Top Tent Camping near Grand Junction, CO

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Grand Junction? We've got you covered. Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Grand Junction, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Grand Junction, Colorado's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Grand Junction, CO (18)

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Recent Tent Reviews In Grand Junction

483 Reviews of 18 Grand Junction Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Canyon View RV Resort
    September 13, 2024

    Canyon View RV Resort

    Beautiful RV Resort

    We typically don’t stay at RV parks, but due to some extenuating circumstances have found ourselves stuck in Grand Junction for a few days. We found this park and chose it based on reviews. It is amazing! It is so well kept up, has extremely large sites with concrete patios, picnic tables, fire pit, and lawn for each side. Carrisa in the office was so nice and very professional. The bathrooms are modern and clean. The grounds are nicely landscaped with bushes and trees. There is a pool, dog runs, laundry, play area, and pickleball courts. There is some traffic noise but not too bad - it is a city location after all. The privacy fences behind the back in sites really make it nice. We would absolutely stay here again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Highline Lake State Park Campground
    September 13, 2024

    Highline Lake State Park Campground

    Pretty with hot showers

    Overall very nice. Well maintained nice green grass and lush trees. The “lake” is more of a big pond. My impressions 1-5

    1. Site cleanliness 5

    2 Bathrooms 5. Free 4 minute hot shower 3. Site utilities 1. No water or electric hookup. Potable water available. 4. Staff 5. They have 4 camp hosts. 5. Overall esthetics 4( the pond is bleh) 6. Fees 1. If you are out of state they tack on $10

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid Rock Camp
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument
    September 11, 2024

    Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument

    Large private campsite

    We arrived just before dark and easily pulled into our site. It was mostly level and we easily leveled our van. We found the restrooms (flush toilets) to be spotless. The campground was very quiet and we could see city lights below. In the morning we enjoyed a peel sunrise view through the junipers. Sadly, we were on a schedule and couldn’t spend much time at the campground, leaving 12 hours after we arrived. Even though the campground is at 5700 feet, it was warm mid September. We kept our side screened door open all night. Would love to come back sometime as the monument looks beautiful!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from BLM Camping off 139
    August 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ward Lake Campground
    August 19, 2024

    Ward Lake Campground

    Grand mesa is a special place

    Grand mesa is the largest mesa in the world. For over 150 years cattle have roamed here. They need to go. It is time. The diversity and wildlife will slowly be destroyed and it is exponential. The climate is changing and places like this need to to be protected they are our arks. No atvs no generators no cattle. Would improve.the place.ten fold. And absolutely no logging. Ban all fires! We are about to lose it all including Grand mesa. Wake up.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carson Lake Recreation Area
    August 15, 2024

    Carson Lake Recreation Area

    Free camping area

    Carson Lake was closed for a couple years to reconstruct the dam. Open again and there is a large parking area with a new vault toilets.ion However, no floatation devices are allowed on the lake as it is a water supply for towns below. There are about 4 camping spots that were created with tables and fire rings. These spots are not for RVs or Trailers, most are for tent campers. The road access is steep from the mesa above. No water, no dumpsters, no cell signal.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Grand Mesa Colorado FSR 100
    August 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gateway Recreation Area Dispersed, BLM
    August 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Campground
    August 4, 2024

    Island Lake Campground

    Nice maintained tent pads

    I stayed at this campground for four nights after the July holiday weekend. It was easy to find a FCFS site midday Thursday. One thing to look out for when getting to the campground is that Google Maps will have you turn in north of the Lake due to the shorter distance. This upper road is much more rough and narrow. I highly recommend you go past the lake and enter on the south end. The road is better and a little wider. You will also get an awesome view of the lake from the main road before you turn off.

    This campground is not on the lake, but a short trail across the road leads you to the tail around the lake. The day use parking area is also very close and your hanger for the campground gives you free parking. With how close the day use area is, we were able to just strap two paddle boards and a kayak to the roof of the truck and go back and forth. The vault toilets were very clean and water is potable. The host mentioned it comes from a mountain spring in the area. Most sites had a pull in long enough for a vehicle and small camper, along with a pad for the fire pit/picnic table and a pad for the tent.

    Cell signal is very spotty. I could get one, maybe two bars of Verizon, but data did not always work well. Sometimes there was a faint T-Mobile signal. The visitor center is also close by, and while not staffed for the 2024 season, it has wifi, flush toilets, and filtered water for bottles. The lakes were amazing due to all the rain and snow this year. We were there just before peak wildflower time, but it was still beautiful.

  • Camper-submitted photo from BLM Dispersed Camping Near BLM 217
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Jumbo Campground — Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area
    July 18, 2024

    Jumbo Campground — Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area

    Grand Mesa Gem

    Wonderful campground w roughly 20 campsites. They’re positioned a little close together for my liking but, the immediate access to two beautiful lakes, endless hiking and mountain biking trails more than made up for the close proximity to other campers. I would give this place a 5 star rating if it was not for the horrible smelling bathrooms. They were clean but the ammonia odor was too heavy to even use. We saw bald eagles, caught tons of rainbow trout, and even had a medium size bear come through a couple of times, who was never threatening, but looked like it was traveling along a set path to the next trout breakfast.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Wood Lakes #1-4
    July 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!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed River Site - Gunnison Gorge National Conservation
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Campground
    July 1, 2024

    Island Lake Campground

    Beautiful campground on the Grand Mesa

    Located adjacent to Island Lake, this campground is beautiful, but watch out for the mosquitos!  We took a non electric pull-through as a stopover for the night.  Our 35 ft 5th wheel fit easily.  The campground is pretty easy to maneuver in, even for a larger camper.  Be sure to take the longer road along the south side of the lake from the eastern most turn off of HWY 65 to get to the campground.  The norther western route is narrow, steep and very challenging for even the smallest RV.

    The campground host was super pleasant.  We had to grab the mosquito repellent before we were even done levelling and setting up because they were absolutely unreal, swarming on a cool sunny afternoon.  They were just relentless!  The site was pretty level but we did use some levelling blocks to even things out.  Great spot to base for exploring the Mesa, fishing, hiking or offroading.

    The table and recreation areas of each campsite are very well designed and maintained.

    If you have an America the Beautiful card, be sure to mention it. I paid a steep discount with the card.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)
    June 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument
    June 26, 2024

    Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument

    Go for the views

    Yay! Hosts were great, scenery beyond belief, location, clean facilities, access to the park. Bummer! Campground loudness: very loud neighbors in all directions, including the NPS employee loudly giving his volunteers his opinions on everything first thing Monday morning. Very campground-y. FYI: Cannot use trees for shade/hammocks, dog friendly but don’t plan on taking them off pavement for hiking. Stakes are pointless.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Divide Rd Dispersed Camping
    June 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from The Potholes Recreation Site
    June 19, 2024

    The Potholes Recreation Site

    Great Free Campground Near Climbing and River Views

    This campground is a diamond in the rough, spacious sites, covered tables, bathrooms and great views of a roaring river, with nearby hiking and climbing options. 

    Couple things to consider:

    • I have Verizon and there is little to no cell service in the area
    • The road to the campground goes through open pastures, keep an eye out for the cows while driving, especially at night and go slow.
    • There are a number of signs detailing the lives this section of the river has taken, so there is no swimming.


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 tent campsite near Grand Junction, CO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Grand Junction, CO is Grand Junction KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 26 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Grand Junction, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.