Mountain Project Logo

camping near Colorado National Monument

Original Post
M L · · Sonora, CA · Joined Apr 2007 · Points: 165

I read here that driving through the park and turning right at the Y 7 miles past the visitors center would lead to "wide open" camping. I found a crappy little spot, but that was it...everything else was private. Same went with the horsetheif open lands just before the west entrance.

Did i miss some side roads, or is this just how it is? I'd love to avoid the $20 camping fee for the park or litterally bivying on the side of the road.

How's the Road 18 camping area? Any other suggestions?
I'd be happy to swap secret bivy info for moab, redrocks, or zion.
PM me if you don't want the info public.

thanks!
-Mike

Tony B · · Around Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 24,665

There is plenty of BLM land along I-70 not far from there. But camping inside the park itself? Well - not that I know of.
I'll be frank - for the toilet and nice sites, I just pay the small fee.

M L · · Sonora, CA · Joined Apr 2007 · Points: 165

i hear ya, it's just that $20 a night really starts to add up when you figure in park fee, gasoline, beer, road food, etc...

By the way, maybe it's just bad luck but I've been constantly disappointed in the local mexican food in Fruita/Grand Junction. Any rec's on somewhere that's really good and doesn't just coast on it's margs..?

Jason N. · · Grand Junction · Joined Mar 2011 · Points: 10
notmyname wrote:i hear ya, it's just that $20 a night really starts to add up when you figure in park fee, gasoline, beer, road food, etc... By the way, maybe it's just bad luck but I've been constantly disappointed in the local mexican food in Fruita/Grand Junction. Any rec's on somewhere that's really good and doesn't just coast on it's margs..?
Where all have you tried?
Tony B · · Around Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 24,665
notmyname wrote:i hear ya, it's just that $20 a night really starts to add up when you figure in park fee, gasoline, beer, road food, etc... By the way, maybe it's just bad luck but I've been constantly disappointed in the local mexican food in Fruita/Grand Junction. Any rec's on somewhere that's really good and doesn't just coast on it's margs..?
I save on the gas by camping right there and climbing right there.
Not sure what to tell you about the food in town.
I make all my own food at home, freeze it all, then eat the top things in the cooler as they thaw out. Saves lots of dough too...
I forget the exact directions to where I have camped in/near fruita- most places were not too nice or full of Dirt Bike/Mt Bike Party people. Weeknights won't be bad though, if you are there then...
M L · · Sonora, CA · Joined Apr 2007 · Points: 165
Jason N. wrote: Where all have you tried?
I forget the place in Fruita, but it got a lot of good reviews on citysearch. the other place was "tequillas" in grand junction - recommended by the liquor store patrons.
Jason N. · · Grand Junction · Joined Mar 2011 · Points: 10
notmyname wrote: I forget the place in Fruita, but it got a lot of good reviews on citysearch. the other place was "tequillas" in grand junction - recommended by the liquor store patrons.
I've enjoyed my experiences at Aztecas, which may be more in town than you're looking for. Good service and inexpensive.
Paul S · · Fruita, CO · Joined Dec 2004 · Points: 820

Camping out at 18 road is good and free, but it will become very crowded in the spring and fall with mountain bikers. Rabbit Valley is about 17 miles west on 70 of Fruita and has a number of primitive sites both north and south of the freeway. These are spread out a little bit more, so they won't feel as crowded as 18 road.

Crisco Jackass · · Grand Junction, CO · Joined May 2008 · Points: 0

Problem is, BLM has gotten real good at putting up blockades at previously long-term primitive camp spots. So anything I say is probably too damned dated, BUT I'd look at Little Park road to the south east of the Monument, Rabbit Valley to the west.
18 Road got sanitized, try any of the other roads and you're less likely to be bothered by others. Pick any road going north of the ditch and camp, shoot, burn, hell go nuts, just don't be out there in the rain.

El Tapatio! tapatiorestaurants.com/inde… Can't speak to their Fruita location, but the GJ one is good.

Gotta pimp Unaweep here, some good camp spots up Divide Road.

M L · · Sonora, CA · Joined Apr 2007 · Points: 165

perfect. I'll report back if I go this weekend. thanks a lot

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern Utah Deserts
Post a Reply to "camping near Colorado National Monument"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.