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.

Best Tent Sites Near Mesa, Colorado (17)

    1. Grand Junction KOA

    26 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 242-2527

    "We stayed at the Grand Junction KOA when driving cross country from CA to NY a few years back."

    "We stayed here in the tent camping spots for two nights. The restrooms were clean and the site had a light over the picnic table which was really nice for setting up in the dark."

    2. Steamboat Rock Campground

    4 Reviews
    Mesa Lakes, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    "This campground is off road. Has no bathrooms nor water source. But offers hiking, rockclimbing and just peace and quiet."

    "Beautiful drive to get there. If you take the Yampa Bench Road to get there, you will need 4WD. Expect a solid three hour drive with beautiful views."

    4. Collbran

    Be the first to review!
    Mesa Lakes, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 242-8211

    5. Knowles Overlook Campground

    16 Reviews
    Mack, CO
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 244-3000

    "Driving for a few miles along a fairly compact but slightly washed out dirt road will drop you off right at a vista above the CO river. 2WD is probably fine but low clearance vehicles will likely struggle"

    "I was wondering expecting dispersed camping at this site but there are individual with tent pads and vault toilets. The view overlooking the Colorado River was exceptional."

    7. Jouflas Campground

    14 Reviews
    Mack, CO
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 244-3000

    "No water or trash but pit toilets that are very clean. All sites are pretty large and have fire rings and a picnic table but very little shade to be found."

    "⭐️No highway noise."

    8. Big Dominguez Campground

    4 Reviews
    Whitewater, CO
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 244-3000

    "Pretty spot with stream water right behind the sites. You have to drive over a stream when you come in but it was easily crossed when we visited."

    "As in the description, very quiet, and accessibility can be tricky when weather comes into play."

    9. Harvey Gap BLM Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Silt, CO
    40 miles

    "Super fun view of the lake! I was surprised there was space during the 4th of July"

    "There are two off-road trails coming off the parking area and you can see the water and people paddle boarding at the beach from the Sites"

    10. Rattlesnake and Mee Canyons

    1 Review
    Fruita, CO
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 244-3000

    "My wife and I did the Rattlesnake Arches hike and camped nearby. There were three campsites we found on the way to Rattlesnake Arches."

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Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Mesa, CO

931 Reviews of 17 Mesa Campgrounds



Guide to Mesa

Mesa, Colorado, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and natural beauty.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Grand Junction KOA features well-maintained facilities, including drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • At Aspen Grove Campground — Vega State Park, campers can enjoy spacious sites with fire rings and toilets, all set against stunning mountain views.
  • Steamboat Rock Campground offers a peaceful atmosphere with drinking water and pet-friendly policies, perfect for those looking to unwind in nature.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • The Carson Lake Recreation Area is ideal for fishing and hiking, providing a serene environment for outdoor exploration.
  • Campers at Big Dominguez Campground can enjoy solitude and access to nearby trails, making it a great spot for hiking and wildlife watching.
  • The Rattlesnake and Mee Canyons area is perfect for hiking enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views and a chance to explore primitive high desert landscapes.

Tent campers should check out the scenery

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mesa, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mesa, CO is Grand Junction KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 26 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Mesa, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Mesa, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.