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Established Camping

North Fruita Desert Upper Campground

Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

We are in the process of making some changes to camping in the North Fruita Desert. Some sites will now be tent only and have limitations on vehicle number and length. Please read the description of a site before booking to ensure your equipment will fit. We hope these changes will help everyone to have a successful trip. All current reservations will be honored through this process.

Mesa County is currently working on the 18 Road paving project. Expect to see crews and equipment along the road and expect short delays when crews are working. For more information and timelines, please visit https://www.blm.gov/18-road-reconstruction-and-paving-project

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

North Fruita Desert Upper Campground, near Fruita, Colorado, is a prime destination for mountain biking enthusiasts and those looking to escape into the desert landscape. With a variety of sites available, campers can set up their tents or RVs close to some of the best biking trails in the area, making it a favorite among riders.

The campground offers basic amenities, including clean vault toilets, but be prepared to bring your own water and supplies, as there are no hookups or trash services. Visitors have noted the surprisingly clean facilities and the abundance of trails, with one camper raving about the “top-notch downhill flowy trails.”

If you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, this area is known for its stunning views and stargazing opportunities at night. While it can get dusty and sites are relatively close together, many campers appreciate the laid-back vibe and the chance to ride straight from their campsite. Just remember, it’s a popular spot, especially in the summer, so plan ahead if you want to snag a good site.

Fee Info

Campsite rates are $20 per night and include up to 10 people and 2 vehicles. There is an $8 non-refundable reservation fee for each reservation._Please note, you cannot change your check-in date. If you would like to change your check-in date, you will need to cancel your entire reservation and rebook.

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Location

North Fruita Desert Upper Campground is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

Take Interstate 70 west to Fruita (exit 19). Turn north onto Cherry Street and take the first right onto Aspen Avenue. Go through the roundabout and continue on Aspen to Maple Street. Take a left on Maple Street and then travel north. The street will turn into 17.5 Road. Take a right on N.3 Road and then a left on 18 Road. Travel approximately 7 miles on 18 Road to the trailhead, event area and lower campground. Continue 1.5 miles north to reach the upper campground loops.

Address

18 Road
Fruita, CO 81521

Coordinates

39.334 N
108.704 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

15 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 29, 2025

Beautiful Area, easy access to trails

Great place to crash for a few days. Less crowded on the weekdays of course. But plan early as ALL sites have to be reserved (this even works on the day of).

SiteC21
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of North Fruita Desert Upper Campground by Chad S., April 29, 2025
  • Review photo of North Fruita Desert Upper Campground by Chad S., April 29, 2025
  • Review photo of North Fruita Desert Upper Campground by Chad S., April 29, 2025
Reviewed Jun. 18, 2022

Many sites and awesome MTB trails

fair warning one night is $18 even tho its BLM. Helps build the amazing trails in the areas. the drive up is long and slow which is really the only downside. Amazing ****ing campground! We were at site A7, which is very close to the top. There's so many sites to choose from. And our bathroom was surprisingly very clean... the MTB trails are top notch downhill flowy trails! The bike up can be difficult for beginner, average riders.

SiteA7
Month of VisitJune
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  • Review photo of North Fruita Desert Upper Campground by Jello D., June 18, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2021

Desert escape

We went on a Monday in July and only saw a handful of people in the campground. The BLM “improved” the campground and now charges $20 a night. No water. Leave no trace and stay off the fragile soil.

Site02 B
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 29, 2021

Not a Bad Spot

While I didn't specifically camp here (I camped west of this location on free BLM land) I did drive around the camp site as I explored all that 18 road had to offer, which, if you know, you know. Sites seems fairly accommodating with several different sized campers and tents deployed throughout the campground. Like a different reviewer said, this spot is used primarily by mountain bikers and during the summer months finding a spot will be hard. There are bathrooms scattered about with picnic tables at the sites as well. Cell service was good (Verizon) when I went but be prepared for the usual tight campground squeeze. If you're looking for privacy and solitude, this isn't your place. If you just need a place to slap a tent and ride your bike, then you'll be fine here. Relatively close proximity to Fruita and Grand Junction. Reserve far out!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of North Fruita Desert Upper Campground by Charles G., May 29, 2021
Reviewed May. 1, 2021

Veer right at BLM main info sign for free camping

This campground is primarily used by mountain bikers. $10 a night. Very close together and small sites, so no big RVs will fit. If you veer to the right at the main BLM info sign, on road Q .5, or something like that, there is plenty of wide open and free BLM camping. 

