Mud Springs Campground provides designated equestrian camping opportunities in the Grand Junction area. Located at 8,400 feet elevation on Glade Park, this Bureau of Land Management facility offers a cooler summer alternative to lower-elevation sites. The campground operates seasonally from May through mid-October with higher road accessibility challenges during wet conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails at higher elevations: Grand Mesa FS 105 Dispersed Camping offers excellent access to hiking opportunities surrounded by tall trees. One camper notes, "We spent two weeks near vela resevoir. No fish but lots of mushrooms. The first trees are inoxicating." The area sits at higher elevations providing respite from summer heat.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Big Dominguez Campground offers secluded camping with stream access. Visitors report, "Pretty spot with stream water right behind the sites. You have to drive over a stream when you come in but it was easily crossed when we visited." The remote location creates excellent wildlife viewing possibilities.
Stargazing at elevation: Lands End Camp provides exceptional night sky viewing from the edge of Grand Mesa. A camper notes, "LONG views from 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." The high altitude creates excellent stargazing conditions.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The horse campgrounds near Grand Junction provide good separation between camping areas. At Mud Springs, one camper observed, "The other sites are pretty spaced out." This privacy allows equestrian campers to manage their animals with minimal disturbance.
Access to water features: Gunnison River Overlook provides camping with river views. A visitor reports, "Great views! We camped just south of the pin but there are several spots to pull over with fire rings along 123 rd." Access to water is particularly valuable in this semi-arid region.
Cooler temperatures: Pyramid Rock Camp provides camping options with west desert views. A camper noted, "Hot but quiet and peaceful! We stopped here for an overnight on our way to Moab. It's definitely HOT right now in July without a ton of tree coverage but once the sun started to set it was fine." Higher elevation campgrounds provide temperature relief.
What you should know
Seasonal road challenges: Roads to equestrian camping sites near Grand Junction can become challenging during wet conditions. One camper at Big Dominguez noted, "Accessibility can be tricky when weather comes into play." Plan alternative routes during rainy periods.
Variable water availability: Water access changes seasonally across the region. One visitor to Grand Mesa noted, "We spent two weeks near vela resevoir. No fish but lots of mushrooms." Check current water conditions before planning your trip.
Wildlife encounters: The camping areas around Grand Junction feature active wildlife. At BLM Camping off 139, a camper advised, "Note: there are several coyotes in the area. Be sure to keep an eye on your pets." Wildlife awareness is essential when camping with horses or pets.
Tips for camping with families
Pack adequate sun protection: Open sites like Gunnison River Overlook have minimal shade. A camper advised, "There wasn't much shade but we set up a tarp and it was fine. Bring lots of water and sunscreen but worth it!" Shade structures are recommended for family camping.
Consider insects by season: Bug activity varies by location and time of year. At Pyramid Rock Camp, visitors reported, "This place was beautiful! It really felt like the wild west. The road was well kept and any vehicle could make it. There were so many amazing spots... It would have been 5 stars if there weren't so many nats!"
Check road conditions: Fluffle Group Use Campground offers family-friendly sites but requires planning. A visitor noted, "These sites are large and roomy and good for RVs and TTs. However they are close to I70 and some will have freeway noise depending on the site." Call ranger stations for current road status before bringing children.
Tips from RVers
High-clearance considerations: Roads to horse campgrounds frequently require appropriate vehicles. At Lands End Camp, one RVer shared, "Easy drive up for any vehicle. I clocked about 10 options before parking on a grassy flat area about half way up."
Seasonal timing strategies: RV campers should consider elevation when planning trips. At Grand Mesa FS 105, a camper explained, "We 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."
Water crossing assessment: Stream crossings require careful evaluation. At Big Dominguez Campground, a visitor observed, "Half of Campground is on one side of the river need four-wheel-drive to cross the river." Always evaluate water crossings before attempting with an RV.
