Camping near Fruita

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Located on the edge of the Colorado Plateau near the Utah-Colorado border, Fruita has made a name for itself as one of America’s top mountain biking destinations. It’s a less crowded alternative to neighboring Moab and offers much in terms of hiking, camping, and sightseeing. Fruita sits at the western entrance of Colorado National Monument and only 90 minutes from Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Arches, and Canyonlands national parks. Campers will find plenty of options around Fruita from amenity-packed RV parks and scenic national park sites to primitive sites with easy access to popular mountain bike trails.

95% (1.3K) 1,203 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Fruita

Fruita By The Lake

1. Fruita By The Lake

97%
(83)
1.6mi from Fruita · 3 sites
Stay somewhere truly different. Our property blends a private, working environment with wide-open space and a beautiful 1-acre lake (seasonal, summer access)—creating a peaceful, one-of-a-kind camping experience just minutes from town. Each campsite sits on our 10-acre property, giving you your own space and privacy while still enjoying easy access to everything the area has to offer. You’ll be surrounded by some of the best outdoor recreation in Colorado—mountain biking, road cycling, hiking, rafting, fishing, off-roading, and more—all right outside your door. The Colorado National Monument is just a short drive away. Despite the quiet setting, you’re only 2 minutes from Fruita, where you’ll find great restaurants, coffee shops, groceries, gas, and everything you need for a comfortable stay. The Sites We offer three well-spaced sites, each with: Water and electricity (#1 has no water but power) Expansive views Easy access and privacy One site includes full sewer hookup A Unique Setting (Please Read) This is not a traditional campground—it’s a private, adult-oriented property (18+) that also operates as the home of The Gondola Shop, a specialized gondola restoration business. Weekdays (Mon–Fri): You may notice light activity, occasional noise, and staff moving through parts of the property. Safety & atmosphere: For this reason, the property is best suited for responsible adults seeking a quieter, more independent camping experience. No children allowed due to the working environment and equipment on site. Speed limit: 10 mph throughout the property. Groups & Gatherings We’re open to small groups (RVs, vans, roof tents, etc.) as long as you are self-contained. From May through October, when the lake is full, the property becomes an ideal setting for relaxed gatherings, BBQs, and enjoying the outdoors in a private setting. If you’re looking for a quiet, unique place with space, views, and unbeatable access to Fruita’s outdoor scene—this is a great fit. If you’re looking for a traditional, kid-friendly campground, this likely isn’t it.
Pets
Full hookups
Desert camping views and wildlife

2. Desert camping views and wildlife

98%
(80)
3.3mi from Fruita · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:Located on a working ranch with a variety of camping locations nearby crops and seasonal livestock. Views of the bookclifs,Colorado National Monument. Close to hiking,biking,river and atv activity’s Hipcamps Aerial photo very outdated place is much improved Please note to Check-in after 10 am but before 8 pm 
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Near Fruita Bike Trails

3. Near Fruita Bike Trails

100%
(27)
4.9mi from Fruita · 1 site
New Hipcamp property. Learn more about this land:Fruita, Colorado is approximately 10 min from location. Also nearby are the 18 Rd. mountain bike trail system, and Highline State Park. Site is quiet and very little light pollution at night. Notes: Horses on property. Please don’t approach horses. Family dog (friendly chocolate lab) on property as well.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
Highline Lake State Park

4. Highline Lake State Park

83%
(3)
State park 10mi from Fruita · 27 sites
A Grand Valley hot spot and desert oasis with two lakes and miles of trails.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park

5. James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park

94%
(16)
State park 320mi from Fruita · 132 sites
Five distinct park units along the Colorado River form a “string of pearls” for outdoor recreation.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
GECKO GULCH--MOUNTAIN BIKE HEAVEN

6. GECKO GULCH--MOUNTAIN BIKE HEAVEN

98%
(61)
7.4mi from Fruita · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:CAMP ON 35 ACRES OF PRIVATE MOUNTAIN BIKE HEAVEN! Gecko Gulch is a single, private campsite near the popular North Fruita Desert 18 Road mountain bike area and the famous Kokopelli Trail. And if that’s not enough, after a day of shredding single track, you can return to your campsite and have 35 acres of desert hills all to yourself to continue the ride! When you’ve had enough of the bike, you can relax in your 8’x12’ cabin with two comfy chairs and room to hang a hammock or stretch out two of your sleeping bags if you don’t want to pitch a tent. A covered porch is the perfect place to watch the sunset and enjoy a well-earned beer. There’s a picnic table with a shade sail. The open-air shower stall lets you hang a solar bag to rinse off the dust while you admire an unending desert view. Then start a campfire and roast some marshmallows while you wait for the stars to come out.Gecko Gulch’s 35 acres are surrounded by public BLM land on two sides so the desert really is your playground. This is a dry campsite with no electricity or water, but there is a portable toilet and trash can. There’s enough flat area to set up a couple of tents. A small amount of firewood is provided.  Gecko Gulch is not suitable for mega-large RVs. The cabin has no heat/air conditioning, but two screened windows open to catch a breeze and mosquito netting is on the door.If you’re tired of camping in a crowded, noisy campground with neighbors on all sides, if you want privacy and incredible views, then Gecko Gulch is waiting!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Double M Ranch

