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Best Dispersed Camping near Mesa, CO

213 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Grand Mesa National Forest offers several free dispersed camping options near Mesa, Colorado, primarily along forest service roads. Grand Mesa FS 105 provides multiple pullouts suitable for tents and RVs, with rough but accessible dirt roads. Lands End Camp features sites with panoramic views from the mesa edge at approximately 10,500 feet elevation. According to one visitor, "Only 2 spots out here at lands end that are actually on the edge of the mesa. No tree cover out on the edge of the mesa."

Pyramid Rock Camp, located about 15 minutes off I-70 near De Beque, offers wide-open spaces with 360-degree mountain views. The dirt access road is bumpy but manageable for most vehicles. As one camper noted, "The road was smooth coming in. I parked right below the marked spot because the road got a little more rough to get up there." Most sites feature established fire rings, though fire restrictions are common during summer months. Twin Lake Dispersed Area along Grand Valley Road provides some of the few sites with amenities, including drinking water, toilets, and trash disposal. Visitors should be prepared for high-elevation camping, free-range cattle, and variable weather conditions.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Mesa, Colorado (41)

    1. Pyramid Rock Camp

    18 Reviews
    De Beque, CO
    13 miles

    "Our 4WD 28ft RV had no trouble with the dirt road- even though it was a little soggy in some spots. Big ruts in some sections, but most vehicles shouldn’t have trouble with the climb."

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

    2. Grand Mesa FS 105 Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Mesa Lakes, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 874-6600

    "Our site was hidden by trees off a short dirt drive which wasn’t too bad."

    "Im in a class B van with low clearance and had no issues getting in & out. I'll be back there again!"

    3. Twin Lake Dispersed Area - Grand Valley Rd

    9 Reviews
    Cedaredge, CO
    17 miles
    Website

    "There were some cattle that walked through as I was setting up but otherwise very chill. All sites had areas for parking and fire rings."

    "You can camp at a designated campground right on the lake, or you drive up 24 and find a lot of dispersed camping available - all the way up to the little lakes (great for fishing too)."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    4. Near De Buque Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    De Beque, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    "Plenty of dispersed sites along this road."

    "Nice area with many dispersed camping sites. Pin is not in exact spot but many spots along this road. The road was decent and i made it easily in my toyota prius."

    5. Lands End Camp

    2 Reviews
    Mesa Lakes, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 874-6600

    "Only 2 spots out here at lands end that are actually on the edge of the mesa. No tree cover out on the edge of the mesa. Alt is around 10.5k so won't get super hot."

    "Went here in May when a lot of other places weren’t accessible yet. Easy drive up for any vehicle."

    6. Grand Mesa Colorado FSR 100

    1 Review
    Mesa Lakes, CO
    10 miles

    "Go in 1/4 mile and turn Right down dirt path to large camping site. There is nobody for 1/2 mile or more around you."

    7. Nine Mile Hill

    18 Reviews
    Whitewater, CO
    25 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"
    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    8. Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area BLM

    12 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    21 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."

    9. Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)

    13 Reviews
    Delta, CO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 244-3000

    "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."

    "Primitive camping but close to the main road, so access is easy. No shade, water, or amenities."

    10. Fish Hawk Tailhead Dispersed

    1 Review
    Mesa Lakes, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 874-6600
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Mesa, CO

179 Photos of 41 Mesa Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mesa, CO

213 Reviews of 41 Mesa Campgrounds

  • Matthew V.
    Oct. 9, 2020

    Four Mile Road Dispersed

    Easy drive. Tons of sites

    Had a quick stop over here on the way to Dinosaur National Monument. No ATT phone service beyond a certain point. This is all primitive camping and heavily used by 4x4 ATVs. There are no facilities ie: Toilets, power, water or fire pits. The road was easy no need for high clearance or 4wheel drive. Heavy wildlife area, had a fox come right up to my car as I was making coffee. Only 30 minutes from Glenwood Springs. Would stay again 9/10 would recommend.

    Remember to pack in pack out.

  • robherr The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2018

    Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM

    For a free campsite in Southwest Colorado, it's not bad

    Hubbard Mesa area is an off highway vehicle area that is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

    There's not much in this area except a small little campsite right off the road. I didn't explore all the rest of the HOV cuz I wasn't in a four-wheeler, but it was perfect for an overnight stay on a motorcycle trip to Sturgis.

    The Road in is dirt and there are no durable paved surfaces anywhere, so I would imagine if it had rained this would be a muddy mess.

