Looking to go glamping near Dinosaur and enjoy a rustic retreat into nature? Glamping is not only a fun alternative to traditional tent camping, but also allows you to pack more or less gear as you see fit. The Dyrt's camping photos, reviews, and tips are an easy way to find the right Colorado glamping spot for you.
Echo Park Campground is located adjacent to the Green River. There are vault toilets, drinking water spigots (seasonal), and a self-pay station. This location has both first-come first-served individual sites and a group site: Individual sites. Individual sites are all first come, first served._Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a first-come first-served site. Once on site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Download the free Recreation.gov mobile app on Android or iOS prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. Group site. The group site is available through advance reservation (in the campsite list tab, below) and is located approximately 800 feet (243 m) east of the individual campground sites.
https://www.nps.gov/dino/planyourvisit/commercialguidedrivertrips.htmDinosaur 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.
The group site is set on a bench along the Green River and provides spectacular views of the surrounding canyons, rivers and Steamboat Rock.
On the Utah side of the monument, the Quarry Exhibit Hall allows visitors to see dinosaur fossils exposed in the rock. Along the road to the group site, view Native American petroglyphs. Besides the monument, nearby Utah State Parks, the Ashley National Forest, Flaming Gorge National Recreational Area and Bureau of Land Management sites provide additional recreational opportunities.
Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure.
$14 - $25 / night
Get back to family fun at Dinosaurland KOA! Built to accommodate the largest rigs on the road, the campground's upgraded RV Sites are the first to be booked. Fire pits, patios, pull thrus - this KOA has them ready and waiting. You'll be so comfortable you won't want to leave, but one of the most beautiful regions in all of Utah is waiting for you. Raft the Green and Yampa rivers, hike or bike the trails in the Uinta Mountains, fish the Flaming Gorge or one of the many nearby lakes. Ancient history beckons in Dry Fork Canyon as you explore the petroglyphs in search of the Three Kings. Save a day to spend at the Quarry Exhibit Hall at Dinosaur National Monument examining the wall of more than 1,500 fossils. Daily ranger programs educate both young and old about Utah's long-gone inhabitants at this state-of-the-art facility. If you want to kick back and relax, this KOA's heated pool is just the ticket, and you'll find the best stargazing around. Northeast Utah is calling your name! Max pull thru: 75 feet.
$29 - $72 / night
We own a beautiful 5 acre property with awesome views at the corner of the Historic K Ranch in front of the Dinosaur National Monument in Dinosaur, CO. We look forward to sharing it with you!
Dinosaur is a great location and it's 5 minutes from the property to the CO side of the Dinosaur National Monument and less than 30 minutes from the UT side and the Dinosaur National Monument Quarry Visitor Center. There are full service gas stations, restaurants, cannabis dispensaries, as well as a convenience-store, liquor store, RV Park, and electric vehicle charging station in town just minutes down the road. There are several well known hiking trails within a short drive in every direction from the campsite.
$100 / night
Iron Springs Group Campground is located approximately 5 miles off U.S. Highway 191, along the Red Cloud Loop Scenic Backway at an elevation of 9,200 feet. Campers enjoy exploring local off-road trails.The Iron Springs Campground Group Sites include both the fenced-in area with picnic tables, and the areas immediately adjacent to site 1 and 2 with a quarter mile for overflow parking. *There is currently NO WATER at Iron Spring Group Campground. The Forest Service is working on repairing the issue.*
Red Cloud Loop offers scenic driving on a maintained dirt road, providing miles of trails for ATVs, hikers and mountain bikers. The loop leads to numerous reservoirs and lakes, overlooks, historic sites and through forests and meadows. East Park and Oaks Park Reservoirs are less than 10 miles away. Both are stocked with catchable rainbow trout. A boat ramp is available at East Park; Oaks Park does not have a boat ramp. Brush Creek Caves are nearby, a popular destination for caving and geocaching.
Iron Springs lies at the edge of a grassy meadow bordered by shady pines and aspens. Sagebrush and summer wildflowers dot the meadow. Many small lakes and streams can be found in the vicinity.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is known not only for its beautiful red cliffs, but also for its world-class fishing for lake, brown and rainbow trout. Boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and scuba diving are popular activities on the reservoir.Flaming Gorge Dam offers guided tours of the working hydroelectric plant and the dam itself; The adjacent visitor center contains area history exhibits.The Green River below the dam provides spectacular rafting opportunities. A trip down the river offers unique geology, outlaw history and Native American rock art. The Ashley-Karst National Geologic Recreation Area offers dramatic canyons, densely forested backcountry areas, and vast networks of caves.
