Dispersed camping sites near Dinosaur, Colorado offer primitive accommodations on public lands managed primarily by the Bureau of Land Management. These rustic camping options surround the town of Dinosaur and provide access to both Colorado and Utah portions of Dinosaur National Monument. Most sites sit at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between day and night, particularly during spring and fall seasons.
What to do
Rock art viewing: County Road #23 provides access to several archaeological sites. The Dragon Trail area features multiple rock art locations including "Shield site at mile post 5.6, Fremont Ridge site at mile post 9.7, Crooks Brand site at mile post 10.1 and Carrot Men site at mile post 11.6," according to camper reviews at BLM Dragon Trail.
Stargazing: No light pollution makes most sites excellent for night sky viewing. A camper at Dispersed Camping Near Dinosaur National Monument noted their experience included "star gazing" in a "remote feeling" location with excellent dark skies.
Wildlife watching: Dawn and dusk offer best viewing opportunities. One camper at Dinosaur Dispersed Site reported: "Great little spot to stop and sleep. The train ran once in the evening. There are several fire pits from the looks of it. No amenities but lots of deer!"
What campers like
Complete solitude: Many sites provide isolation from other campers. At North of Dinosaur CR16, one visitor described: "Really nice and quiet, we were all alone. Not sure how many spots are there. We found a spot that forks left from Harper's Corner road, and there was only one spot, but it was free."
Mountain views: Several camping areas offer panoramic vistas. A camper at SR 98, Rangely CO described: "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."
Budget-friendly accommodations: Most dispersed sites require no fees. According to one visitor's experience at SR 98: "Found this quiet spot between Rangely and Dinosaur, CO. 98 is off of Hwy 64. Just a short distance up the hill. Small road to the left and immediately able to pull off. Room for maybe two tents, Overlander or Van. 4 bars of Verizon. Pack it in, pack it out."
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Many access roads deteriorate after rainfall. At BLM 17B Road Dispersed Overlander, a camper warned: "This area is a BLM road that leaves the Dinosaur National Monument, so you need to pay NPS access or have a Senior pass to not pay. The dirt road is a sandy entrenched two track with a high center so high clearance is advised."
Cell service is spotty: Coverage depends on campsite location. One visitor reported about a site within Dinosaur National Monument boundaries: "These spots are also accessible by a 4x4 road from somewhere but if you stay in these front 3 spots any car can do it. Amazingly quiet. No cell signal. But safe and great stargazing spot."
Weather fluctuations: Prepare for temperature swings and wind. A camper at Dinosaur South Dispersed Camp noted: "About 1.5 miles N of Visitor Center, BLM road goes off to right. About 1/2 mile, before the cliffs, good legal dispersed camp on left, in pinyon/juniper trees, shade in afternoon."
Tips for camping with families
Pack sufficient water: No potable water sources exist at most sites. A visitor at North of Dinosaur CR16 mentioned: "Smooth dirt road leading to short turn off loop with a fire ring. Peaceful low-mid T-Mobile." This connectivity allows for emergency communications while camping.
Choose campsites with natural shade: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. One camper described South Plug Hat Butte Camping: "This campground felt safe and quiet. Not an abundance of spots compared to other areas of public land. Road was narrow and would have been tough with a tow behind camper."
Plan for extreme temperature variations: Nights can drop below 40°F even in summer. A visitor to Dragon Trail area observed: "Found a site with a stunning 360 degree view. Clean, no trace of anyone else for miles. It was windy at times but very comfortable temperature compared to the surrounding valleys."
Tips from RVers
Pre-scout locations: Many sites have limited turning radius. According to a visitor at Dinosaur Dispersed Site: "Right off the highway you turn onto a dirt road. Then maybe 200 yards it forks off to the left on a little 2 track road. Take that off to the left there is a grassy area with a few spots."
Smaller rigs preferred: Compact campers and truck setups work best. One camper at Dinosaur South Dispersed Camp explained: "Good for my low clearence van or microcamper, not anything larger. Another site 35 yards further."
Monitor weather forecasts: Roads become impassable when wet. A visitor noted at North of Dinosaur CR16: "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!"
