Best Campgrounds near Grand Junction, CO

Camping options in Grand Junction, Colorado range from established campgrounds with full amenities to remote dispersed sites on public lands. Saddlehorn Campground in Colorado National Monument provides developed camping with picnic tables and toilets approximately 12 miles west of downtown Grand Junction. The James M. Robb Colorado River State Park offers multiple camping sections including Fruita and Island Acres, featuring electric hookups, showers, and water access. For those seeking free camping, Nine Mile Hill and Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area provide primitive dispersed camping opportunities on BLM land with no facilities but impressive views.

Road conditions and seasonal factors significantly influence camping experiences throughout the Grand Junction area. Most developed campgrounds like Monument RV Park and Canyon View RV Resort remain open year-round, while Saddlehorn Campground typically operates from March through October. "Very well maintained campground with lots of trees and nice sized sites. It's a bit of a drive to Grand Junction and the Colorado National Monument, but great if you want to get away from the crowds," noted one visitor about Highline Lake State Park. Dispersed camping areas may require high-clearance vehicles to navigate unpaved roads, particularly after rain. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in the valley, while higher elevation sites offer cooler conditions. Cell service varies considerably, with better coverage near town and limited connectivity in more remote areas.

Public lands surrounding Grand Junction provide panoramic views that campers consistently highlight in reviews. The Colorado National Monument offers dramatic canyon vistas that rival national parks, with one camper noting its "views that rival Grand Canyon." Riverside camping along the Colorado River provides water access and recreation opportunities, particularly at the Fruita Section of James M. Robb State Park. Several visitors mention the convenience of camping locations that balance natural settings with proximity to services. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the contrast between developed campgrounds with full amenities and the solitude of dispersed sites on BLM land. Nighttime stargazing is frequently mentioned as exceptional at more remote locations where light pollution from Grand Junction is minimal.

Best Camping Sites Near Grand Junction, Colorado (129)

    1. Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument

    66 Reviews
    Fruita, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 858-3617

    $11 - $22 / night

    "our way up but stopped when we got there and a rainbow appeared while we were unpacking and setting up. there are picnic and charcoal only cooking stations at every site, our picnic area was a tiny walk"

    "My bf and I recently stayed at a tent site here, we arrived right at sunset and the view driving in was amazing. The bathrooms were close by and seemed well maintained."

    2. Grand Junction KOA

    26 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    4 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"

    "We stayed at the Grand Junction KOA when driving cross country from CA to NY a few years back."

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

    26 Reviews
    Fruita, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 858-9188

    $26 - $41 / night

    "Very nice, and cared for campground located near the Colorado Monument and other impressive canyons. Close to Fruita and Grand Junction for restaurants."

    "Great access to the running/bike trail.  Easy, short drive into Grand Junction.  We will stay here again, but for a longer period of time!"

    4. Canyon View RV Resort

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

    $40 - $85 / night

    "It’s close to everything including sites. The mountains are beautiful. Night sky was jaw dropping. The resort was very quiet which was SO nice and relaxing."

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

    38 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 464-0548

    $26 - $41 / night

    "The campground itself was nice with the only detracting factor being the highway next door."

    "There is a daily entrance fee of$10/vehicle in addition to the CG fee, so factor that in. There is quite a bit of road noise from I-70. There is a nice trail along the river too."

    6. Palisade Basecamp RV Resort

    27 Reviews
    Palisade, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 462-9712

    $43 - $137 / night

    "Located on the Colorado River. Winery’s & Distillery’s close by. Clean restrooms & laundry, a general store with just about everything you might have forgotten."

    "Super clean and close to endless Colorado adventures!"

    7. Nine Mile Hill

    17 Reviews
    Whitewater, CO
    12 miles
    Website

    "Easy to get to and only about 30 minutes or so away from Grand Junction. We were able to get our T@G trailer to a good spot, but the road to the different camping areas can be a bit rocky."

    "This is a great canyon to camp in with Grand Junction just a short drive away. Some spots are best reached with a AWD or 4WD vehicle, and the road is right there."

    8. Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area BLM

    12 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    6 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."

    9. Monument RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Fruita, CO
    10 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."

    "This was a beautiful location right on the river and right off the interstate! The staff was very helpful! (I even got a refund from the site I booked online!)."

    10. Camp Eddy

    5 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 462-7153

    "Was happy to find this place when we were moving through Grand Junction. Simple gravel lot, but well kept and very clean. Everything is very new!"

    "The good - riverside, clean, modern, nice showers, nice clubhouse, bikeway along river, close to GJ amphitheater for walking to concert

    The cons - very exposed - zero shade, little commercial within"

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Showing results 1-10 of 129 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Grand Junction, CO

652 Reviews of 129 Grand Junction Campgrounds



Guide to Grand Junction

Camping near Grand Junction, CO, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just soaking up the scenery, there’s something for everyone.

