Rangely, Colorado provides multiple camping environments across Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands and established facilities. Rangely Camper Park serves as the primary developed campground within city limits, offering electric hookups, showers, and sites suitable for both tents and RVs. Several dispersed camping areas dot the surrounding landscape, including BLM Dragon Trail along County Road #23, Dinosaur Dispersed Site, and SR 98 dispersed area. These primitive sites typically provide no amenities but offer more solitude than developed locations.
Weather conditions and elevation impact camping access throughout the region. Most dispersed sites remain accessible year-round, though clay and dirt access roads become hazardous when wet. Rangely Camper Park operates throughout the year with full services, while Buck N Bull RV Park operates seasonally from April through November. High clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching remote BLM sites, particularly those along Dragon Trail and at Angora Hills. Cell service varies significantly by location, with stronger signals near ridges and diminished coverage in lower-lying areas. "Found a completely isolated mountain top area with no one around. The views were amazing and the sunset was gorgeous! Clean, quiet and peaceful. The road going in and out is a bit bumpy/rocky though and some narrow edges with no guardrail," noted one visitor about the Dragon Trail area.
Campers frequently mention the shaded sites at Rangely Camper Park as a significant advantage in the high desert climate. Large cottonwood trees provide relief from summer heat, with several reviews highlighting proximity to water features as another benefit. "The park has several sites with electric hook ups and several without. They do have a faucet for filling your tanks with water and a dump station. There are numerous mature shade trees and a couple of nice little ponds to sit by. You can also access the river with just a short walk," according to one camper. Dispersed sites typically offer more dramatic landscapes and privacy but require self-sufficiency. The elevated BLM sites provide expansive mountain views, particularly at sunset, though they may experience strong winds. Areas near Dinosaur National Monument tend to attract more visitors during peak season, while the remote locations along Dragon Trail and Angora Hills remain relatively uncrowded throughout the year.
$10 - $30 / night
"This city operated RV/ Camping Park in Rangely, Colorado is an excellent city managed spot to spend the night or several days."
"You can also access the river with just a short walk. This is also the city park so there is a good bit of in and out traffic."
"The BLM Dragon Trail rock art sites are along County Road #23 south out of Rangely Colo. No designated sites and most are best for overlander types."
"I found a completely isolated mountain top area with no one around. The views were amazing and the sunset was gorgeous! Clean, quiet and peaceful."
"Found this quiet spot between Rangely and Dinosaur, CO. 98 is off of Hwy 64. Just a short distance up the hill. Small road to the left and immediately able to pull off."
"Turn north off the highway onto a gravel road. A few spots are available along the way. The road is in good shape—our stock extended Transit had no issues. Very quiet, no traffic, and great views."
$24 / night
"It is a short drive from the vistitors center and quarry, and is next to the Green River."
"You are steps away from the river. They are huge campsites that can fit a large group. Great spot to enjoy the beauty of Dinosaur National Monument"
"Just randomly driving thru Colorado and run into Dinasaur and a peaceful off grid place to camp. No one around. No one else on the planet. Great place to stop."
"I drove further down the road slightly over the utah border and it was silent and serene with beautiful views. All the spots available on this road were gorgeous."
"Don't go here if you are not familiar with driving on loose sand. It would be fairly easy to get stuck in the middle of nowhere."
"There used to be a road going farther down to more sites but it is closed to motorized vehicles now. The dirt road coming in is a bit rough but I made it with an SUV and 16’ TT. Just go slow."
"At the first place the road splits, I turned left and found a perfect circle to turn around and park. It was flat but no shade and my Verizon had no service."
RangerWe were there in mid-January and grateful to find the unlocked pit toilet. The place was quiet and dark (it was January and NO ONE was around). We saw wild horses a little further away from where we parked the van.
TravelerThis is in a GREAT location, and was perfect for a one-night stay on the road. I imagine it would also be great for a visit to the nearby Park. Main Street is 1 mile away, and has many restaurants and shops. Bathrooms were clean. Inexplicably, however, the park smelled like fish: like the leftovers from a fish-centric farmer’s market, or like someone had been cleaning fish all over the park.
GuideSolitary, beautiful, calming. If ever I needed just such a spot. Vast and accessible to all vehicles. Thanks Utah !!!
RangerNot much flat ground for tent other than the lower portion nearest the highway. Plenty of good area for trucks or vans. A LOT of trash and broken glass scattered around. Random people stopped by to shoot into the distance a few times and then keep driving. It would be a good place to bring a buggy or dirtbike though lots of hills and trails.
TravelerI just wanted to get away for a single night, and this spot was an easy pull off with plentiful choices, and lots of elbow room. I didn’t have my mountain bike, but it would be an awesome spot for a fun floaty, easy mountain bike weekend too.
RangerDon't go here if you are not familiar with driving on loose sand. It would be fairly easy to get stuck in the middle of nowhere. And that is the best part - it's the middle of nowhere with fabulous vistas of the layered rock buttes behind and the valley below. I'd happily go again and stay awhile.
