Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Grand Junction? We've got you covered. The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
Discover diverse terrain, secluded wilderness, and plenty of fun while camping on BLM land around Grand Junction, CO.
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:
Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on the GMUG National Forests. Please observe the guidelines on selecting a dispersed camping site on our forest. For comprehensive information on dispersed camping opportunities refer to the dispersed camping guidelines for the GMUG National Forest - https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd576017.pdf
Traveler
Easy dispersed camping placcess off of hwy 50 between Delta and Grand Junction. BLM land. Several established spots to the right and up the escarpment. A few spots as you head down toward the river.
Guide
I came out here for a night's rest while on a trip, it was very remote, and slept well. I came in late in the night, but woke up to beautiful views of the surrounding area. Even though this is off the highway, you won't feel like it. You'll see some lights from the highway, as well as some light pollution from Grand Junction, but it worked perfectly to camp here. I didn't see any one else while I was out here for the night and morning I was here.
BLM road warning: The road in definitely isn't meant for a stock Prius, but it's definitely doable if you're very careful. :) Didn't quite bottom out, but got close a few times, lots of rocks as BLM roads usually have.
Directions help: I followed my Google Maps to the coordinates, and it lead me a weird way. I'd recommend reading the directions on this page to get to the intended camp site. I took a wrong turn, however, I ended up at a nice little dispersed camp site. My mistake was I took a left at the fork, instead of a right. Either way has camping spots, incase the original site is full. :)
Legend
This area is likely the last free dispersed camping area adjacent to the new Lower North Fruita Desert developed campground. However, as the developed CG expands down to main road, this area could be signed "no camping" anytime in future. As of May 2022 this area was very popular since the Upper and Lower BLM CGs had gone all reservation. Nice views, but no water, or any amenities. No trash dumpsters, even in the developed CGs. Cell signal is good for Verizon and TMobile. Only three stars as not very scenic here, absolutely NO shade, no trees and motorized use crowd base here also with the noise of motorcycles ect.
TravelerMan, we love these blm lands in colorado!!
Guide
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. Whenever we arrived we quickly found a spot and set up camp. Surprisingly, to be so close to town, the stars really come out here. Of note, this is an off-roading park, so you may here an occasional dirt bike or four wheeler go by. There are no facilities provided as this is BLM land. Would recommend for a free and easy place to stay the night!
TravelerAfter spending the last two nights paying for camping in Rabbit Valley and Moab, decided to try out this dispersed camping site. I would recommend a more off road friendly vehicle to reach these campsites. The views were beautiful, and we had a large campsite to ourselves. Will definitely be using this site more often when traveling to Moab.
Guide
You can camp at a designated campground right on the lake, or you drive up 24 and find a lot of dispersed camping available - all the way up to the little lakes (great for fishing too). The dispersed camping is above the lakes which offers incredible views but is first come, first serve. Definitely bring your paddle boards, kayaks, etc.
This is one of my favorite places in Colorado - but beware of the altitude! Drink lots of water, you will forget how high you are and a little altitude sickness might creep up on you, even if you've been here before without issues. It's also very close to Mt. Elbert and you should take Independence Pass to Aspen for a gorgeous drive and lots of wildlife!
GuideLots of places to dispersed camp.
Saw a lot of mountain bikers.
2-3 bars verizon 4g
Traveler
The road was smooth coming in. I parked right below the marked spot because the road got a little more rough to get up there. But there is plenty of dispersed camping before and after the marked spot.
Legend
Stocked reservoir with rainbow and brook trout. Smaller fish but fun fishing.
The dispersed camping is located on the east side of the reservoir. Vault toilets located here and no water(except the reservoir). All camping is first-come, first-serve. Bring bug spray as the mosquitoes are pretty bad here.
TravelerLarge 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
Nice area with many dispersed camping sites. Pin is not in exact spot but many spots along this road. The road was decent and i made it easily in my toyota prius. Roads would be slippery and have running water over them in rain. Check the weather if you are not confident in your car. It is an OHV area but was calm and quiet when i was there. Several other cars in the area but not in eyesight. Some cows wandering around.
