Camping spots near Mesa, Colorado range from valley settings around 6,000 feet to alpine environments above 10,000 feet on Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-topped mountain. Seasonal transitions affect campsite availability dramatically, with most sites opening after Memorial Day when higher elevations become accessible. The temperature difference between Mesa and the higher elevation camps can exceed 20 degrees, providing relief during summer heat.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Island Lake Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities with one camper noting, "Sunset lake is walking distance to the campground and was a great spot for my paddle board." Another visitor at Ward Lake Campground mentioned, "Campground staff was helpful and we had a beautiful site right by the lake which is open to fishing and swimming."
Wildlife viewing: Visitors to the Mesa area frequently spot diverse wildlife. At Jumbo Campground, a camper observed, "We saw bald eagles, caught tons of rainbow trout, and even had a medium size bear come through a couple of times, who was never threatening, but looked like it was traveling along a set path to the next trout breakfast."
Hiking options: Multiple trails are accessible from campgrounds. A visitor to Cobbett Lake reported, "There are great hiking trails from lake to lake in the area." Another camper at Jumbo Campground shared, "The campground offers large wood bundles for $10" for evenings after hiking activities.
What campers like
Temperature relief: The higher elevation provides cooler temperatures during summer months. At Island Acres Section one camper mentioned, "The river and ponds are nice," while another noted "The swimming lake and playground are all fun aspects my family enjoys."
Site spacing and privacy: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites. A visitor to Little Bear Campground said, "The camp sites are spaced out enough but there isn't much for privacy. The scenery makes it all worth it though."
Accessible water features: Lakes and rivers provide recreational opportunities. At Palisade Basecamp, a camper shared, "Really great spot but prepare to roll. All of the tent pads seem to be at a pretty wicked slope, including ours," highlighting that water access sometimes comes with site compromises.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from late May through September. A visitor to Jumbo Campground reported, "Arrived on Friday, 5/23 and we were the first campers of the season! The camp host arrived on 5/19 and there was still 6 inches of snow."
Insects can be prevalent: Bugs are common, particularly in summer months. A camper at Pyramid Rock Camp warned, "This place was beautiful! It really felt like the wild west... It would have been 5 stars if there weren't so many nats! Bring some good bug repellent and it would be perfect."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location. At Island Lake Campground, one visitor found, "There is no cell service. The vault toilets seemed clean but smelled bad most of the time," while another mentioned, "Cell signal is very spotty. I could get one, maybe two bars of Verizon, but data did not always work well."
Tips for camping with families
Look for amenities: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly features. A visitor to Island Acres noted, "We love this state park for fun little getaways. The fishing lakes, swimming lake and playground are all fun aspects my family enjoys."
Consider elevation changes: The temperature difference between elevations can affect clothing needs. A camper at Ward Lake Campground advised, "Be prepared to put a cover on your tent as intermittent thunderstorms come up out of nowhere."
Check site leveling: Not all tent sites are flat. At Palisade Basecamp, a visitor shared, "All of the tent pads seem to be at a pretty wicked slope, including ours," while another mentioned, "Clean. Super nice people on the phone and in person. The campground is beautiful, with the Colorado River on one side and peach orchards surrounding the rest."
Tips from RVers
Electric availability varies: Many campgrounds offer limited electrical hookups. At Jumbo Campground, a camper noted, "A few electric sites are available, no sewer or water hookups, no groceries or gas nearby - town of Mesa approximately 15 miles north."
Road conditions impact access: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. For Pyramid Rock Camp, a visitor warned, "Do not go past the gravel road if it's rained or going to rain. Most spots were close together or just out in the open which isn't what I like personally."
Site size considerations: Check campground specifications for larger vehicles. At Island Lake Campground, a camper advised, "The campground is pretty easy to maneuver in, even for a larger camper. Be sure to take the longer road along the south side of the lake from the eastern most turn off of HWY 65 to get to the campground. The norther western route is narrow, steep and very challenging for even the smallest RV."
