The best camping near Highline Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Highline Lake State Park adventure.

100% (1 reviews)
100% (1 reviews)

A Grand Valley hot spot and desert oasis with two lakes and miles of trails.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Highline Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Highline Lake State Park

97%
(401)

The Views at Gateway

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2000 acres · Gateway, CO
Located on the Dolores river, this property is perfect for hikers, fishing, rafting, or just camping! There is a natural spring just a few miles from the location with drinking water as well. When you stay here you are located right on the river with nothing but places to hike, climb and have fun and there are several options for you to choose from. There is a cabin, an onsite RV, a canvas tent, and BYO tent or RV camping on the land - you can pick whatever suits you best! No matter what, you can fall asleep to the sound of the river after a great night of star gazing! Nearby outdoor points of interest include the Dolores River on property, Hanging Flume which is approx. 20 miles from site, Gateway Canyons Resort Auto museum 7 miles from site, Arches National Park 2 hour drive from site, Colorado national monument 1 hour drive. The Grand Mesa 2 hour drive, Telluride ski resort 2 hour drive! You can find hiking, biking, swimming, paddle board, kayaks, rafting, fishing, tubing, bird watching, star gazing rock climbing, bouldering, all right from the property. All sites are accessible without 4wheel drive. I love where I live and think everyone should be able to experience the peaceful quiet beautiful environment that it is!
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from 
$50
 / night
94%
(606)

Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

7 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Clifton, CO
We moved here in 1997 The home has had major remodels done on it. The lake is an old gravel pit to make road base for local road construction. The buoys in the lake are scuba projects from the local college CMU, and hold lots of fish. Other nesting platforms are for our local Geese and they hatch out in April-June. We airbnb 2 rooms in our home as a shared facility and have airbnbs in Northern Ca and Baja. Our home is off limits for campers as we need to respect the space for our other airbnb guests. But in an emergence please call, cell service works fine. port-a potty is gone for the winter November-April. port-a potty is clean and works great, May- Oct. If you are here in the winter you may use the trees or Mavericks gas station in 1.5 miles away. The first two pets are included at no additional cost. For any additional pets beyond the first two, there is a fee of $10 per pet, per night. Please make sure to add the Pet fee extra accordingly.
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$30
 / night
96%
(25)

Bear Family Ranch RV and Camping

13 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Mack, CO
PLEASE CHECK IN BEFORE 9 PM. We are less than 2 miles from I-70, We are just outside of the really small town of Mack, Colorado. We are 2 miles from the Colorado River, Horse Thief Canyon, and many other outdoor activities. Here you will find world class mountain biking. Bear Family Ranch is a secluded and hidden ranch, you cannot see the ranch from the roadway. You will see incredible views of the Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa, and Mount Garfield. When the sun sets, shinning its sun rays on the Colorado Monument the shading of the monument brings the monument to life. There are 3 full hook-up RV sites and 8 dry WALK-IN 8'X8' raised pad camping sites (the walk is roughly 200 feet). Walk around the seasonal pond, explore the property, hike a mile to the Mack Wash. You can mountain bike around the property. It's quiet with birds flying and chirping. This is a very private and secluded location with lots of space! Bring your own camping toilet or use our outhouse with a camping toilet inside. Because it's a working ranch, we prefer to familiarize you and your guests to the ranch and show you the route to the site as we have exposed irrigation, irrigation ditches, and a pond. We prefer not to fish you out of the pond. LOL LIMIITED SEWER (If you need to dump grey or black from your RV tank, please help us keep our leach field from being saturated, If you need to dump grey or black water from your RV, we recommend the really nice rest area in Fruita. The Colorado Welcome Center Rest Area is off of I-70 at EXIT 19, which has a FREE dump station. We are on a leach field, no paper products including toilet paper into the sewer, please and thank you. We must check you in, to familiarize you and your guests to the Ranch. Ater check-in you are our guests; you may come and go as you need. We respect your privacy, but if you need anything please contact us or go to the main house. Being a family ranch, we are always working and vigilant of our animals and the security of the Bear Family Ranch.
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$20
 / night
99%
(64)

Reverie Retreat at MTO

1 site · RV10 acres · Clifton, CO
This retreat is adjoined to a peach orchard which has breathtaking views of Mt. Garfield and is surrounded by farms, vineyards and wineries. Mosher-Talley Orchard (MTO) is a ten acre, third generation farm. Located on the Fruit and Wine Byway, we are eight miles from Palisade or downtown Grand Junction. There are two wineries within one mile in either direction and four wineries within three miles. We provide electric hook-ups along with an indoor bathroom (no shower). Bring a propane bottle for our gas fire pit or enjoy our traditional one with complimentary wood. Friendly pets are welcome! There are two small free-range farm dogs that will likely greet you. On occasion, wildlife roams the property as well. Other local activities: (season depending) - Multiple hiking and mountain biking trails -Skiing/snowboarding (45 minutes away) -Wineries, distilleries and craft breweries -Local produce, pies, honey & farmer’s markets -River activities: rafting, SUP’s, and floating -Festivals -Fishing
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from 
$50
 / night
100%
(51)

Palisade by Moonlight

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Palisade, CO
We live on a lovely 2 acres in East Orchard Mesa. ( which is approximately 8 miles from downtown Palisade) Our property is adjacent to peach orchards and vineyards and has a gorgeous view of the Grand Mesa. There are lawns and gardens and a landscaped area to enjoy a campfire 🔥 In 2010, The Wedding House venue began hosting weddings. Our home has a past! Formerly a church, and built in 1910, the house was brought into the property in the mid 60’s and was thoroughly remodeled.Learn more about this land:Located in the East Orchard Mesa area of Palisade.(about 8 miles and 15 min. from both downtown Palisade and Grand Junction! We are surrounded by Peaches/Vineyards and have an awesome view of the Grand Mesa. Our property is also a wedding venue with lawns and open skies, fire pit area, bbq grill, porta potty and hand washing station. Close by shooting range and ATV BLM land. A favorite road biking route through the rolling hills of Palisade Wine country. You cannot beat the sunsets, rainbows, and mountain views. The “chapel” can be a place to have an outdoor meal with tables and chairs available. Plenty of parking.
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from 
$50
 / night
96%
(71)