Traveler
My wife and I did the Rattlesnake Arches hike and camped nearby. There were three campsites we found on the way to Rattlesnake Arches. Two of them left Black Ridge Road via double track and one was just before you entered day use area territory. The two double track sites are primitive and get you close to the cliffs for amazing views of the far buttes across the Fruita/Grand Junction valleys and that's where we stayed. You're exposed to wind with some small bristlecone tree cover, but we loved the site and would go again. -Bring plenty of water -Bring a "luggable loo" or equivalent, burying human waste is difficult because of SUPER rocky soil -Bring an awning or something for shade
GuideA great place to pull in overnight if you are passing through. Primitive camping but close to the main road, so access is easy. No shade, water, or amenities.
TravelerGreat location with amazing views of the distant book cliffs across the Fruita/Grand Junction valley. Not a lot of tree cover, make sure to bring a portable toilet/"luggable loo" type thing, and plenty of water. Drove in with a teardrop trailer and enjoyed our time in the area.
Guide
I stayed here at the beginning of June before it got too hot. I will say it was in the mid 90s when I arrived, but nights cooled down considerably and were into the 60s. I had one of the bigger campsites, and was surprised to find that even during memorial day weekend there wasn’t a lot of traffic coming or going. I saw a few other cars and maybe one otherfamily that set up camp. Plenty of shade in the site that I had, which is one of the first so you’ll drive onto once you’re up into the canyon area. I had decent cell service the entire time, and the road into and out of the camping area was really nice so any vehicle can make it. I didn’t venture too far away from the main camping areas, but did so on foot. I didn’t see any significant road issues. On the way out of the area, I was led through a herd of cattle by sixth generation cattle ranchers— One of the coolest things that happened during the entire trip. Views are amazing, the sunset was awesome every night, and the sunrise is equally as spectacular. The only sad part about these dispersed camping sites is that more and more people will find them. The only issue that I had, and a big one, is that there were broken beer bottles all over the side. Just a reminder to police yourselves so the rest of us can enjoy it without remnants of stupidity.
Scout
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. We were a bit worried about the noise the first day but it wasn't bad. STUNNING views, sites are nice and spread…definitely a winner. The video featured is from the creek just 5 mins down the road.
LegendThis place is a true gem if you are all about primitive. There are no amenities, unless you get in the very first site as you come in. That one has a picnic table. Beyond that you are on your own for where you sit.
I wasn't sure I was going to find a spot, as this is BLM land, you can camp anywhere. I try to pick spots that resemble a location other people have stayed at so that I am a little nicer to the environment. I saw three spots that looked like they have been slightly developed. The first one just as you come in and that is the one with the picnic table. It was quite large and probably could accommodate some slightly larger vehicles. There was a truck with a topper on hit when we drove in. The second site we saw, also occupied was fairly large. Another truck with a topper was in that one, they looked like they may have been set up for hunting. Then we found our spot, along the creek, it wasn't very big, but had two established fire pits. There were lots of cattle up that way. Now, we did drive beyond this point as well and found the road narrowed pretty good and there weren't too many spots to even turn around. We have a larger truck so we had to choose wisely where we would turn around. I believe if you continue down the road you get to Moab, however, I have seen pictures that appear to have a much larger river crossing so maybe research before going up there.
We arrived, set up camp and then were greeted by the lady and her pup from the very first site. She was really friendly, passing through recreationally. It was nice to chat for a few and then move on to dinner. Temps were about 55 when we arrived and we work to about 42 degrees. It felt cold overnight but not intolerable. We put our tent behind our truck, well next to it, there were a ton of cattle and I just felt like tucking it in a bit. We had our own camp chairs and firewood so we made a fire to warm up, then used our jetboil to boil water for our mountain house meals. My boys loved the area, they loved seeing the cows, even though we have plenty where we live. They loved the space to run around without really bothering anyone else. The fire pit was surrounded by rocks so they enjoyed hanging out by the fire on the rocks as well. It was chilly, which is why we started the fire, to warm up.
It gets really really dark out there, you are surrounded on all sides by rock faces so there really isn't any light pollution. Which is nice for a peaceful night. There also wasn't any noise pollution. We couldn't hear any cars, only cows, so I guess there was a little noise pollution but of the natural variety. If you don't like cows, maybe don't go, it's open range there. But cars are really what I dislike while sleeping and we did not hear a single one. We may have heard an elk calling back to the cows but we were still in our tent so can't be too sure.