7. Double M Ranch

100%
(54)
8.5mi from Fruita · 1 site
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.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
Bear Family Ranch RV and Camping

8. Bear Family Ranch RV and Camping

96%
(49)
9.1mi from Fruita · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
PLEASE CHECK IN BEFORE 9 PM. BEAR FAMILY RANCH is a working ranch. Cows moo, goats bahh, Roosters Cock-a-Doodle-Do. We are near the small town of Mack, Colorado, 2 miles from I-70, 2 miles from the Colorado River, Horse Thief Canyon, Fruita Desert 6mi, and many other outdoor activities. Here you will find world class mountain biking, including 5 miles of bike/hiking trails on the Ranch. The Ranch is a secluded, hidden, quiet location. You cannot see the ranch from the roadway. Please do not trust your GPS, we are off 10 Rd and we will send you specific exact directions to find us. 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. 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 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, all paper products, oils and grease must go into trash, 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. A private and quiet retreat that we share with you. We have a salon by appointment only.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Camp Eddy

9. Camp Eddy

100%
(29)
12mi from Fruita · 72 sites · RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Grand Mesa National Forest

10. Grand Mesa National Forest

88%
(24)
National forest 50mi from Fruita · 316 sites
Escape to a high elevation forest brimming with lakes, trails, and scenic views.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Uncompahgre National Forest

11. Uncompahgre National Forest

85%
(23)
National forest 100mi from Fruita · 228 sites
Head to wild western Colorado to truly get away from it all.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Moab Field Office

12. Moab Field Office

93%
(168)
Park 60mi from Fruita · 572 sites
There’s a pretty solid chance that you’ve heard about Moab, one of Utah’s most happening recreation spots. This gorgeous place gets packed, so do your homework beforehand so you know where to go! The Moab Field Office, administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), takes up 1.8 million acres of gorgeous canyon-riddled lands. Spend your days hunting for natural arches and bridges, exploring mesas, and contemplating how the heck rocks can look so crazy. BLM lands are also fantastic base camps for forays into nearby Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. There are 26 campgrounds, and you can usually find something even on the busiest of weekends (but, if you can swing it, it’s always best to arrive early). River recreation on the Colorado and Green Rivers is another major draw. However you spend your time in Moab, you’ll fall in love with the impressive red rock formations, the deep canyons, and surprising amount of plant life.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Vega State Park

13. Vega State Park

100%
(1)
State park 49mi from Fruita · 109 sites
Enjoy the outdoors all year long at this high-elevation state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Beautiful Views Tipi

14. Beautiful Views Tipi

100%
(131)
12mi from Fruita · 2 sites
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
Toilets
Showers
DTR CAMP SPOT

15. DTR CAMP SPOT

100%
(25)
12mi from Fruita · 1 site · Tent, RV
Thank you for checking our camping spot at Deer Trax Run on Glade Park. We believe this is a premier spot for you and your family or friends to enjoy! Located just 18 minutes from Grand Junction off Little Park Road. The camping spot has been graveled to keep you off the dirt and mud when parked. The views are wonderful as the sun sets to the west over mountains. We also have a fire place for the evening fires as you are resting. We are located within minutes from biking, hiking, and four wheeling. Several trails are within minutes such as The Ribbon Trail Head, Bangs Canyon, Tabeguache Trail, and Gunny Loop just to name a few. This spot has electricity for your camper and is located on about an acre of land below the residence giving you peace as you stay.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Stephens Ranch

