Across Grand Junction’s beautiful landscape, campers will find sites suitable for every interest and skill level. Whether you want a site with easy access to mountain bike trails, a secluded spot surrounded by lush forest, a family friendly location, or an adventure in the desert, there are sites that can accommodate you. Here is a quick introduction to some of the area’s most popular sites, but there are lots of others if you don’t find what you’re looking for here.
Colorado National Monument – Saddlehorn Campground
One of Grand Junction’s most iconic attractions is the Colorado National Monument. The breathtaking red rock landscape attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. Located near the west entrance of the park (Fruita), the Saddlehorn campground contains the Monument’s only established campsites. With over 80 sites, some on a first serve basis, while others are reservable, the campground is open year-round and offers a wealth of activities including hiking, road biking and more. Each site features a picnic table, charcoal grill and available parking. There are no electric hook ups or shower facilities. A detailed map of the campground is also available.
Situated atop the world’s largest flat top mountain, the Grand Mesa National Forest offers a wealth of activities for campers to enjoy. With more than 300,000 acres of land and over 300 stream-fed lakes, the forest is a recreational paradise for fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and more. With an elevation ranging from 6,000–11,000 feet, roads to the top of the Mesa offer some of the best views of the area. There are a dozen campgrounds within the national forest totaling more than 200 sites, so where you stay can vary widely based on location, interests, and environment.
Located 20 miles northwest of Grand Junction, the Highline Lake State Park is a popular camping destination for those interested in exploring the area. Easy to enjoy, most of the 31 campsites have natural shade and plenty of grass. There are also laundry and shower facilities as well as access to fresh water. The campground is available year-round for tent and RV camping, although reservations are recommended during the peak season from April to October.
James M. Robb Colorado River State Park – Island Acres
One of the area’s most prominent parks, it is broken up into five distinct areas — what Mr. Robb referred to as “pearls” — that stretch along the banks of the Colorado River. The easternmost portion of the park, Island Acres, is located outside of Palisade and provides electric hook-up, for RVs and tent camping options depending on your needs. Activities vary from section to section, but the Island Acres portion, which is situated in DeBeque Canyon, offers hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming, making it a popular choice for families. Wild horses and bighorn sheep sightings are also relatively common. The campground is open March through October.
There are a total of 16 sites situated amidst a beautiful aspen grove, with two of the sites capable of accommodating larger groups. Camping is only permitted at designated sites, and each site is equipped with a fire ring and grill. Sites are available on a first come, first serve basis. Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and fishing are all popular activities here and fresh water is available. The campground is open mid-May through early November.
North Fruita Desert/18-Mile Road
Not far from the trailhead of the famous Kokopelli Trail, the North Fruita Desert Campground is a mountain biker’s paradise. Campsites are situated at the heart of 40 acres of well-maintained biking trails that criss-cross the wild terrain. Each of the 35 campsites has a fire ring, picnic table, and parking, but it can be a more challenging environment, especially for inexperienced campers. While there are vault toilets within walking distance of each campsite, the remote desert location means that no water, electricity, shade-providing structures or garbage services are available. The campground is open from March through November.
Plan Your Camping Trip to Grand Junction
Whether you pitch a tent lakeside or park your RV among the pine forests, you’re sure to find a camping site that suits your liking near Grand Junction. From the Colorado National Monument to the Colorado River, you can experience famous natural landmarks up close and personal.
Discover even more ways to experience the great outdoors in Grand Junction and beyond.
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