Best Campgrounds near Palisade, CO
Palisade, Colorado provides a variety of campground options surrounded by vineyards, peach orchards, and the Colorado River. The area includes established facilities like Palisade Basecamp RV Resort, which accommodates tent campers, RVs, cabin stays, and glamping experiences, while Island Acres Section at James M. Robb Colorado River State Park offers additional developed sites. For those seeking free camping, Nine Mile Hill and Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area offer dispersed camping on BLM land within a short drive of town, providing more primitive experiences without amenities.
Most developed campgrounds in the region operate year-round, though seasonal closures affect some sites like Saddlehorn Campground at Colorado National Monument, which closes from November through early March. Reservations are strongly recommended for established campgrounds, particularly during summer months and peach harvest season when tourism peaks. Higher elevation sites experience cooler temperatures, while valley locations can exceed 100°F in July and August. Free dispersed sites typically have no facilities, requiring campers to bring all water and pack out waste. A camper noted, "We stayed in a tent site and were the only ones there! There is a portapotty at the entrance of the tent sites but a shower/bath house in the main area which is just a short walk."
The riverside tent sites at Palisade Basecamp consistently receive positive reviews for their proximity to the Colorado River, though highway and train noise can be heard at night. Several campers mentioned the well-maintained facilities, with clean bathrooms and showers being particular highlights. The campground's location provides easy access to nearby wineries, peach orchards, and cycling routes. "The tent sites have a table, fire ring, and shade cover by trees. The amenities were unexpected but very nice," shared one visitor. RV campers should note that some sites lack shade, which can be challenging during summer heat, while tent campers generally have more shade options along the river. Mixed-use campgrounds like Canyon View RV Resort offer both tent and RV sites alongside cabin accommodations for those seeking more comfort.