16. Stephens Ranch

96%
(48)
14mi from Fruita · 1 site
Jake Stephens Performance Horses is a working horse ranch. It's located in Glade Park, Colorado, which you have to travel through the Colorado National Monument and a Red Rock Tunnel to get to. The 70-acre ranch is located in the middle of the funnest and most beautiful places on the planet. Activities include horseback riding through the mountains, canoeing on one of the reservoirs, mountain biking one of the numerous trails, hiking to see some of the most awesome wildlife anywhere, or just camping in one of the cabins or tent camping on the side of a beautiful Red Rock canyon. There's not a cooler place to stay. Learn more about this land:Come stay in one of our two Colorado cozy cabins. They both have wood burning stoves, cable TV and microwaves, and are very unique. The larger cabin now has a  finished bathroom complete with a very unique all rock shower,  and kitchen,  We offer a sunset horseback ride in the mountains or a private horse riding lesson in our arena or round pen, or you can go on a mountain bike ride on Red Rock to Rattlesnake Arches (which is the largest collection of arches in the world, besides the Utah delicate arches), above the ranch on a beautiful aspen-covered alpine trail by the reservoirs, or go on a hike anywhere! Or just sleep in! In a very private cabin or a tent on the lower property that you can pitch by a beautiful 100 ft Red Rock canyon and seasonal waterfall!  
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Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

17. Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

94%
(724)
17mi from Fruita · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
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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Toilets
Campfires
Colorado River Animal Sanctuary

18. Colorado River Animal Sanctuary

95%
(65)
18mi from Fruita · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
One of a kind property on the Colorado River in the middle of wine country. Animal sanctuary w Alpaca, Goats, Pigs, mini Horses, Peacocks, Chickens, Dogs, That all free range the property. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the best of Western Colorado the views, stars secluded quietness in nature yet 5 miles from all the city conveniences Electric 15 amp; water hookups & along the Colorado River on a private animal sanctuary. We allow tents, vans, small rvs & small campers. This is a very exclusive property and location. There is also a large lake for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding for our guest use. This spot is on a private beach shared w our family friends and guest on the Colorado river Sorry no dogs allowed
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Colorado river Airstream

19. Colorado river Airstream

91%
(11)
18mi from Fruita · 1 site
Animal sanctuary farm w alpaca, dogs, goats, pigs, mini horses, chickens, peacocks. Located on the beach of the Colorado river. Large 2 acre lake to fish, paddle board, kayak, canoe or swim. All the animals are rescues that are now pets that you can hand feed and interact with they all love attention and food.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
Palisade by Moonlight

20. Palisade by Moonlight

100%
(63)
18mi from Fruita · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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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Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Fruita camping guide

Where to go

North Fruita Desert

The North Fruita Desert is where you’ll find Fruita’s most famous mountain biking trails. The North Fruita Desert area hugs the Book Cliffs just north of town and offers over 250 miles of designated trails including the world-class “18 Road'' trail system. The North Fruita Desert Campground offers convenient access to the trails and dispersed camping is allowed in designated sites just outside the mountain bike trail system. 

Colorado National Monument

Sitting on a high plateau, just minutes from Fruita, Colorado National Monument is a striking red rock landscape of sheer cliffs, towering sandstone formations, and dizzying canyons. The park’s top attraction is the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive, which hugs the edge of a cliff and provides access to several trailheads and scenic viewpoints. The Saddlehorn Campground is the only designated campground in the park and sites can be reserved up to six months in advance.  

Grand Mesa National Forest 

Situated high above the Colorado River’s Grand Valley, about 40 miles east of Grand Junction, Grand Mesa National Forest offers a cooler temperature escape in summer. This unique flat-topped mountain is filled with hundreds of gorgeous alpine lakes and over 200 miles of trails to explore. Campers will find several lakeside campgrounds and tons of opportunities for dispersed and backcountry camping. 

When to go

The best seasons for mountain biking and camping in Fruita are spring and fall. Fruita gets a bit too hot in summer to thoroughly enjoy the trails. It’s not uncommon to see triple-digit temperatures in summer. Fall is a particularly nice time to visit Fruita. That’s when peaches, pears, and other delicious fruits are harvested in orchards around Fruita. Winter can also be a pleasant time to visit Fruita as long as you come prepared for chilly nights. Fruita gets very little snow in winter.   

Know before you go

  1. Fruita has grocery stores, bike shops, breweries, and restaurants. Nearby Grand Junction offers a wider variety of services. 
  2. Multi-day mountain bike rentals are available at several bike shops in Fruita. 
  3. Some dispersed camping areas near Fruita require a portable toilet and fire pan for overnight stays.  
  4. Fruita’s home of the Mike the Headless Chicken Festival. If you happen to visit in late May, don’t miss this yearly celebration that honors a chicken that supposedly survived without a head for nearly two years.  

Frequently Asked Questions

In Fruita, you can enjoy activities such as mountain biking, hiking, camping, and sightseeing. Nearby Grand Junction offers a wider variety of services as well.

The best seasons for mountain biking and camping in Fruita are spring and fall. Fruita gets too hot in summer and very little snow in winter.

Campers will find plenty of options around Fruita from amenity-packed RV parks and scenic national park sites to primitive sites with easy access to popular mountain bike trails. You can also explore different options for camping near Fruita on Hipcamp.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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