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Best Campgrounds near Fruita, CO

632 Reviews

Fruita, Colorado serves as a gateway to several campground options, with established sites scattered around the region's river corridors and desert landscapes. Campers have access to developed facilities at Saddlehorn Campground in Colorado National Monument, James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, and Monument RV Park, where hookups and amenities support extended stays. Tent camping, RV sites, and cabin accommodations are available throughout the area, while primitive camping can be found at North Fruita Desert and Rabbit Valley in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. The BLM lands surrounding Fruita provide additional dispersed camping opportunities for self-sufficient travelers seeking more remote experiences.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in the Fruita area, with many developed campgrounds operating year-round while others close during winter months. Saddlehorn Campground typically operates from March through October, while North Fruita Desert maintains a similar season from March to November. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping periods. Water availability varies widely between developed and primitive sites, with many backcountry locations requiring campers to bring all needed water. Reservations are strongly recommended for established campgrounds, especially during peak mountain biking and hiking seasons in spring and fall. A visitor noted, "Convenient park but not much for adventure. Clean bathrooms. Sites were clean and well maintained and not too close together. I imagine it could be warm in summer."

Campers report high satisfaction with the variety of experiences available near Fruita. Colorado River access points provide water recreation opportunities at James M. Robb State Park, where concrete pads, shade shelters, and proximity to hiking trails enhance the camping experience. Several visitors mentioned the benefits of Fruita's location as a base for exploring Colorado National Monument and nearby public lands. According to one camper, "This place has some of the nicest RV sites we have come across in a state park or any other park for that matter. Each site has some to good tree coverage, a shade shelter, and a picnic table." The proximity to mountain biking trails makes the North Fruita Desert campground particularly popular with outdoor enthusiasts, while those seeking quiet, primitive camping gravitate toward the free BLM sites with fewer amenities but more solitude.

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Best Camping Sites Near Fruita, Colorado (117)

    1. Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument

    68 Reviews
    Fruita, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 858-3617

    $11 - $22 / night

    "Absolutely breathtaking views on your drive up to this site! It’s only a 15 minute drive from Fruita. Tucked away ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN!"

    "Pros: The trailhead/views, flush toilets, WiFi(At least at our site faceing towards Fruita), trash cans, tables Cons: Sites were real close together so it really depends on who your next to, for someone"

    2. Fruita Section Camping — James M. Robb Colorado River State Park

    27 Reviews
    Fruita, CO
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 858-9188

    $26 - $41 / night

    "This a a great campground very close to downtown Fruita. It is well maintained and the bathroom/shower rooms are by far the warmest and cleanest we have ever been too."

    "Fruita,CO James M Robb, Colorado River State Park Fruita Section Site 23 Staying a night at this great State Park There is this CG in Fruita and another in Grand Junction, see map."

    3. Bookcliff Campground — Highline Lake State Park

    21 Reviews
    Mack, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 858-7208

    $28 / night

    "This is a great spot to camp if you want to ride the course for the 18hrs of Fruita mountain bike race."

    "Its a bit of a drive to Grand Junction and the Colorado National Monument, but great if you want to get away from the crowds."

    4. Canyon View RV Resort

    16 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 730-2600

    $40 - $85 / night

    "We visited the Palisades and hiked in Colorado National Monument. Bathhouse facilities like a grand hotel. We also road our mountain bikes all around."

    "It is close to I-70 and the road noise is quite noticeable if you’re outside. The restrooms, showers and pool are very nice. The WiFi was fair with speeds of around 0.5 MB/s."

    5. Monument RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Fruita, CO
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 858-4405

    "Monument RV park is located in Fruita, CO which is only 12 miles or 20 minutes from Grand Junction. Fruita has a lot to offer for a small town."

    "First time in Fruita and we’ll definitely be back to this RV Park again next year."

    6. Grand Junction KOA

    26 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 242-2527

    "Although this KOA is closely adjacent to US 50 as it enters the Grand Junction area, it is spacious, super-well-kept, nicely located for access to both Colorado River bridges (29 Rd. and Hwy 50), just"

    "Close to the highway, so some noise, but not enough to ruin your time. Best part if this KOA is being close to Colorado National Monument!! One of our favorite places we’ve ever been!"

    7. Rabbit Valley — Mc Innis Canyons National Conservation Area

    27 Reviews
    Mack, CO
    15 miles
    +1 (970) 244-3000

    $20 / night

    "We drove down anout 3 miles to knowles overlook campground overlooking the Colorado River. There are about six sites and a pit toilet, its free. So beautiful and peaceful."

    "There are some campsites closer to the highway, but if you are intrepid you can travel a little further down and really nestle into some rocks in a small canyon."

    8. North Fruita Desert Upper Campground

    15 Reviews
    Loma, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 244-3000

    $20 - $50 / night

    "Fruita is a great little town located 7 miles east of Utah. The Colorado National Monument, which you can also camp at, is located directly on the opposite side of I-70."

