Primitive camping near Molina, Colorado offers self-sufficient outdoor stays on public lands at elevations between 8,000-10,700 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during days and drop to 40-50°F at night. Grand Mesa National Forest provides numerous dispersed sites with established fire rings but limited cell service outside of higher elevation points.
What to do
Fishing at multiple reservoirs: Cotton Wood Lakes area allows boat-in camping options with lake access. One camper noted that despite crowds, "This was a great spot... Lots of lakes though and great fishing!" at Cotton Wood Lakes #1-4.
Stargazing from mesa tops: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create ideal stargazing conditions. At Nine Mile Hill, one camper reported they "tent camped and watched the Milky Way roll overhead."
Mountain biking on forest trails: The area has numerous trails suitable for all skill levels. Near Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area, a visitor mentioned, "I wish I had some kind of bike or OHV vehicle because this looks like such a sweet spot for free riding; there are hills and jumps everywhere."
Wildlife observation: Campers regularly spot various wildlife throughout the mesa. Keep binoculars handy for viewing deer, fox, and various bird species from your campsite.
What campers like
Unobstructed views: The mesa's edge provides spectacular vantage points. At Lands End Camp, a camper highlighted, "Only 2 spots out here at lands end that are actually on the edge of the mesa... During the daytime in clear weather, you have 100+ mile views."
Privacy between sites: Most dispersed areas feature natural spacing between campsites. A visitor to Pyramid Rock Camp commented, "You get privacy, open space and 360 views of the surrounding scenery and free range cows."
Cooler temperatures: The high elevation provides relief from summer heat. One camper at Pyramid Rock Camp shared, "It's definitely HOT right now in July without a ton of tree coverage but once the sun started to set it was fine."
Accessible options: Some areas allow camping without specialized vehicles. A visitor to Near De Buque Dispersed noted, "The road was decent and i made it easily in my toyota prius. Roads would be slippery and have running water over them in rain."
What you should know
Seasonal bugs: Insects can be problematic during warmer months. A visitor to Grand Mesa FS 105 Dispersed Camping mentioned, "We spent two weeks near vela resevoir. No fish but lots of mushrooms. The first trees are inoxicating."
Variable road conditions: Road quality varies significantly across areas. A Twin Lake camper advised, "Driving off the forest road and onto the small road getting up to the campsite, 4WD isn't required but highly recommended, it is a very rough road. High clearance is necessary."
Livestock encounters: Free-range cattle frequently wander through campsites. One camper reported, "One bull approached and stood there bellowing at the camper before finally moving along, and another morning we looked outside to see several cows munching on the remains of our campfire."
Limited shade: Many sites lack substantial tree coverage. At Nine Mile Hill, campers shared, "Beautiful in the evening and in the morning" but noted limited shade during midday heat.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with established fire rings: These indicate previous use and level ground. At Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area BLM, a visitor noted, "We pulled up here with about an hour till sunset, which was really pretty... After sunset the wind picked up and kicked up a horrible dust storm."
Pack extra water: No reliable water sources exist at most sites. Plan for 1-2 gallons per person per day plus cooking and cleaning needs.
Consider noise factors: Some areas experience recreational vehicle traffic. A camper mentioned, "This is also an OHV area, so be prepared for that, if you're annoyed by razors and dirt bikes. One or a few occasionally will ride by where you are."
Check for glass at campsites: Unfortunately, broken glass is common at some popular sites. One visitor warned, "Glass bottles were shattered everywhere around the spot I chose and I was grateful not to pop a tire."
Tips from RVers
Pre-scout side roads: Many forest roads become progressively rougher. One RVer at Near De Buque Dispersed wrote, "Plenty of dispersed sites along this road."
Look for pull-through options: Some areas offer easier parking for larger rigs. A camper with a trailer noted, "We towed a 35 FT 5th wheel heading west on 105 until we discovered the perfect campsite by turning south at the intersection with 108. The road was very rough but doable by moving along very slowly."
Plan for unlevel sites: Bring leveling blocks for most locations. An RVer at Nine Mile Hill mentioned, "The spot I was in needed AWD at minimum, sedans will get banged up... plenty of rocks to level 4x4 with RTT but still slept angled."
Consider vehicle clearance: Some areas require high-clearance vehicles. A camper pulling a trailer shared, "Easy to find with Google maps. Plenty of open space. 15min off 70. Dirt road, a bit bumpy, but we easily pulled our 21ft Micro Minnie and it was doable for almost any vehicle."
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