Mesa, Colorado offers primitive camping options nestled between the 10,000-foot Grand Mesa and surrounding agricultural valleys. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during day and 45-55°F at night, with afternoon thunderstorms common July through August. Winter camping requires preparation for subzero temperatures and significant snowfall that can limit access to certain areas from November through May.
What to do
Fishing at high elevation lakes: Ward Lake Campground on Grand Mesa sits at approximately 10,000 feet with excellent fishing opportunities. "A very nice camp ground for tent campers, very few people, beautiful scenes and within a very short distance of good hiking. Campground staff was helpful and we had a beautiful site right by the lake which is open to fishing and swimming," notes Peter H.
Winter recreation near yurts: Palisade Basecamp RV Resort offers heated accommodations including glamping sites and yurts near Mesa, Colorado, serving as convenient winter lodging. "Stopped here for the night before skiing at PowderHorn. Campground was easy to find, clean and quite. There is a fenced in dog run area that my pup enjoyed," writes Amanda M.
Geocaching adventures: Highline Lake State Park maintains 13 geocaches throughout the property, creating an engaging outdoor treasure hunt. "This is a small campground on the Western Slope of Colorado. Another cool thing is they have 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," reports Melissa K.
What campers like
Access to local agriculture: Elk Creek Campground provides camping near orchards and vineyards. "Not your typical asphalt RV parking lot. Rarely can you find a full hookup site in a natural setting along a roaring creek. Location is great as well. Easy drive from I-70 but far enough to be out of town," explains Jan M.
Bird watching opportunities: Many Mesa-area campgrounds offer habitat for birding enthusiasts. "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," shares Bill B. about Highline Lake State Park.
Mesa's stargazing conditions: The region's low light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "It's tucked into the Rio Grande National Forest (no cell service at all in the forest) and there are streams going through the campground. Light pollution is low there so it was perfect for star gazing," notes Briana about camping in the area.
What you should know
Seasonal irrigation impacts: Some campgrounds utilize irrigation systems that can affect site conditions. "Valley Sunset Recreational Vehicle Ranch is near railroad track. Didn't hear train at night. Walking distance to a few restaurants. WiFi, 3 bars on sprint, 3 bars on Verizon. Propane fill up on site, full hook ups with cable," reports Dan C.
Insect preparation essential: Mesa-area camping requires adequate insect repellent during summer months. "This is a great campground, very clean, nicely spaced out sites, good number of rest rooms, level sites, near the Elk Creek river. However the mosquitoes were many. We tried the herbal bug spray but it was useless. We had to use Off and a lot of it any time we were outside the tent," cautions Martha.
