Camping areas near Mesa, Colorado sit at elevations between 4,700 and 7,500 feet in high desert terrain characterized by sandstone canyons and juniper forests. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 95°F during daytime hours but drop significantly after sunset. Most camping options require visitors to navigate dirt roads that become impassable during rainstorms, with many campsites lacking cell service and reliable shade.
What to do
Hiking Rattlesnake Arches: Access a network of natural sandstone arches from Rattlesnake and Mee Canyons. The trail system requires preparation for desert conditions. "My wife and I did the Rattlesnake Arches hike and camped nearby. There were three campsites we found on the way to Rattlesnake Arches," notes a visitor who recommends bringing "a 'luggable loo' or equivalent, burying human waste is difficult because of SUPER rocky soil."
Mountain biking: Many tent campsites near Mesa, Colorado serve as basecamps for mountain bikers using extensive trail networks. Jouflas Campground provides convenient access to popular routes. "This seemed to be a pretty good base camp for mountain bikers and people with 4x4 toys," reports one camper who noted the area gets extremely hot with "102°F in April."
Fishing access: Several camping areas provide access to fishing opportunities. "Super rugged road, I don't recommend any low clearance vehicles. Unmarked camping areas, we stopped at the first one with an already made fire pit. Super fun view of the lake!" reports a visitor to dispersed camping sites near Harvey Gap Reservoir.
What campers like
Elevated canyon views: Tent camping spots above the Colorado River corridor offer expansive vistas. Knowles Overlook Campground receives consistent praise for its positioning. "Really easy to get to off of 70. Signage made it very easy to find campground. Like another review mentioned there are about 20 spots and multiple toilets. Camp sites are pretty big and close to trails," shares one camper.
Secluded tent sites: Many tent campers seek isolation at primitive sites away from crowded facilities. "I was wondering expecting dispersed camping at this site but there are individual with tent pads and vault toilets. It was about a 6 mile ride back on dirt and sand that my subaru handled easily. What a find off of I-70!" reports a visitor to Knowles Overlook.
Functional campsite layouts: Despite primitive conditions, many tent camping areas near Mesa feature practical site designs. "Each site has a concrete picnic table, steel and concrete fire pit with lift off grate and a sandbox style tent pad. Sites are well marked. Only a few sites are set up as group sites," explains a camper at Jouflas Campground.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent campsites near Mesa provide minimal infrastructure. Big Dominguez Campground exemplifies the primitive conditions. "Stayed for one night. Arrived on foot trail via a Little Dominguez Canyon going to Big Dominguez Canyon. Half of Campground is on one side of the river need four-wheel-drive to cross the river," reports one hiker.
Difficult access: Many campsites require navigating challenging terrain. "It was an hour and fifteen minute drive up. The road was very windy and gravel/dirt. It wasn't too bad until the turn off to the campground. That road was almost all dirt. Wash out in some places. Single width for most of it," warns a visitor to Big Dominguez who ultimately decided not to stay.
Weather considerations: Summer storms develop quickly in this region. "Sites at higher elevations experience cool nights even in summer, with morning rain showers common," notes a regular visitor. High winds frequently affect exposed sites, making awnings or shade structures difficult to maintain without proper anchoring.
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility planning: When camping with children, prioritize sites with shorter access routes. Grand Junction KOA offers family-friendly amenities with easier access. "This KOA has a pool, mini golf, dog run, and general store. Facilities were clean and in good shape. Close to the highway, so some noise, but not enough to ruin your time," reports one family camper.
Evening entertainment: Some campgrounds provide structured activities for children. "As with most KOA's, this one also rents the pedal carts and has a game room area, outdoor movie theater with nightly movies, mini-golf, and a playground," notes a family who visited the Grand Junction KOA, though they caution the playground "is not well-situated and has a 'scary steep slide' according to our kids."
Shade requirements: Tent camping with children requires planning for sun protection. "Bring an awning or something for shade," advises a camper at Rattlesnake and Mee Canyons, where natural shade is minimal and daytime temperatures regularly exceed 90°F during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campers consistently note the uneven terrain at dispersed sites. "Really pretty spot if you have 4x4 or something that can handle hills and off roading. I tore the back of my rv on a tiny hill entering the area. Oops. And its very u level by the front so bring levelers," warns an RVer who stayed at Harvey Gap BLM dispersed camping area.
Road condition awareness: Many tent camping areas near Mesa have access roads unsuitable for larger vehicles. "The higher spot was too intimidating for me to pull my camper up to but later found there is another road up to it that's not as steep (still daunting for most! Bring lots of leveling blocks. I used all of mine to get my camper fairly level," advises an RVer at Harvey Gap BLM.
Limited turnaround space: Larger rigs face challenges at primitive sites with narrow access roads. Several campgrounds have limited areas for turning vehicles with trailers, requiring careful planning and sometimes backing long distances on rough terrain if sites are full.
