Dispersed camping sites near Palisade, Colorado range from 4,700 feet to over 10,500 feet in elevation, offering dramatic temperature variations between locations. Camping areas on Grand Mesa typically remain 15-20 degrees cooler than sites in lower-elevation BLM lands. During summer months, temperatures at higher elevations average 70-80°F while lower sites frequently reach 90-100°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Trail riding with horses: At Pyramid Rock Camp, equestrians can access several routes suitable for day rides. "Road relatively easy to pass through" with "360 views of the surrounding scenery and free range cows" according to Bryan H., making this area practical for trailer access and overnight horse camping.
Stargazing opportunities: The Big Dominguez Campground area provides exceptional dark sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Solitude, with a water source" notes TJ C., making this a prime location for night sky photography and telescope setup during summer months when road conditions permit equestrian access.
Mountain biking: Technical trails accessible from Lands End Camp provide riding options across varying skill levels. "Easy drive up for any vehicle" reports Emily C., with the area offering "100+ mile views" according to Donnie B., making this location practical for campers combining equestrian activities with other outdoor pursuits.
What campers like
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Late spring through early fall, many dispersed camping areas host diverse wildlife. "We saw deer in the morning" at Big Dominguez Campground, reports Evan S., while other campers regularly observe elk, wild turkeys, and other species throughout public lands surrounding Palisade.
Temperature variations: Grand Mesa FS 105 Dispersed Camping provides relief from summer heat. "We spent two weeks near vela reservoir" where temperatures remain "cool elevation, 8400 elv" according to multiple reviewers, making this area practical for horse camping during hottest summer months.
Accessibility options: Despite rugged terrain, many sites accommodate standard vehicles. The area offers "Plenty of open space" with options where "any vehicle could make it" according to Leah B., making most sites accessible for basic horse trailers without specialized equipment.
What you should know
Variable road conditions: Road quality changes dramatically with weather. "The road was very windy and gravel/dirt. It wasn't too bad until the turn off to the campground" notes one visitor to Big Dominguez, while others warn "Check weather for rain chance if you don't have 4x4" at multiple locations.
Cattle interactions: Public grazing allotments mean frequent cattle encounters. Mud Springs Campground visitors report "watching storm clouds approaching every day" while "the sound of cattle lowing was frequent." Another camper observed "One bull approached and stood there bellowing at the camper before finally moving along," presenting considerations for those camping with horses.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack amenities. "No trash and although normally water is available, it was not working in Aug 2021 due to drought" reports Greg L., highlighting the importance of bringing sufficient water for both horses and humans.
Tips for camping with families
Insect preparation: Many sites experience seasonal insect activity. "It would have been 5 stars if there weren't so many nats! bring some good bug repellent" advises Eliza S., while another camper notes "OFF didn't help so we ended up just sitting in the tent. After dark they went away!"
Navigation challenges: GPS reliability varies throughout the region. "Don't trust Waze! Waze took me through privately owned land. Google had it right" warns Stephen L. about reaching BLM Camping off 139, highlighting the importance of carrying physical maps when traveling to remote horse camping areas.
Spacing considerations: Family groups benefit from larger sites. "Lots of space, I believe you can drive either to the bottom or top of the little dune" notes Ashlyn H., while others mention "We chose to go up a rutted road a ways, for privacy" as strategies for finding suitable areas for larger camping setups with horses.
Tips from RVers
Site selection priorities: Look beyond standard campgrounds for horse-friendly options. "Sites are mostly back in and not real big for larger TTs or RVs" at established locations, while "Plenty of big, open pull-offs with wide open views" exist at dispersed sites according to Mitch H.
Seasonal accessibility: Higher elevations have limited seasonal windows. "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" shares LINDA H., noting "The road was very rough but doable by moving along very slowly" when accessing prime horse camping areas.
Water planning: Natural sources require filtration. "Limited cell signal for Verizon, Att, but no TMobile" at remote locations complicates weather forecasting, while reviewers consistently emphasize bringing sufficient water as many sites have "No facilities I could see" despite proximity to rivers or reservoirs.