    "It is way north of Fruita almost to the foothills of the Bookcliffs. While there were a number of others all around, no one was close to each other."

    9. Knowles Overlook Campground

    16 Reviews
    Mack, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 244-3000

    "When into Fruita for dinner and then popped back up here for a beautiful sunset overlooking the River."

    "The trails getting in are fairly sandy but very easy to follow, I recommend 4WD and some clearence. We were able to tow our square drop off-roading camper back there with no issues."

    10. Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area BLM

    12 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    11 miles
    Website

    "After searching for a campsite for a while, we finally stumbled across this place around 10pm on a Saturday night at the end of April 2021."

    "A few other people, lots of biking and OHV trails nearby."

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Recent Camping Photos near Fruita, CO

150 Photos of 117 Fruita Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Fruita, CO

632 Reviews of 117 Fruita Campgrounds

  • j
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Island Acres Section Camping — James M. Robb Colorado River State Park

    Loud

    This is a beautiful location right on the Colorado river. My girlfriend and I decided it would be a beautiful place to camp and we were only 20 feet from the river. There was a beautiful cliff on the other side of the river. There was a beautiful cliff behind us. Unfortunately, we discovered that we were about 100 feet from a railroad track on the other side of the river. Trains went by all night every half hour or so. On the back side was I-70. Semi trucks went by all night long. In the middle of the night we had jets flying directly overhead. Being as we were between two cliffs, we were sleeping in a giant echo chamber. It was, without a doubt, the loudest campground I have ever been in. If you want a good night’s sleep, I would suggest you find a campsite elsewhere.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Bitter Creek Overlook Camping Area

    Two ways to approach - both are good

    The GPS coordinates, when mapped in Google (not Apple) Maps, take you down the FIRST dirt road past the exit, not the SECOND as detailed in the directions.

    If you take the first dirt road, you’ll quickly hit rougher roads and a BLM sign. Most cars can handle this if you take it slow, and find a campsite near the front. If you decide to follow all the way to the coordinates, you’ll end up on some pretty rough roads that can be tricky without a higher clearance vehicle. You’ll end at an overlook which is nice, but can be windy.

    If you follow the directions and not the coordinates (taking the SECOND dirt road) you’ll go down a much wider, smoother road. Watch closely for the turn, it’s easy to miss. You’ll find spots to camp pretty quickly, and they’re not out in the open so you’ll find them to be a bit more sheltered from wind.

    The photos attached to this review are at a site the written directions take you to, as opposed to the GPS coordinates.

  • Donnie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Lands End Camp

    LONG views from the edge of the mesa

    Only 2 spots out here at lands end that are actually on the edge of the mesa. No tree cover out on the edge of the mesa. Alt is around 10.5k so won't get super hot. Glow of the city lights from below at night is pretty. During the daytime in clear weather, you have 100+ mile views.

  • J
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument

    Gem on the Mesa

    Beautiful campground in the Colorado National Monument. Sunrise vistas over the Grand Valley. No water hookups or electric but clean, flush toilet bathrooms, water spigots around the campground. Bring levelers! Sites are not level.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    BLM Camping off 139

    It’s ok

    This works for an overnight place to pull off and sleep. There are at least a dozen deer carcasses throughout the camping area and bones everywhere. Trash has been dumped in the ravine. Lots of flies.

  • Beau G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Nine Mile Hill

    Great spot for a stopover

    Only two other campers, very spaced out. Little bit of noise from the road but by 2300 was dead quiet.

    Tent camped and watched the Milky Way roll overhead.

  • k
    Sep. 14, 2025

    RV Ranch at Grand Junction

    Clean, well maintained

    Nice level sites. Some longterm/perm campers. Bathtooms updated and clean. Wifi spotty.

Guide to Fruita

Primitive camping areas surround Fruita, Colorado at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,000 feet with terrain transitioning from desert landscape to pinyon-juniper woodland. The region experiences extreme temperature fluctuations with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. Many dispersed camping sites require high-clearance vehicles and most lack shade structures during peak summer months.

What to do

Mountain biking access: At North Fruita Desert Upper Campground, riders can connect directly to popular trails from their campsite. One visitor noted, "You have direct access to mtn bike trails! This place can be busy during spring and fall when best enjoyed." The area features miles of single-track trails suitable for various skill levels.

Rock climbing options: Natural rock formations near Rabbit Valley offer climbing opportunities. A camper mentioned, "This spot also had a large rock formation with lines and anchors already set up for top rope rock climbing and bouldering." Most climbing areas are within 5-10 miles of established campgrounds.

Geocaching adventures: Several campgrounds feature geocache locations. At Highline Lake State Park, a visitor shared, "There are 13 geocaches in the park, while we didn't have time to go find them, they are there and we were able to look them up." Bring your GPS device and comfortable hiking shoes to hunt for these hidden treasures.

