Camping Basics for Grand Junction

Understanding the basics will help ensure you have a great camping trip in Grand Junction.

From red rock desert to the lush forests of the Grand Mesa, Grand Junction’s diverse topography means adventurous visitors can find plenty of unique camping experiences during their stay in Western Colorado. Whether you want paid or free sites, developed sites or secluded wilderness; Grand Junction offers incredible opportunities for long or short trips to the great outdoors. The following article will outline the basics you need to start planning your camping trip.

Types of Camping

No matter what sort of experience you’re looking for — whether you want to park your RV and enjoy amenities like a pool and Wi-Fi, or get away from it all to sleep in a tent in the wilderness — there’s a campground near Grand Junction that can accommodate you. For something more secluded, consider planning a trip to sites such as the Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa, or BLM-managed land.

Time of Year

While some campsites in the Monument and on BLM are open year-round, many of the campsites around Grand Junction are only open seasonally, so be sure to check before you get too far into the planning process. Depending on the location and weather conditions, seasonal campgrounds open between March and May and then are closed by mid-November. June and July are the driest months of the year, but also some of the hottest with daytime temperatures averaging above 90 degrees. April and May have some of the broadest swings in temperature, and it’s common to have a 30-degree difference between day and night so be sure to pack layers in the spring. 

Leave No Trace

Surrounded by so much natural beauty, it’s no wonder, folks, around here would want to preserve it for future generations to enjoy, and that’s why it’s important to minimize your impact on the environment as much as possible during your stay. Familiarize yourself with the seven principles of Leave No Trace before you head out to camp: Plan Ahead and Prepare, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Dispose of Waste Properly, Leave What You Find, Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife, and Be Considerate of Other Visitors.