Palisade sits at 4,728 feet elevation in western Colorado, between Grand Junction and Grand Mesa National Forest. The area experiences hot summers reaching 90°F and mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°F. Proximity to the Colorado River creates unique microclimates that support the region's famous fruit orchards and vineyards while providing camping options ranging from established campgrounds to more remote forest sites.
What to Do
River access for fishing: Ward Lake Campground offers shoreline sites near fishing spots. "The shoreline was a bit muddy and the rocks made navigating the area difficult for us. Other people went down and fished though and did appear to be catching fish," notes one visitor.
Mountain biking near Fruita: Highline Lake State Park provides a convenient base for mountain biking enthusiasts. "Great spot to camp if you want to ride the course for the 18hrs of Fruita mountain bike race," shares one camper.
Wine tasting tours: Campgrounds near Palisade place you within reach of local wineries. A visitor at Cottonwood Lake Campground reports, "Vineyards all around, a local brewery, tent sites on the Colorado river. The winery next door (colterris) is awesome. Small family owned great atmosphere."
Hiking trails: At Ward Lake Campground, "We found Ward Lake Trail and hiked all the way to the other side of the lake, which was beautiful! The trail was amazing, the trees were great and it made for a very scenic trail."
What Campers Like
Tent sites along water: Campers appreciate riverside accommodations. At Cottonwood Lake Campground, "The campsites here are well spread out and right on the water. We found we had privacy and still had great hiking spots near by."
Clean facilities: Highline Lake State Park maintains impressive amenities. "This is a small campground on the Western Slope of Colorado. It has a lake that allows motor boats... The campsites are pretty centralized, all pretty close to the restrooms."
Fall camping season: Fall offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds. A camper at Palisade Basecamp RV Resort noted, "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."
Rustic glamping options: For glamping close to Palisade, Colorado, Homestead Places offers unique accommodations. "The Bunkhouse (Rustic Bunk) is a comfy little place to lay your head and sit around to tell stories. The little room next to the shower house is just absolutely adorable and a nice place for dreamland."
What You Should Know
Tent pad quality varies: Check for leveled sites when tent camping. One camper at Palisade Basecamp RV Resort shared, "Really great spot but prepare to roll. All of the tent pads seem to be at a pretty wicked slope, including ours."
Weather changes rapidly: Mountain elevations experience sudden shifts. At Mud Springs Campground, "It seems to rain in July there, although they go through severe droughts and then all of a sudden, rain for two days."
Seasonal water levels: Water access changes throughout the year. A Ward Lake Campground visitor reported, "Our site said that it was a shore line site, but the lake was down something like 40 feet and was supposed to drop another 20 feet."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies by location. At Homestead Places, "When you come here, you become a part of a circle of friends and family," partly because modern distractions are limited.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Highline Lake State Park offers recreational facilities for kids. "The visitors center has childrens fishing gear that is free to use during your visit. There is a wooden play structure as well."
Consider cabin options for comfort: Homestead Places provides family-friendly cabins near Palisade. "Then the Cabin that a father and son built will be a treasure for so many more generations! Its the greatest, it is really a sweet place for a family get away."
Choose established campgrounds for amenities: State parks offer reliable facilities. A camper noted about Rifle Gap State Park, "First Trip of the Year... The camp host was super nice and had some firewood on site for way cheaper than in town. We had a great time fishing, but they will check fishing licenses, so don't be a poacher."
Bring water shoes for lake swimming: At Highline Lake State Park, "One thing that is disappointing is that the swim beach is all gravel. It's really hard on the feet. Bring some sort of water shoes."
Tips from RVers
Reserve early for summer months: Popular RV sites book quickly. At Glenwood Springs West/Colorado River KOA, "We arrived late, but check in was a breeze, and we were able to make ourselves comfortable."
Look for level sites: Many campers appreciate well-prepared RV pads. A KOA visitor shared, "The people are really friendly and the spots are perfectly level."
Elevation affects temperatures: Higher elevation campgrounds like those on Grand Mesa can be significantly cooler. "Ward Lake sits at about 10,000 feet. So, depending on time of year, it can get a little chilly."
Use campgrounds for service breaks: KOAs and similar facilities provide full hookups for systems maintenance. "Full hook ups allowed us to flush our water systems, recharge all batteries and devices, and wait out some seriously nasty wind."