What to do

  • Explore National Parks: The nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is perfect for hiking and photography. One visitor said, "Camping is the way to experience the beautiful NP. Sites are well maintained and bathrooms extremely clean."
  • Visit the Colorado River: At Grandstaff Campground, you can paddle and hike along the river. A camper mentioned, "We were there for 7 days and loved it. Paddling most days great hiking and biking."
  • Wine Tasting: The area is known for its wineries. Many campgrounds, like Palisade Basecamp RV Resort, are close to local vineyards, making it easy to enjoy a day of tasting.

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Saddlehorn Campground. One review highlights, "The sites are spacious. Loop B has incredible views!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Rifle Gap State Park, are noted for their cleanliness. A visitor stated, "The showers and toilets were clean. 10/10 recommend and will be coming back!"
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers enjoy spotting wildlife. At Black Canyon Dispersed Camping, one camper shared, "This is a really pretty campground near Montrose and Black Canyon NP entrance."

What you should know

  • Reservation Requirements: Some campgrounds, like Rabbit Valley, now require reservations. A camper noted, "This place was great when it was free. Now BLM is charging for sites and they must be reserved."
  • Noise Levels: Expect some noise from nearby highways. A review for James M. Robb Colorado River - Island Acres Section Camping mentions, "Even the official State Park description mentions highway and train noise."
  • Limited Amenities: Some sites, like Grandstaff Campground, have basic facilities. A visitor mentioned, "Clean restrooms. $20 per site/per night."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. The Grand Junction KOA has a jump pad and mini-golf. One parent said, "Well maintained facilities. Great for kids."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Saddlehorn Campground advised, "Bring water as it is at elevation."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have picnic tables, but not all. A visitor at Rifle Gap State Park noted, "Most tent sites are gravel covered."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for South Rim Campground mentioned, "Sites are rated by size of vehicle/camper they can accommodate."
  • Electric Hookups: If you need power, look for campgrounds with electric hookups like Palisade Basecamp RV Resort. One camper said, "Stellar amenities, electricity at every pad."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Nights can get chilly, especially in the mountains. A visitor at Devils Garden Campground warned, "Only thing to note is it does get cold at night."

Camping near Grand Junction, CO, offers a variety of experiences, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available near Grand Junction, CO?

Yes, free dispersed camping is available near Grand Junction. Nine Mile Hill offers free boondocking about 30 minutes from Grand Junction with spots suitable for trailers, though the access road can be somewhat rocky. Bitter Creek Overlook Camping Area provides another free option with beautiful views, offering a remote feel despite being accessible from the highway. Additional free camping can be found at Escalante Ridge, which provides dispersed sites close enough to Grand Junction for convenience while offering solitude. BLM land surrounding Grand Junction generally permits dispersed camping, though always check current regulations before setting up camp.

What are the most popular campgrounds in Grand Junction, Colorado?

The most popular campgrounds around Grand Junction include Fruita Section Camping — James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, which offers well-maintained sites close to Colorado Monument and convenient access to restaurants in both Fruita and Grand Junction. Grand Junction KOA is another favorite, offering spacious sites and excellent amenities despite being adjacent to US 50. This KOA provides easy access to downtown Grand Junction and the Colorado River bridges. Monument RV Park in nearby Fruita (just 12 miles from Grand Junction) is also popular with clean facilities and proximity to numerous biking and hiking trails.

Where are the best camping spots near Grand Junction, Colorado?

Grand Junction offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument provides stunning views and first-come, first-served spots in Loop A, making it perfect for scenic camping. For water recreation, Bookcliff Campground — Highline Lake State Park offers well-maintained sites with plenty of trees and grass. Other fantastic options include James M. Robb Colorado River State Park for riverside camping and The Potholes Recreation Site for those seeking easier access from Route 50. Most campgrounds are within 45 minutes of Grand Junction, offering diverse experiences from desert landscapes to riverside retreats.

What tent camping facilities are available near Grand Junction?

Tent campers near Grand Junction have several excellent options. Hay Press Campground offers spacious tent sites about 45 minutes from the city, with three reservoirs providing a peaceful setting. The Potholes Recreation Site features well-maintained tent sites with clean vault toilets and is easily accessible from Route 50. For tent camping with amenities, James M. Robb Colorado River State Park provides developed sites, though reviewers note it can get hot in summer and road noise might be noticeable for tent campers. Saddlehorn Campground in Colorado National Monument also accommodates tents with the advantage of stunning natural surroundings.