Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Fruita? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Colorado excursion.
Discover diverse terrain, secluded wilderness, and plenty of fun while camping on BLM land around Grand Junction, CO.
Campsite along Kokopelli Trail.
Leave No Trace principles:
Camping is NOT permitted at the Mee Canyon Alcove.
Rattlesnake and Mee Canyon provide outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. Geologic features in this area include arches, spires, windows, giant alcoves and desert patina. Between these canyons are pinon-juniper covered mesas which slope downward to the Colorado River. RATTLESNAKE ARCHES: A short section connecting the top of the mesa to the bench below the arches is rocky and steep and requires extra caution - it is not recommended. From the trailhead travel 0.5 miles to an intersection. To the left takes you to an area where you can view the arches from above. To the right takes you to the Lower Arches Trail, which is 5 miles round trip (out and back). In 0.2 miles the trail splits - to the right goes to Pollock Bench Trailhead; stay to the left for the arches trail. Camping is NOT permitted within 1/4 mile of the Rattlesnake Arches Loop and along the access road to the trailhead. MEE CANYON: The trail into Mee Canyon is primitive and only marked with rock cairns. The route steeply descends sandstone layers with exposed cliffs. Camping is NOT permitted at the Mee Canyon Alcove. Leave No Trace principles:
Leave No Trace principles:
Traveler
Easy to find with Google maps. Plenty of open space. 15min off 70.
Dirt road, a bit bumpy, but we easily pulled our 21ft Micro Minnie
and it was doable for almost any vehicle. We didn't go to far up into the sites so I can't speak to further in. Rolled in at midnight and was still simple to find in the dark.
Traveler
Found this spot and was very happy with the setup. Like other reviews, the highway noise was a bit loud but nothing too crazy, especially really late. There were other campers spread out nicely, you wouldn’t even know they were there. The road is a bit iffy so snagging a spot at the front would be best if you don’t have 4WD (my Nissan car struggled, we had to back up & turn around). Overall great spot for tent camping! Remember to leave no trace 🫶🏼🏕️🌎
TravelerStayed one night on the way to Colorado. Super easy to find right off the highway and plenty of spots. I was the only one there when I stayed. Highway noise isn’t too much of an issue but I did have some loud and strong winds all night.
TravelerApple map directions are spot on. Lots of room - I chose to go up a rutted road a ways, for privacy. There was one camper at the flat bottom. Check weather for rain chance if you don’t have 4x4.
Scout
Great spot. Rough 2wd plenty of spots great views
Traveler
Made camp here for 1 night traveling west. Many sites available both by the highway and down in the canyon. Canyon road was in good shape and even the largest RV could go down it. Sites were pretty level. No toilets, etc.
GuideThis was a beautiful place to camp. There were a few places along the road you could stop and camp. We stayed at the farthest site out because there were other campers at the other sites. All sites could fit more that one camper if needed.
Beautiful sunsets and sunrises at this location. The road leaving up was doable for our low clearance Winnebago solis.
TravelerI was going to head 11 miles down the road but decided I’d rather have WiFi. It was a good call. Just past Labor Day, there were three of us last night about 1/2 mile off the main drag. Enough places to pull off though you can still hear some main road traffic.
The area was clean except one site with broken glass. Clear skies with great stargazing.
No amenities here whatsoever but that’s just fine. Comes with the free price.
Scout
Very easy to get to via the 139. The drive in locations are level and the sites are easy to reach with a camper van.
However, what surprised us was the amount of empty gun ammunition laying around on the campsite. As a European this might be more confronting than for a USA citizen, but it made us feel a bit uncomfortable. The sound of people doing target practice nearby also didn't help. Furthermore there was some burnt couches and chairs dumped on site 1 which contributed to the site feeling a bit sketchy.
Overall, we hade a fine overnight stay.
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.
Traveler
Well groomed dirt/gravel road just West of Rte 65. Go in 1/4 mile and turn Right down dirt path to large camping site. There is nobody for 1/2 mile or more around you. If this site is not good, up FSR 100 maybe 1/2 mile on the Right is a site up in the trees. Very secluded. This site is at 10,700 feet elevation. The lake is stream fed and looks like good trout fishing. There are free range cows in the area.
TravelerBeautiful views. Secluded. Good cell service.
Traveler
This place is beautiful, quiet & secluded. Had the place to myself absolutely beautiful. I have a sedan & made it up fine but drove very slow. It’s a very Long bumpy dirt road. No cell service.
