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Discover diverse terrain, secluded wilderness, and plenty of fun while camping on BLM land around Grand Junction, CO.
10,300-foot elevation.
Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on the GMUG National Forests. Please observe the guidelines on selecting a dispersed camping site on our forest. For comprehensive information on dispersed camping opportunities refer to the dispersed camping guidelines for the GMUG National Forest - https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd576017.pdf
Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on the GMUG National Forests. Please observe the guidelines on selecting a dispersed camping site on our forest. For comprehensive information on dispersed camping opportunities refer to the dispersed camping guidelines for the GMUG National Forest.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd576017.pdf
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
Great spot. Rough 2wd plenty of spots great views
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.
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.
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.
Traveler
This place is beautiful, quiet & secluded. Had the place to myself absolutely beautiful. I have a sedan & made it up fine but drove very slow. It’s a very Long bumpy dirt road. No 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.
Scout
This spot is really beautiful and easy to get to. Just follow the BLM road, and about 3 miles down you’ll find some fire rings. Even ground I was able to get up here with my Camry so it’s very accessible.
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.
Traveler
A very doable 3-4 mile drive off the 70. There are a few high spots on the road, so be careful not to bottom out if you don’t have 4-wheel drive.
We were the only ones there.
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.
Ranger
Found this spot after trying to find a cool spot to be able to Boulder and wow! This spot was perfect, extremely secluded and offered amazing views. On top of it, there was so much climbing nearby that was so accessible and offered a variety of different difficulties. Not the easiest rd to drive up but we made it with our RAV4, just need to be careful.
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.
Traveler
Reach this BLM dispersed about 9 miles on route 90 from the center of Montrose, good paved until the last mile good graveled. IMMEDIATELY after hairpin switchback, turn left and you'll find a 2 acre mesa with junipers and views, probably can fit 5 camps in there with elbow room. I had 2 neighbors. Shade is limited so it'll be hot in the summer. Only good legal free camping near town!
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.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Whitewater, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Whitewater, CO is Nine Mile Hill with a 4.9-star rating from 12 reviews.
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