Best Campgrounds near Parachute, CO

Dispersed camping opportunities and established campgrounds surround Parachute, Colorado, with options ranging from free public lands to full-service RV parks. The area features several notable camping areas including Pyramid Rock Camp, a popular dispersed camping location about 15 minutes off Interstate 70, and Love's RV Hookup with dedicated RV sites right in Parachute. The landscape transitions from high desert terrain to mountain foothills, providing both tent and RV camping possibilities across various elevations and settings throughout the region.

Road conditions vary significantly depending on the specific camping area, with some sites requiring careful navigation on unpaved roads. Pyramid Rock Camp access involves dirt roads that become challenging during wet weather. "The road was smooth coming in. I parked right below the marked spot because the road got a little more rough to get up there. But there is plenty of dispersed camping before and after the marked spot," noted one visitor about Pyramid Rock Camp. Most dispersed sites lack facilities such as water, toilets or trash service, requiring campers to pack in supplies and pack out waste. Summer temperatures in this high desert region can become extremely hot during daytime hours, while spring and fall generally offer more moderate conditions for camping.

Many campers appreciate the solitude and scenic views available at dispersed sites near Parachute. Pyramid Rock Camp receives consistently positive reviews for its panoramic mountain vistas and spacious camping areas. A reviewer described it as having "wild west feel" with "stunning views" and excellent stargazing opportunities. Several visitors mentioned the presence of gnats or mosquitoes during certain seasons, particularly in early evening before sunset. The established campgrounds in the broader region, including state parks near Rifle and Grand Junction, provide more amenities but typically require reservations and camping fees. Free dispersed camping locations may have varying stay limits depending on land management regulations, with most Bureau of Land Management areas allowing up to 14 days of camping within a 28-day period.

Best Camping Sites Near Parachute, Colorado (152)

    1. Rifle Gap State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Rifle, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 625-1607

    $28 - $41 / night

    "Loved the site and the location.. easy access to Rifle Falls and the surrounding trails and climbing walls.. close to access for UTV and off-road vehicle areas as well."

    "There is a loop with full hook up but there a little further than the lake but nice. Our site had a nice covered area with the picnic table under it & a great view from it."

    2. Pyramid Rock Camp

    16 Reviews
    De Beque, CO
    15 miles

    "It is a designated OHV area so no worries about people stopping you from ripping around and exploring."

    "Nothing extreme or crazy with this site, you get privacy, open space and 360 views of the surrounding scenery and free range cows. Road relatively easy to pass through"

    3. Island Acres Section Camping — James M. Robb Colorado River State Park

    40 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 464-0548

    $26 - $41 / night

    "Great walking path along the river for evening or morning stroll. Tucked in the canyon, surrounded by cliffs."

    "Add $9 daily for Colorado State parks. Full hookups (near I70/some road noise), and Electric only, and, Tent Pit long-drop toilets (fly haven)

    Lovely park on banks of Colorado river."

    4. Glenwood Springs West/Colorado River KOA

    24 Reviews
    Silt, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 876-4900

    $45 - $64 / night

    "After a long, long day of driving, this was a true treat to pull into. As soon as we set up we ventured off to “duck island” after crossing their little bridge over the Colorado."

    "After a long, long day of driving, this was a true treat to pull into. As soon as we set up we ventured off to“duck island” after crossing their little bridge over the Colorado."

    5. Love's RV Hookup-Parachute CO 826

    1 Review
    Parachute, CO
    1 mile
    Website

    $37 - $599 / night

    6. Rifle Falls State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Silt, CO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 625-1607

    $28 - $36 / night

    "In Colorado! What a unique place. The camping is reserved for a very small number of spots that are unique."

    "A hidden gem in Colorado! Awesome hike in camp sites along the river, but also drive up spots with camper hook ups. Amazing little hiking trails and a super impressive waterfall!"

    7. Palisade Basecamp RV Resort

    27 Reviews
    Palisade, CO
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 462-9712

    $43 - $136 / night

    "Located on the Colorado River. Winery’s & Distillery’s close by. Clean restrooms & laundry, a general store with just about everything you might have forgotten."

    "Super clean and close to endless Colorado adventures!"

    8. Near De Buque Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    De Beque, CO
    17 miles
    Website

    "There’s a certain ancient tranquility that settles over you when you step into nature’s embrace."

    "Some cows wandering around."

    9. Cow Creek Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Rifle, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 876-9000

    "Took that as a sign to go back towards the entrance a bit before setting up. Campgrounds are well maintained and close to creek. Very spacious. Nice and flat."

    "I didn’t want to go all the way down to the creek so I stayed on the info round around."

    10. Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument

    68 Reviews
    Fruita, CO
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 858-3617

    $22 / night

    "This is one of my favorite campgrounds, because Colorado National Monument is so stunning."

    "Colorado National Monument is one of the treasures of the National Parks system."

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Recent Reviews near Parachute, CO

816 Reviews of 152 Parachute Campgrounds


  • RGR D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Harvey Gap BLM Dispersed

    Quiet and easy to find

    This is a very nice rest overnight-point but would not be a “destination” location given its adjacency to private property. Good place for a night though!

  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    RV Ranch at Grand Junction

    Nice stop!

    We are passing through across country and stopped here over night. Booking was easy to do online. Campgrounds are clean and are easy to maneuver through with the map provided in our confirmation email. Full hookups provided on paved sites. Pull through and back in sites are available. There are two fenced in dog runs also at the campground for puppy exercise! There is a pool, but it is closed for the season I assume. Apple trees lined our site, so squished fruit can make a mess in your rig. We will definitely be back!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Pyramid Rock Camp

    Not my favorite

    Do not 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. I managed to find one a bit farther out up the dirt road which turned to a mud pit on my way out the next morning after some rain. Was kind of fun honestly but would not recommend for 99% of vehicles after/during any rain. Be sure to check the forecast and steer clear if there’s any chance of rain. Also a bit buggy even in October.

