Camping near Grand Mesa National Forest

94% (16 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Grand Mesa National Forest adventure.

Escape to a high elevation forest brimming with lakes, trails, and scenic views.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Grand Mesa National Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Grand Mesa National Forest

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Angel Creek Campground

8 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

from

$10

/ night

Cottonwood Lake Campground

36 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

from

$14

/ night

Divide Forks Campground

11 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

Iron Springs Campground

8 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

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Little Bear Campground

36 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

from

$16

/ night

Middle Quartz Campground

7 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

Ward Lake Campground - Grand Valley

27 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

from

$16

/ night

Big Creek Campground

26 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

from

$14

/ night

Cold Spring Campground

6 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

Crag Crest Campground

11 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

from

$12

/ night

Gothic Campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

Granite Tent Campground

6 sites In Grand Mesa National Forest

Spruce Grove Campground - Grand Valley

16 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

Thistledown Campground - Ouray

9 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

from

$10

/ night

Columbine Campground

In Grand Mesa National Forest

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(2)

Moose Manor Campground

1 site In Grand Mesa National Forest

Gold Creek Campground

6 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

from

$12

/ night

Spruce Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

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/ night

Weir and Johnson Campground

12 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

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$14

/ night

Cobbett Lake Campground

20 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

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Hidden Valley Tent Campground

4 sites In Grand Mesa National Forest

Jumbo Campground

21 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

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Island Lake Campground

31 sites · RVs, Tents In Grand Mesa National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Grand Mesa National Forest

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Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents35 acres · Hotchkiss, CO

The House where we live is the corner stone of the Bruce Property and is on the Colorado Register of Historic Houses.The residence was constructed between 1905 and 1912, using red bricks made on the site. John and Sophia Bruce, early pioneers in the North Fork Valley, were first involved in cattle raising. The family later became successful fruit growers. Located along the West Elk Loop, a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway, the large two-story residence features a steeply pitched hipped roof with prominent attic dormers.As a guest of Riverwalk you will have full access to the river during your stay. In addition, there is the Riverwalk Trail System that skirts the North Fork of the Gunnison River from the top of the property, by the Riverwalk Yurt, (available on this site) meandering downstream past the Riverwalk TIPI (available on the site) passing the Grove Yurt (available on this site) and terminating at the bottom of the property with the sandy Riverwalk Beach. There is a trial that zigs through the Cottonwood Grove and zags back along the gentle Monitor Ditch skirting a newly planted grove of young trees.For RV Campers we provide 2- 30amp,1-50 amp and 1- 110-amp electrical services and potable water. There is a dump station available. There is also access to our heated shower house with running water and bathroom amenities (<3 min. walk, may be shared with other guests). The property is perfectly geared to groups of friends gathering in a central location between the onset of the Rockies and the termination high desert to the west. Friends or family will reserve both Yurts and the RV Site for a perfect reunion setting!

94%

(601)

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.

Booked 3 times

Palisade Basecamp RV Resort

93 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents14 acres · Palisade, CO

Palisade Basecamp RV Resort, your premier camping destination, offers Cabins, RV Sites, and Riverside Tent Camping. Nestled between fruit orchards and wine vineyards along the river in picturesque Palisade, Colorado. The 14-acre campground and RV resort is conveniently located near I-70 and Highway 6, directly off the Fruit and Wine Byway of North River Road. We are only one mile from historic downtown Palisade and located near the world-renowned mountain bike trails, wineries, orchards, and festivals of western Colorado. Choose your site along a vineyard, down along the river, or up on the bluff looking over the river and surrounding peach orchards, and encounter a one-of-a-kind camping experience.

88%

(24)

Glenwood Springs Lodging & RV Sites

175 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Glenwood Springs, CO

Glenwood Canyon Resort, located just east of Glenwood Springs, CO is the only lodging, camping, and RV resort in beautiful Glenwood Canyon, where Hanging Lake resides and the mighty Colorado River flows. Learn more about our newest addition, The Sprinter Village. A beautiful area custom designed for Sprinter vans, small RVs, truck campers, pop-up campers, and Rooftop Campers. Guests enjoy rafting, fly-fishing, and canyon bike path access, and package deals with Glenwood Hot Springs and Iron Mountain Hot Springs and deals for skiing and snowboarding at Sunlight Mountain Resort in the winter. Our variety of cabins is available year-round and perfect for couples getaways, family fun vacations, reunions of all kinds, RV & travel groups, and corporate retreats. Not only does the Glenwood Canyon Resort boast the most scenic and gorgeous location in all of the western slopes, but we also have some of the coolest (and most convenient) amenities to offer our guests. From the most adventurous activities requiring nerves of steel and uncommon strength to the least adventurous activity of doing your laundry, we’ve got what you’re looking for right here on site. Need camping supplies or maybe a souvenir for those back home? Stop by our resort office and store where we have basic camping needs including wood & fire starters, ice, cold drinks, tent stakes, propane, and all the s’mores fixings you may need. Don’t miss out on trying our favorite s’mores recipe with peanut butter cups! You’ll find other items for your laundry and RVing needs as well. Also located in our resort store are fun little trinkets and things that make great gifts for the ones back at home as well as souvenirs in the form of hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and such.