Scout
This spot is really beautiful and easy to get to. Just follow the BLM road, and about 3 miles down you’ll find some fire rings. Even ground I was able to get up here with my Camry so it’s very accessible.
Ranger
A little buggy in the summer, but otherwise perfect. Make sure to bring your paddle board or fishing pole. Super quiet spot.
Guide
This was a great spot, it was hidden but there were a ton of people, they recently redid the back roads to get here and it was extremely busy (we had a rig pull up right next us at 1 am because there werent any spots). It is really pretty and close to Grand Junction. The misquote r pretty bad also, tons of spots, if there aren't a ton of people. Lots of lakes though and great fishing!
Traveler
A very doable 3-4 mile drive off the 70. There are a few high spots on the road, so be careful not to bottom out if you don’t have 4-wheel drive.
We were the only ones there.
TravelerMan, we love these blm lands in colorado!!
GuideThis place is easily accessible off 650 Road. Has a smooth dirt road and a short scenic drive along a shelf road. Highly recommend for a night or two of camping. When we were here for one night in late June, winds were strong.
Ranger
Found this spot after trying to find a cool spot to be able to Boulder and wow! This spot was perfect, extremely secluded and offered amazing views. On top of it, there was so much climbing nearby that was so accessible and offered a variety of different difficulties. Not the easiest rd to drive up but we made it with our RAV4, just need to be careful.
TravelerWe stopped in late, the roads are smooth and there is a lot of places to pull off and have privacy. If road noise bothers you, just venture further along the road. Downside: there was a lot of small hidden vicious cacti, we were afraid of letting the dogs out. We went mid June, it got hot fast in the morning, but was pleasant enough in the night to not need a/c. Sunrise was pretty also.
GuideNot sure what to expect we gave this place a chance. Plus we wanted to have few days for ourselves during the memorial weekend. We got all of it, except with occasional ATVs passing by. The road to the camp site from the I-50 road is rather long (12 miles, cca 30 min), but very easy and quite picturesque. However I’d avoid it during the night as it gets narrow on parts and vehicle need to wait at the wider sides to pass each other. Once you pass the private land and get to the first campsites continue further. There are plenty more to go, some with access to the water. Surrounded by many piñon trees, that some are unfortunately cut with a chain saw and probably used for the firewood, they still give enough shade and beautiful views of the canyon and Escalante Creek. One day we biked on the road to reach the Escalante Canyon but we couldn’t pass the wide and fairly deep stream of the creek. We also failed to attempt to cross the creek to go for a hike on the other side of the canyon. Perhaps in drier days can easily be done. We enjoyed the stay a lot. Be also prepared for strong winds coming though the canyon in May time.
Traveler
Large designated area for dispersed camping. Ground is lumpy, I wouldn't want to tent camp. Several existing fire rings. Solid Verizon service. Lots of pit toilets in the area. Nearby roads can become extremely difficult to travel after a light rain due to slick peanut butter mud. I wouldn't come here just to camp, this is more a spot for people looking to do activities in the vicinity.
Traveler
Good spot of you have a dirt bike, it looks like there's a lot to ride around here. Lots of parking for trailers. If you're just passing through and looking for a spot to sleep, it's great too, and you don't need to go all the way to the pin to find a spot
ScoutPulled in around 10pm and followed up the rutted road to a campsite. There were some folks camped on the lower lot, but being on top of the hill gave great morning views. Definitely recommend for a pitstop from Denver to Zion.
Go right at the sign for the range after ~4 miles off 70 and some rutted gravel roads. You can pull off there, or we drove up a bit (prob wouldn't recommend if you're in a sedan). Fire rings were available, but it was quite windy and we got there late.
TravelerLong road with lots of options like the other reviews say. We drove in at 10 pm and there were at least 7 other people staying on the road. Road has lots of ruts and some of the pull off areas are pretty rutted, too. We weren't too sure if our van could handle those, so we had to pick one that was a little smoother. Perk, is that we both had really good service (Verizon)!
GuideDarn this is a beautiful canyon. The drive up through Unaweep alone is worth it, maybe the most surprisingly beautiful place I've ever seen. I drove well up into the canyon past the most established sites. I set up camp in a somewhat precarious rockfall zone, but I survived. There is a creek you can climb down to, but not much else too do besides smoke some ribs. I wish I had driven across to the La Sals, but the view of them is amazing as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Fruita, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fruita, CO is Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area BLM with a 3.5-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Fruita, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 dispersed camping locations near Fruita, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
