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
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Book externally
Public campgrounds in the parkBook externally
Book externally
Stay at a public campground in Grand Mesa National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds near Grand Mesa National Forest
94%
(531)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
95%
(153)
Tater's Black Canyon Campground
4 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Crawford, CO
Hot showers and toilets are now available! Tater's was voted a 2024 top runner up as 'Best Hipcamp in Colorado'. 35 acres of bliss shared with 2 humans, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 3 horses and 4 chickens [Eggs may be available upon request]. Black Canyon National Park is a short drive to the west. Conveniently located to Crawford and the North Fork Valley to wineries, music fests and local eateries.
Incredible views and dark skies make the perfect respite for just hanging out, climbing in the Black, foodie time in the North Fork Valley or pretty much whatever you like to do. Hunters are welcome as this is a perfect base camp to Unit 63.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$55
/ night
98%
(98)
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
72%
(9)
Hillside Park
6 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · New Castle, CO
Located 5 minutes from Highway 70.
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.
Pets
from
$40
/ night
99%
(56)
Colorado River Camp Has It All!
4 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · New Castle, CO
One of the valleys last original stone homes dating back to 1845. We have been restoring the buildings made from the limestone. The main house which is not yet finished has beautiful etched glass windows of the cattle drives.
James Hinds the homesteader and original owner of the ranch created the ware and hinds ditch which supplies our abundant Valley water. He was a prominent attorney and got our water rights given to us forever from President Harris..
It includes water that extends to the middle of the Colorado River and the one mile of our shoreline. Everyday that we live here we give thanks for his wisdom and foresight. The once huge ranch that used to extend across I -70 and to the far side of the Colorado River is now reduced to our beautiful 110 acres, but it is the most beautiful and historic part of his astounding empire.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$70
/ night
99%
(285)
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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
98%
(424)
Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven
7 sites · Lodging22 acres · Paonia, CO
Formerly known as the North Fork Tipi Haven, this 22 acres was once owned by International sculptor Lincoln Fox, and built by Mr. Wooten in the early 1900's as an apple orchard, Old Moon Acres is now home to Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven.
The North Fork Valley of the Gunnison River, encompassing Crawford, Hotchkiss and Paonia, was an important fruit orchard area in the late 1800's and well into the early 1900's. The valley's climate is a banana belt, perfect for fruit with the cold air coming down from the mountains at night and the heat from the mesas warming up the valley during the day. Coal mines up the road in Bowie and Somerset paid better, so many of the orchards languished over the years. Since the closing of all the mines but one, today the NFV is home to the largest concentration of organic farms in the state of Colorado as well as becoming a state Creative District serving the multitudes of artist and creatives that call the valley home.
There are many pick-your-own peaches, cherries, apples, pears, nectarines and if we are lucky, apricots, in the valley. Delicious Orchards, 1 mile down Hwy 133, is an excellent place to pick your own, drink local hard cider and listen to live music on the weekend over a wonderful brunch. It is all about the farms, cattle, art, music, outdoor adventure, fun and relaxation here in the North Fork Valley.
The tipis are custom made by the Colorado Yurt Company in Montrose, Colorado where they have been making yurts, tents and tipis since 1976. The tipis are expertly designed and made with custom paintings invoking the animal spirits that inhabit our land. These are a Sioux design tipi as the Ute's mainly lived in wiki-ups until they were introduced to the tipi in the 1800's. The Ute's appropriated the tipi design from the Sioux or Plains Natives.
We have solar showers (solar bags of water heated by the sun during the day) available for free.
Showers are also available at the local laundromat in Hotchkiss.
Our goal is to awaken your sense of wonder by sleeping out in nature and waking up to the Colorado blue sky in clean, clear air at 5500 ft. You can visit the many high altitude wineries, fruit orchards, organic farms, farm-to-table restaurants, great music, interesting movies at the community owned Paradise Theater, art at the Creamery Arts Center in Hotchkiss, stand-up paddle boarding, WSSUP, at Crawford reservoir, mountain biking in Grand Mesa, hiking in the West Elks, rafting down the Gunnison river in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, fishing up canyon in the coolness of the forest or relaxing in one of many hot springs within an hour of us.
Colorado Detours is highly recommended by us to take you and yours on a hiking, farm, wine, or geology tour of the area.
Aspen, Crested Butte (over Kebler Pass), Glenwood Springs, Gunnison, Ouray, Grand Junction, Ridgeway
and Telluride all are about an hour or two
away by car.
Welcome to Colorado.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$65
/ night
100%
(16)
Juniper Yurt
2 sites · Lodging35 acres · Basalt, CO
Basalt Mountain Oasis is perched on a south facing mountainside with incredible views of 3 14ers including Capitol Peak. It is a completely private location in the middle of nature yet only two miles from Basalt, and 20 miles from Aspen and Carbondale.
We have produce growing in the gardens and greenhouse and herbal products for sale and will email you what is available before you check in and can have it stocked in the fridge.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$175
/ night
94%
(52)
A Great Story
11 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Clifton, CO
5.5 acres with views of Mt. Garfield and the Grand Mesa. Quiet and secluded feeling but close to wineries and restaurants!
Our open field provides flat ground to camp or park. Surrounding areas have livestock that add to this farm feel. We as property owners live on the property and are here to help or provide directions or recommendations for tourist attractions.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
100%
(18)
Wild Abandon Ranch
1 site · RV, Tent50 acres · Paonia, CO
PLEASE NOTE: We do not allow campfires at our campsite at any time, regardless of fire bans or not. We had a fire hit our property last summer and no longer feel comfortable letting visitors have fires in such a high fire danger region. Thank you for understanding!
Wild Abandon Ranch is a gorgeous 50 acre property that we purchased in March of 2023. Sadly, the property had been abandoned and neglected for over 20 years and we are doing our best to breath some new life into her. We are chasing those land dreams! This property has a wild amount of potential and an endless story of labor and we hope to bring a new vision and purpose to this very special place.
The Hipcamp site is located down by the creek (on the SOUTH side of Minnesota Creek Rd) where you'll have total privacy and room to relax and explore. It is a beautiful place to get lost amongst the trees and the rhythm of the creek.
Our property is only 3.5 miles from the town of Paonia so you're oh-so-close yet so far away from it all. Paonia is central to the abundant North Fork Valley and there is so much to experience in this area. From hiking, biking, camping, or swimming to touring the many vibrant vineyards or galleries.
Your visit is very directly contributing to this land's second chance. We hope you'll visit again and follow along in the evolution of Wild Abandon Ranch. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
Pets
Toilets
from
$40
/ night
99%
(90)
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$55
/ night
98%
(66)
Palisade Vista
1 site · RV40 acres · Palisade, CO
Learn more about this land:Canyon and orchard views await. Only a short drive (≈2.5 Miles) or bike ride to Palisade, less then a mile to vineyards and wine tasting. BookCliff Vinyards, Vines 79 Winery, Savage Spectrum Winery all within 1.5 miles. Clark Family Orchards, Juicy Acers, Ball Fruit, and Cunningham Orchards also with 1.5 miles if you are looking for fresh fruit. A put in to the Colorado river is also close by (≈2 miles) if you are looking for a leisurely float. Palisade Rim Trail and Mount Garfield trail are also near by for those looking for a hike or bike adventure. The newly opened Palisade Plunge mountain bike trail which takes you from over 10000' to 4700' exits just about 2 miles below the camp site if you are looking for a thrill.A rustic camp site with privacy and access great night sky viewing and amazing sunsets and sunrises.
Pets
Potable water
from
$40
/ night
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.
Top cities near Grand Mesa National Forest
- Grand Mesa National Forest
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.