Camping areas near Loma, Colorado range from high-elevation sites at 4,500 feet to desert terrain at nearly 7,000 feet in the surrounding public lands. The region sits at the western edge of Colorado where the Colorado River flows toward Utah, creating a unique transition zone between mountain and desert ecosystems. From April through October, temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common, requiring campers to prepare for both hot days and cool evenings.
What to do
Mountain biking on 18 Road trails: North Fruita Desert offers direct access to renowned mountain biking trails from your campsite. "This is your place! If you're biking...ride straight from your campsite during the day. Pro tip: The Hot Tomato Pizza back in town is a great oasis," notes one North Fruita Desert Upper Campground reviewer.
Rock climbing and bouldering: Rabbit Valley area provides natural rock formations ideal for climbing. "This spot also had a large rock formation with lines and anchors already set up for top rope rock climbing and bouldering," shares a camper at Rabbit Valley.
Colorado River access: Several campsites offer views or access to the Colorado River. A reviewer at Knowles Overlook comments, "I was expecting dispersed camping at this site but there are individual with tent pads and vault toilets. The view overlooking the Colorado River was exceptional. It was about a 6 mile ride back on dirt and sand that my suburu handled easily."
Geocaching adventures: Several parks feature geocaching opportunities. "There are 13 geocaches in the park, while we didn't have time to go find them, they are there and we were able to look them up. We will save that for another time," mentions a camper about Highline Lake State Park.
What campers like
Desert to oasis transitions: The contrast between desert landscape and green campgrounds surprises many visitors. "When you get here after miles of dry rocky gulches, you arrive at the well wooded, green campground with green lawns," reports a Bookcliff Campground visitor.
Clean bathrooms: Many campsites maintain exceptionally clean facilities. "Cozy campground with tent spots nestled in between the Junipers. Cleanest bathrooms I have seen at a campground," states a Saddlehorn Campground reviewer.
Night sky viewing: The area's low light pollution creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. A Jouflas Campground camper describes, "The sunset golden hour views are incredible from the sites closest to the edge of the knoll on which it sits."
Wildlife encounters: Many sites offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "Stay outside your camper here and listen to the doves, ravens, owls, and watch the hawks. There are hundreds of domestic sheep and goats adjacent to the campground. When the coyotes start howling the guard dogs reply," notes a Highline Lake visitor.
What you should know
Site reservation requirements: Many campgrounds now require advance bookings. "Note: As of 2022, all sites are reservations only...no FF," writes a North Fruita Desert camper.
High clearance vehicle needs: Several dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. "Exit north of i25 and take the dirt road left, up, and then the first right on top of he mesa to camp on top of the world," advises a Rabbit Valley visitor about accessing better sites.
Fire restrictions vary: Fire rules change by location and season. "Saddlehorn cost $20 for a campsite, but make sure and leave your open flame and smores at home fires are prohibited," cautions a visitor.
Insects and wildlife presence: Be prepared for seasonal insects. "All that said no big deal, we just hung out on the older side campgrounds where there's a super nice playground and shade. Shower aren't the best but they work good and are FREE. Also swarms/clouds of bugs at night," notes a Fruita Section camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "The lake was also really near by. Just a short walk across the parking lot, a nice grassy area that had a playground and then the beach is right there," explains a Highline Lake camper.
Free children's fishing equipment: Some parks loan gear to young visitors. "The lake is simple and clean, there is a large swim beach and the visitors center has childrens fishing gear that is free to use during your visit," shares a camper.
Multi-activity sites: Look for campgrounds with diverse recreation options. At Monument RV Park, "There is a pool for the warmer months and it's in close proximity to a Dairy Queen, liquor store and other restaurants. They also have a RV storage space!"
Educational ranger programs: State parks often provide structured activities. "The rangers and their programs have been wonderful each time we've stayed," mentions a James M. Robb Colorado River State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Some areas accommodate big rigs better than others. "We have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site B02 for 4 days in mid June. The sites are nice, more widely spaced than most private CGs and the sites are angled, so you're not looking directly in your neighbor's windows," notes a Canyon View RV Resort visitor.
Heat management strategies: The region experiences extreme summer temperatures. "It was quite hot at night in mid-July, but the campground was nice. It had great spots with room to be further away from people. Did not fill up. Ground is mostly a sandy red dirt," reports a Saddlehorn Campground visitor.
Off-season advantages: Consider shoulder season visits for better experiences. "We go in the fall and spring, summer is too hot. Easy to get to mountain biking," advises a Highline Lake camper.
Overnight transit options: For those passing through, several convenient sites exist. "Convenient (quick off highway and close to Colorado NM) park but not much for adventure. Clean bathrooms. Sites were clean and well maintained and not too close together," notes a James M. Robb camper.