  • Alexia L.
    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 🫶🏼🏕️🌎

  • Jeff L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Four Mile Road Dispersed

    4 mile dispersed

    There are many sites all over the place up there. Some are big enough for groups of RV's some are small, private tent spots. Some offer magicians views others are in dense vegetation along water. We found no cell reception for miles. There are easy sites next to the main gravel roads and more secluded sites off of many various "Jeep trails". No services, no running water, no electric, no cable TV, no bathrooms, no showers, no dump stations, no picnic tables, etc. It's the forest.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Twin Lake Dispersed Area - Grand Valley Rd

    Beautiful and Quiet

    I was up there on a Tuesday-Wednesday so it was very quiet and there was no one else at the site. It’s right on the water although there is a drop off you have to climb down, but it’s not bad. There were some cattle that walked through as I was setting up but otherwise very chill. All sites had areas for parking and fire rings. Driving off the forest road and onto the small road getting up to the campsite, 4WD isn’t required but highly recommended, it is a very rough road. High clearance is necessary. The sites seemed kinda close to each other however there are trees and stumps that define each site. Amazing views, light rain, and still my favorite forest.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Pyramid Rock Camp

    Perfection

    We pulled in at night. Our 4WD 28ft RV had no trouble with the dirt road- even though it was a little soggy in some spots. Big ruts in some sections, but most vehicles shouldn’t have trouble with the climb. When you pull in, there’s 5-6 designated spots, but they were full, so we went further down and found a pulloff to spend the night. Stars were phenomenal! Make sure you check fire restrictions beforehand.

  • Lauren M.
    Aug. 2, 2022

    Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM

    Nice place to stay for the night!

    The ground was exceptionally muddy so my subaru forester did some off roading which was a bit of an adventure, but otherwise had a lovely view and a great place to car camp. We cleaned up some trash in the area but otherwise pretty clean. The entrance was muddy and difficult for my car so if you don't have high clearance I don't recommend driving further past the gravel path. Saw some vans parked up there and we decided to travel out a little further.

  • 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.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD

    Peaceful location

    Stocked reservoir with rainbow and brook trout. Smaller fish but fun fishing. 

    The dispersed camping is located on the east side of the reservoir. Vault toilets located here and no water(except the reservoir). All camping is first-come, first-serve. Bring bug spray as the mosquitoes are pretty bad here.

Guide to Mesa

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mesa, Colorado, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while finding their perfect spot.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Activities to Enjoy While Free Camping Near Mesa

  • Adventurers can take advantage of the trails and roads at Grand Mesa FS 105 Dispersed Camping, where biking and hiking opportunities abound amidst beautiful scenery.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of spots at the Cotton Wood Lakes #1-4, where the lakes are teeming with fish and surrounded by stunning landscapes.
  • For those who enjoy off-roading, the rugged paths leading to Lands End Camp provide an exciting way to explore the area while enjoying the thrill of driving through nature.

Unique Features of Dispersed Camping Areas

  • The Old De Beque Bridge on Colorado River is known for its scenic beauty, although it may not offer traditional camping amenities, making it a unique spot for adventurous spirits.
  • At Near De Buque Dispersed, campers can enjoy a peaceful environment with plenty of space for tents and RVs, all while being surrounded by nature.
  • The Fish Hawk Tailhead Dispersed area is perfect for those looking for a more rustic experience, as it lacks developed facilities but offers a true back-to-nature vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free dispersed camping allowed in Mesa, and what are the regulations?

Free dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas near Mesa, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest lands. At Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM and Black Canyon Dispersed Camping, camping is free but follows standard dispersed camping regulations. These typically include a 14-day stay limit within a 28-day period, camping only in previously disturbed areas, positioning vehicles and equipment within 150 feet of designated roads, proper waste disposal, and adhering to fire restrictions when in place. Always check current regulations with the local BLM office or Forest Service before your trip.

What amenities or facilities are available at dispersed camping sites near Mesa?

Dispersed camping sites near Mesa are primarily primitive with minimal amenities. At Four Mile Road Dispersed, you'll find no toilets, power, water, or established fire pits. Similarly, Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD offers vault toilets but no potable water. Most dispersed sites require you to bring everything you need and pack it out when you leave. Fire rings may be present at some established sites, but you should be prepared to practice Leave No Trace principles. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in these areas.

Where can I find dispersed camping areas near Mesa, Arizona?

Several dispersed camping areas can be found near Mesa. Grand Mesa FS 105 Dispersed Camping offers accessible drive-in sites with beautiful views. Another option is Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd), located just off the main road with flat sites and established fire rings. The road is packed gravel making it easily accessible for most vehicles. These areas typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early, especially during peak seasons, is recommended to secure a good spot.

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