138 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campers coming through the Grand Junction corridor often use Palisade as a base when the fruit harvest and wine country pull them east along I-70. Palisade sits about 10 miles from Grand Junction at lower elevation, with BLM land on the Book Cliffs and Colorado River corridor accessible from town. Palisade's dispersed sites on BLM roads cover the free options in the area with details on road conditions and access. Developed campgrounds here are limited — most are small private operations near the river or vineyard properties with a handful of sites.
Spring and fall are the most comfortable windows for camping here — summer temperatures in the valley run hot. The Dyrt campers checking in near Palisade note that river corridor sites see more traffic from water users in summer, so weekday visits tend to be quieter. What's available for camping near Grand Junction covers the broader range of options about 10 miles west if Palisade sites are full.
"Nice river walk. Yellow leaves on the trees still in November. Only the loop b open right now. About 10 other campers. The highway /train noise is minimal inside a camper."
"There is a daily entrance fee of$9/vehicle in addition to the CG fee, so factor that in. There is a nice trail along the river too."
from $26 - $41 / night
Check Availability"It is right next to the river and close to downtown Palisade."
"Decided to rent an RV and drive out to Palisade and stay at Basecamp during the early stages of Corona virus in April. "
from $42 - $140 / night
Check Availability"This is one of my favorite campgrounds, because Colorado National Monument is so stunning."
"Colorado National Monument is one of the treasures of the National Parks system."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"Although this KOA is closely adjacent to US 50 as it enters the Grand Junction area, it is spacious, super-well-kept, nicely located for access to both Colorado River bridges (29 Rd. and Hwy 50), just"
"Close to the highway, so some noise, but not enough to ruin your time. Best part if this KOA is being close to Colorado National Monument!! One of our favorite places we’ve ever been!"
"It is a designated OHV area so no worries about people stopping you from ripping around and exploring."
"Nothing extreme or crazy with this site, you get privacy, open space and 360 views of the surrounding scenery and free range cows. Road relatively easy to pass through"
"Stayed one night on the way to Colorado. Super easy to find right off the highway and plenty of spots. I was the only one there when I stayed."
"Easy to get to and only about 30 minutes or so away from Grand Junction. We were able to get our T@G trailer to a good spot, but the road to the different camping areas can be a bit rocky."
"We visited the Palisades and hiked in Colorado National Monument. Bathhouse facilities like a grand hotel. We also road our mountain bikes all around."
"It is close to I-70 and the road noise is quite noticeable if you’re outside. The restrooms, showers and pool are very nice. The WiFi was fair with speeds of around 0.5 MB/s."
from $40 - $85 / night
Check Availability"After searching for a campsite for a while, we finally stumbled across this place around 10pm on a Saturday night at the end of April 2021."
"A few other people, lots of biking and OHV trails nearby."
"This a a great campground very close to downtown Fruita. It is well maintained and the bathroom/shower rooms are by far the warmest and cleanest we have ever been too."
"We like camping location for a couple of reasons:
- Close proximity to Colorado National Monument
- 1.5 hour drive to Moab/Arches National Park
- Colorado River and great biking trails within the"
from $26 - $41 / night
Check Availability"While in town we visited a couple of wineries in Palisade, did u pick peaches, and explored Colorado National Monument."
"The good - riverside, clean, modern, nice showers, nice clubhouse, bikeway along river, close to GJ amphitheater for walking to concert The cons - very exposed - zero shade, little commercial within"
TravelerAfter a beautiful scenic drive on Rim Rock Road, pulled in and able to select and reserved campsite using QR code at site -$22. Think I was the only camper in loop C. Beautiful sunset and sunrise and interesting Night Sky program by Ranger at the amphitheater as the stars came out.
GuideWe stayed here to enjoy the cooler weather one finds at 9500 feet. This is a typical USFS campground in many respects. It’s ideal for vans, smaller trailers or truck campers. It’s not really designed for bigger rigs. It’s very shady, so have an auxiliary solar panel if you are staying for a couple of days. The bathrooms are new and very clean. The road through the campground has some potholes, so drive slowly. If you need water hookups, electricity or a sewer connection, this campground is not for you.
GuideThis campground is paved, and it is big rig friendly. You are close to several lakes which have nice trails and sidewalks too. It is easy access on and off the main highway. CON: The bathrooms stink horribly and there are mosquitoes in the evening. We were in sight 18, and it is a first come first serve site, but there are reservable sites at this campground with electricity.
GuideWhile traveling I-70, this is a nice place to spend the night with minimal hassle. Like most CO state parks, it’s clean, well maintained with a great staff. Note you will be close to train tracks, and if you are in a tent, you might notice the train in the middle of the night.
TravelerRight off of the main road, there are several spots to camp at. Camping areas are relatively close but they aren’t right on top of each other. There were only two other people camping while we were there
ScoutSurprisingly empty and quiet.
LegendAfter almost a month in the road and campgrounds of rock and dust, it’s nice to find a place with grass and shade trees. Some of the trees are looking poor and the sites are still oo close together, but it’s better than average for our current trip. 30/50 amp electric, water & sewer. Lever concrete pads. Pool, playground and clubhouse. The showers and bathrooms have recently renovated. The Internet is slow.
GuideLooks like no sites have shade. Online it says “partial shade” but it’s referring to the shaded picnic tables on site. Still a nice spot, one shower had hot water, the other did not, ice cold. But flush toilets yes. It was a nice spot but I do regret booking two nights instead of just one. No service.
ScoutThis place is beautiful and has everything you need … but you pay the price ! Expensive !
James M. Robb Colorado River State Park's Island Acres Section sits at 4,500 feet elevation, providing a strategic basecamp for exploring Palisade's vineyards and peach orchards. The camping season here extends year-round with summer temperatures frequently reaching above 90°F during July and August. Winter nights can drop below freezing, though daytime temperatures typically remain mild enough for comfortable camping.