Now, there are no bathrooms, so you want to be responsible with your personal needs. We took along a Travel John and it worked really well, our first time using one but made those needs simpler where there was nothing, now if you have no problem peeing in the woods, you'll be just fine.
Overall, it's peaceful, scenic and a nice place to set up camp and enjoy nature's surroundings.
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!
GuideI arrived in Grand Junction with intentions of seeing a buddy, but when he was not there I had to find a place to camp out in a hurry. Luckily I found this place thanks to The Dyrt!
There is a long pavement road that takes you down further than I wanted to travel. There were numerous locations that I passed up, first there was a narrow area surrounded by cliff face and some trees, further on down there was canyon land. Many of the spots in the canyon area were already taken by other campers, some of the locations they had seem to have spectacular views.
A couple miles into the canyon land I decided to pull off to the right and set up shop there. This place gets completely dark at night and the stars will come out and shine if the sky is clear. It does tend to get a little windy if you are near the canyon edge.
There is no bathroom or even running water that I've seen. There seems to have been a creek a long time ago but the water has since dried up and is no longer flowing. Not much snow in the area. 4x4 is not necessary. I had decent connection (AT&T) which was spotty at times, and my handheld radio picked up several stations as well.
Overall I would definitely return again next time I am visiting Grand Junction or the National Monument.
ScoutWe towed a 35 FT 5th wheel heading west on 105 until we discovered the perfect campsite by turning south at the intersection with 108. The road was very rough but doable by moving along very slowly.
Our site was hidden by trees off a short dirt drive which wasn’t too bad. There was plenty of space for us to turn around, and a fire pit had been constructed of large rocks (with a resident chipmunk hanging out among them).
We loved being surrounded by tall trees on one side and having a long distance view across the meadow on the other side, watching storm clouds approaching every day. We were far enough from the road that we barely heard any traffic passing. However, the sound of cattle lowing was frequent, and there was evidence of their presence all over the ground! One bull approached and stood there bellowing at the camper before finally moving along, and another morning we looked outside to see several cows munching on the remains of our campfire. Apparently they like to eat ashes and charcoal for the minerals because it happened twice!
We camped there 6 nights and hated to leave. Our only reservations were driving on the long bumpy roads and cattle manure being everywhere. Otherwise, it was the best boondocking place we’ve stayed because of the scenery and remoteness. It was very quiet except for the cattle lowing.
We rode our bikes down 108 one day and discovered that it was way too rough to drive with our dually pickup. Another day we rode all the way down 105 and then back on 100 which is Land’s End Road. There are lots more dispersed campsites further down 105, but many have huge potholes turning into them. Some are located next to reservoirs and have lovely views, but we were happy with our site because we didn’t have to drive that far to reach it. If you had a smaller rig, it would be worth trying those places.
GuideOther 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.
TravelerFree dispersed campground. Nothing super special about it besides that it’s free and right off the highway. We like to leave to go camping after work and so we leave Denver kind of late, so we used this as an overnight stop on our way out to some parks in Utah.
ScoutI’ll start by saying I love this area. The land goes WAY far back and there are roads and campsites EVERYWHERE. I’ve been camping out here for 10 years now when I drive through the city and need a place to crash. The downside of this area is that it can get really crowded in the summer, and as a public rec area, it’s loaded with people being pretty reckless. Firearms, fires, alcohol and drugs are all pretty loosely used out here. Not to mention the large amount of shattered glass at almost every spot. Come out and enjoy, just be smart and be safe. Maybe if the BLM cleaned it up a bit it would get more than 3 stars.
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.
RangerI wish I had some kind of bike or OHV vehicle because this looks like such a sweet spot for free riding; there are hills and jumps everywhere. Lots of motor vehicle activity because of this.
I was just there to camp in my van and it worked out great. Spots are not in surplus necessarily but if you're not there in a peak season like spring I'm sure you'll find a place to pull over. Glass bottles were shattered everywhere around the spot I chose and I was grateful not to pop a tire. But I felt secluded enough despite the lack of privacy and think it's worth returning to for sure.
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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Grand Junction, Colorado, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await. This area offers a variety of spots for campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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.
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