Looking for dispersed camping near Parachute? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Colorado camping adventure.
10,300-foot elevation.
Surrounded by over 1.5 million acres of public lands, Grand Junction is known as a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those looking to avoid the crowds the Front Range and other Colorado National Parks are becoming known for. Hiking, mountain biking, and OHV’ing abound here with trails that are coveted around the world due to the thousands of miles of connectivity with trails offering easy to expert difficulty regardless of sport. All that public land also means plenty of pristine and scenic camping. While you can enjoy dispersed camping on BLM, there are also several designated BLM campgrounds throughout the Grand Junction area, and each has its own unique attributes. One thing’s for sure, you will be rewarded with room to explore, regardless of your chosen activity.
Hubbard Mesa is a BLM designated area for Off-Highway-Vehicle use. Hubbard Mesa was designated as an Open Area in 2007 in the Roan Plateau Management Plan. It offers 2,460 acres with 50 miles of single track, ATV and Jeep trails. This is a high use area primarily for OHV's but also receives use from non-motorized users, and target shooting. Users can enjoy a variety of terrain and difficulty levels within the designated OHV area. Cross country travel is not permitted outside the Open Area. Target shooters must ensure that they have a safe backstop and remove all target trash. Livestock grazing is permitted in the area. Do not approach livestock or protection dogs. OHV users must yield the right-of-way to pedestrian and horseback riders. There is a parking area with restrooms, picnic tables, and loading structures. There is also a training course for children. The Rifle Arch Trail is located near Hubbard Mesa OHV Area. For more information, please contact the Colorado River Valley Field Office.
Traveler
Easy to find with Google maps. Plenty of open space. 15min off 70.
Dirt road, a bit bumpy, but we easily pulled our 21ft Micro Minnie
and it was doable for almost any vehicle. We didn't go to far up into the sites so I can't speak to further in. Rolled in at midnight and was still simple to find in the dark.
Traveler
Found this spot and was very happy with the setup. Like other reviews, the highway noise was a bit loud but nothing too crazy, especially really late. There were other campers spread out nicely, you wouldn’t even know they were there. The road is a bit iffy so snagging a spot at the front would be best if you don’t have 4WD (my Nissan car struggled, we had to back up & turn around). Overall great spot for tent camping! Remember to leave no trace 🫶🏼🏕️🌎
TravelerStayed one night on the way to Colorado. Super easy to find right off the highway and plenty of spots. I was the only one there when I stayed. Highway noise isn’t too much of an issue but I did have some loud and strong winds all night.
TravelerApple 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.
Scout
Went here on a Saturday in Sept after reading all the great reviews. Drove for miles and every site taken. There aren't many sites like people would make you think. Have these people been to the San Jaun Mountains - so much better. Had to drive home because just nothing available.
Traveler
Made camp here for 1 night traveling west. Many sites available both by the highway and down in the canyon. Canyon road was in good shape and even the largest RV could go down it. Sites were pretty level. No toilets, etc.
Scout
Absolutely horrifying conditions. Litter everywhere. Glass, bullets, nails, and batteries everywhere. We were so horrified, we didn't stay.
GuideThis was a beautiful place to camp. There were a few places along the road you could stop and camp. We stayed at the farthest site out because there were other campers at the other sites. All sites could fit more that one camper if needed.
Beautiful sunsets and sunrises at this location. The road leaving up was doable for our low clearance Winnebago solis.
TravelerI was going to head 11 miles down the road but decided I’d rather have WiFi. It was a good call. Just past Labor Day, there were three of us last night about 1/2 mile off the main drag. Enough places to pull off though you can still hear some main road traffic.
The area was clean except one site with broken glass. Clear skies with great stargazing.
No amenities here whatsoever but that’s just fine. Comes with the free price.
Scout
Very easy to get to via the 139. The drive in locations are level and the sites are easy to reach with a camper van.
However, what surprised us was the amount of empty gun ammunition laying around on the campsite. As a European this might be more confronting than for a USA citizen, but it made us feel a bit uncomfortable. The sound of people doing target practice nearby also didn't help. Furthermore there was some burnt couches and chairs dumped on site 1 which contributed to the site feeling a bit sketchy.
Overall, we hade a fine overnight stay.
Scout
This spot is for OHV parking. There’s a fire ring and we parked to the left of it so we didn’t interfere with parking. There’s 5 sites up the OHV trail that we saw. It was muddy so we weren’t comfortable towing our 19’ rig up the trail. We took our 4 runner up the trail and didn’t need 4wd. If dry, you could tow your small camper in if high clearance. There’s a bit of a rise to get from the road to the grass. Sites are perfect for tent camping.
Traveler
Well groomed dirt/gravel road just West of Rte 65. Go in 1/4 mile and turn Right down dirt path to large camping site. There is nobody for 1/2 mile or more around you. If this site is not good, up FSR 100 maybe 1/2 mile on the Right is a site up in the trees. Very secluded. This site is at 10,700 feet elevation. The lake is stream fed and looks like good trout fishing. There are free range cows in the area.
