The best waterside campgrounds near Grand Junction, Colorado

Experience the majesty of the American West in Grand Junction, a small city in western Colorado. Red rock buttes rise above the Colorado River, calling to hikers, bikers, and climbers. Nearby, millions of acres of public lands overflow with forest and mountain campsites. In town, RV parks with full hookups sit near vineyards and golf courses.

For classic red-rock camping, head to the Colorado National Monument. Wake up to valley views from your tent or RV site in the Saddlehorn Campground. Or, head into the wild on foot and create your own backcountry campsite.

Craving mountain views? Head to the 11 developed campgrounds in Grand Mesa National Forest. Solitude-seekers should make camp in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area provides. In the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, fish right from your campsite on the Gunnison River.

From camp, it’s easy to access Grand Junction’s outdoor adventures year-round. Launch a kayak at Colorado River State Park near downtown. The fast, fun Ribbon trail is a must for mountain bikers. The local Red Rocks provide hiking trails for every ability.

During the spring snowmelt, join in a local tradition: waterfalling. Hike into No Thoroughfare and Big Dominguez canyons to spot waterfalls. Act fast, because they disappear quickly!

95% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Grand Junction

Experience the majesty of the American West in Grand Junction, a small city in western Colorado. Red rock buttes rise above the Colorado River, calling to hikers, bikers, and climbers. Nearby, millions of acres of public lands overflow with forest and mountain campsites. In town, RV parks with full hookups sit near vineyards and golf courses.

For classic red-rock camping, head to the Colorado National Monument. Wake up to valley views from your tent or RV site in the Saddlehorn Campground. Or, head into the wild on foot and create your own backcountry campsite.

Craving mountain views? Head to the 11 developed campgrounds in Grand Mesa National Forest. Solitude-seekers should make camp in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area provides. In the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, fish right from your campsite on the Gunnison River.

From camp, it’s easy to access Grand Junction’s outdoor adventures year-round. Launch a kayak at Colorado River State Park near downtown. The fast, fun Ribbon trail is a must for mountain bikers. The local Red Rocks provide hiking trails for every ability.

During the spring snowmelt, join in a local tradition: waterfalling. Hike into No Thoroughfare and Big Dominguez canyons to spot waterfalls. Act fast, because they disappear quickly!

95% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Grand Junction

1. Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

94%

(701)

7.9mi from Grand Junction · 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.

2. Fruita By The Lake

97%

(83)

8.5mi from Grand Junction · 5 sites · RVs

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 just 2 minutes from downtown Fruita, offering easy access to good restaurants, great coffee shops 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 pond 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 WE DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN 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

3. Colorado river Airstream

91%

(11)

8.2mi from Grand Junction · 1 site · Lodging

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.

4. Moab Field Office

93%

(166)

572 sites · Moab, Utah

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

5. Colorado River Animal Sanctuary

95%

(65)

8.2mi from Grand Junction · 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

Public campgrounds near Grand Junction

Enjoy the views of the Colorado River right outside your campsite.

83%

(4)

Dewey Bridge Campground

44mi from Grand Junction · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Moab Field Office

A variety of spots right along the river in the shadow of this giant mesa

Hittle Bottom Campground

47mi from Grand Junction · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Moab Field Office

Fisher Towers Campground

47mi from Grand Junction · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Moab Field Office

100%

(5)

Lower Onion Creek Campground

49mi from Grand Junction · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Moab Field Office

97%

(21)

Upper Onion Creek Campground

49mi from Grand Junction · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Moab Field Office

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Jeff

2 weeks ago

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

Stayed here in early December and it is such a great spot! Nice sunset viewing, easy access to the sites, quiet, and it's a rare Colorado location near water. Mike stopped by to chat and is a very accommodating host. I would highly recommend visiting this campsite, especially in the warmer months.

D

David

November 2025

22 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

Mike is such a great host and the site was exactly as advertised. We will absolutely be staying again when we make it back out to Palisade

J

Jon

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

We got moved to RV spot #1 from our original spot a few days before our stay which wasn't an issue. The lake was beautiful and clean, and we were well stocked on wood. We didnt have any neighbors so it was nice and quiet with little sound from distant traffic.

A

Anne

November 2025

32 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

This is a spectacular spot and Mike is an awesome host. I will definitely be back

S

Serena

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

Beautiful view of the lake. Mike was attentive and responsive as well. There was some good birding in the morning, too! There is some road noise at the lake but not too loud.

R

Rob

October 2025

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Fruita By The Lake

Site is exactly as described. Very convenient for our overnight stop and even had electricity.

L

Lydia

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

Beautiful place! Super fun and great for the doggie!

F

Fabian

October 2025

23 ft Class C

1 night at Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

Really nice campground with large fire pit and Kayaks available for a cruise on the lake. Worth a stay!

K

Kelly

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

Sweet spot by the lake to camp for the night! We had a lovely campfire and appreciated the full set up ready to roll as we got in late and were tired from the drive!! It was a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy the night before getting a good sleep for our drive the next day. The next morning we had the place almost entirely to ourselves, and my dog especially loved exploring!

T

Thomas

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

Nice area for everyone in our group including our friends.

N

Nate

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Colorado River Animal Sanctuary

Very nice spot right on the river! Had a campfire, fed alpacas carrots and hung out with dogs. Cool property all around, would definitely recommend!

J

Jay

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

Nice quiet spot. Loved that I was able to paddleboard and enjoy the water right next to my campsite. Would definitely book again if in the area

J

Jay

September 2025

12 ft travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

Lots of space for our group. We loved that we were right next to the water and were able to drop our paddleboards off at the dock

T

Timothy

September 2025

19 ft travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

This spot is amazing! The lake is gorgeous and peaceful. The CO river is a very nearby as is the town of Palisade. only a few campsites and spread out well so you have plenty of space and quiet. Mike is extremely helpful if ou want him to be. We will definitely be back.

D

Daniel

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

Awesome host. Lots of fun activities to do with kids. Beautiful spot!!!

H

Heather

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

The campsite was so relaxing and peaceful. A great stay.

D

Deborah

September 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Fruita By The Lake

Such a peaceful place to camp! The campsite was clean and Dominique was a fantastic host. This camp is removed from the bustle but close enough to everything. It’s the perfect spot and I highly recommend it.

J

Jonda

September 2025

29 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

Great spot and easy to find! Just a warning that there are a lot of ants (which of course is beyond the hosts’s control) so be ready to be on bug patrol a bit! Otherwise, absolute perfection.

M

Mariajose

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

Solid place to rest on our trip west.. good camp site with beautiful views. Thank you!

L

Lily

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

Such a nice stay on this land. There were no other campers, so it was amazing to have the place to myself. It's a small area for the tent campers so I would have felt really close to people. Really clean porta-potty and lovely spots to sit and hangout around. A beautiful lake with lovely frogs and turtles! Buggy around sunset but not too bad besides that. I really enjoyed my time, very peaceful, simple. Life on a lake is a dream! Thank you Mike!