LegendBeautiful site along the Green River within Dinosaur National Monument. We arrived about 4 pm on a Sunday in October so had several FCFS sites to choose from. There is a nice easy-moderate trail along the river from Loop A Of the campground. Quiet with clean, basic bathrooms. Lots of cottonwood trees changing color now.
TravelerReally only two spots if you maintain space, but they have fabulous southerly views, level sites with established fire pits, and although just off CR16, it was quiet
TravelerGood for a night - wouldn't stay here long as there isn't much in the area (for me). There are 2-3 pullouts before this spot. All were empty on a Friday night. You get some highway noise but it's minimal. Nobody was traveling on the CR while I was here. Road is prius-friendly and there should be room for most rigs, though I just car-camped. Fire ring built on this site also but fire ban in effect while I was there.
Camping sites near Rangely, Colorado span elevations from 5,250 to 7,000 feet across Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands and established facilities. Surrounded by high desert terrain with sparse pinyon-juniper forests, the region experiences dramatic temperature fluctuations with summer days often exceeding 90°F and nights dropping into the 50s. Clay roads that access remote camping areas become particularly hazardous during and after rainfall events.
Night sky viewing: The remote BLM areas north of Dinosaur National Monument offer exceptional stargazing opportunities. "Just randomly driving thru Colorado and run into Dinasaur and a peaceful off grid place to camp. No one around. No one else on the planet. Great place to stop," reports a visitor to North of Dinosaur CR16 - Dispersed Site.
Rock art exploration: Several ancient petroglyphs can be found along County Road #23. "The BLM Dragon Trail rock art sites are along County Road #23 south out of Rangely Colo. Camping is possible at Shield site mp 5.6, Fremont Ridge site mp 9.7, Crooks Brand site mp 10.1 and Carrot Men site mp 11.6," notes a visitor to BLM Dragon Trail - County Rd #23 dispersed.
Fishing: The White River and nearby Kenney Reservoir provide fishing opportunities within minutes of town. "You can walk down to the river to swim or fish. There are even pons that are for kids only that are stocked," explains a camper at Rangely Camper Park.
Hilltop vistas: Many dispersed sites sit on elevated terrain with panoramic views. "Found a site with a stunning 360 degree view. Clean, no trace of anyone else for miles. It was windy at times but very comfortable temperature compared to the surrounding valleys," writes a visitor to Dinosaur South Dispersed Camp.
Quiet seclusion: Remote sites offer privacy rarely found at developed campgrounds. "Off CR16 easy to find. I just saw a couple of spots at the gps point. The view is beautiful and it's quiet but windy. We're the only ones here," notes a camper at North of Dinosaur CR16.
Mature shade trees: Rangely Camper Park gets high marks for its shade coverage in the desert heat. "About 2 dozen good sized variable depth sites, well shaded with picnic table and fire pit. Some with electric. Dump station, water fill, and bathroom showers. Well kept," writes a camper at Rangely Camper Park.
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require careful navigation. "BLM open range dispersed. Warning: access road is CLAY dirt and do not access if wet saturated, you will get stuck maybe," cautions a visitor to Angora Hills Dispersed Site.
Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites have no facilities whatsoever. "Smooth dirt road leading to short turn off loop with a fire ring. Peaceful low-mid T-Mobile," reports a camper at North of Dinosaur CR16, highlighting the basic nature of these sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots near Rangely, Colorado?
Rangely offers diverse camping opportunities from developed sites to wilderness experiences. Rangely Camper Park is an excellent city-operated option with electric sites, water access, and a clean bathhouse with showers. For those seeking dispersed camping, BLM Dragon Trail - County Rd #23 offers primitive sites south of Rangely with rock art viewing opportunities. Other noteworthy options include SR 98 for quiet, secluded camping with good cell service, and North of Dinosaur CR16 for peaceful off-grid experiences. Dinosaur National Monument's Green River and Rainbow Park campgrounds provide stunning natural settings within driving distance of Rangely, though they require a bit more travel time.
Does Rangely have an RV or camper park with full hookups?
While Rangely does have RV accommodations, the main option doesn't provide complete full hookups. Rangely Camper Park offers electric sites for $20 per night, with water spigots located throughout the park and a dump station on site. Sites feature asphalt pads and mature shade trees. For more comprehensive RV amenities near the area, Trail and Hitch Tiny Home Hotel and RV Park in Meeker provides a quiet, well-maintained option with laundry facilities and daily-cleaned bathrooms and showers. Other regional options include Fossil Valley RV Park in Vernal and KOA Campground Vernal, which offers additional amenities like a pool.
What camping is available near Rangely, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Rangely, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 63 campgrounds and RV parks near Rangely, CO and 23 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Rangely, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rangely, CO is Rangely Camper Park with a 4-star rating from 9 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rangely, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots near Rangely, CO.
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