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For When 5 Stars
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Camping in Colorado’s Western Slope offers an unparalleled connection with the natural world, blending adventure and tranquility. Whether you’re nestled in the high desert’s unique landscape or atop the vast expanse of North America’s largest flattop mountain, these settings provide a perfect basecamp and memorable starlit backdrop.

Where to
Camp

With two state parks, a national monument, the Grand Mesa, BLM land and private RV Parks the area has an abundance of camping options to accommodate travelers.

Grand Mesa Camping

RV Parks

Colorado National Monument

James M Robb Colorado River State Park

James M Robb Colorado River State Park

RV Parks and Campgrounds

Camp Eddy
347 27 1/2 Rd.

Canyon View RV Resort
746 23 ½ Rd.

Grand Junction KOA Holiday
2819 Hwy 50

Junction West RV Park
793 22 Rd.

Mobile City RV Park
2322 Hwy 6 & 50

Palisade Basecamp
985 N. River Rd.

James M. Robb Colorado River State Park
A unique park located along the Colorado River that is split into 5 sections; each with its own designated recreation and activities. The park features two campgrounds on both the east and western sides of Grand Junction. 

Colorado National Monument
A must-see bucket list attraction sandwiched between Grand Junction and Fruita. It has a cool campground located high above the Grand Valley floor at Saddlehorn.

With over 1.5 million acres of public lands in Mesa County, there is plenty of pristine and scenic camping. While you can enjoy dispersed camping on BLM, there are also several designated BLM campgrounds throughout the Greater Grand Junction Area, and each has its own unique attributes. Remember that BLM camping is mostly primitive. Sites traditionally have restrooms but do not have running water or other facilities.

18 Road Campground

Located in the North Fruita Desert, the 18 Road campground is at the base of the Book Cliffs. 18 Road is also known for its biking trails, making this campground perfect for anyone looking to spend a weekend mountain biking pristine single-track trails. Step out of your tent in the morning and onto famed trails like PBR, Zippity Do Da, and Joe’s Ridge for fast and uninterrupted downhill action that will leave a smile permanently plastered on your face.
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Big Dominguez Campground

This one is for the climbers. While Big Dominguez Campground is located in the Dominguez Escalante National Conservation Area, one of the easiest ways to get to this campground is from Unaweep Canyon. Unaweep is a narrow canyon made up of steep granite cliffs that climb thousands of feet above the canyon floor. Known for some of the best granite climbing outside of Yosemite Valley, Might Mouse and Sunday Wall are local favorites, and each has dozens of routes available. Or, if you’re more into bouldering, visit the Bone Park, where hundreds of problems can be found.
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Jouflas, Castle Rocks, and Knowles Canyon Overlook Campgrounds

If ripping through the desert on a dirtbike or UTV is more up your alley, these three campgrounds in Rabbit Valley are the place to go. Between the three, there are plenty of spots to set up camp, even on the weekend. From the campgrounds, you can ride dozens of trails that zig-zag back and forth over the beautiful landscape. They are interconnected, allowing you to create endless combinations that will keep you riding for hours. You’ll run out of gas before you get tired of this heart-pounding trail network
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Mud Springs

Retreat to higher elevation and escape the heat at Mud Springs Campground on Pinon Mesa. Mud Springs is nestled among an aspen grove, making it a shady place to cool off during the summer. Close to plenty of hiking trails and fishing holes, Mud Springs also has stunning views looking over Glade Park and Grand Junction below. This spot is exceptionally beautiful in the early fall when the leaves are changing and aspens glow in the sunlight.
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For assistance in locating some of the best campgrounds, glamping and RV Parks in the area, visit Camp Colorado.

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Etiquette While Camping

Camping comes with responsibility.

Prepare, and Be Aware...

Respect Quiet Hours

Respect Campground Rules

Leave Your Floodlights at Home

Respect the Environment and Wildlife

Leave No Trace

Biking

The Grand Valley is cyclist’s paradise, offering something for every type of bike enthusiast. The variety in terrain and the beauty of the landscape make it a unique spot that attracts riders from all over. Fruita has earned its reputation as a mountain biking haven, thanks in part to its trails at 18 Road like Chutes and Ladders and Zippity Do Da, whereas the Colorado National Monument offers miles of pristine pavement with breathtaking views. Come summertime, the Grand Mesa provides a break from the heat and boasts trails and roads that cater to cyclists of either persuasion. Come spring and fall, the region also plays host to a number of biking events like the Fruita Fat Tire Festival, Rides & Vibes, Tour of the Moon and Rexy
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Camping

Camping in Colorado’s Western Slope offers an unparalleled connection with the natural world, blending adventure and tranquility. Whether you’re nestled in the high desert’s unique landscape or atop the vast expanse of North America’s largest flattop mountain, these settings provide a perfect basecamp and memorable starlit backdrop.
LEARN MORE

Climbing

The Grand Valley’s geological landscape is a rock climber’s dream due to its jaggy red rocks, exposed cliff faces, and technical boulders. Be it the endless crack climbing routes and boulders in Unaweep Canyon, the granite canyon walls and sandstone blocks in Grand Junction, or the desert cracks and towering spires in the Colorado National Monument, something is sure to call your name!
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Fishing

The Grand Valley and its surrounding areas truly offer an abundance of freshwater fishing opportunities. With the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, anglers have access to some of the best trout fishing in Western Colorado. In addition to these two iconic rivers, the region boasts numerous smaller streams, creeks, and alpine lakes that are waiting to be explored.
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Hiking & Trail Running

The Grand Valley is a premier destination for hiking and trail running due to its diverse landscapes, stunning scenery, favorable climate, extensive trail networks, and easy access. Whether you prefer the thrill of running along the rim of a canyon or the tranquility of hiking to a hidden waterfall, there’s sure to be a trail suited for you.
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Hunting & Sport Shooting

Hunting in Mesa County is as much about the experience and the landscape as it is about the hunt itself. The region offers breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and a chance to connect with nature in a profound way, whether you’re tracking elk through the high country of the Grand Mesa or stalking mule deer in the desert lowlands. The region and its diverse landscape also afford opportunities for moose, various small game and waterfowl.
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Motor Sports

There is no better place to experience the grandeur of the great outdoors while driving off-road. Boasting over 1.6 million acres of public lands, the Grand Valley is second to none when it comes to trail connectivity and a diverse range of trails suitable for most skill levels. Between Powderhorn Mountain Resort and the flattop mountain terrain of the Grand Mesa, opportunities are endless for fresh tracks, fresh air and beautiful views.
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Paddle Sports

The Grand Valley is best known for the Colorado National Monument as well as its incredible network of singletrack trails, but the area also boasts some of the best access to water sports in the Centennial State. Home to the confluence of the Colorado River and Gunnison River, the “String of Pearls”, and over 300 lakes on the Grand Mesa; whether your preferred means of locomotion is a SUP, canoe, kayak or raft, there’s a body of water for you in Mesa County!
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Snow Sports

Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling is synonymous with winters in Colorado and the Western Slope is no exception. Between Powderhorn Mountain Resort and the flat-top mountain terrain of the Grand Mesa, opportunities are endless for fresh tracks, fresh air and beautiful views.

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Stewardship

Being a good steward of our public lands is directly tied to the well-being of our outdoor recreation industry. It requires collective action, commitment, and ongoing investment to ensure that these invaluable assets remain vibrant and resilient for years to come. We invite you to explore West Slope Outdoor Volunteers; a regional stewardship collaboration of seven organizations in Mesa County.

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