TravelerBeautiful views. Secluded. Good cell service.
Guide
Dirt road is long and occasionally bumpy. Surprisingly good Verizon signal at the spot we stayed, the ones more west were significantly slower.
ScoutThis is a great little parking area across the street from Harvey gap State Park. There are two off-road trails coming off the parking area and you can see the water and people paddle boarding at the beach from the Sites
Ranger
A little buggy in the summer, but otherwise perfect. Make sure to bring your paddle board or fishing pole. Super quiet spot.
Guide
This was a great spot, it was hidden but there were a ton of people, they recently redid the back roads to get here and it was extremely busy (we had a rig pull up right next us at 1 am because there werent any spots). It is really pretty and close to Grand Junction. The misquote r pretty bad also, tons of spots, if there aren't a ton of people. Lots of lakes though and great fishing!
TravelerThe mosquitos are plentiful but it is right on the Gunnison River and a nice looking area. Hiking trails nearby. Multiple campgrounds along the road but the road is bumpy and one way so occasionally someone has to pull over to let others pass. Great campground at the end of the road with toilets, fire pits with grills and picnic tables with roof to keep rain out. The wind was pretty intense when the skies got grey but we managed to set up camp. Again, and this is an all of Colorado thing but be prepared with all your tricks for mosquitos because they were everywhere.
TravelerMan, we love these blm lands in colorado!!
GuideThis place is easily accessible off 650 Road. Has a smooth dirt road and a short scenic drive along a shelf road. Highly recommend for a night or two of camping. When we were here for one night in late June, winds were strong.
Guide
Other than the plethora of mosquitos, this is one of my favorite camp spots so far. My husband and I arrived around 3:30pm on a Tuesday. Camp sites directly on the banks are few, but we managed to score what I thought was the prettiest spot. There were plenty of spots around if you don't want to be right next to the lake. As mentioned, there were a ton of mosquitos. When the breeze was blowing, it helped, but definitely bring bug spray! In the evening time, we were treated to a lovely sunset and fish jumping. Will be coming back again. Very peaceful place.
TravelerWe stopped in late, the roads are smooth and there is a lot of places to pull off and have privacy. If road noise bothers you, just venture further along the road. Downside: there was a lot of small hidden vicious cacti, we were afraid of letting the dogs out. We went mid June, it got hot fast in the morning, but was pleasant enough in the night to not need a/c. Sunrise was pretty also.
TravelerBeautiful spots but we didn’t get there early enough! Long road, some parts were pretty bumpy. We ended up at a campsite next to an electricity pole but there were plenty of other spots if you come early.
Traveler
There's a gravel lot right off the road where people were car camping. Good place for a safe one night stop if you're passing through. We went through the water crossing and found a nice spot on the other side of the small hill. Great views, fairly quiet, and enough flat ground for a 4 person tent, but the rest is slanted. Don't go through the water crossing unless you have a lifted off road vehicle. The bottom is soft, sandy ground that's easy to sink into. We made it through with our truck, but ripped the bumper off. Crossing would be impossible with rain. Might be more doable as the summer dries it out but it would still be a deep rut to climb out of.
GuideNot sure what to expect we gave this place a chance. Plus we wanted to have few days for ourselves during the memorial weekend. We got all of it, except with occasional ATVs passing by. The road to the camp site from the I-50 road is rather long (12 miles, cca 30 min), but very easy and quite picturesque. However I’d avoid it during the night as it gets narrow on parts and vehicle need to wait at the wider sides to pass each other. Once you pass the private land and get to the first campsites continue further. There are plenty more to go, some with access to the water. 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 of the canyon and Escalante Creek. One day we biked on the road to reach the Escalante Canyon but we couldn’t pass the wide and fairly deep stream of the creek. We also failed to attempt to cross the creek to go for a hike on the other side of the canyon. Perhaps in drier days can easily be done. We enjoyed the stay a lot. Be also prepared for strong winds coming though the canyon in May time.
GuideWe ended up driving all the way to the end of the road & back up to the beginning of the sites for the best views. The fishing wasn't ideal from the shore but we had a fantastic view of the sunrise & sunset. It was pretty windy in the evening but the bugs weren't bad because of it. We took off early to avoid the hot sun, but it was the perfect place for the night.
GuideThis last minute find at the very end of May was definitely worth the long gravel road to get there. You'll see farms in the valley, cruise through the aspens to see epic white caps, and through some pines to the reservoir. We saw lots of deer & some elk on the drive up. There are quite a few dispersed spots & vault toilets spread around as you drive up to the reservoir and some along the road next to the water. We went fishing & caught a few small trout and enjoyed the breeze over the water. We will definitely be returning!
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.
Camping near Parachute, Colorado, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience for everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Parachute, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Parachute, CO is Pyramid Rock Camp with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Parachute, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 dispersed camping locations near Parachute, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
