Camping near Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument straddles the Colorado-Utah border and has several good camping options for all types of visitors. Cedar Springs Campground has paved roads and spaced-out sites that give you some privacy from neighbors, with a few spots that look out over the lake. Green River Campground sits inside the monument boundaries and puts you right next to the water, which is handy if you want to fish or paddle. The campground has basic facilities like bathrooms and tables for meals. Echo Park Campground is also within the monument and sits near where the Green and Yampa Rivers meet, surrounded by impressive rock walls. This camp is more rustic without hookups but feels more connected to the natural surroundings. Make sure you check current fire rules and whether you need permits for your stay. Nights can get cold because of the higher elevation, so bring extra layers even in summer. You can take day trips to the Rocky Mountains or Colorado River while staying here. The dinosaur fossils on display make for an interesting stop between outdoor activities. Remember that you might need to book ahead, especially during busy summer months. Try to leave your campsite as you found it to keep the area nice for future campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Dinosaur National Monument (133)

    1. Green River Campground — Dinosaur National Monument

    53 Reviews
    Jensen, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 781-7700

    $24 / night

    "You are steps away from the river. They are huge campsites that can fit a large group. Great spot to enjoy the beauty of Dinosaur National Monument"

    "Great camping spot at Dinosaur National Monument. Awesome trails and has spigot throughout for water."

    2. Echo Park Campground Group Site — Dinosaur National Monument

    11 Reviews
    Dinosaur, UT
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (435) 781-7759

    $14 - $25 / night

    "Situated where the Green and Yampa rivers merge, you are surrounded by amazing cliffs with the main feature being Streamboat Rock. Campsites are very nice and clean."

    "We only stayed one night and it was really windy, however, we still walked around and enjoyed the path along the river and the towering cliffs. "

    3. North of Dinosaur CR16 - Dispersed Site

    7 Reviews
    Dinosaur, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 636-3600

    "Just randomly driving thru Colorado and run into Dinasaur and a peaceful off grid place to camp. No one around. No one else on the planet. Great place to stop."

    "I drove further down the road slightly over the utah border and it was silent and serene with beautiful views. All the spots available on this road were gorgeous."

    4. Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument

    10 Reviews
    Dutch John, CO
    14 miles
    +1 (435) 781-7700

    $12 - $14 / night

    "This campground is in the most remote part of the Dinosaur National Monument. Big campspots with a few Cottonwood trees right on the Green River. Can be busy with rafts launching and retrieving."

    "This spot is in a pretty remote section of Northwest Colorado so it's pretty calm and quiet."

    5. Split Mountain Group Campground — Dinosaur National Monument

    12 Reviews
    Jensen, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 781-7700

    $40 / night

    "This campsite is in the middle of the Dinosaur National Monument on the green river. It is a small campground with a group site and some individual picnic / camp sites."

    "SEPTEMBER 2020 This campsite is in the first few miles of Dinosaur National Monument along the Green River."

    6. Rainbow Park Campground — Dinosaur National Monument

    5 Reviews
    Jensen, UT
    11 miles
    +1 (435) 781-7700

    $12 / night

    "Each shaded site is equipped with fire ring with attached grill, an adjacent picnic table, and spots for a maximum of 2 tents in each campsite."

    "The river runs directly behind camp and trails run through the hills. If you're lucky, you will come across the herd of elk roaming the grounds."

    7. Dispersed Camping Near Dinosaur National Monument

    5 Reviews
    Jensen, UT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 538-5100

    "(Must pay entrance fee or arrive after 5)"

    "Two of my friends and I stayed at this spot one night and I wish we had more time to spend at this spot because of the location, beauty, and remote feeling."

    8. Red Fleet State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Vernal, UT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 789-4432

    $50 - $200 / night

    "Very scenic lake camping. Beautiful formations, lake is clean, and not too busy, especially since we were there during July 4th weekend."

    "To keep it fairly brief, the camp sites are mainly situated around a large, open, slightly uneven grass area which is great for tent camping and day activities (volleyball, frisbee, catch, BBQing.)"

