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."
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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!"
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
