Tent camping near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests offers varied terrain from desert conditions to alpine environments, with elevations ranging from 4,000 to over 11,000 feet. Wildflower season typically peaks in late July at higher elevations, transforming meadows into colorful displays. Many primitive campsites require campers to pack out all waste as trash services aren't available at most dispersed camping areas.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Near Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area, campers can spot local wildlife including deer and waterfowl. "Exploring was fun and watching the ducks and geese and the occasional deer, it was pretty cool," reports one visitor who appreciated the natural surroundings.
Fishing in alpine lakes: Angel Creek Campground provides access to fishing in nearby waters. While catches vary by season, some campers report seeing fish activity. At Priest Lake, one camper noted their experience: "We could see tiny fish jumping in the lake but none swimming. Fished for a while with no luck at all. Finally we decided to rig up a bubble type bobber... put a wet fly on, a little young bug looking thing, and we got a bite."
Visit ghost towns: The area around Alta Lakes Campground features historic mining structures. "The ghost town comes before the campground and we did attempt to go to the campground... we camped behind the brothel, which is one of the only buildings still fully standing. You can't explore any of the buildings, at least not legally, but you can see them and experience what used to be."
What campers like
Stargazing conditions: The remote locations offer exceptional night sky viewing. At 4R Freedom Ranch Campground, visitors enjoy stellar views. "The stars are beyond compare and if you're a birder like me, you will have a magical time," one camper notes. Another adds, "While you are cooking food over the fire be sure to look up at the stars before the moon comes over the mountains as it is a real treat to see."
Canvas tent options: Some sites offer pre-set canvas accommodations for those without camping gear. At 4R Freedom Ranch, "They provided canvas tents that were spacious and comfortable," according to one reviewer. Another mentioned, "There are canvas tents with cots and wood stoves for the colder months."
Morning wildlife: Early risers enjoy animal sightings at camps throughout the region. At Big Dominguez Campground, the creekside location attracts various wildlife. One camper at Fall Creek described their experience: "It was pretty quiet a little road noise when a vehicle passed," making it suitable for those seeking relative solitude with occasional sounds of nature.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many camping areas require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rainfall. For Black Canyon, the roads are usually passable but require attention. "Easy to find BLM land with decent roads and lots of spots," states one visitor. For 4R Freedom Ranch, a camper advises, "I do recommend you have AWD or 4WD if coming in a month that isn't summer. The gravel roads to get there are steep and have some big ruts."
Site availability timing: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly, particularly on weekends. At Priest Lake, a visitor observed: "We pulled in shortly after lunch on a Friday and it was already somewhat crowded but by bed time it was packed." Another camper advised, "Get there early and you may get lucky!!"
Weather considerations: Mountain weather changes rapidly, affecting campsite conditions. A Fall Creek camper noted, "To be fair, it was raining when we pulled in but still, just a dirty field with limited spots and only 1 level area." At Alta Lakes, a visitor reported, "When we were there there was a lot of wind so we were at the top of the valley and the wind would just rush up and you could hear it coming. Then our tents would suck in and puff out."
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom preparedness: Many campgrounds have limited or no restroom facilities. At Grand Junction KOA, facilities are well-maintained, with one visitor noting, "The restrooms were clean and the site had a light over the picnic table which was really nice for setting up in the dark." However, at more remote sites like Angel Creek, some campers report avoiding facilities entirely: "I was told the bathroom was gross so I didn't even try going in there after watching a bunch of people open the door and walk out without use."
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific features for children. Grand Junction KOA provides "a pool, mini golf, dog run, and general store," according to one reviewer. Another visitor appreciated that "the grass patches next to each site were a great addition when it could have simply been all gravel like some other grounds we've been to."
Lake safety: Several campgrounds offer lake access with shallow edges suitable for families. At Priest Lake, a camper mentioned, "The kids enjoyed being able to fish though with little supervision since the lake is really quite shallow and it's very close to the sites." Alta Lakes also received similar feedback: "One of those classic colorado vistas, with outdoors feel, safe swimming for children and all round good times."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites have uneven terrain requiring preparation. A visitor to Fall Creek Camping noted, "We found the area suited our 18 foot travel trailer. Was a little tricky getting it level but was manageable." Another camper advised the area is "not good for large campers" due to the "small area of uneven ground."
Site selection timing: Arriving early is essential for securing suitable RV spots. At Alta Lakes, a visitor observed: "This campsite fills up quite quickly. We arrived relatively early, but were unable to find a site and it was just as well because we would have been hard pressed to find level ground for our overland tents without putting blocks on the ground."
Road clearance: RV drivers should research road conditions before attempting access to remote sites. "The road up is a bit rough. We managed it barely in all wheel drive vehicles but did get stuck for a bit at one point when we had to stop for someone on their way down," reported one Alta Lakes visitor, highlighting the challenges even for smaller vehicles.