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitMay
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Reviewed Apr. 28, 2021

Great for mtb crowd

Almost 60 sites scattered down a juniper ridge in 4 clusters (A-D) Most are best for van or tent campers but a few are large enough for TT and RVs. Best sites for larger RVs/TTs are down main cg road at lower end. Vault toilets, but no trash bins or water so come prepared. Cell signal however is great on all carriers. Surprise that my trailer 12v TV got a bunch of over the air channels. Road in from BLM boundary on 18 road is a crappy gravel washboard. Sites are $20 nite, $10 with senior pass. Note: As of 2022, all sites are reservations only...no FF.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of North Fruita Desert Upper Campground by Greg L., April 28, 2021
  • Review photo of North Fruita Desert Upper Campground by Greg L., April 28, 2021
  • Review photo of North Fruita Desert Upper Campground by Greg L., April 28, 2021
  • (19) View All
Reviewed Apr. 15, 2021

Peaceful

Great area to camp off 18 1/2 mile road. There are so many great trails back here and many different areas to camp for free. Highly recommend.

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2020

Mountain Bikers Paradise

Hey, if you are not mountain biking, you probably won't go this far into the desert. That said, free boondocking at the foot of some of the best mountain biking in Colorado isn't bad. I've stayed here multiple times and usually find a quiet space off the many dirt roads. Stargaze at night, ride straight from your campsite during the day. 

Pro tip: The Hot Tomato Pizza back in town is a great oasis. 

Leave no trace.

  • Review photo of North Fruita Desert Upper Campground by Morgan Y., November 6, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2020

Way out in the boondocks

Had I not seen this on other websites I would not have known it was there. It is way north of Fruita almost to the foothills of the Bookcliffs. While there were a number of others all around, no one was close to each other. Lots of deep ruts to get into the place, but then all boondocking sites are similar. It is out in the open so there was wind but it died down at night and was very peaceful.

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2020

Awesome!

Spacious sites, clean. Peaceful desert locale. Especially great for mountain bikers I’m sure, since you have easy access to tons of trails, but we even had fun just with our camper van.

  • Review photo of North Fruita Desert Upper Campground by Katie S., June 10, 2020
Reviewed May. 10, 2017

Paid and free camping available

Fruita is a great little town located 7 miles east of Utah. The Colorado National Monument, which you can also camp at, is located directly on the opposite side of I-70. The north desert has a lot of trails for 4x4's, mountain biking, and hiking. Before you get to the camping area on the north side of town you will drive through some town streets and eventually out into a more desolate area aka the north desert.

Once you have reached the camping area, you will have two options: paid or free. The paid spots are around $10/night. They have picnic tables, fire rings and protective sage bushes to help with the wind. The free camping is down a small hill into a valley type area where a lot more people are usually located. In the valley it is a bit more windy and there isn't any sage for protection. There are usually rv's and campers in this area also. Lastly, there are public bathrooms in a parking lot near both camping areas.

  • Review photo of North Fruita Desert Upper Campground by Brogan R., May 10, 2017
  • Review photo of North Fruita Desert Upper Campground by Brogan R., May 10, 2017
  • Review photo of North Fruita Desert Upper Campground by Brogan R., May 10, 2017
  • (12) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for North Fruita Desert Campground?

Yes, reservations are required for all sites at North Fruita Desert Campground. The reservation system allows booking even on the same day of arrival, which provides flexibility for last-minute trips. The campground fee is $20 per night, which helps maintain the extensive trail system in the area. Plan ahead during peak mountain biking seasons (spring and fall) as the campground can become quite busy during these periods.

Where is North Fruita Desert Campground located in Colorado?

North Fruita Desert Upper Campground is located approximately 7 miles east of the Utah border in western Colorado. It sits north of the town of Fruita, positioned near the foothills of the Bookcliffs. The campground is accessed via 18 Road and is somewhat remote, requiring travel down dirt roads to reach it. This BLM-managed area is situated on the opposite side of I-70 from Colorado National Monument, making it a convenient base for exploring multiple outdoor attractions in the region.

What are the camping options near Fruita, Colorado?

Fruita offers diverse camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Besides North Fruita Desert Upper Campground, visitors can camp at Colorado National Monument on the opposite side of I-70. For budget-conscious travelers, free BLM dispersed camping is available west of the main North Fruita campground on Road Q.5. The area also features the main 18 Road campground with nearly 60 sites suitable for various camping setups, though many are better suited for vans and tents than large RVs. All these options provide excellent access to mountain biking, hiking, and 4x4 trails, with the specific choice depending on your preferred amenities, budget, and proximity to activities.

Is there a map available of North Fruita Desert Campground?

Maps of North Fruita Desert Campground are available at the main BLM information sign at the entrance to the camping area. The campground is organized into four clusters (A-D) scattered along a juniper ridge. For orientation, the campsites closer to the top (like A7) offer prime locations, while sites for larger vehicles are typically found toward the lower end of the main campground road. Contact the BLM office for the most detailed and current maps of the campground and the extensive mountain biking trail system that surrounds it.