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Marble Mountain Yurt

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Marble, CO

NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR THE 2024 SEASON (May-October)! A little about our reservation process. We accept two group reservations per week: 1) A discounted mid-week booking (Checking-in Tuesday or Wednesday) for 1-2 nights minimum (depending on the season) 2) A weekend booking starting Thursday, Friday, or Saturday weekly with a 2-3 night minimum. Enjoy hut-style glamping at its finest in our modern mountain yurt. Bask in the sun and take in the stunning panoramic mountain views on our one-acre property above the quirky town of Marble, CO. With immediate access to public lands and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, biking, lakes, rivers, and BBQ in Colorado, there is truly something for everyone to love! The heated bathhouse features a toilet and foot pump sink. Purified drinking water is available from May - September. You must bring your own water from October - April. The kitchen features an oven/range and basic cooking and serving supplies. There is no refrigerator, so please bring your own cooler and ice. Campfires are allowed, but it is your responsibility to determine if there is a fire ban in effect. Firewood may be available or dead wood can be collected on the property. There is a picnic table nestled in the scrub oaks. We only rent one side and the entire property is private to you! We do have neighbors, but the property is pretty well tucked away. You may see the occasional vehicle or hiker on the road or hear someone doing some yard work, but it is generally very quiet and secluded at the yurt. Our neighbors have chosen to live in Marble for its privacy and tranquillity. Please show them respect by keeping the noise down and leaving them be. If you have questions or need help, call us from the yurt landline. Winter camping experience/equipment and a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle with severe snow-rated tires and chains may be required to access the yurt Oct-April. During large snow events, driving to the yurt may be impossible in any vehicle. Skiing to the yurt may be an option Dec - Feb. Gear sleds are available at the yurt for your use.

86%

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Hillside Park

4 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · New Castle, CO

Located 5 minutes from Highway 70. (Exit 105) Hillside Park is near the river with public access only 2 minutes away. 3 minute hike to a beautiful sunset view. Borders public State Wildlife property. Within Colorado Unit 42 for hunting easily reached by OHV on county road 312. 15 minutes from Rifle and Glenwood Springs. ***Please text or call before or after arrival***

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Double M Ranch

1 site · RV4 acres · Grand Junction, CO

Double M Ranch is non working 4 acres with spectacular views of Mt Garfield and the Bookcliffs. Mountain Biking, hiking, rafting, paddleboarding, OHV riding and wineries just minutes away. Wake up to beautiful sunrises each morning and also enjoy the evenings alpenglow. 30 amp electric. Water hookup. Wildflowers and prairie grass will be growing soon.

96%

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Zenzen Gardens

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Paonia, CO

Zenzen Gardens is now the official tasting room for Alfred Eames Cellars, a local winery located 3 miles south of Paonia. Come enjoy some local wines in the garden with a beautiful mountain view. Our tasting room is open May to October from 12 PM - 6 PM. Every Thursday evening, from June to October, we host Tapas events from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring our local guest chef. Please note that there will be no Tapas events in August due to our Pickin' in the Park festivities! The property is also a music venue with two performance sites in the barn and a stage by the pond. We also offer farm-to-table dinners throughout the summer, and tapas on Thursdays. Check out our calendar for concerts and dinner dates at www.zenzengardens.com There is veranda seating to enjoy the beautiful flower gardens and where you can access the internet. At the turn of the century, this farm was a dairy operation with its huge old red barn built in the 1880's. The property is pastoral, relaxing, rural and beautiful! It is surrounded by hay and alfalfa fields. It is very quiet with wide open spaces. You might see deer, fox, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Red Tail Hawks and Red Wing Blackbirds, just to name a few.

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Beautiful Views Tipi

3 sites · Lodging35 acres · Redlands, CO

Learn more about this land:This property borders the Colorado National Monument. There are beautiful views in every direction, wildlife, and fresh air. This property will give you the opportunity to push yourself on some world-class mountain biking/hiking trails and the solitude to recharge and relax. You are going to love it! This listing is for the large tent that I have set up, you just need to bring your sleeping bag.

