Join the fun near Rifle. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Rifle. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Rifle camping trip.
"The ground was exceptionally muddy so my subaru forester did some off roading which was a bit of an adventure, but otherwise had a lovely view and a great place to car camp."
"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."
"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"
"Had a quick stop over here on the way to Dinosaur National Monument. No ATT phone service beyond a certain point. This is all primitive camping and heavily used by 4x4 ATVs."
"There are easy sites next to the main gravel roads and more secluded sites off of many various "Jeep trails"."
"The public land area is ginormous and there’s only one other group camping here that I know of. Upon arrival, I drove about 3 miles down the creek just to check it all out."
"Just pure dispersed camping.
Cow Creek does offer fresh water if it's running. "
"It is a designated OHV area so no worries about people stopping you from ripping around and exploring."
"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."
"You can camp at a designated campground right on the lake, or you drive up 24 and find a lot of dispersed camping available - all the way up to the little lakes (great for fishing too)."
"While it's easy in the Chaffee County and Arkansas River area to get your dosage of mountain beauty and river time, Twin Lake gives you the opportunity to combine STELLAR mountain views and the calm of"
"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."
"We saw lots of deer & some elk on the drive up."
"Heart lake, and the surrounding areas, are truely a wonderful place to stay. Only available for a few months each year. Most camp sites are above 10,300ft, and it often rains every day."
GuideHad a quick stop over here on the way to Dinosaur National Monument. No ATT phone service beyond a certain point. This is all primitive camping and heavily used by 4x4 ATVs. There are no facilities ie: Toilets, power, water or fire pits. The road was easy no need for high clearance or 4wheel drive. Heavy wildlife area, had a fox come right up to my car as I was making coffee. Only 30 minutes from Glenwood Springs. Would stay again 9/10 would recommend.
Remember to pack in pack out.
RangerHubbard Mesa area is an off highway vehicle area that is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
There's not much in this area except a small little campsite right off the road. I didn't explore all the rest of the HOV cuz I wasn't in a four-wheeler, but it was perfect for an overnight stay on a motorcycle trip to Sturgis.
The Road in is dirt and there are no durable paved surfaces anywhere, so I would imagine if it had rained this would be a muddy mess.
ScoutThere are many sites all over the place up there. Some are big enough for groups of RV's some are small, private tent spots. Some offer magicians views others are in dense vegetation along water. We found no cell reception for miles. There are easy sites next to the main gravel roads and more secluded sites off of many various "Jeep trails". No services, no running water, no electric, no cable TV, no bathrooms, no showers, no dump stations, no picnic tables, etc. It's the forest.
GuideThis dispersed campsite has an incredible view, but it’s located on a “primitive road,” so google maps won’t show you the route all the way. I was using the OnX off-road app when I found it. If you approach from the south side (County Rd 48?), you will need a high clearance 4wd. If you approach from the north side (County Rd 51) it is accessible by any mid-clearance AWD vehicle, unless it’s wet. Then you’ll probably need a legit 4wd. I was there in mid-October, and there were hunters camped out all over the forest. But I found this place and had complete privacy, great view, and occasional Verizon service.
TravelerThe ground was exceptionally muddy so my subaru forester did some off roading which was a bit of an adventure, but otherwise had a lovely view and a great place to car camp. We cleaned up some trash in the area but otherwise pretty clean. The entrance was muddy and difficult for my car so if you don't have high clearance I don't recommend driving further past the gravel path. Saw some vans parked up there and we decided to travel out a little further.
LegendStocked reservoir with rainbow and brook trout. Smaller fish but fun fishing.
The dispersed camping is located on the east side of the reservoir. Vault toilets located here and no water(except the reservoir). All camping is first-come, first-serve. Bring bug spray as the mosquitoes are pretty bad here.
TravelerRoad was very easy to find and was very smooth. The first couple sites on the water were already taken so we headed up further. Found a steep, secluded pull-off just past marker #6 that looked like an old off road trailhead or access road that didn't seem to be in use anymore.
The site was a good size but there wasn't a great flat option for the tent but it would be great for a van or small trailer and could easily fit 2-3.
The views were absolutely amazing which is why I'm giving 3 stars. The mosquitos and thunderstorms were insane. Shout out to the REI base camp tent holding dry and not too many bugs in the tent.
We also had the pleasure of a bunch of night riders on the first night traversing up and down the road all night which was incredibly loud. 2nd night was much quieter. I also moved the car to block the entrance to the site so people could see it was taken instead of driving up right next to us just to turn around the first night.
Overall, easy access to the site, views were stunning, easy to get to Glenwood Springs.
Edited to add that this site did have cell service
ScoutHere on a Friday in early May and it’s absolutely gorgeous. The public land area is ginormous and there’s only one other group camping here that I know of. Upon arrival, I drove about 3 miles down the creek just to check it all out. It was beautiful but very remote and the roads definitely require 4wd. Found a spot about 2 miles down the stream that I liked a lot but found animal bones, a ripped down barbwire fence, and bear tracks. 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. Great one night spot if you’re headed to Moab from Denver.
GuideRoad is about 7 miles in. But once you get back in here it’s really nice. I saw about 10+ sites. Some sites have no bars AT&T, some 1 bar. Luckily I found a site with 2. If you follow my coordinates, and nobody is there you lucked out 2 bars, and secluded. Rock fire pit, pretty large area enough for group. Road isn’t god awful, but it goes back pretty far. Lots of motor homes, Rv’s in spots. Nice cool temps, no creeks that I’ve found yet. Firewood scattered. Only disadvantage is it’s high up road, and goes back aways, so plan on 7 miles of semi rough road.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Rifle, Colorado, where nature meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Rifle, CO is Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM with a 3.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 31 dispersed camping locations near Rifle, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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