Best Campgrounds near La Junta, CO

This is a basic lot on the river with room for several vehicles.  There isn't much level ground, but if you're able to park close to the river and parallel to it, you'll be ok.  There was evidence that someone recently did some clay pigeon shooting here but there wasn't much activity when I was there.  A local stopped in to warn me about some heavy machinery being moved down the road that night and another camper showed up a couple hours after I got there.  Friendly guy, solo camping in his truck.   I definitely agree with others, this isn't suitable for large rigs.

Very quiet night (The heavy machinery went through about 9pm), and I was treated to an amazing sunset as a bonus.

John Martin Reservoir is huge and is a big draw for fishermen and boaters. There is some camping above the dam which is very basic and the main campground is located on Hasty Lake in a stand of Cottonwood trees. As you enter the Hasty location there is a dump station ahead on the left just after the turn into the campground. The first camping sites are on the right and shade is limited to metal pergolas. Continuing into the park you pass the bathroom with laundry and showers and take any of several loops to access your campsite. These are mainly under a dense cottonwood canopy. There are a few sites right on the shoreline of Hasty lake, which are quite popular and have great views across the small lake.

There is cellphone service, I don't recall if there is wood for sale, but campers did have fires. Sites have fire rings picnic tables. If you drive out of the park past the dump station and follow the road you arrive at a swimming beach and kayak launch area. The area is home to many birds including hawks, herons, and pelicans.

Quite a bit overpriced for what you get. I made a reservation online totaling $30.71, to arrive and having to pay an additional $10 for a Colorado State Park Daily Pass. On top of that, the showers are coin-operated. As someone arriving in the evening and just traveling through to leave in the morning, $45 seems a bit much for a really small state park... I was okay with the $29 advertised on the website, but wasn't aware the fees were going to keep on adding up after arrival. Anyway, there's a quarter machine in the bathrooms if you need it... and the showers were nice and clean. Good cell service. Quiet, except for the birds beginning their chirping at 4:15AM (some of them are not good singers...) Probably wouldn't stay here again because I do think it's a bit overpriced for what you get.

I recently camped near a couple who made the experience quite unpleasant. First, there’s the constant, heavy use of cannabis—while not an issue for everyone, it was overwhelming at times. They also had eight dogs that were continuously barking, making it impossible to find any peace and quiet.

The vehicle they arrived in seemed suspicious, too. The tag on the travel trailer says "in transit," but the plates are from 2018, which felt a bit sketchy.

And then there’s the woman, who was constantly yelling at her phone, seemingly about online trolls. This went on day and night, making the entire experience unsettling.

If you're seeking tranquility or a peaceful connection with nature, I'd recommend steering clear of this area if you see them camped out. Or call the police.