Looking for an adventure where you can explore Dinosaur and then fall asleep in your tent? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Dinosaur, including sites, reviews, and tips. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Colorado camping adventure.
$100 / night
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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 clean and quiet. Curious and kind staff. I called in the afternoon and they good me a spot for me to camp in my prius. Thank you and I'd camp here again.
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
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
Guide
Spent one night here. The staff was really friendly and it's a very well maintained camp. The showers and bathrooms were spotless, and the dumpsters were very convenient. I ended up at a full hookup spot that cost $50 a night. I believe there are $30 options available as well. On the pricier side, but worth it. I believe they offer weekly discounts. I'm going to look into this if in the area again.
Traveler
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. Good for my low clearence van or microcamper, not anything larger. Another site 35 yards further.
Traveler
Well off the beaten path. Nearest boondocking neighbor is over a mile away. Good att coverage
Guide
6 spots and when we arrived on afternoon of Tuesday after Memorial Day there was only one other camper there. Outhouse was SPOTLESS, maybe 10 cars passed in total. No cell signal on my AT&T or Verizon so download some playlists! Fantastic spot to camp if you want to be out in the middle of nowhere!
Legend
CG is a long hwy #191 just outside of Flaming Gorge Recreation Area. 35 total sites, 22 are reservable. Vault toilets and dumpsters available. RV dump open but no water in CG or at RV dump. Sites are $23/$11.50 senior. Managed by a contractor, camp host onsite. Only neg is close to hwy so traffic noise. Cell signal is not known. 10 miles from Dutch John and the water and boat ramps
TravelerOnly one spot. There used to be a road going farther down to more sites but it is closed to motorized vehicles now. The dirt road coming in is a bit rough but I made it with an SUV and 16’ TT. Just go slow. Good Verizon service and decent AT&T.
LegendMcCoy Flats BLM is a mt bike focus recreation area with a network of excellent nonmotorizrd singletrack trails. Dispersed free camping allowed, and currently there are several nice vault toilets scattered along the main access paved road.
This camping area is at the third new vault toilet. Lots of room for large TTs. No trash dumpsters and no water, but cell signal is excellent 5g five bars. Only few miles from main hwy on an old paved pothole filled road. And then only 3 miles back into Vernal and a Walmart on this end of town, so logistics are very good.
Legend
This McCoy Flats area is a mt bike non-motorized trails recreation focus area. This site is going to be a future developed BLM CG, but for now it is still free dispersed. There is an older vault toilet up in the junipers and a new vault toilet out by main paved road. New campers to this site should recon first before hauling a TT up these narrow entrenched two-track sandy roads. The right fork is best IMO. Only vault toilets here currently, no dumpsters, no water, but cell signal is good. This site is the first of three new vault toilets along the main road. Note: screenshot of BLM proposed CG map is attached here.
Guide
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.
GuideCamped across the road from established free camping. Our site was private and no ATVs so it's pretty quiet too. Some road noise, but it drops off around 11 pm.
GuideVery quiet, not a lot of other campers
3 bars verizon
Lots of mountain bikers
Traveler
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!
Tent camping near Dinosaur, Colorado offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning landscapes and enjoy the tranquility of nature. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and unwind.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dinosaur, CO is Red Fleet State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 19 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Dinosaur, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
