Best Tent Camping near Mesa, CO
Bureau of Land Management areas surrounding Mesa, Colorado offer diverse tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. Carson Lake Recreation Area provides tent-only camping with four designated sites featuring tables and fire rings, specifically designed for tent campers rather than RVs. Knowles Overlook Campground in McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area offers walk-in tent sites with exceptional views of the Colorado River. Big Dominguez Campground, located directly in Mesa, provides walk-in tent camping with picnic tables and toilet facilities. For those seeking more remote experiences, Rattlesnake and Mee Canyons area offers hike-in tent camping with primitive conditions but spectacular canyon views.
Most tent campgrounds in the Mesa region have minimal amenities, requiring self-sufficiency from visitors. Sites typically feature level tent pads on dirt or gravel surfaces with basic fire rings. Access roads vary significantly in quality, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles or four-wheel drive, particularly after rain. According to a recent visitor at Carson Lake, "The road access is steep from the mesa above. No water, no dumpsters, no cell signal." Vault toilets are available at most established sites, but campers should bring their own water, pack out all trash, and prepare for primitive conditions. Many areas implement a 7-day stay limit and some previously free sites now require reservations and fees.
Tent campers frequently praise the solitude and views available at these sites despite the challenging access. At Knowles Overlook, one visitor noted that "the view overlooking the Colorado River was exceptional" despite the 6-mile drive on dirt and sand roads. Sites at higher elevations experience cool nights even in summer, with morning rain showers common. Shade is limited at most locations, with campers at Jouflas Campground recommending bringing tarps for sun protection. Those camping in Rattlesnake and Mee Canyons area report that "burying human waste is difficult because of super rocky soil," suggesting portable toilet solutions for backcountry tent camping. Weekend crowds can be substantial at more accessible tent campgrounds, with weekday arrivals recommended for those seeking quieter primitive tent camping experiences.