What campers like

Clean bathroom facilities: Saddlehorn Campground receives high marks for maintenance standards. A recent visitor reported, "Cleanest bathrooms I have seen at a campground. Potable water. Charcoal grills (no wood fires). Amazing views." The bathrooms include flush toilets and utility sinks in most sections.

Privacy between sites: Canyon View RV Resort offers well-designed spacing. According to one camper, "The sites are nice, more widely spaced than most private CGs and the sites are angled, so you're not looking directly in your neighbor's windows." This thoughtful layout creates a sense of privacy even when the campground is full.

Water recreation options: Highline Lake State Park provides swimming and boating opportunities. A camper described, "This is a small campground on the Western Slope of Colorado. It has a lake that allows motor boats... They also rent paddle boats on site." The swim beaches provide welcome relief during hot summer days.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds now require advance booking. A visitor to North Fruita Desert noted, "Note: As of 2022, all sites are reservations only...no FF [first-come, first-served]." Plan ahead, especially during peak mountain biking seasons in spring and fall.

Limited shade protection: Rabbit Valley and other desert sites offer minimal shade. One visitor shared, "No trees for shade/hammocks, dog friendly but don't plan on taking them off pavement for hiking. Stakes are pointless." Bring canopies or other shade structures during summer months.

Road conditions: Access to many sites requires appropriate vehicles. For Knowles Overlook Campground, a camper advised, "It was about a 6 mile ride back on dirt and sand that my suburu handled easily. What a find off of I-70!" Check recent road conditions before attempting remote sites.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Monument RV Park provides family-friendly amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Has cable a hot tub and a pool. Also a playground for kids." These features offer entertainment options after a day of exploring.

Fishing opportunities: Some campgrounds provide child-friendly fishing. At Highline Lake State Park, a camper noted, "The visitors center has childrens fishing gear that is free to use during your visit. There is a wooden play structure as well." Bring snacks and patience for a relaxing fishing experience.

Activity variety: Consider parks with diverse recreation options. A visitor to Grand Junction KOA observed, "This KOA has a pool, mini golf, dog run, and general store. Facilities were clean and in good shape." Having multiple activities helps keep children entertained throughout your stay.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Grand Junction KOA provides essential services. A recent visitor reported, "RV sites have water, sewer, and 20/30/50 amp electric hookups. Sites are mostly level gravel. Some have small grassy areas and patios with brick pavers and a fire pit." These amenities support longer stays comfortably.

Site leveling challenges: At Rabbit Valley, RVers face uneven terrain. A camper noted, "Plenty of areas for tent camping. But as for fifth wheels it's not good." Consider bringing leveling blocks if visiting primitive campgrounds.

Site selection strategy: RVers should research site dimensions. At Canyon View RV Resort, a visitor explained, "We have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site B02 for 4 days in mid June." Most established campgrounds list site dimensions on their reservation platforms to help with planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reservations for camping in Fruita?

Reservations are highly recommended for most campgrounds near Fruita, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall). North Fruita Desert Upper Campground is popular with mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts, making advance planning essential. Monument RV Park also fills quickly due to its convenient location and amenities. State park campgrounds typically require reservations, which can be made online through Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Some BLM dispersed camping areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but they have limited facilities. For holiday weekends and during mountain biking festivals, book several months in advance to secure your spot.

Where are the best campgrounds near Fruita, Colorado?

Fruita offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Fruita Section Camping — James M. Robb Colorado River State Park is highly rated for its riverside location, clean facilities, and proximity to downtown. For stunning panoramic views, Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument sits atop a mountain just 15 minutes from Fruita with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape. Mountain bikers often prefer North Fruita Desert Upper Campground for trail access, while Knowles Overlook Campground provides beautiful sunset views overlooking the river. Monument RV Park is another good option with convenient access to local attractions.

Are there camping areas with swimming access near Fruita?

Bookcliff Campground — Highline Lake State Park offers excellent swimming opportunities with a clean lake and large swim beach. The park provides a family-friendly environment with a wooden play structure and even offers free children's fishing gear to borrow during your visit. Island Acres Section Camping — James M. Robb Colorado River State Park provides access to the Colorado River, though swimming conditions depend on water levels and current. While many campgrounds in the area are near water, always check current conditions as desert temperatures and water levels can vary dramatically by season. Some spots along the Colorado River offer informal swimming access, but be cautious of currents.

What are the costs for camping around Fruita, Colorado?

Camping costs around Fruita vary by facility type and amenities. At Knowles Overlook Campground, you'll find more affordable primitive camping options with basic amenities. For full hookups and facilities, expect to pay more at developed sites like Canyon View RV Resort. State park campgrounds like James M. Robb Colorado River State Park typically charge $20-36 per night plus the daily park entrance fee (around $9 per vehicle). BLM dispersed camping areas offer the most economical option, with many sites available for free or a nominal fee. RV parks with full hookups generally range from $35-60 per night depending on the season. Most campgrounds also offer discounts for seniors and disabled veterans.

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