Top Free Dispersed Camping near Grand Junction, CO

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Grand Junction, CO (33)

Showing results 1-10 of 33 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Grand Junction

92 Reviews of 33 Grand Junction Campgrounds


  • Jennifer B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid Rock Camp
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Pyramid Rock Camp

    Easy overnight

    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.

  • Alexia L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nine Mile Hill
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Nine Mile Hill

    Great Views, Secluded

    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 🫶🏼🏕️🌎

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nine Mile Hill
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Nine Mile Hill

    Perfect off the highway spot!

    Stayed 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.

  • Doug The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid Rock Camp
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Pyramid Rock Camp

    Great views

    Apple 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.

  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)

    Cab be windy in the canyon

    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.

  • Devin B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid Rock Camp
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Pyramid Rock Camp

    Peaceful

    This 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)

    Quiet, reasonably convenient

    I 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.

  • Frank S.
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Camping off 139
    Aug. 31, 2024

    BLM Camping off 139

    Basic spot nearby highway

    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.

  • Brian E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Grand Mesa Colorado FSR 100
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Grand Mesa Colorado FSR 100

    Secluded Dispersed Camp spot next to a 5 acre lake

    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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gateway Recreation Area Dispersed, BLM
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Gateway Recreation Area Dispersed, BLM

    Beautiful , Remote

    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.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Dispersed Camping Near BLM 217
    Jul. 30, 2024

    BLM Dispersed Camping Near BLM 217

    Camping at BLM site

    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.

  • Aaliyah B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Wood Lakes #1-4
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Cotton Wood Lakes #1-4

    Cotton Wood Lake #3

    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!

  • Luke R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed River Site - Gunnison Gorge National Conservation
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Dispersed River Site - Gunnison Gorge National Conservation

    Solid Campground, Slow road, right on River

    The mosquitos are plentiful but it is right on the Gunnison River and a nice looking area. Hiking trails nearby. Multiple campgrounds along the road but the road is bumpy and one way so occasionally someone has to pull over to let others pass. Great campground at the end of the road with toilets, fire pits with grills and picnic tables with roof to keep rain out. The wind was pretty intense when the skies got grey but we managed to set up camp. Again, and this is an all of Colorado thing but be prepared with all your tricks for mosquitos because they were everywhere.

  • Zack L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)

    Private, scenic dispersed camping

    This 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.

  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Divide Rd Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Divide Rd Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful Seclusion

    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.

  • Heather M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD

    Absolutely beautiful

    Other than the plethora of mosquitos, this is one of my favorite camp spots so far. My husband and I arrived around 3:30pm on a Tuesday. Camp sites directly on the banks are few, but we managed to score what I thought was the prettiest spot. There were plenty of spots around if you don't want to be right next to the lake. As mentioned, there were a ton of mosquitos. When the breeze was blowing, it helped, but definitely bring bug spray! In the evening time, we were treated to a lovely sunset and fish jumping. Will be coming back again. Very peaceful place.

  • Dolly L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)

    Awesome night sky, hidden cacti

    We 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.

  • Wild Berries B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)

    Perfect remote place for Memorial weekend

    Not 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.

  • Maggie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed River Site - Gunnison Gorge National Conservation
    Jun. 3, 2024

    Dispersed River Site - Gunnison Gorge National Conservation

    Cool drive with views

    We ended up driving all the way to the end of the road & back up to the beginning of the sites for the best views. The fishing wasn't ideal from the shore but we had a fantastic view of the sunrise & sunset. It was pretty windy in the evening but the bugs weren't bad because of it. We took off early to avoid the hot sun, but it was the perfect place for the night.

  • Maggie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD
    Jun. 3, 2024

    Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD

    Easy Camping with Awesome views

    This last minute find at the very end of May was definitely worth the long gravel road to get there. You'll see farms in the valley, cruise through the aspens to see epic white caps, and through some pines to the reservoir. We saw lots of deer & some elk on the drive up. There are quite a few dispersed spots & vault toilets spread around as you drive up to the reservoir and some along the road next to the water. We went fishing & caught a few small trout and enjoyed the breeze over the water. We will definitely be returning!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed River Site - Gunnison Gorge National Conservation
    May. 27, 2024

    Dispersed River Site - Gunnison Gorge National Conservation

    Beautiful River Sites

    I found a turn off just before the coordinates and stayed there. Large space with lots of room for cars at this site. Right along the river, absolutely beautiful. I thought the dirt road getting there could be a little scary. It's one car width and has some drop offs next to it but people were driving RVs on the road. Managed it fine in a Honda HR-V. Might be tough if it's muddy.



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

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Grand Junction, CO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Grand Junction, CO is Nine Mile Hill with a 4.9-star rating from 12 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Grand Junction, CO?

    TheDyrt.com has all 33 dispersed camping locations near Grand Junction, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.