110 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Mack, Colorado provides access to both established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas on public lands. Several options include Highline Lake State Park's Bookcliff Campground, located in a verdant oasis amid desert surroundings, and free dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas like the BLM #174 Road sites. The region accommodates diverse camping preferences with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals available at locations such as Monument RV Park and Canyon View RV Resort in the neighboring Fruita area, approximately 10-15 miles from Mack.
Seasonal considerations vary significantly between campgrounds, with state park facilities generally offering year-round access while dispersed areas may have weather-dependent conditions. The Bookcliff Campground at Highline Lake State Park provides amenities including showers, flush toilets, and laundry facilities, while BLM lands offer more primitive experiences with minimal infrastructure. Permits and fees differ by location, with Colorado state parks requiring both entrance fees ($10 for out-of-state visitors) and camping fees (approximately $28 per night). Reservations are essential for state park campgrounds, especially during peak summer months when lakeside sites fill quickly. A review noted, "Make sure to bring bug spray. And lots of it. Extra strong stuff would be good. Mosquitoes were major downfall of stay."
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in this predominantly arid region. Highline Lake State Park creates a striking contrast to the surrounding desert landscape with its grassy sites, shade trees, and swimming areas. Campers frequently mention the park's verdant setting as particularly appealing after days spent in the dustier environments nearby. Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the area cater to both tent and RV campers, with varying levels of hookups and amenities. The availability of water recreation distinguishes developed campgrounds from the more primitive BLM sites, which offer greater solitude but fewer facilities. Several visitors highlighted the value of Highline Lake for swimming and cooling off during hot summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "This is a small campground on the Western Slope of Colorado. It's an oasis in the dusty desert that is Fruita."
"This is one of my favorite campgrounds, because Colorado National Monument is so stunning."
"Colorado National Monument is one of the treasures of the National Parks system."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"This a a great campground very close to downtown Fruita. It is well maintained and the bathroom/shower rooms are by far the warmest and cleanest we have ever been too."
"We like camping location for a couple of reasons:
- Close proximity to Colorado National Monument
- 1.5 hour drive to Moab/Arches National Park
- Colorado River and great biking trails within the"
from $26 - $41 / night
Check Availability"We drove down anout 3 miles to knowles overlook campground overlooking the Colorado River. There are about six sites and a pit toilet, its free. So beautiful and peaceful."
"There are some campsites closer to the highway, but if you are intrepid you can travel a little further down and really nestle into some rocks in a small canyon."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Its a bit of a drive to Grand Junction and the Colorado National Monument, but great if you want to get away from the crowds."
"So we chose this campground this time around because it has a lake that you can swim in. The temps were 100 degrees during the day and exhausting."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"No highway noise."
"Great spots close to the highway but it's not noisy. Stayed here on a Thursday and March and there were quite a few spots open."
"The trails getting in are fairly sandy but very easy to follow, I recommend 4WD and some clearence. We were able to tow our square drop off-roading camper back there with no issues."
"Takes about 30-35 minutes to drive to this. Overlooks the Colorado River. No SEEUMS were no fun, but with this view no problem! Soft soap seemed to keep them at bay pretty well!"
from $28 / night
Check Availability"Walking distance to Ice cream, bagels and variety of food."
"Monument RV park is located in Fruita, CO which is only 12 miles or 20 minutes from Grand Junction. Fruita has a lot to offer for a small town."
"Fruita is a great little town located 7 miles east of Utah. The Colorado National Monument, which you can also camp at, is located directly on the opposite side of I-70."
"That said, free boondocking at the foot of some of the best mountain biking in Colorado isn't bad. I've stayed here multiple times and usually find a quiet space off the many dirt roads."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Very spaced out, easy to get away from others if you want peace, right by excellent mountain biking, and pretty close to town."
"At camping entrance there are two porta potties. Temps at arrival around 89 was overcast w/ short rain shower. No issues as terrain dried quickly."
"We visited the Palisades and hiked in Colorado National Monument. Bathhouse facilities like a grand hotel. We also road our mountain bikes all around."
"It is close to I-70 and the road noise is quite noticeable if you’re outside. The restrooms, showers and pool are very nice. The WiFi was fair with speeds of around 0.5 MB/s."
from $40 - $85 / night
Check Availability
TravelerAfter a beautiful scenic drive on Rim Rock Road, pulled in and able to select and reserved campsite using QR code at site -$22. Think I was the only camper in loop C. Beautiful sunset and sunrise and interesting Night Sky program by Ranger at the amphitheater as the stars came out.
GuideWe stayed here to enjoy the cooler weather one finds at 9500 feet. This is a typical USFS campground in many respects. It’s ideal for vans, smaller trailers or truck campers. It’s not really designed for bigger rigs. It’s very shady, so have an auxiliary solar panel if you are staying for a couple of days. The bathrooms are new and very clean. The road through the campground has some potholes, so drive slowly. If you need water hookups, electricity or a sewer connection, this campground is not for you.
GuideThis campground is paved, and it is big rig friendly. You are close to several lakes which have nice trails and sidewalks too. It is easy access on and off the main highway. CON: The bathrooms stink horribly and there are mosquitoes in the evening. We were in sight 18, and it is a first come first serve site, but there are reservable sites at this campground with electricity.
