyon Dispersed Camping reported seeing "bunnies and a deer carcass" near their site in the morning. At Twin Lake Dispersed Area, visitors should watch for cattle: "We were far enough from the road that we barely heard any traffic passing. However, the sound of cattle lowing was frequent... One bull approached and stood there bellowing at the camper before finally moving along."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant weather fluctuations. At Dispersed River Site - Gunnison Gorge National Conservation, campers should prepare for windy conditions: "The wind was pretty intense when the skies got grey but we managed to set up camp." High-elevation sites stay cooler but can experience sudden storms, with one camper noting they enjoyed "watching storm clouds approaching every day."
Road conditions vary significantly: Access road quality varies widely across the area. At Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed, "the road to the camp site from the I-50 road is rather long (12 miles, cca 30 min), but very easy and quite picturesque." For Black Canyon Dispersed Camping, be aware that "the road can be rough, especially slippery mud after rain." One visitor warned: "Some of the roads were really rutted out, but we were lucky and everything was dry so we were able to get thru in my forester."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes are common in certain areas, especially near water. At Gunnison Gorge National Conservation, "the mosquitos are plentiful but it is right on the Gunnison River and a nice looking area." One camper advised to "be prepared with all your tricks for mosquitos because they were everywhere."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for safety: Choose appropriate sites based on your children's ages. At Black Canyon Dispersed Camping, note that "it's a bit dirty with broken glass and litter here and there, especially cigarette butts, so shoes are a must at all times." For younger children, consider areas with natural boundaries like Nine Mile Hill, where "the road is a bit iffy so snagging a spot at the front would be best."
Wildlife education opportunities: Use the diverse wildlife as learning experiences. At Twin Lake Dispersed Area, cattle frequently approach: "One morning we looked outside to see several cows munching on the remains of our campfire. Apparently they like to eat ashes and charcoal for the minerals because it happened twice!" This provides unique opportunities to teach children about animal behavior from a safe distance.
Prepare for temperature fluctuations: Pack clothing layers for dramatic temperature changes. At Escalante ridge camping, one visitor noted it was "perhaps a little windy but nothing to write home about." Many sites, especially those at higher elevations, experience significant day-to-night temperature drops requiring proper preparation.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many dispersed areas have uneven terrain requiring preparation. At Nine Mile Hill, one RV camper noted: "Not the best spot I've ever had but will do when you need a place to sleep. Plenty of rocks to level 4x4 with RTT but still slept angled." Bring leveling blocks or wood pieces to address this common issue.
Length and clearance considerations: Access roads often restrict larger RVs. For Grand Mesa FS 105 Dispersed Camping, one RVer pulling a 35-foot fifth wheel reported: "We towed a 35 FT 5th wheel heading west on 105 until we discovered the perfect campsite by turning south at the intersection with 108. The road was very rough but doable by moving along very slowly." Smaller Class B vans have more options, with one noting they "had no issues getting in & out" despite having "low clearance."
Fire ring and ashes safety: Be cautious with fire residue. At Twin Lake Dispersed Area, campers should know that "cattle like to eat ashes and charcoal for the minerals" and may approach your campsite to do so. Properly extinguish all fires and consider bringing a portable fire container if traveling with a larger rig to minimize impact.