$25 / night
There are 21 campsites on the shore of East Park Reservoir where you can fish for rainbow trout. There is a trailhead at north end of the lake that leads east to US 191, and another one at the south end that leads west to Oaks Park Lake. This is a fantastic waterfowl hunting area.
There are 4 tent sites at the north end of the Taylor Mountain Plateau. The Old Carter Military Trail passes by the campground. Consult the forest map for details about specific hikes. OHV use is permitted in the area north and south of the campground. The Forest Service offers a free detailed map of the areas open to unrestricted use. __Please contact the Forest Service for information about exploring the Big Brush Creek Cave.
Guide
We just had spent a week in Colorado, we chose this camp ground as a stop over on the way home. When we got here the staff was amazing! The place was clean and the amenities were awesome, so awesome we ended up staying here longer than one night so we could enjoy a movie in the park, explore the end of dinosaur days, and relax in this quiet Koa. We are currently planning family camp 2022, and are planning on staying here for a week to explore all the dinosaurs.
ScoutGreat place to stay. Close 15 minute drive to Dinosaur National Monument!
Ranger
This site is pretty central in the whole Dinosaur National Park geography about an hour from the main visitor center. We definitely needed a high clearance vehicle for the dirt road to get to it but evidently the road conditions vary a bit season to season and year to year, so call the rangers to check. This is tent-only no reservations and there are water, toilets, and designated camp sites, making it a remote frontcountry style campground. I’m not sure where you could go instead if it fills up since it’s in the middle of the park, but it was only 3/4 or so full in early spring. The absolutely beautiful cliffs and water make this campsite memorable and the other nearby areas in Dinosaur (petroglyphs, cave, fossils) make it exceptional.
TravelerThis was a great weekend trip to Dinosaur. I had reserved a camping spot near the river with plenty of shade. It was an excellent choice (learned my lesson on shade in Sand Dunes). The spot was clean, but a little close to the road. There was not a ton of traffic, but privacy left something to be desired. The shade was a welcome relief from the hot sun in this area of the country. I was less than impressed with the dishwashing facilities (or lack there of). The bathrooms were also less than optimal. They got dirty fast and were filled with flies. Overall it was a nice level site with everything that you needed. The ranger presentation was also very nice.
Sleeping there was great. Perfect temperature with very little humidity. The river brings in cool breezes at night so it was wonderful. The park overall is not my favorite, but it was still a lot of fun. I would recommend it for kids for the Dinosaur angle alone. Also since the day hiking is minimal it gives you plenty of time to just hang around and go for a scavenger hunt or play a game.
Traveler
Beautiful area and lake! Close to the town of vernal. 20 miles outside dinosaur National monument. Staff helpful. Bathrooms clean, nice shower areas! Not sure whether it was usual to have so much wind in the area, but good thing our tent was well secured! Had to stow test of the gear in the car so it wouldn’t blow away! Most beautiful sunset ever! Great campsite!
