Best Dispersed Camping near Mack, CO

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands dominate the camping landscape around Mack, Colorado, with numerous free dispersed sites scattered throughout the high desert terrain. Popular areas include BLM #174 Road Dispersed Camping near the North Fruita Desert, BLM Camping off Highway 139, and Nine Mile Hill, which consistently receives high ratings for its panoramic views. Most sites are primitive with no facilities, making them suitable for self-sufficient campers prepared for backcountry conditions. The region sits at the western edge of Colorado, providing convenient access to both Grand Junction (approximately 20 miles east) and Utah's border areas, with many sites serving as convenient overnight stops for travelers heading to Moab or other destinations.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many sites requiring careful navigation on unpaved roads. As one camper noted about 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." Seasonal considerations are important, as summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with minimal shade available at most sites. Winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional snow at higher elevations. Cell service is generally available but spotty in more remote locations, with Verizon and T-Mobile offering the most reliable coverage. Roads can become impassable after rain, with reviewers warning about "slick peanut butter mud" that can strand vehicles without appropriate clearance or 4WD capability.

Scenic views rank as the primary draw for campers in the Mack area, with many sites offering expansive vistas of canyons, mesas, and distant mountains. Stargazing opportunities are exceptional due to minimal light pollution, particularly at sites farther from highways. Several campers mention the quality of sunsets and sunrises, with one reviewer at Nine Mile Hill noting, "The views of the sunset and sunrise were amazing." Wind can be a significant factor, especially in open areas without natural windbreaks. Most sites feature established fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions are common during dry periods. The proximity to OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) recreation areas means some locations experience noise from motorcycles and ATVs during daylight hours, while others offer more secluded experiences.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Mack, Colorado (32)

    1. BLM #174 Road Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Loma, CO
    10 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. "

    "The drive in was a little rough due to washboard roads, but then it turned into pavement after the 1st mile...not great but better than the dirt road."

    2. BLM Camping off 139

    4 Reviews
    Mack, CO
    5 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."

    3. Bitter Creek Overlook Camping Area

    6 Reviews
    Mack, UT
    14 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."

    4. Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area BLM

    12 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    18 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."

    5. Rattlesnake and Mee Canyons

    1 Review
    Fruita, CO
    8 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
    10 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

    16 Reviews
    Whitewater, CO
    29 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. Mel’s Loop Single Track Dispersed Dite

    1 Review
    Cisco, UT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "A very doable 3-4 mile drive off the 70. There are a few high spots on the road, so be careful not to bottom out if you don’t have 4-wheel drive.

    We were the only ones there."

    9. BLM Dispersed Camping Near BLM 217

    2 Reviews
    Cisco, UT
    20 miles

    "Not a lot going on here, mostly just a flat desert but that’s exactly what we wanted here and it was great. Very easy car camping spot, roads were gravely but not bad."

    "Just follow the BLM road, and about 3 miles down you’ll find some fire rings. Even ground I was able to get up here with my Camry so it’s very accessible."

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Showing results 1-10 of 32 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mack, CO

112 Reviews of 32 Mack Campgrounds



Guide to Mack

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mack, Colorado, where you can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Thrilling Off-Road Adventures while free camping near Mack

  • The Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area BLM is a popular spot for dirt bikers, offering ample space to explore and ride.
  • If you're looking for a place to park your RV or tent after a day of off-roading, the BLM #174 Road Dispersed Camping provides a large area with existing fire rings and easy access to nearby trails.
  • For those who enjoy mountain biking, the BLM Camping off 139 is conveniently located near popular biking routes, making it an ideal base for your adventures.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience breathtaking vistas at the Bitter Creek Overlook Camping Area, where you can enjoy stunning landscapes while camping in a remote setting.
  • The Upper Access Road #1 offers amazing views of the distant Book Cliffs, perfect for those who appreciate high desert scenery.
  • For a more secluded experience, the Rattlesnake and Mee Canyons provides primitive camping with incredible views of the cliffs and valleys, ideal for photography enthusiasts.

Unique Wildlife Encounters for Dispersed Campers

  • While camping at the Grand Junction BLM/OHV, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including coyotes, which can often be spotted in the area.
  • The Rabbit Valley Motorized Area is known for its diverse ecosystem, making it a great spot for birdwatching and observing other wildlife.
  • At the North Fruita Desert, campers can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, with opportunities to see various species in their natural habitat.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mack, CO is BLM #174 Road Dispersed Camping with a 3.9-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 32 dispersed camping locations near Mack, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.