The Grants-Gallup corridor provides RV accommodations at elevations around 6,500 feet, with seasonal temperature variations from below freezing in winter to 90°F summer days. The high desert environment features volcanic formations, sandstone cliffs, and pinyon-juniper woodlands that influence camping experiences, particularly during monsoon season from July through September.
What to do
Hiking at Red Rock Park: Located near Church Rock, trails vary from 3-3.5 miles round trip. "Church Rock Trial and Pyramid Rock Trail are both about 3 to 3 and a half miles round trip from the campground. Your surrounded by desert on one side and dark red stone on the other," notes a visitor to Red Rock Park & Campground.
Explore volcanic landscapes: The Grants area offers multiple opportunities to see lava fields. "The lava field is neat," mentions a camper at Grants KOA Journey. Some campgrounds even have volcanic features on-site, with "a walking path through a lava flow in the park."
Visit El Morro National Monument: Just a short drive from Ramah. "Morro National monument nearby is spectacular," states a visitor at El Morro RV Park and Cabins. The monument features historic inscriptions and a pool at the base of a sandstone bluff.
What campers like
Accessibility from Interstate 40: Many campgrounds offer convenient overnight stops. "Stayed here after a long day on the road for some shut eye. Booked online and confirmation was immediately sent via email that included the bathroom door code," reports a camper at Red Rock Park & Campground who appreciated the "easy access and great price."
Clean shower facilities: This ranks high among traveler priorities. "Cleaner than clean restrooms and laundry facility," notes one reviewer about USA RV Park. Another camper mentions, "clean showers with running hot water" at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground.
Dining options: Some RV parks near Jamestown offer food service. "They will deliver food to your camper which was nice," says a reviewer about Grants KOA Journey. Another camper at USA RV Park mentions, "We were able to get pizza delivered to our RV site which was a big hit with the kids."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Bluewater Lake State Park Campground is open "April 1 to October 31," while winter access may be restricted at others. One camper at Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping notes, "The gate at the end of the road is closed Dec. 15 to March 31."
Road conditions: Unpaved access roads require caution. "The road is grated and well maintained," writes a Six Mile Canyon visitor, while another warns, "Don't drive the road after a rain."
Varying water quality: Water issues affect some campgrounds. "The only downside was that the water didn't taste great," mentions a reviewer at Grants KOA Journey. Bringing drinking water is recommended at several locations.
Weather considerations: Temperature fluctuations are significant. "Even as it got hot during the day, it cooled nicely at dusk and in the evenings," notes a Grants KOA visitor. Wind can also be a factor, as one camper at Red Rock Park & Campground cautions, "During the windy season, the sand will blast you and all equipment (bring good tie downs)."
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Limited recreational facilities exist for children. "They have dog areas and a small playground," notes a reviewer at Grants KOA Journey, but many RV campgrounds near Jamestown focus primarily on overnight accommodations rather than family activities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Natural encounters enhance family camping. At Bluewater Lake State Park Campground, "Wild horses roaming around the lake were also pretty cool," writes one visitor who discovered this unexpected attraction.
Entertainment planning: Bring your own activities for children. "We took a designated campsite overlooking the lake and added this park to the list of places to return to," mentions a Bluewater Lake visitor who found the natural setting sufficient for family enjoyment without additional amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many RV campgrounds near Jamestown require some adjustment. "Our site was mostly level so we used our small curved levelers on one side," shares a USA RV Park visitor. Another camper at Bluewater Lake notes that "some say they're not level. Ours was."
Extended stays available: Several parks accommodate longer-term visitors. At USA RV Park, one RVer mentions, "I am on a contract for nursing and staying here for a few months. People who run the place are nice. Cheap laundry, nice pool, bbq place on site!"
Cell service and internet access: Connectivity varies significantly. "The cell signal seemed strong from the indicators on our devices but I guess due to the number of users in the area, we had slow service," writes one USA RV Park visitor. For better connectivity, a Grants KOA Journey camper noted their "wireless connection and speed were the best!"