Mountain biking nearby: At Nine Mile Hill, campers appreciate the proximity to Grand Junction's trail systems. "We enjoyed this spot! Easy to get to and only about 30 minutes or so away from Grand Junction. We were able to get our T@G trailer to a good spot, but the road to the different camping areas can be a bit rocky," notes one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: The Colorado River runs alongside several campgrounds in the area. "The campground was in great shape and was well maintained. The area had nice views with the Colorado River running along the side of the campground," reports a camper at Island Acres Section.
Hiking at Colorado National Monument: Just a short drive from Palisade camping areas, this natural landmark offers impressive canyon views. "Worth staying a night or two to explore the monument. Great rim hikes. The campground is nice and well maintained with nice facilities," notes a camper at Saddlehorn Campground.
River access: Many campers appreciate sites with direct Colorado River access. A camper at Palisade Basecamp shares, "The resort may not be busy in the fall, but that just adds to the appeal of staying this season. The bathhouse is heated and in pristine condition. On property there is a very lovely peach orchard, a dog run, and river access which would be ideal for the summer months."
Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies above the desert landscape create excellent conditions for astronomy enthusiasts. "Stayed here on a layover while passing through. Campground is well laid out with great staff, clean bathrooms, and great prices. We'll be back!" notes a visitor to Canyon View RV Resort.
Swimming options: Several local campgrounds offer swimming areas during summer months. At Island Acres Section, a camper explains: "We love this state park for fun little getaways. The fishing lakes, swimming lake and playground are all fun aspects my family enjoys."
Fire restrictions: Fire bans are common in this arid region, especially during summer months. At Saddlehorn Campground, a camper mentions: "Saddlehorn cost $20 for a campsite, but make sure and leave your open flame and smores at home fires are prohibited."
Highway and railroad noise: Several campgrounds are situated near Interstate 70 and active rail lines. "Very nicely groomed campground level site. 2 fishing ponds plus the river a swimming hole also. Nice views of the book cliffs. However we were so close to the interstate the noise was horrible," reports a camper at Island Acres Section.
Limited shade: The desert climate means many sites lack adequate shade coverage. "Hot in afternoon and evening, very little shade," notes a Saddlehorn Campground visitor, while another adds that it's "very hot at night in mid-July, but the campground was nice."
Swimming lakes for kids: At Fruita Section Camping, families enjoy water recreation options. "This place has some of the nicest RV sites we have come across in a state park or any other park for that matter. Did I mention there is a walking distance beach!"
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Grand Junction KOA, a camper notes: "Typical KOA. As expected. Close sites. Level ground. Nothing super memorable but I appreciated having a couple dog runs available plus a playground the kids really enjoyed."
Educational ranger programs: State parks in the area often provide educational activities. A camper at Fruita Section explains: "The rangers and their programs have been wonderful each time we've stayed."
Site selection for size compatibility: For larger rigs, pre-select sites carefully. At Grand Junction KOA, an RVer advises: "RV sites have water, sewer, and 20/30/50 amp electric hookups. Sites are mostly level gravel. Some have small grassy areas and patios with brick pavers and a fire pit."
Hookup options: Most established campgrounds offer various hookup combinations. At Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area BLM, a camper notes: "We pulled up here with about an hour till sunset, which was really pretty. We saw lots of dirt bikers heading back to their trailers. It looks like an awesome place for that sort of thing."
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain, especially at dispersed sites. "We drove a high clearance 4x4 and the spot I was in needed AWD at minimum, sedans will get banged up," warns a camper at Nine Mile Hill, adding "plenty of rocks to level 4x4 with RTT but still slept angled."
Frequently Asked Questions
What activities can you enjoy while camping in Palisade, CO?
Palisade's location makes it perfect for diverse outdoor activities. While staying at Canyon View RV Resort, campers can enjoy hiking in Colorado National Monument and mountain biking on local trails. The Palisade area is famous for its vineyards and wineries, making wine tasting a popular activity. Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument provides an excellent base for exploring the monument's dramatic landscapes. The Colorado River offers opportunities for fishing, paddling, and scenic riverside walks. Off-road enthusiasts can access BLM trails, while fruit orchard tours are seasonal favorites. Downtown Palisade features charming shops and restaurants. With proximity to Grand Junction, campers can also enjoy cultural attractions and additional outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the region.
Where are the best campgrounds near Palisade, CO?
Palisade offers several excellent camping options. Island Acres Section Camping — James M. Robb Colorado River State Park features riverside sites with beautiful yellow foliage in fall, clean facilities, and nice river walks. Water is typically shut off after October, but pit toilets remain available. For a unique experience, Camp Eddy provides immaculate grounds with renovated Airstreams, excellent river views, and spacious bathrooms. Other notable options include Saddlehorn Campground in Colorado National Monument for scenic views and The Peaceful Palisade Place, which offers convenient access to BLM off-roading trails. Most campgrounds in the area provide easy access to downtown Palisade and the surrounding natural attractions.
What RV camping options are available in Palisade, Colorado?
Palisade Basecamp RV Resort offers premium RV camping with stunning views of vineyards and the Bookcliffs. Located next to the river and close to downtown, the resort features well-maintained grassy sites (note that rugs on the grass aren't permitted due to nightly sprinklers). For newer facilities, Grand Junction KOA provides spacious, well-kept grounds just minutes from Palisade with easy access to Colorado River bridges and downtown Grand Junction. Though adjacent to US 50, this KOA remains peaceful. The Peaceful Palisade Place welcomes RVers and provides access to connected BLM trails. Most RV parks in the area offer full hookups, and many accommodate big rigs with pull-through sites. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak wine season.
Keep Exploring