98%

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Sage View Ranch

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Paonia, CO

After traveling the US in our motorhome for almost 5 years my husband Scott and I know the value of a smiling face and a helping hand after a day (or week) of travel. Exploring and experiencing this amazing country, its diversity and incredible people enhanced our lives in so many ways. In mid 2017 we found out our first grandchild was on the way. Long story short we parked the RV and parked ourselves here in Paonia, CO. In December of that year, we moved onto this amazing property full time and started the long list of fix ups (the list is still long). lol We are blessed to have our two adult sons and (aforementioned) grandson living on this property with us. Our philosophy is to live in the moment as the present is the gift. Whether enjoying a sunrise or a sunset or anytime in between you’ll likely find us outside most days. In that, we love all that nature has to offer including fresh fruits and veggies, animals, beauty and fragrances. Sage View Ranch is being created with the desire to have people experience the natural rustic beauty and magic of Paonia. Scott and I look forward to meeting you :)

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Camp Eddy

73 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Grand Junction, CO

Camp Eddy’s RV Park is brand new and a one-of-a-kind experience in Grand Junction! Our property is uniquely in an urban environment, while still providing the space and tranquility of a nature-filled RV Park. This is because our RV Park is nestled into the beautiful Las Colonias Park in Grand Junction! This park is an expansive and beautiful green space with the Colorado River running through the center. The park is filled with walking and biking trails, river recreation and outdoor sports rentals, and the Amphitheater with headlining acts in the summer. We are the only RV Park around that allows for this central accessibility to the park and all of Grand Junction, while still providing a gorgeous outdoor environment! Whether you’re here for a single night, a week, or more, we know you will love this experience.

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Tongue Creek Ranch

3 sites · Lodging70 acres · Austin, CO

Tongue Creek Ranch is beautifully situated at the base of the Adobe Buttes on the southern side of the Grand Mesa in Austin, Colorado. The 70-acre ranch has over 40 acres in hay and alfalfa with seasonal cattle grazing in the fall and winter months. Whether you come to stay at one of the rental properties, get married or host a special event, we welcome you to enjoy the beautiful setting of Tongue Creek Ranch and the incredible sites of the Western Slope! David and Barb Cocetti purchased the ranch in June 2019 to embark on a new life where they could cultivate the land and be more self-sustaining. By following Biblical guidelines for work and agriculture, this land has come to life! It is proving to be an oasis where people find peace while enjoying the serenity of the surroundings. The clamping Cabin sits behind the horse arena and in front of Tongue Creek. It's the cutest little cabin and we mean little, more like an expertly finished big shed. It is 10x14 with a 3x14 covered porch but finished inside like a 5 star hotel. AC, TV, Wifi, fireplace, comfortable queen size bed. Beetle kill tongue and groove ceiling, cultured barn wood wanes coating. It's super nice. The ranch itself may be the reason for the "glamp" booking. The yard is manicured and the 25 house, goats and chickens are fun to see. The big plus is we are only 20 minutes away from the Grand Mesa outdoorsman mecca. This is probably the cheapest base camp to the Mesa. The ranch is a great base camp to wineries, Moab, Telluride, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, fishing, boating, hiking, trails and hundreds of open BLM land for Razor riding. Check us out.

The best camping near Grand Mesa National Forest guide

Overview

About

Towering above the Colorado River’s Grand Valley on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains near Grand Junction, Colorado, the Grand Mesa National Forest sits on top of the world’s largest flat-topped mountain. Grand Mesa is filled with crystal clear alpine lakes, hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, and ATV trails, and numerous campgrounds and dispersed camping areas. The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway traverses 63 miles of that national forest’s most stunning scenery and passes by several trailheads and lakes. In winter, Grand Mesa becomes a playground for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling adventures. There’s even downhill skiing at Powderhorn Mountain Resort.

Notable campgrounds

Best for trailers and RVs: Cobbett Lake Campground
Best for fishing and lake access: Ward Lake Campground
Best for hiking and mountain biking: Crag Crest Campground

Tips for snagging a campsite

Online reservations can be made up to six months in advance for many of the Grand Mesa National Forest campgrounds.
All sites at the Crag Crest, Ward Lake, and Divide Forks campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Many other Grand Mesa campgrounds have a handful of first-come, first-served sites available as well.
Grand Mesa National Forest also has two old Forest Service Guard Stations available for rent: Moose Manor and Black Bear Cabin. Cabins are fairly rustic and reservations are available on a six-month rolling basis.

When to go

With hundreds of high alpine lakes to see, summer is the best time to hike and camp on Grand Mesa. The snow is mostly melted by June and wildflowers generally peak in the middle of July. Some high-elevation Forest Service roads may stay snow-covered well into July and may close for the season in early November. Many of the Grand Mesa National Forest campgrounds are only open from early June through September.

Know before you go

Stop at the Grand Mesa Visitor Center, located along the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, for trail maps and camping information.
Grand Mesa National Forest is bear country. Make sure to store food and other attractants safely in camp.
When hiking in summer, get an early start to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
Don’t forget your bug repellent. Grand Mesa’s abundant lakes and swampy areas attract quite a bit of mosquitoes especially in July.
Bring extra layers. Grand Mesa can get quite chilly at night even in the middle of summer.