    9. Outlaw Trail RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Jensen, UT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 781-6000

    "Right outside visitor center for Dinosaur national monument, Quarry wall of dinosaur bones and several self guided auto tours with stops along the way. No shade. No fire pits. New facility."

    "Awesome spot to stop and launch off on adventures into Dinosaurs national monument. Would stay here again when I come to visit. Staff was very nice and accommodating and very quiet at night."

    10. BLM 17B Road Dispersed Overlander

    2 Reviews
    Jensen, UT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 636-3600

    "At one point it exits the park for just a moment and there are 3 flat pull off spots you can camp at from inside the park."

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Recent Reviews near Dinosaur National Monument

489 Reviews of 133 Dinosaur National Monument Campgrounds


  • TF The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    SR 98, Rangely CO

    Decent spot

    Good for a night - wouldn't stay here long as there isn't much in the area (for me). There are 2-3 pullouts before this spot. All were empty on a Friday night. You get some highway noise but it's minimal. Nobody was traveling on the CR while I was here. Road is prius-friendly and there should be room for most rigs, though I just car-camped. Fire ring built on this site also but fire ban in effect while I was there.

  • Faye N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    North of Dinosaur CR16 - Dispersed Site

    Good for an overnight on roadtrip

    No shade, rocky, need a 4WD for some of the uphills. 10 miles to the sites on a dirt road if you come from the northwest. No bugs at all when I went!

  • Theodore B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    SR 98, Rangely CO

    Solid Camp Spot

    Turn north off the highway onto a gravel road. A few spots are available along the way. The road is in good shape—our stock extended Transit had no issues. Very quiet, no traffic, and great views.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Canyon Rim

    Beautiful camp

    Beautiful camp with hiking nearby. Our Sprinter 144 fit great in site 11, next to the water spigot. First come, first served. We had 1 bar Verizon Wireless.

  • Greg C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Spring Creek Road Dispersed - Flaming Gorge

    Relax on the water

    Nice area where you can get a spot right on the water. It’s a little busy with others but sites are private enough. Few bugs and not as windy as some other places nearby. Still some wind though. You’ll also have boats pulling water skiers/boarders by and the occasional fishers or kayakers floating by.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    BLM Dragon Trail - County Rd #23 dispersed

    Beautiful 360 Mountain Views

    So thankful to have found this site! I found a completely isolated mountain top area with no one around. The views were amazing and the sunset was gorgeous! Clean, quiet and peaceful. The road going in and out is a bit bumpy/rocky though and some narrow edges with no guardrail (if you care about that)

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Outlaw Trail RV Park

    Gravel parking lot, modern bathrooms

    There are a few trees here and there, but it’s largely just a big gravel parking lot.

    On the plus side, the sites are decent size, with full hookup, and it’s a 6 minute drive to the Quarry Visitor Center of Dinosaur National Monument. There is a decent-sized grassy area by the road with a playground and area to walk your dog.

    I’m the negative side, it’s still just a gravel parking lot, the showers are coin operated (though supposedly just $0.25 to start it and the 2nd $0.25 gets you ten minutes, which isn’t bad). WiFi is free, but each site is throttled to 5 Mbps (which is fine for basic streaming, but not HD or 4K).

    No regrets on staying here, though…the location is great if you’re going to Dinosaur NM.

  • K
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Mustang Ridge Campground

    Great campsites, bathrooms were disgusting

    Our campsite was gorgeous! It was clean, we were not close to any other campers. The sites were very spread out and you were not on top of people. There was little micro trash in our spot and while we were walking down to the water. The bathrooms were the worst we have ever experienced in 30 years of camping. The camp hosts only put toilet paper in the stalls and that is the most they did. They did not sweep the stalls, or wipe toilets or anything. Absolutely no effort given to the restrooms or bath house. We have camped at Mustang Ridge many times and the restrooms have never been like that before. We will be back, but we will probably clean the restrooms ourselves.


