Looking for the best options for tent camping near Dinosaur National Monument? Finding a place to camp in Colorado with your tent has never been easier. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Rainbow Park Campground is 28 miles (45 km) from the Quarry Visitor Center in the Utah portion of Dinosaur National Monument. It is located on a rugged dirt road that is impassable when wet. The campground sits beside the Green River near the Rainbow Park Boat Ramp at the head of Split Mountain Canyon. Rainbow Park Campground is open year-round, but there is no winter maintenance on the unpaved road.
Dinosaur National Monument covers over 210,000 acres (84984 ha).____ Visitor Centers. The monument features two visitor centers - one in Colorado and one in Utah.____ Quarry Exhibit Hall. You can see over 1,500 dinosaur fossils still in the rock inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall (Jensen, Utah).____ History & Culture. Numerous cultural sites reveal stories of the people who lived here before and include Fremont petroglyphs, homestead cabins and former ranches. Hiking trails allow in-depth exploration.____ Hiking. There are miles of trails for hiking and cross-country travel.____ River Rafting & Boating. Whitewater rafting, both commercial and private, are is popular on the Green and Yampa Rivers. The Yampa River multi-day rafting trips begin at Deerlodge Park. The Yampa rushes downstream 44-miles (71 km) to join the Green River at Echo Park. Boaters continue downstream on the Green River to the take-out at the Split Mountain boat ramp. The Yampa is the largest free-flowing tributary within the Colorado River system. As such, it has a shorter season marked by fluctuations in water level resulting from snow received in the winter. It is characterized by famous rapids such as Teepee, Big Joe and Warm Springs. Raft trips must be arranged in advance. For more information, visit Dinosaur's Commercial Guided River Trips page. Private River Trips require a permit.__ Scenic Drives. Several roads provide access to key destinations and scenic sites. Scenic drives allow the windshield visitor to see spectacular geology.__
Dinosaur National Monument covers over 210,000 acres (84984 ha).____ Visitor Centers. The monument features two visitor centers - one in Colorado and one in Utah.____ Quarry Exhibit Hall. You can see over 1,500 dinosaur fossils still in the rock inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall (Jensen, Utah).____ History & Culture. Numerous cultural sites reveal stories of the people who lived here before and include Fremont petroglyphs, homestead cabins and former ranches. Hiking trails allow in-depth exploration.____ Hiking. There are miles of trails for hiking and cross-country travel.____ River Rafting & Boating. Whitewater rafting, both commercial and private, are is popular on the Green and Yampa Rivers. The Yampa River multi-day rafting trips begin at Deerlodge Park. The Yampa rushes downstream 44-miles (71 km) to join the Green River at Echo Park. Boaters continue downstream on the Green River to the take-out at the Split Mountain boat ramp. The Yampa is the largest free-flowing tributary within the Colorado River system. As such, it has a shorter season marked by fluctuations in water level resulting from snow received in the winter. It is characterized by famous rapids such as Teepee, Big Joe and Warm Springs. Raft trips must be arranged in advance. For more information, visit Dinosaur's Commercial Guided River Trips page. Private River Trips require a permit.__ Scenic Drives. Several roads provide access to key destinations and scenic sites. Scenic drives allow the windshield visitor to see spectacular geology.__
This campground sits beside the Green River near the Rainbow Park Boat Ramp at the head of Split Mountain Canyon. It has wonderful views of geologic features such as the Mitten Park Fault.
$6 / night
Camping in undeveloped areas (outside of designated campgrounds) is permitted. Please stay on existing roadways when accessing these undeveloped areas, and follow the practices in "Caring for the Forest" when camping in undeveloped areas. Camping in undeveloped areas must occurr within 150 feet of a designated route in Utah and within 300 feet of a designated route in Wyoming, at least 1/4 mile away from any administrative site, (boat ramps, guard stations, campgrounds, or visitor centers).
Take a step back in time and traverse the same scenic wonders that explorers such as John Wesley Powell and William Ashley once explored. The Green River provides spectacular fishing and river-running opportunities, as well as unique geology, outlaw history and Native American rock art. So come to navigate the waters and cast a rod in an adventure the whole family can enjoy. The Green River Float-In Campsites contain 17 sites for river goers to camp along the mighty Green River. Some of these sites can be reached on foot but most of these sites can only be reached by boat.__
Section "A" (Flaming Gorge Dam to Little Hole Boat Launch) Section "A" of the Green River begins just below the Flaming Gorge Dam and proceeds seven miles through a narrow, breathtaking canyon to the Little Hole take-out. The towering red canyon cliffs, ponderosa pine, glassy clear water, abundant trout and rapids (class I and II) make section "A" of the Green River world famous. The Little Hole National Recreation Trail allows foot access to all seven miles of this stretch of river. Section "B" (Little Hole to Browns Park) It's a little more remote but that means there are fewer people, if that's the experience you're looking for. Limited access in this section allows for healthy brown trout populations to thrive. There are 17 river camps in section "B" that can be accessed only by hiking or floating in. Section "C" (Browns Park to the Utah/Colorado Border) Section "C" is the longest of the three sections. It meanders through the high desert valley of Browns Park to the Colorado state line, with wide open features and a lot of flat water. It's considered the best place to catch a football size trout on a dry fly, but it is also said to be the most challenging for fishing. The Green River offers excellent fishing for rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. For more information on fishing the Green River, please visit Utah's Department of Wildlife Resources website .