Fruita By The Lake

5 sites · RVs10 acres · Fruita, CO
The property is a mix of living quarters and a business with a beautiful 2-acre lake accessible in the summer. Hipcampers will be camping on a 10-acre property mixed-used and will have their own little piece of land and privacy to enjoy. They will find endless activities surrounding our property while enjoying their stay. There are miles of mountain and road bike trails easily accessed from the campsite. Rafting, golf, swimming, fishing, hiking, off-roading, dirt bike/ATV trails, Colorado National Monument, and the list goes on and on within a short distance. The campsites are 2 minutes from downtown Fruita for those who would enjoy good restaurants, great coffee shops, or a drink. You will find a grocery store, pharmacy, and gas station in the same area. To consider: Our place is great but not for everyone. We have three convenient sites, all with electricity and water and one with sewage. They all have great views and are very close to the town of Fruita. Every hipcampers can enjoy the beach and the lake between mid-May and October when its full. Swimming not recommended! The property is used by THE GONDOLA SHOP, which restores ski gondolas. Monday to Friday, you might hear some light noise and see employees walking around. For that reason and the potential hazard YOU ARE FULLY RESPONSIBLE OF YOUR CHILDREN IF YOU HAVE SOME on our property. We ask that all vehicles drive no faster than 10 miles per hour for the same reason. We will consider a group of campers or mix camper/tents roof tents as long as you have your own bathroom to share. Please email us with any requests you might have. We are open to discussing any inquiries. Between May and October, when our lake is full and usable, our place is great for gatherings and a big BBQ. Camp #1 / 30amps + 110V (NO WATER). We have a spot on the property for you to fill in your water tank, but there is no water directly at the site. This site is on an old concrete pad and will need some leveling. This site is close to the tenant's house. You might see some chickens running around, but your camper will face the opposite way, and you will get your privacy. We accept campers class B and C ONLY, max 27 feet for this camp. NO TRAVEL TRAILERS. It would be best to park nose 1st to access the electric post and back up to get out. This site has lots of shade in the summer. This site has no fire pit and no picnic table. Camp #2 / 50amps + water + sewage. WINTERIZED. YOU ONLY NEED A HEATED WATER HOSE. This site is on compact gravel and will need some leveling. This site is very close to the main shop and the owner's apartment. You will see and maybe hear some action on weekdays. We accept vans, small campers, and motorhomes class A, B, and C. It's a pull-through site and easy to park. This site could accommodate two or three campers (extra $). This site is in the sun with no shade. This site has no fire pit and no picnic table. Camp #3 / 50amps + water. WINTERIZED. YOU ONLY NEED A HEATED WATER HOSE. This site is long and wide on compact gravel and might need some leveling. On this site, your camper/van will be facing the pond. You can drink your coffee with the birds singing. We accept vans, small campers, and motorhomes class A, B, and C. It's a back-in site with plenty of space to do it. This site could accommodate two or three campers (extra $). This site has a fire pit, a picnic table, and a private dock.
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$25
 / night

The best camping near Highline Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

With two separate lakes, the park is a mecca for water activities. Enjoy motor boating, water skiing, jet skiing, paddling, swimming, and fishing on Highline Lake, or opt for a quieter experience on the smaller, non-motorized Mack Mesa Lake. Surrounding the lakes are several hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as easy access to world-class mountain biking. In winter, enjoy hunting, ice fishing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. The park is also an important bird area.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for amenities: Bookcliff Campground offers sites with grills, fire rings, and picnic tables, plus a year-round camper services building.
  • Best for tent campers: Three walk-in campsites (#10, 11, and 12) are available for tents only.
  • Best for groups: The Group Camping Area offers space for up to 100 tent campers.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Those planning to spend the night should make plans early, as only 36 basic campsites are available for RVs and tent campers.
  2. During peak season, make a reservation as soon as you know your dates. All campsites require a reservation, which can be made up to six months in advance up until the same day.
  3. If you’re traveling light, go for one of the walk-in, tent-only campsites.
  4. If your plans are flexible, try to visit the year-round park during the week, during non-holiday periods, or in winter.

When to go

The park is busiest in summer. Highline Lake is open to boating between March 1 and September 30, weather permitting, while the swim beach is open from the second weekend of May through September. Visit in fall for trout fishing, and winter for birdwatching and ice fishing on Mack Mesa Lake. Small-game hunting is permitted in designated areas between the Tuesday following Labor Day and the Friday before Memorial Day, only Monday through Friday.

Know before you go

  • Mack Mesa Lake is only open to electric or hand-powered boats, paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks. All boats, including paddleboards and kayaks, must have life jackets. Loaners are available from the visitor center.
  • Pets are not allowed at the swim beach—a designated pet swimming area can be found near the east boat ramp. 
  • Hunters may only hunt waterfowl from the blinds, and may only use shotguns for small game hunting. All hunters must register at the west entrance and have appropriate licenses.  
  • Accessible facilities include the day-use area restrooms, camper services building, group picnic area, wildlife overlook, the Mack Mesa Lake fishing pier, and campsite #25. 
  • Ice and firewood are available for purchase at the campground.
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