Guide to Dinosaur National Monument

Camping near Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or simply relax by the river, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. One reviewer at Mustang Ridge Campground said, "The Red Canyon along the Flaming Gorge is AMAZING! GREAT fly fishing!"
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peaceful environment. A visitor at McCoy Flats MTB Trailhead shared, "Very quiet, not a lot of other campers."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A camper at Steinaker State Park Campground noted, "The showers and bathrooms were spotless."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack hookups and showers. A reviewer at Echo Park Campground Group Site — Dinosaur National Monument mentioned, "It is first come first served, so it would be quite a long way down to find there were no open spots."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at the same campground warned, "The mosquitos here... are utterly out of control."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many sites fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument advised, "No reservations so it's first come, first served."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A camper at Mustang Ridge Campground mentioned, "Our site was surrounded by trees."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring gear for fishing and hiking to keep everyone entertained. A family at Green River Campground — Dinosaur National Monument enjoyed, "Great spot to enjoy the beauty of Dinosaur National Monument."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Protect your family from mosquitoes. A visitor at Echo Park Campground Group Site noted, "We spent at least an hour trying to smack them all."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to choose campgrounds with the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Steinaker State Park Campground said, "I ended up at a full hookup spot that cost $50 a night."
  • Look for Dump Stations: Some campgrounds have sanitary dump stations, which can be a lifesaver. A camper at Fossil Valley RV Park mentioned, "This RV park is a good launching pad for day trips!"
  • Be Mindful of Space: Sites can be close together, so choose wisely. A visitor at Red Fleet State Park Campground noted, "Campsites are basically parking spots."

Camping near Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique challenges of the area!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available near Dinosaur National Monument?

Dinosaur National Monument offers diverse camping options. Inside the monument, Green River Campground — Dinosaur National Monument features spacious sites near the river with water spigots and flush toilets but no hookups. For RV travelers, nearby options include Outlaw Trail RV Park, which provides full hookups in close proximity to the Quarry Visitor Center. Budget-conscious campers can explore dispersed camping on BLM land near the monument boundaries. Several private RV parks and state park campgrounds are available within a 25-minute drive of the monument, providing additional amenities like showers and electric hookups for those who prefer more facilities.

Is camping available year-round at Dinosaur National Monument?

Camping availability at Dinosaur National Monument varies seasonally. The monument's primary camping areas like Gates Of Lodore Campground — Dinosaur National Monument typically operate seasonally rather than year-round. For winter camping options, consider Steinaker State Park Campground, located about 20 miles from the monument, which maintains year-round operations. Weather significantly impacts accessibility, especially in winter when snow may close certain roads and camping areas. Always check the National Park Service website or contact the visitor center for current conditions before planning a winter camping trip, as facilities and water availability may be limited during colder months.

Where are the campgrounds located in Dinosaur National Monument?

Dinosaur National Monument features several campgrounds in different areas of the park. Deerlodge Park Campground — Dinosaur National Monument offers a peaceful, inexpensive option ideal for tent campers seeking tranquility. Split Mountain Group Campground — Dinosaur National Monument is designed for larger gatherings. Additional options include Echo Park Campground, located in a scenic valley, and Rainbow Park Campground, which provides a more remote experience. These campgrounds are strategically positioned throughout the monument, allowing visitors to choose locations that best suit their interests, whether exploring the dinosaur quarry, hiking trails, or enjoying river activities.

Are there cabins or alternative lodging available near Dinosaur National Monument?

While Dinosaur National Monument itself doesn't offer cabins, alternative lodging options are available nearby. Vernal / Dinosaurland KOA provides cabin accommodations just a 15-minute drive from the monument, perfect for visitors seeking more comfort than traditional camping. Fossil Valley RV Park in Vernal, about 25 minutes from the monument, offers clean facilities for RV travelers. For those wanting indoor accommodations, the towns of Vernal, Utah and Dinosaur, Colorado have several motels and hotels within easy driving distance of the monument's attractions. These options are particularly valuable during inclement weather or for visitors preferring amenities like private bathrooms and climate control.