Section "A" (Flaming Gorge Dam to Little Hole Boat Launch) Section "A" of the Green River begins just below the Flaming Gorge Dam and proceeds seven miles through a narrow, breathtaking canyon to the Little Hole take-out. The towering red canyon cliffs, ponderosa pine, glassy clear water, abundant trout and rapids (class I and II) make section "A" of the Green River world famous. The Little Hole National Recreation Trail allows foot access to all seven miles of this stretch of river. Section "B" (Little Hole to Browns Park) It's a little more remote but that means there are fewer people, if that's the experience you're looking for. Limited access in this section allows for healthy brown trout populations to thrive. There are 17 river camps in section "B" that can be accessed only by hiking or floating in. Section "C" (Browns Park to the Utah/Colorado Border) Section "C" is the longest of the three sections. It meanders through the high desert valley of Browns Park to the Colorado state line, with wide open features and a lot of flat water. It's considered the best place to catch a football size trout on a dry fly, but it is also said to be the most challenging for fishing. The Green River offers excellent fishing for rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. For more information on fishing the Green River, please visit Utah's Department of Wildlife Resources website .
The campsites are nestled alongside the beautiful Green River in an area typical of a high desert environment. These sites are surrounded by shady juniper, cottonwood and ponderosa pine trees and during the summer various species of wildflowers dot the landscape.
For facility specific information, please call (435) 781-5244.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is known not only for its beautiful red cliffs but also for its world-class fishing, boating, hiking, camping, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and scuba diving. Click Here to learn more about the Ashley National Forest and the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. The Bureau of Reclamation offers guided tours of the Flaming Gorge Dams working hydroelectric plant and the dam itself; the adjacent visitor center contains area history exhibits. In Browns Park, the Bureau of Land Management maintains the historic John Jarvie Ranch. Step back in time and explore the property where John ran a general store, trading post, post office and river ferry. Since Browns Park was a hiding place for outlaws, John became acquainted with many colorful members of Browns Parks history including, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid of the Wild Bunch; outlaws Matt Warner and Isom Dart; and Queen of the Rustlers, Ann Bassett. Click Here for more information about the John Jarvie Ranch. In the nearby town of Dutch John, there are several businesses that can provide services before and during your trip. These businesses include: Flaming Gorge Recreation Services (435)885-3191 Raft Rental, Guided Fishing, Shuttle Service, General Store, Lodging, Bait, Gas Green River Outfitters (435)885-3338 - Raft Rental, Guided Fishing, Shuttle Service, General Store, Lodging, Bait, Gas Flaming Gorge Resort (435)889-3773 - Raft Rental, Guided Fishing, Shuttle Service, General Store, Lodging, Bait, Gas
$13 / night
The Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery is located 40 miles from Vernal in a beautiful sandstone canyon. The hatchery provides management and production of trout for mitigation of Colorado River Storage Project waters of the Upper Colorado River System and to meet Tribal trust responsibilities on Native American land. Fishing in Jones Hole Creek is open year round due to crystal clear spring water but access is limited in winter months. The trailhead of Dinosaur National Monument’s Jones Hole Creek Trail starts at the visitor parking lot. The hatchery is also a great place for bird and wildlife watching. Picnic tables are available near the visitor parking.
Sand is on the north side of the river 8.3 miles below dam and 1.1 miles below Little Hole. Site has one table, one fire ring, three tent pads (fits up to four or five tents), portable toilet screen and two benches. Site has natural shade. Capacity: 8-10 people. Campers can hike in from Little Hole or boat in from the Spillway or Little Hole. Sites are along the banks of the Green River on Section B, downstream from Little Hole. Vegetation is Pinyon pine, juniper, sagebrush, Ponderosa pine and river bottom shrubs and grasses. Reservations may be made for six sites (Bootleg, Cats Paw, Cottonwood, Big Pine I, Big Pine II, and Trail's End) by calling 1-877-444-6777 or go online at "http://www.recreation.gov". All other sites are first come, first served. Registration for campsite use must be made the day of use at Little Hole on the Camp Registration Board. All campers are required to have a portable toilet system. There are no garbage facilities. Please pack out your garbage.
