Dispersed camping opportunities near Palisade, Colorado accommodate a range of wilderness experiences from easily accessible sites to more remote locations. The area sits at approximately 4,700 feet elevation where summer temperatures frequently reach 95-100°F, while winters are relatively mild compared to mountain regions of Colorado. Nine Mile Hill offers free camping with no amenities about 30 minutes from Palisade, providing an economical alternative for self-sufficient campers.
What to do
Vineyard biking tours: Several campgrounds provide excellent access to Palisade's famous fruit and wine region. At Canyon View RV Resort, campers appreciate the location's proximity to local attractions. One visitor noted, "We had an awesome stay when we were going through to Utah. The place is immaculate and the owner and ladies in the office were awesome! They were very helpful!" The resort serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby vineyards by bicycle.
Colorado National Monument exploration: The dramatic canyon landscapes at Colorado National Monument offer excellent day trip opportunities from Palisade area campgrounds. At Saddlehorn Campground, one camper described, "Worth staying a night or two to explore the monument. Great rim hikes. The campground is nice and well maintained with nice facilities." The monument features over 40 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous.
River activities: The Colorado River provides multiple recreation options for campers. One reviewer at Nine Mile Hill shared, "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." This free camping area provides decent access to the river for fishing and water activities.
What campers like
Spacious sites with amenities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities at established campgrounds. At Fruita Section Camping, a visitor commented, "This place has some of the nicest RV sites we have come across in a state park or any other park for that matter... each site has some to good tree coverage, a shade shelter, and a picnic table. Top it all off with concrete pancake flat sites and more separation with vegetation between sites than you will see just about anywhere."
Stargazing opportunities: The clear desert skies create excellent night viewing at several area campgrounds. A camper at Pyramid Rock Camp shared, "Lots of space, I believe you can drive either to the bottom or top of the little dune. We stayed on the top and we were the only ones. Ground is dust/dirt but there were plenty of places to park with great views! Only complaint is LOTS of gnats. OFF didn't help so we ended up just sitting in the tent. After dark they went away!"
Budget-friendly options: Free dispersed camping sites provide cost-effective alternatives. One visitor at Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area BLM noted, "I stayed here for a night traveling from vail to Utah. Easy access for low clearance vehicles like my Subaru. Busy but I found a spot no problem tossed some firewood down and had a great night." This area offers numerous informal sites without facilities but with good accessibility.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The desert climate brings temperature extremes, particularly during summer months. A reviewer at Island Acres Section Camping shared their experience: "Overall this is a nice peaceful park. There is a set of train tracks across the river and trains go through quite frequently but it's not terribly loud. The site was spacious and we had a nice spot to pop our tents under a big tree." The tree cover at this campground provides valuable shade during hot periods.
Noise factors: Highway and train noise affects some campgrounds in the region. One camper at Grand Junction KOA noted, "This KOA is exactly what you'd expect for an RV park right off of a state highway: small campsites, close quarters with your neighbors, and a county fairgrounds right next door with loud music and horses whinnying most of the night." Sites farther from highways typically offer quieter experiences.
Seasonal considerations: Different seasons bring varied camping experiences around Palisade. A winter camper at Grand Junction Desert Road Recreation Area BLM cautioned: "We pulled up here with about an hour till sunset, which was really pretty. We saw lots of dirt bikers heading back to there trailers. It looks like an awesome place for that sort of thing. After sunset the wind picked up and kicked up a horrible dust storm. It was loud and windy all night and sand filled everything in the morning."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with water access during hot summer months. A visitor at Grand Junction KOA shared, "We stayed here in the tent camping spots for two nights. The restrooms were clean and the site had a light over the picnic table which was really nice for setting up in the dark. The highway noise could be a little loud at times, but generally it wasn't too bad to get a good night sleep." The KOA offers a swimming pool that helps children cool off.
Pet-friendly hiking trails: When camping with dogs around Palisade, numerous trails accommodate pets. A camper at Pyramid Rock Camp mentioned, "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." The surrounding terrain offers multiple walking options for families with dogs.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specialized facilities for children. At RV Ranch at Grand Junction, one visitor noted, "Nice level sites. Some longterm/perm campers. Bathrooms updated and clean." This campground maintains a clean pool and play areas suitable for children of various ages.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: RVers should consider campground road conditions, especially at dispersed sites. One camper at Nine Mile Hill cautioned, "This spot is beautiful. No cell service. The hiking is amazing. Quiet and peaceful. There were a few other campers but none within 200 meters of me so relatively private." Most dispersed camping areas around Palisade can accommodate smaller rigs, but larger motorhomes may need established campgrounds.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are available at several campgrounds. At Saddlehorn Campground, a visitor observed, "We camped with our 21 ft Geo Pro on site 31 on a last minute reservation. This site was a bit tight, but doable. Nice table and grill, lots of space between sites. Very quite even though most of the sites were occupied." While this national monument campground has limited services, other area campgrounds offer full hookups.
Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain at some sites requires preparation. A visitor to Pyramid Rock Camp noted, "Apple map directions are spot on. Lots of room - I chose to go up a rutted road a ways, for privacy. There was one camper at the flat bottom. Check weather for rain chance if you don't have 4x4." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most dispersed camping sites in the area.