LegendAccess to the park was easy as was check in. The camp hosts were super nice and very accommodating during our three night’s stay. We proceeded backwards through the campground as instructed to pull through site 8, which is FHUs and 50 AMP. We had to maneuver our 39’ fifth wheel so the utilities side bedroom slide wouldn’t go into a tree. The utilities are placed in the middle of the pad so that was nice. However, water pressure was only about 25 to 30 psi so we filled our freshwater tank and used the pump. We got spotty service on Verizon between 1 and 2 bars. In the mornings we were able to get our Verizon MiFi to work well. We really liked being on the upper campground level with more space between the sites and the covered patio with the picnic table. Sites 1- 8 that lead to the upper level are FHUs. Beware that site 8 is a 1/4 moon turn with a large tree then two poles out the front of the site that people have complained about hitting. We could have backed out of the site but decided to go carefully forward and we missed the poles(obvious from scrapes that some people did not), but we did scrape the branches of the trees. Pull through site 7 is probably the easiest FHU to get into. The rest of the sites are a mix of different services, i.e. water and electric or no hookups at all. They also have a couple of yurts and a cabin. The main draw here seemed to be OHVs but there were also a few people with boats. Checkout Moonshine Arch. It took us twice to find the Moonshine Arch, which is just down the road from Steinaker SP. Google maps nor Waze will get you to the trailhead. It's best to ask for directions from the camp host manning the Steinaker SP gate entrance. The first time we were not prepared and missed the turn to the left after you get on the gravel road(there's no sign). When we got to the parking area, we had no idea which way to go and ended up wondering around. There was a couple with a brochure(which you can get at the park office) but it was basically worthless. Since it was hot and we had our dogs, we bailed but did have a nice hike. The second day we were better prepared and found a blogger who had posted instructions. Basically its a.8/less than a mile moderate hike as follows: 1) go through the green gate to an old, rough jeep trail and follow it around to the right to another green gate, 2) before that green gate follow the trail to the left until you come to an intersection where you'll go right and continue until you get to the flat rocks that go up a hill, 3) climb the flat rock hill staying towards the left until you see a BLM info sign, 4) at the sign follow the trail to the left(at this point you can follow the footprints in the sand) and keep going until you get to the arch, which has a sign that you are there, and of course the arch is hard to miss at this point. Some info says you can see the arch after you climb the flat rock hill. You can see trees around the arch once you know where it is but not the arch itself. Also, if you are into dinosaurs, this is your area starting with Vernal’s museum plus state and national sights as well.
LegendVernal Dinosoar Koa seems like it has a TON of spots crammed into a small are but all of them have green grass, picnic tables, and grills. Some sites have covered awnings some have large shade trees. What I liked about this campground were all the activity options they gave you, unlike some other KOA's I've stayed at. There was a small but functional K-9 park, a kids park, a swimming pool, a jump pad, and they had bike/3 wheeler rentals, and a mini golf coarse. They had a covered patio off of the pool building with picnic tables for use and just on the other side of the jump pad and kids playground they had a HUGE grassy field that you could go throw frisbees on or even fly a kite. They had spots for small RV, Very Large RVs, One special site that came with cable tv, and numerous cabins for rent. If your looking for something just off of the town in Vernal, So you can visit all the great dinosaur attractions, this would be the place. They did have a small store with firewood, some sundries, and tourist gifts. They also have 2 dump stations for $10 a use out front.
Guide
This is a really neat camp for those looking to get away from the normal summer Colorado crowds. It’s in a gorgeous limestone canyon. I think there are 7 sites in juniper trees under hundred foot limestone walls. No cell service for me (ATT) but very quiet and peaceful. Please leave it cleaner than you found it. On this visit it was very clean and this was right after 4th of July weekend. This is a great soot to break up the drive from central Colorado to The Tetons.
TravelerTitle says it all. Gorgeous location along creek surrounded by awesome cliffs. But we had to leave because we literally couldn’t escape the mosquitos.
RangerFirst and foremost I’d recommend only cars and suvs with 4wd to make the trek down to this spot. The road here is not made for bigger camping rigs or anyone that’s lacking experience driving off-road.
With that said if you make out here you’ll find a smaller CG w/ toilets that area clean, water during warmer months, as well as Rangers/hosts nearby that make sure everything is up to snuff.
Depending on what time of year you go and which site you choose could determine if you get A. Roasted by the sun and heat with no shade or B. Destroyed by mosquitoes.
I’ve camped at hundreds of places and this spot is one of the worst I’ve been to as far as mosquitoes are concerned so prep yourself for that.
The location is great for hiking and exploring as well as having the river for some fun.
I will advise to be lion and bear aware down here also. During my hike with my son we came upon a Lion kill site (deer) and then on a later hike had clear fresh tracks of a lion so they’re definitely active here and if hiking the river it gets pretty desolate
Most sites are drive in but there are a couple walk in sites as well. It’s about 50/50 whether you’ll have shade or not at your site.
First come first serve which IMO is a bonus and it’s such a haul to get here that usually you’ll have at least one site opened. When we came through here we got the last site so maybe it’s getting more popular as of late.
Each site has the usual table and fire ring but please check fire restrictions prior to lighting one up as this is a dry area and we want to make sure we do our part to keep it here.
Also PACK OUT ALL TRASH 👌🏼
GuideThis is an absolutely amazing place! We were at the regular campsite, but they are very close together. 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. Several Vault toilets are available. Potable water is also available. Would recommend a high clearance vehicle to get into the canyon. In the summer months it does get very hot, so be prepared.
