Best Dispersed Camping near Loma, CO

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands dominate the camping landscape around Loma, Colorado, with numerous dispersed sites offering primitive, no-fee camping options. Areas like BLM #174 Road Dispersed Camping and Nine Mile Hill provide accessible locations for both tent and RV campers seeking basic accommodations without amenities. The terrain features desert landscapes with canyon views, mesa formations, and open spaces that attract outdoor enthusiasts. Most sites sit within 30 minutes of Loma, creating convenient access points for travelers exploring western Colorado or passing through on longer journeys to Utah destinations.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many campsites requiring travel on unpaved routes that can become challenging after rainfall. As one camper noted about BLM roads near Nine Mile Hill, "The road is a bit iffy so snagging a spot at the front would be best if you don't have 4WD." Cell service remains spotty but generally available at sites closer to highways. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F with minimal shade available at most locations, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions. Campers should arrive prepared with all necessary supplies including water, as no services exist at these primitive sites. Fire restrictions frequently apply during dry summer months.

Visitors consistently mention the expansive views and night skies as highlights of camping in this region. "The views of the sunset and sunrise were amazing," reported one camper at Nine Mile Hill. Many sites feature established fire rings and flat parking areas suitable for various camping setups. Highway noise affects some locations, particularly those near major routes like Highway 139, though it typically diminishes at night. Several areas serve dual purposes as OHV recreation zones, which can create occasional noise and traffic during peak seasons. The proximity to Grand Junction (approximately 20 miles) makes these sites popular for weekend trips and as convenient overnight stops for travelers heading to destinations like Moab.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Loma, Colorado (33)

    1. BLM #174 Road Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Loma, CO
    8 miles
    Website

    "Large designated area for dispersed camping.  Ground is lumpy, I wouldn't want to tent camp.  Several existing fire rings.  Solid Verizon service.  Lots of pit toilets in the area. "

    "Aug 25 '25: directions to BLM 174 were right on target and areas to disperse camp is spacious with many level areas. At camping entrance there are two porta potties."

    2. Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area BLM

    12 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    15 miles
    Website

    "After searching for a campsite for a while, we finally stumbled across this place around 10pm on a Saturday night at the end of April 2021."

    "Easy access for low clearance vehicles like my Subaru. Busy but I found a spot no problem tossed some firewood down and had a great night."

    3. BLM Camping off 139

    4 Reviews
    Mack, CO
    6 miles

    "Entrance is via 139 just before the 8 mile marker, you have to drive over a cattle grate and road is gravel."

    "Quiet area for a quick stop overnight. 3 pull through spots great for a camper or smaller RV plus a couple of back in spots with rock fire rings. Near town and close to i70."

    4. Bitter Creek Overlook Camping Area

    6 Reviews
    Mack, UT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "I came out here for a night's rest while on a trip, it was very remote, and slept well. I came in late in the night, but woke up to beautiful views of the surrounding area."

    "Free dispersed campground. Nothing super special about it besides that it’s free and right off the highway."

    5. Rattlesnake and Mee Canyons

    1 Review
    Fruita, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 244-3000

    "My wife and I did the Rattlesnake Arches hike and camped nearby. There were three campsites we found on the way to Rattlesnake Arches."

    6. Upper Access Road #1

    1 Review
    Fruita, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 244-3000

    "Great location with amazing views of the distant book cliffs across the Fruita/Grand Junction valley."

    7. Nine Mile Hill

    17 Reviews
    Whitewater, CO
    26 miles
    Website

    "Like other reviews, the highway noise was a bit loud but nothing too crazy, especially really late. There were other campers spread out nicely, you wouldn’t even know they were there."

    "+ came late at night, 10pm, was able to find a spot

    • drove a high clearance 4x4 and the spot I was in needed AWD at minimum, sedans will get banged up
    • spot was decent but awful leveling
    • plenty of"

    8. Grand Junction BLM/OHV

    5 Reviews
    Glade Park, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 244-3000

    "This was sort of near an airport, which could be annoying. It was a huge area for ohv riding and it looked like a lot of dirtbikers were having tons of fun."

    9. Pyramid Rock Camp

    15 Reviews
    De Beque, CO
    30 miles

    "It is a designated OHV area so no worries about people stopping you from ripping around and exploring."

    "Easy to find with Google maps. Plenty of open space. 15min off 70.
    Dirt road, a bit bumpy, but we easily pulled our 21ft Micro Minnie and it was doable for almost any vehicle."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Loma, CO

115 Reviews of 33 Loma Campgrounds


  • Alexia L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Nine Mile Hill

    Great Views, Secluded

    Found this spot and was very happy with the setup. Like other reviews, the highway noise was a bit loud but nothing too crazy, especially really late. There were other campers spread out nicely, you wouldn’t even know they were there. The road is a bit iffy so snagging a spot at the front would be best if you don’t have 4WD (my Nissan car struggled, we had to back up & turn around). Overall great spot for tent camping! Remember to leave no trace 🫶🏼🏕️🌎

  • Sarah M.
    Aug. 16, 2024

    Dragon Douglas Trail BLM Dispersed Site

    Dragon Douglas Trail BLM

    This spot is for OHV parking. There’s a fire ring and we parked to the left of it so we didn’t interfere with parking. There’s 5 sites up the OHV trail that we saw. It was muddy so we weren’t comfortable towing our 19’ rig up the trail. We took our 4 runner up the trail and didn’t need 4wd. If dry, you could tow your small camper in if high clearance. There’s a bit of a rise to get from the road to the grass. Sites are perfect for tent camping.