Traveler
This camp ground is one of the best spots that I ever spent a night at. The scenery is breathtaking, it is very remote and absolutely silent. There is literally no noise whatsoever.
Downside of course is, it is not serviced. So no electricity or water if you are traveling with a motor home. Plus, the camp site is basically only walk-in and mostly designated for tents. With a RV, you will park at some sort of parking lot, close to the actual sites but not really there. That lot is also not big, so if there are a couple more people, it might be hard to find a decent spot for a vehicle. Also you wont have a table right at your spot, since only the tent sites have adjacent tables. However, if nobody is there, you might be able to park right at the river front, which is stunning!
Other than that, and if you are lucky like me - I have been totally alone, it is very, very beatiful. Particularly in October when the trees are all colored in yellow.
Traveler
Very nice campground right on the Green River. Services include water faucets and flush toilets. Plenty to do and see nearby. Limited cell service. If you want the best shade, choose the B loop.
TravelerOur family loves Dinosaur National Monument and the Green River Campground, amazing campsites close to the green river are clean and the rangers are top notch and super friendly, we love the petroglyphs and the kids love the Jr. Ranger Program.
Guide
fantastic campground in utah, the campsites are all in great condition. the road is showing some wear once you get off the highway but it's not bad.
winds set in and you get to enjoy the sound of the trees.
Scout
We loved camping here, but the parties at the lake and car alarms going off were annoying.
Scout
We have stayed at many campsites here and love them all! We love the views, the campsites, and how peaceful it is.
Traveler
Great views from the top, but we chose a more sheltered site due to the strong chilly wind. Beautiful sunset and sunrise. There were many good sites along the road in as well. Road could be done in a minivan when dry, but might get tricky when wet.
Scout
We’re here in mid September and only two other campers. Got a spot right in the edge of the water. Very private could not see or hear anyone else. Beautiful, clean camping area. The campground on the tip of the little peninsula was available and surround by water on three sides was available, but a little windy. Our selected spot was more secluded but still right on the waters edge.
Guide
Great area. Fun mountain biking trails. Couple of spots with fire rings. Only issue is someone is “camping” in their car right by the day use area, a non-camping area.
TravelerI stayed here in June. Solitary, quiet, and beautiful. Great views! I came in from the SW side of Little Mountain and couldn’t make it to the top in my AWD Highlander, but there were plenty of flat spots to make camp. It was a tad buggy but overall it was 👍
Traveler
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.
Guide
The park has several sites with electric hook ups and several without. Yhey do have a faucet for filling your tanks with water and a dump station. The bathhouse is clean and the shower is huge. All of the sites have asphalt, some are bigger than others. There are numerous mature shade trees and a couple of nice little ponds to sit by. You can also access the river with just a short walk. This is also the city park so there is a good bit of in and out traffic. Today, there is a wedding being held in the park so that’s going to be interesting tonight when the reception begins. The Main Street in town is definitely in walking distance. Rangely has a phenomenal golf course just down the road. Coach’s corner is a little bar pub next to the hotel and the food is excellent. I do like this campground but be aware that there are side by sides and 4 wheelers coming through it very often throughout the day and evening since the back street of town comes into the park. I would stay here again.
GuideOur 2nd time here. First time we had a spectacular view of the comet Neowise. Some sites along river. As with any campground, some sites close together. Campground was pretty empty this time and we could pick site. Water, flush toilets, although bathrooms not well cared for and smelled bad. Loop A seemed more our style, no big rigs. No sign of campground host. Nice hiking trail along river. Peaceful evening with a lightning and thunder show!
ScoutThis spot is for OHV parking. There’s a fire ring and we parked to the left of it so we didn’t interfere with parking. There’s 5 sites up the OHV trail that we saw. It was muddy so we weren’t comfortable towing our 19’ rig up the trail. We took our 4 runner up the trail and didn’t need 4wd. If dry, you could tow your small camper in if high clearance. There’s a bit of a rise to get from the road to the grass. Sites are perfect for tent camping.
TravelerIt’s not allowed to camp here anymore
Traveler
This is a pet friendly campground around a square park right on 40. They have electric and non electric sites, but the majority were electric (and cost more). This was advertised $15 - $20 but the prices online were $38.50 for an electric site for one night (granted, it was a Saturday in August). There were not pet fees. There were lots of spaces available when we visited.
