Camping near Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument offers a variety of camping options across both Colorado and Utah sides of the park. Established campgrounds like Green River, Echo Park, and Gates of Lodore provide designated tent and RV sites with amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Several dispersed camping areas exist near the monument boundaries, including North of Dinosaur CR16 where campers can find free primitive sites on public land. The area supports both frontcountry camping with basic amenities and remote backcountry experiences with varying levels of accessibility.
Road conditions significantly impact access to several campgrounds in the area, particularly Echo Park and Rainbow Park. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for many of the dirt access roads, which can become impassable during wet weather. Seasonal operations affect availability, with most developed campgrounds open from April through October. Summer temperatures can be extreme, while mosquitoes are frequently mentioned as a concern in riverside areas. Campgrounds within the monument typically charge $6-20 per night, while dispersed camping on surrounding BLM land is generally free. "The road in and out is not for the faint of heart but if you get past the fear of falling off a steep cliff, it is actually quite beautiful," noted one visitor about the Echo Park access road.
Campers consistently highlight the dramatic canyon scenery and riverside settings as major draws to the area. Echo Park Campground receives praise for its location near Steamboat Rock and the confluence of the Green and Yampa rivers, though several reviews mention overwhelming mosquito populations during certain times. The remote nature of many sites offers exceptional stargazing opportunities and wildlife viewing. Dispersed sites along CR16 are described as peaceful with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Several visitors mentioned appreciating the solitude, with one noting they found "no one around, no one else on the planet." Water access is limited at most sites, with campers advised to bring their own supplies for dispersed camping areas where no facilities exist.