  • Michael S.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    BLM Cottonwood Grove Campground

    Cottonwood Campground

    The road here is a bit rough but it is manageable for most vehicles its just sections that are rocky, the campsite is awesome you get some signal a bathroom lots of trails on the road and there's a river right beside you. Also firepits and not busy at all. There is no water hookup but thats fine

  • j
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Island Acres Section Camping — James M. Robb Colorado River State Park

    Loud

    This is a beautiful location right on the Colorado river. My girlfriend and I decided it would be a beautiful place to camp and we were only 20 feet from the river. There was a beautiful cliff on the other side of the river. There was a beautiful cliff behind us. Unfortunately, we discovered that we were about 100 feet from a railroad track on the other side of the river. Trains went by all night every half hour or so. On the back side was I-70. Semi trucks went by all night long. In the middle of the night we had jets flying directly overhead. Being as we were between two cliffs, we were sleeping in a giant echo chamber. It was, without a doubt, the loudest campground I have ever been in. If you want a good night’s sleep, I would suggest you find a campsite elsewhere.

  • Donnie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Lands End Camp

    LONG views from the edge of the mesa

    Only 2 spots out here at lands end that are actually on the edge of the mesa. No tree cover out on the edge of the mesa. Alt is around 10.5k so won't get super hot. Glow of the city lights from below at night is pretty. During the daytime in clear weather, you have 100+ mile views.

  • J
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument

    Gem on the Mesa

    Beautiful campground in the Colorado National Monument. Sunrise vistas over the Grand Valley. No water hookups or electric but clean, flush toilet bathrooms, water spigots around the campground. Bring levelers! Sites are not level.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    BLM Camping off 139

    It’s ok

    This works for an overnight place to pull off and sleep. There are at least a dozen deer carcasses throughout the camping area and bones everywhere. Trash has been dumped in the ravine. Lots of flies.


Guide to Parachute

Camping near Parachute, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the beautiful trails around the campgrounds. Many campers rave about the mountain biking trails, especially at North Fruita Desert Upper Campground. One reviewer mentioned, “Amazing ****ing campground! The MTB trails are top notch downhill flowy trails!”
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at nearby lakes. Campers at Jumbo Campground have caught plenty of rainbow trout, with one saying, “We saw bald eagles, caught tons of rainbow trout.”
  • Water Activities: Spend time by the water at places like Rifle Gap State Park Campground. A visitor noted, “This campground is great for a family site. Has a lake to swim/boat in as well as plenty of hiking trails around.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One happy camper at Elk Creek Campground said, “The campsites are small in size, but very clean.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the welcoming atmosphere. A reviewer at Palisade Basecamp RV Resort shared, “The staff was incredibly kind and friendly.”
  • Scenic Views: The breathtaking views are a big hit. A visitor at James M. Robb Colorado River - Island Acres Section Camping remarked, “Watching the sunlight play out on the canyon walls sold me.”

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with activities for kids. One camper at Palisade Basecamp RV Resort said, “The bathhouse was very clean and convenient,” which is great for families.
  • Plan for Walk-Ins: Some sites require a bit of a trek to reach. A visitor at Rifle Gap State Park Campground mentioned, “You have to park and carry your stuff in around 25-50 yards.”
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having extra supplies on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Ami's Acres Campground appreciated the “extra clean shower on hand,” which is a nice touch after a long day.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Palisade Basecamp RV Resort noted, “The Van sites have almost no space to put out an awning.”
  • Be Ready for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially in summer. A visitor at North Fruita Desert Upper Campground mentioned, “Finding a spot will be hard.”
  • Bring Cash for Extras: Some amenities may cost extra. A camper at Rifle Gap State Park Campground advised, “Turned out that the showers cost extra, so bring cash.”

Camping near Parachute, Colorado, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience for everyone involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the camping amenities available in Parachute, CO compared to Rifle, CO?

Camping options in Parachute tend to be more basic, with Love's RV Hookup offering essential RV services but fewer recreational amenities. In contrast, Rifle offers more developed facilities at Rifle Gap State Park Campground, which features access to a reservoir for water activities, nearby trails, and climbing walls. While Rifle Gap has no WiFi and limited cell service, it provides a more immersive outdoor experience with greater recreational opportunities. Both areas serve as gateways to western Colorado's outdoor adventures, but Rifle generally offers more comprehensive camping amenities and natural attractions.

Is dispersed camping allowed in the Parachute, Colorado area?

Yes, dispersed camping is available near Parachute. Hubbard Mesa West offers free drive-in dispersed camping opportunities. Another option is Cow Creek Dispersed, providing free primitive camping in the area. When dispersed camping, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, camp at least 200 feet from water sources, and check current fire restrictions with the local BLM office or Forest Service before your trip. Most dispersed sites in this area are accessible by standard vehicles, but some remote locations may require high-clearance 4WD.

Where can I find camping options in Parachute, Colorado?

Parachute offers several camping options nearby. Love's RV Hookup-Parachute CO 826 provides convenient drive-in access with water and toilet facilities for RV travelers. For those willing to drive a short distance, Rifle Gap State Park Campground is approximately 30 minutes away, offering well-maintained sites with easy access to nearby trails and climbing areas, though be aware there's limited cell service. The Parachute area serves as a good base for exploring western Colorado's diverse camping opportunities.