  • Shanda H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)

    Great one night pull off

    Location was right off the road but once you drive about 5 minutes down the road you cannot hear any traffic. No other campers. Road was packed gravel almost like highway. We have camper van and our site and most of them were flat and had established fire rings. Dry and dessert landscapes.

  • Morgan Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2020

    Gateway Recreation Area Dispersed, BLM

    This is what I'm talking about.

    Quiet and secluded. The previous reviewer did a great job talking about details and she and I were in slightly different locations. I'll let her words stand. For me a sense of tranquility washed over me as I sat by the river for hours sipping on a few well-earned beers. I wish I had spent more than one night here but I was on a bike headed to Monticello, Utah.

    Leave no trace.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2022

    BLM #174 Road Dispersed Camping

    Free Dispersed camping #174 road

    This area is likely the last free dispersed camping area adjacent to the new Lower North Fruita Desert developed campground. However, as the developed CG expands down to main road, this area could be signed "no camping" anytime in future. As of May 2022 this area was very popular since the Upper and Lower BLM CGs had gone all reservation. Nice views, but no water, or any amenities. No trash dumpsters, even in the developed CGs. Cell signal is good for Verizon and TMobile. Only three stars as not very scenic here, absolutely NO shade, no trees and motorized use crowd base here also with the noise of motorcycles ect.

  • Davis B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2022

    Bitter Creek Overlook Camping Area

    Remote and Restful Night

    I came out here for a night's rest while on a trip, it was very remote, and slept well. I came in late in the night, but woke up to beautiful views of the surrounding area. Even though this is off the highway, you won't feel like it. You'll see some lights from the highway, as well as some light pollution from Grand Junction, but it worked perfectly to camp here. I didn't see any one else while I was out here for the night and morning I was here.

    BLM road warning: The road in definitely isn't meant for a stock Prius, but it's definitely doable if you're very careful. :) Didn't quite bottom out, but got close a few times, lots of rocks as BLM roads usually have.

    Directions help: I followed my Google Maps to the coordinates, and it lead me a weird way. I'd recommend reading the directions on this page to get to the intended camp site. I took a wrong turn, however, I ended up at a nice little dispersed camp site. My mistake was I took a left at the fork, instead of a right. Either way has camping spots, incase the original site is full. :)

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2024

    BLM #174 Road Dispersed Camping

    Good for attending events

    Large designated area for dispersed camping.  Ground is lumpy, I wouldn't want to tent camp.  Several existing fire rings.  Solid Verizon service.  Lots of pit toilets in the area.  Nearby roads can become extremely difficult to travel after a light rain due to slick peanut butter mud.  I wouldn't come here just to camp, this is more a spot for people looking to do activities in the vicinity.

  • Daniel S.
    Oct. 13, 2017

    Castleton Tower

    Loved it met a whole bunch of amazing people.

    Wound up at this place by accident Its primarily a campground for people who are climbing castleton tower but it was great for spending a night. Primitive camping but plenty of space for parking. No amenities but absolutely beautiful. Hiking was wonderful. The canyon/waterway leading to the tower is a really excellent hike.

  • S
    Mar. 7, 2021

    Gateway Recreation Area Dispersed, BLM

    Managed to get Lucky!

    I arrived in Grand Junction with intentions of seeing a buddy, but when he was not there I had to find a place to camp out in a hurry. Luckily I found this place thanks to The Dyrt!

    There is a long pavement road that takes you down further than I wanted to travel. There were numerous locations that I passed up, first there was a narrow area surrounded by cliff face and some trees, further on down there was canyon land. Many of the spots in the canyon area were already taken by other campers, some of the locations they had seem to have spectacular views.

    A couple miles into the canyon land I decided to pull off to the right and set up shop there. This place gets completely dark at night and the stars will come out and shine if the sky is clear. It does tend to get a little windy if you are near the canyon edge.

    There is no bathroom or even running water that I've seen. There seems to have been a creek a long time ago but the water has since dried up and is no longer flowing. Not much snow in the area. 4x4 is not necessary. I had decent connection (AT&T) which was spotty at times, and my handheld radio picked up several stations as well.

    Overall I would definitely return again next time I am visiting Grand Junction or the National Monument.


Guide to Loma

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Loma, Colorado, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles and preferences.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Loma

  • Mountain biking is popular at the BLM #174 Road Dispersed Camping, where you'll find numerous trails and a vibrant biking community.
  • If you're into off-road adventures, the Grand Junction BLM/OHV area is a hotspot for dirt biking and ATV riding, providing plenty of excitement for thrill-seekers.
  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the access to trails near the Rattlesnake and Mee Canyons, where you can explore unique rock formations and enjoy the high desert landscape.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Loma, Colorado

  • Always bring plenty of water and a portable toilet, especially when camping at places like the BLM Camping off 139, which lacks facilities.
  • Be prepared for varying road conditions; for instance, the drive to the Mel’s Loop Single Track Dispersed Site can be rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.
  • Keep an eye on your pets, particularly in areas like the Upper Access Road #2, where wildlife such as coyotes may be present.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Loma, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Loma, CO is BLM #174 Road Dispersed Camping with a 3.9-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Loma, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 33 dispersed camping locations near Loma, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.