Dispersed camping near Palisade, Colorado offers campers varied terrain from 4,700 feet in the valley to over 10,700 feet on Grand Mesa. Summer temperatures reach 90-100°F in lower elevations while remaining 15-20 degrees cooler at higher sites. Many dispersed camping areas become inaccessible during winter months due to snow accumulation and mud conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Reservoirs throughout Grand Mesa provide excellent trout fishing. At Grand Mesa Colorado FSR 100, campers can fish at stream-fed lakes. One reviewer noted: "The lake is stream fed and looks like good trout fishing. There are free range cows in the area."
Mountain biking: The terrain near Loma offers extensive trail systems for biking enthusiasts. A camper at BLM #174 Road Dispersed Camping reported: "I've been coming to 18 road for years, but this is the first year with a camper (19 feet). Very spaced out, easy to get away from others if you want peace, right by excellent mountain biking."
Stargazing: The clear desert air provides exceptional night sky viewing. At Pyramid Rock Camp, one reviewer shared: "Stars were popping at night. Views were wonderful." Another camper at Nine Mile Hill noted: "Watched the Milky Way roll overhead. Tent camped and watched the Milky Way roll overhead."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Many free camping areas offer good separation between sites. At Pyramid Rock Camp, campers appreciate the seclusion: "This site is well trafficked but cozy with great views. There were people traveling down the dirt road in the late evening in vehicles and sport vehicles but they were quiet."
Proximity to Grand Junction: Campers value locations that balance wilderness feel with accessibility to town. A reviewer at Nine Mile Hill stated: "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."
Natural surroundings: The diverse landscapes appeal to many campers. Near De Buque Dispersed, a visitor described: "There's a certain ancient tranquility that settles over you when you step into nature's embrace. The rustling leaves whisper wisdom from centuries past, the celestial dance above realigns your soul."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Sudden storms can affect road conditions dramatically. One camper at Pyramid Rock Camp cautioned: "Don't go past the gravel road if it's rained or going to rain. Most spots were close together or just out in the open which isn't what I like personally."
Insect activity: Bugs can be problematic in certain seasons. A reviewer warned: "This place was beautiful! It really felt like the wild west. The road was well kept and any vehicle could make it. There were so many amazing spots... It would have been 5 stars if there weren't so many nats!"
Livestock presence: Cattle frequently roam free in dispersed camping areas. At Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd), one camper shared: "Surrounded by many piñon trees, that some are unfortunately cut with a chain saw and probably used for the firewood, they still give enough shade and beautiful views."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife awareness: Keep children and pets supervised. At BLM 174, one camper advised: "Keep fur babies on leash and close. There are coyotes. Heard them around 7pm and at sunrise."
Site selection criteria: Choose locations based on accessibility and ground conditions. A visitor to Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area noted: "Good enough if you're just passing through and looking for a spot to sleep. It's great too, and you don't need to go all the way to the pin to find a spot."
Hiking options: Family-friendly trails exist throughout the area. At Escalante Canyon Road, a camper described: "Fun hikes up the base of the red cliffs and down to the creek. It looks like there is a swimmable spot but the water looked too compromised by farm run-offs to risk it."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance requirements: Different dispersed sites require varying levels of vehicle capability. A Nine Mile Hill camper advised: "The road is dirt and gets real bumpy real fast so we found a spot right at the front. Spots to the left and right when you turn into the area."
Leveling challenges: Many natural sites require preparation for comfortable parking. A reviewer noted: "I drove a high clearance 4x4 and the spot I was in needed AWD at minimum, sedans will get banged up. Spot was decent but awful leveling. Plenty of rocks to level 4x4 with RTT but still slept angled."
Cell service availability: Connectivity varies by location and provider. At BLM #174, one RVer shared: "I have a cell phone extender (Travlfi) and TMobile hotspot, which worked well. I did not need a 4 x 4 to get in here. My 2WD truck and 22 ft camper did just fine!"