ScoutEasy to get to, only 150yds off the main road. 4x4 strongly recommended, but not necessary in dry conditions. Campsite is flat and spacious with spectacular view of the valley. Temperature is 10 - 15 degrees cooler than in Moab, only 45 min away. There are a couple of other dispersed sights close by, but this site still feels very secluded.
GuideAs this site is furthest from Moab, it’s most likely to be available. It’s generally clear and well maintained. It’s also a put-in for commercial raft trips, so it can get busy with bus loads of rafters getting dropped off. Dumpsters are available as are clean pit toilets.
GuideWhile traveling I-70, this is a nice place to spend the night with minimal hassle. Like most CO state parks, it’s clean, well maintained with a great staff. Note you will be close to train tracks, and if you are in a tent, you might notice the train in the middle of the night.
TravelerRight off of the main road, there are several spots to camp at. Camping areas are relatively close but they aren’t right on top of each other. There were only two other people camping while we were there
ScoutSurprisingly empty and quiet.
LegendAfter almost a month in the road and campgrounds of rock and dust, it’s nice to find a place with grass and shade trees. Some of the trees are looking poor and the sites are still oo close together, but it’s better than average for our current trip. 30/50 amp electric, water & sewer. Lever concrete pads. Pool, playground and clubhouse. The showers and bathrooms have recently renovated. The Internet is slow.
Dispersed camping near Mack, Colorado provides access to sagebrush desert terrain with elevations ranging from 4,500 to 5,000 feet. The area experiences temperature extremes with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter lows below freezing. Road conditions on many BLM access routes deteriorate significantly after rainfall, with several campers reporting the clay-based soil turns to "slick peanut butter mud."
Mountain biking access: North Fruita Desert Upper Campground sits adjacent to an extensive trail network. "This is all about having access to some of the best MTB trails in Colorado and Utah," notes one visitor, while another suggests, "Pro tip: The Hot Tomato Pizza back in town is a great oasis."
Rock climbing opportunities: Several camping spots near Mack, Colorado offer proximity to climbing areas. At Rabbit Valley — Mc Innis Canyons National Conservation Area, "This spot also had a large rock formation with lines and anchors already set up for top rope rock climbing and bouldering," according to one camper.
Geocaching adventures: The region contains numerous geocaching sites for treasure hunters. "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," reported a visitor to Highline Lake State Park.
Desert solitude: Many campers appreciate the remote feeling despite proximity to highways. At Knowles Overlook Campground, "Knowles Overlook is a quiet and beautiful place to camp. The outhouses are very clean. Campsites are very well maintained with easy access."
Night sky viewing: The area's clear desert air provides stellar astronomy opportunities. "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 visitor to Rabbit Valley, while another notes the "Night sky was jaw dropping" at Canyon View RV Resort.
Wildlife encounters: Campers report diverse animal sightings. At Bookcliff Campground — Highline Lake State Park, one camper advises, "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."
Weather considerations: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme. At Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument, "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."
Fire regulations: Rules vary significantly between sites. Saddlehorn Campground prohibits open flames: "Saddlehorn cost $20 for a campsite, but make sure and leave your open flame and smores at home fires are prohibited."
Reservation requirements: Systems have changed recently at several locations. "As of 2022, all sites are reservations only...no FF [first-come-first-served]," reports a North Fruita Desert visitor, while BLM #174 Road remains one of the few free dispersed options.
Vehicle access challenges: Many dirt roads require appropriate vehicles. At BLM #174 Road Dispersed Camping, "Nearby roads can become extremely difficult to travel after a light rain due to slick peanut butter mud," warns one camper, though another notes "I did not need a 4 x 4 to get in here. My 2WD truck and 22 ft camper did just fine!"
Playground access: Several developed campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. At Fruita Section Camping — James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, visitors appreciate the "walking distance beach" and note the park has "a hot tub and a pool. Also a playground for kids."
Wildlife education: Rangers often provide programs for young campers. "The rangers and their programs have been wonderful each time we've stayed," reports a family at Fruita Section Camping.
Tent surface challenges: Soil conditions can complicate tent setup at dispersed sites. At BLM #174 Road, "the ground could only have been harder if it was literal rock! It took 30mins at least to put in the 6 pegs I need for my tent."
Site selection for larger rigs: Some campgrounds offer limited big rig access. At North Fruita Desert, "Most are best for van or tent campers but a few are large enough for TT and RVs. Best sites for larger RVs/TTs are down main cg road at lower end."
Hookup availability: Full-service options exist but at higher cost. At Monument RV Park, "Very close together. Excellent staff and very clean place. Has cable a hot tub and a pool," while another notes it's "Close to the Monument State Park."
Cell service reliability: Working remotely is possible at many locations. "With a cell service extender and a hotspot both my partner and I were able to work remotely from here," reports a BLM #174 Road camper, while at Jouflas Campground "AT&T coverage was good, with 2-4 Bars of LTE service and speeds up to about 6 MB/s."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mack, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mack, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 110 campgrounds and RV parks near Mack, CO and 36 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mack, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mack, CO is Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument with a 4.5-star rating from 73 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mack, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 36 free dispersed camping spots near Mack, CO.
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