GuideMy husband and I stayed here in our Overlanding Vehicle in June of 2021. It is a long road down to the campground and it is first come first serve, but it is so worth the journey. 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. No cell phone access but we were totally okay with unplugging!
GuideThis campsite has maybe 15-20 sites. I came on a Sunday in mid-October and it was a maybe 2/3 full. It’s in a beautiful, canyon-like setting near the Green River. The star-gazing is excellent. The campsite was not, unfortunately, right on the river, although there is a reservable group campsite on the water, available for rafters. But there are many beautiful things to see in the area, so it was worth the drive. Just be aware the road is rough in places. You’ll need to drive slowly if you’re in a larger vehicle. Road signs say it is “impassable” when wet. So I wouldn’t try coming here when rain is in the forecast, unless you’re really prepared. There was also potable water available when I was there, but it was being shut off 10/17.
ScoutEnough 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.
TravelerBeautiful remote campground and a ton of fun to drive to. But when we went the mosquitoes were so bad we cooked our food as fast as we could and ate in the car. We left a day early and the following night at our next camp the kids were having nightmares about mosquitoes... Lol. I've been camping most of my life and it's been a long time since I've encountered mosquitoes that bad.
Travelerthe 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. the campground was very quiet. only 3 other sites occupied when we visited in late June. beautiful cliffs surround one side and the river with amazing views of steamboat rock are on the other. only downside was that the canyons seemed to form some sort of wind tunnel right thru the campground, at least while we were there, with the wind whipping up to 20 mph gusts.
ScoutGreat campground. Very pretty location.
TravelerDon't give this place your money. You can't even tent camp here for less than 55.00 per night. Just go another 8-9 miles down the highway to Steinaker where tent camping is 20.00 and RV sites with full hookups are around 35.00.
GuidePretty typical KOA. Bathhouses were clean but a bit worn. They were, however very adequate for the size of the camp. WiFi was better than usual. Some shade. We were in an overflow site with dirt pad but most sites seemed to be gravel. Bring earplugs, lots of road noise at least in the front of the park. If you want great steaks to grill try Unitah meats just down the road.
LegendThis campground is only a few blocks from downtown Vernal, but out of town enough for a rural feel. Some highway noise, but quiets down by nightfall. This campground had a good feel to it IMO. Not super large, but almost all the sites were pull through. I requested a spot by the bathroom/shower building & we got a patio site. Very nice site with a propane grill provided.
There are 3 bathroom/showers in the campground. One in the office building, one by the pool & one by the tent section. Bathrooms were clean. I used the laundry room without issues.
They had a couple of tipis, a woody tent (don't know what that is). 15 tent sites & cabins. The RV sites were basic KOA.- in a row & kind of close. We had no issues with WIFI. Staff was courteous& they had a lot of area information. I especially liked the day trips that were numbered. We camped at Vernal/ Dinosaurland KOA Holiday in a Travel Trailer.
TravelerThe scenery was lovely. Able to pull into the tent site with our Ford E150 no problems, basically no one else in the tent portion of the site (mostly in the RV section). Every site has a fire pit and a picnic table and chairs. Bathrooms were clean, water was hot.
GuideSuper clean, lots of amenities pool, mini golf, horseshoes…friendly, helpful staff. Only downside pool closed to early at 8 pm.
GuideFairly spread out for a KOA. Nice staff and good pool. Very popular place!
Travelernice grass sites for tents and a nice bathhouse.
TravelerWow! We spent 3 nights at Dippy Cabin and what a fantastic place! Amazing views, private drive, mini fridge, and microwave. Full size bunk beds, porch, and grill. Absolutely fantastic.
TravelerNo camping in Flaming Gorge w 2-3 feet of snow still....so headed toward Vernal and remembered we had scoped this place out on a previous raft trip. Campsite 12 is beautiful and...we were the only ones here on a Friday!
ScoutWater pressure is very low. There was some damage done by a guest to a water line, but the staff was on top of it and had it fixed in a timely manner. Grounds were clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Dinosaur, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Dinosaur, CO is Echo Park Campground Group Site — Dinosaur National Monument with a 3.9-star rating from 11 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 8 glamping camping locations near Dinosaur, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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