There is no office here, you pay for your rental online or on an iPad in the kiosk (if working). There is WiFi at the kiosk, but it does not reach many of the campsites well.
Sites are close together but level. Felt safe and it was quiet at night save for occasional passing cars. No fire pits or individual picnic tables, but there is a shared covered picnic area.
Clean bathrooms. Showers were more of a 2.5/5. Not super clean and water smelled rusty. Water from sink was fine though.
Morning became very busy with travelers stopping to use the public restrooms, which may help you decide where to park.
Guide
We enjoyed this little RV park. It was quiet and well maintained and just off the main road making it easy to walk about parts of town. Vernal is a nice town with several interesting drives and sites nearby. This RV park is a good launching pad for day trips!
Legend
Ok, why would anyone pay $175-$285 a night to stay in old smelly FS bunkhouses that likely have a long history of housing mice, rats and racoons! The areas by the old cabins are not large enough to park many vehicles. Any camper with their own travel trailer or RV is going to camp anywhere on Ashley NF, including by a lake for free or a lot less. Likely why no one was staying there on the Utah pioneer day week. Not even close to a lake, just stuck in a dense shaded tree patch... No views even.
TravelerJust 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.
Legend
Sites 1-14 are best for RVs trailers, sites 15-20 are small for tenters. Three big group areas in the middle. Vault toilets, tables and fire rings but no water or trash
Ranger
We camped here the night before launching on the Green along with another private group and NPS rangers. Was absolutely wonderful chatting and trading stories with other groups while rigging! Rangers are super helpful and there is potable water but it can be a bit warm in the evening, best to fill jugs in the morning. If you’re not running the river, there is a nice hike that goes up and looks into the canyon. Great access to the river, although be careful around the boat ramp as there is a lot of activity while trips are getting ready. There are volunteers in the morning to help manage parking too; as it can get a little congested.
I have heard it can be a little buggy and it wasn’t too bad for us, but mosquitoes did exist. Not too bad but you might want a tent instead of cowboy camping just so they don’t annoy you while you’re trying to sleep.
The last little bit of road to the site is a bit washboard-y but take your time, you’ll get there.
Scout
Enough reviews don't mention mosquitos that I think it must just depend on the day you go. That said, I went with one of my best friends a few years ago and we tell the story of our experience at parties. I go on multi week long road trips and have camped all over the country. So believe me when I say the mosquitos here, depending on the day, are utterly out of control.
The drive was beautiful but as soon as we got out, we could tell something was wrong. We put on double layers of clothes, bug spray and bug bracelets, and stood in the smoke of the fire we started; the bugs could not care less. We gave up on setting up tents and ran into the car and about 50 mosquitos followed us inside in the second it took to open the doors. We spent at least an hour trying to smack them all, literally covering the walls of her car in blood. After attempting to sleep in the sweltering car that night, we headed out of there before the sun rose. After it all, more of our skin was covered in bug bites than not. I've never seen anything like it.
It seems like an amazing spot when it's not suffering a plague. I could never roll the dice and try again though.
TravelerArrives at 6pm after long day of travel. Site 20 were the last 2 sites available on 2024 July 4th weekend. The camp is really full most of the season due to being close to the shower house in Deer Creek Campground, the lake and marina. The camp host is a great guy and wood is available.
Traveler
This is the best campground in the area that we have found due to the hot showers and flushing toilets and great camp host. Bathrooms have lights, running water and electric plug-ins with vault toilets at sime points. Most sites have shade, and there are water points for drinking water throughout camp. There isn't any electric, water or sewer hookups and no wifi available. There are trash dumpsters close to the restrooms.
Scout
We spent this past Friday night at this dispersed campground. While the grounds are beautiful, it was extremely noisy with Harding going on all night by the Lakeshore. It was extremely noisy with all of the power equipment on and near the lake, including ATVs, generators, speed boats. If you were looking for peace and quiet, I would move away from the Lakeshore and Camp on the road going out. The road going out is quite rough and has about mile and a half of pretty bad washboard and is sandy in some spots as well
GuideNice grassy spots, just pull in where ever you see a fire ring. The dirt road in isn’t too bad and is pretty short, there were plenty of sedans driving in so it’s accessible for most vehicles when the ground is dry. Lots of cows and cow poop so watch out if you bring dogs! I had full bars of LTE extended network on Verizon, enough to send texts, make calls, and could load some webpages but it was pretty slow
TravelerOff CR16 easy to find. I just saw a couple of spots at the gps point. The view is beautiful and it’s quiet but windy. We’re the only ones here.
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.
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
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dinosaur National Monument is Red Fleet State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 19 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Dinosaur National Monument, with real photos and reviews from campers.
