Dispersed camping near Collbran, Colorado offers diverse options at elevations between 8,000 and 10,000 feet across Grand Mesa National Forest. Camping seasons typically run from late May through early October, depending on snowpack and elevation. Nighttime temperatures can drop substantially even during summer months, with frost possible through June at higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing at Island Lake: Little Bear Campground provides excellent access to Island Lake, with campsites "30 steps away from a gorgeous lake. Good fishing. Easy paddle boarding," according to a visitor at Little Bear Campground.
Hiking the Grand Mesa: The elevated terrain offers multiple trail options ranging from beginner to advanced. "Ward Lake Trail [is] amazing, the trees were great and it made for a very scenic trail," notes a camper at Ward Lake Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife populations. "We saw bald eagles, caught tons of rainbow trout, and even had a medium size bear come through a couple of times, who was never threatening, but looked like it was traveling along a set path to the next trout breakfast," reports a visitor at Jumbo Campground.
Stargazing: Clear mountain nights offer excellent celestial viewing. At Pyramid Rock Camp, one visitor mentioned, "watching the moonrise was well worth a few bats," while another noted, "stars were popping at night."
What campers like
Lake access: Waterfront sites are highly valued. At Vega State Park, a camper reported, "Went in August and there was no one else at the campsite. Walked in to the site at the top with a beautiful view of the lake below and the mountains."
Privacy between sites: Though campground density varies, visitors appreciate separation. At Jumbo Campground, a reviewer noted, "The campsites are large and feel private. During our visit the camp hosts were very nice and helpful."
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards receive positive comments. "The bathrooms closest to us were very clean and flush. They had pay showers," wrote a reviewer at James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, while another camper at Ward Lake Campground stated, "The restrooms were immaculate! Some of the cleanest pit toilets we've seen."
Multiple recreation options: Diversions beyond camping appeal to many visitors. A camper at James M. Robb noted, "The fishing lakes, swimming lake and playground are all fun aspects my family enjoys."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to dispersed sites often requires appropriate vehicles. At Cottonwood Lake Campground, a visitor advised, "May need a car that has AWD if you're going up the hill to more dispersed spots as we had difficult in our smaller car."
Seasonal insect activity: Bug populations can be significant. "The bugs are intense during the warmer months," reported a camper at Little Bear Campground, while at Pyramid Rock Camp a visitor warned, "There were so many nats! Bring some good bug repellent and it would be perfect. The bugs went away at night."
Weather variability: Mountain conditions can change rapidly. "This is one place that fits the saying that if you don't like the weather, wait twenty minutes, it'll change. The wind comes from all directions through the day and the wind blowing off the lake adds a little more bite to the wind chill," observed a Ward Lake visitor.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Cottonwood Lake, a camper advised, "I cannot stress this enough, get there early if going on a weekend! We arrived at 2:30 and got one of the last spots."
Tips for camping with families
Lake swimming areas: Designated swimming areas provide safe recreation. At Pyramid Rock Camp, a visitor reported, "Views were wonderful and stars were popping at night."
Accessible playgrounds: Some state park campgrounds include playground equipment. James M. Robb Colorado River State Park features "fishing lakes, swimming lake and playground are all fun aspects my family enjoys."
Educational opportunities: The Grand Mesa Visitor Center provides learning resources. Near Jumbo Campground, "the Grand Mesa visitor center [is] staffed with rangers and information about the Mesa, fishing, hiking and natural resources."
Wildlife viewing for children: Animal sightings create memorable experiences. At Little Bear Campground, campers noted seeing "plenty of wildlife" including deer and small mammals around the campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Jumbo Campground, an RVer noted, "Very nice modern cg. Paved rds, gravel level pads, nice sites. 26 total sites, only 7 first come, but after Sept 13 all sites are first come till cg closes."
Hookup availability: Electric service varies by campground. "We had full hookups (water, sewer, power)," reported a visitor at James M. Robb Colorado River State Park.
Road access for larger rigs: Size restrictions apply at some locations. An RVer at Little Bear Campground advised it is a "much tighter site campground (no big RVs or 5th wheels IMO) than Island Lake CG nearby."
Generator policies: Rules vary by campsite. Ward Lake Campground has specific quiet hours and generator restrictions, with one visitor suggesting, "No atvs no generators no cattle. Would improve the place ten fold."
