Best Campgrounds near Molina, CO
The Grand Mesa region surrounding Molina, Colorado features diverse camping options spanning from high-elevation forest sites to riverside accommodations. Jumbo Campground, situated at over 10,000 feet on Grand Mesa, provides access to alpine lakes and fishing opportunities, while lower-elevation options include James M. Robb Colorado River State Park's Island Acres Section with full hookups along the Colorado River. Dispersed camping is available at areas like Pyramid Rock Camp and Twin Lake Dispersed Area on Grand Valley Road. The area contains a mix of Forest Service campgrounds with basic amenities and more developed sites with electric hookups, showers, and dump stations for RVs.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability, with many higher elevation sites like Little Bear and Ward Lake campgrounds operating only from May through September or October. One visitor noted, "Wonderful campground with roughly 20 campsites... immediate access to two beautiful lakes, endless hiking and mountain biking trails." Summer temperatures can reach 90-100°F in lower elevations near the Colorado River, while mountain sites remain cooler. Cell service varies dramatically by location, with good coverage near towns but limited connectivity in remote areas. Most established campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends, and Colorado State Parks charge a daily entrance fee ($9) in addition to camping fees.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly sites near lakes on Grand Mesa and along the Colorado River. Campers frequently mention wildlife sightings, including bald eagles and bears, especially around Jumbo Campground. As one reviewer shared, "We saw bald eagles, caught tons of rainbow trout, and even had a medium size bear come through a couple of times." Highway noise affects some riverside campgrounds near I-70, though most visitors find it manageable. Bathroom facilities vary widely, from clean shower houses at state parks to basic vault toilets at forest service sites. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, with several campgrounds prohibiting fires year-round regardless of conditions. The proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and mountain biking, consistently ranks as the top reason visitors choose this area.
