The best camping in Highline Lake State Park, CO

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Top-rated campgrounds

The Views at Gateway

96%
(419)
47mi from Highline Lake State Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Gateway, CO
Located on the Dolores river, this property is perfect for hikers, fishing, rafting, or just camping! There is a natural spring just a few miles from the location with drinking water as well. When you stay here you are located right on the river with nothing but places to hike, climb and have fun and there are several options for you to choose from. There is a cabin, an onsite RV, a canvas tent, and BYO tent or RV camping on the land - you can pick whatever suits you best! No matter what, you can fall asleep to the sound of the river after a great night of star gazing! Nearby outdoor points of interest include the Dolores River on property, Hanging Flume which is approx. 20 miles from site, Gateway Canyons Resort Auto museum 7 miles from site, Arches National Park 2 hour drive from site, Colorado national monument 1 hour drive. The Grand Mesa 2 hour drive, Telluride ski resort 2 hour drive! You can find hiking, biking, swimming, paddle board, kayaks, rafting, fishing, tubing, bird watching, star gazing rock climbing, bouldering, all right from the property. All sites are accessible without 4wheel drive. I love where I live and think everyone should be able to experience the peaceful quiet beautiful environment that it is!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night

Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

94%
(700)
26mi from Highline Lake State Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · 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. 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

Stephens Ranch

96%
(47)
23mi from Highline Lake State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Glade Park, CO
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!  
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$72
 / night

Bear Family Ranch RV and Camping

95%
(44)
2.7mi from Highline Lake State Park · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · Mack, CO
PLEASE CHECK IN BEFORE 9 PM. We are less than 2 miles from I-70, We are just outside of the really small town of Mack, Colorado. We are 2 miles from the Colorado River, Horse Thief Canyon, and many other outdoor activities. Here you will find world class mountain biking. Bear Family Ranch is a secluded and hidden ranch, you cannot see the ranch from the roadway. 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. You can mountain bike around the property. It's quiet with birds flying and chirping. 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, 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, 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night

Palisade by Moonlight

100%
(61)
27mi from Highline Lake State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Palisade, CO
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.
Pets
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from 
$55
 / night

The Pleasant House Oasis

100%
(4)
19mi from Highline Lake State Park · 8 sites · RVs · Grand Junction, CO
AAAStays NOMADS OASIS at THE PLEASANT HOUSE is designed especially for you, the self contained nomad and your pupster, who live on the road and clean up after yourselves. We’re Located near the west entrance of COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT, in the heart of BIKING TRAILS, and about 2.5 mi to DOWNTOWN MAIN STREET with SAFEWAY 1-mi down the road. We miss the traveling community (the best community ever) so we’re inviting you to let us be your home away from home. We’re committed to helping you on your wellness journey. Amenities Summary: 4 gazebos with 340 sf of SHADE for you and pupster, Cold Plunge, Therapy Hot Tub, Hair Dryer/Primping Station with emergency charging; Shaded morning Yoga terrace and Game box; Pizza Oven, Gas grill, Charcoal grill, Hibachi, & Firepit; Port-a-potty, Shower hose (cold), Dish basin hose; * NO RV HOOK-UPS Pull in and park with ease into your DESIGNATED, FLAT, OFF-STREET PARKING SPACE perfect for charging your solar panels. Head straight to the PORT-A-POTTY, of course, and to the PUPSTERS’ POTTY PAD for relief on the right of upper terrace (clean up after yourself). Connect to WI-FI to handle business that’s been piling up while in the back country. We have upgraded to Spectrum’s Premium 1 GB service providing about 150 MB to 300 MB of download service in each drive. For reference, it takes 15 MB to watch a movie. Decide on dinner plans, be it PIZZA OVEN, GAS GRILL, CHARCOAL GRILL, HIBACHI, or FIRE PIT, and pop over to the local SAFEWAY for supplies. Hang any wet laundry on the CLOTHES LINE behind the potty. Then focus on your wellness with cold and heat therapy. Take a dip in the COLD PLUNGE (bring your ice). Relax in the THERAPY TUB, up to 5 min in each of 4 seats, each one designed for different muscles, for a total of 20-min. max soak. Open 9AM-9PM. If you’re in the mood for some primping, there’s a HAIR DRYER and MIRROR to enjoy. When you’re ready for dinner, wheel your cooler/supplies (flat cart available) to the PICNIC TABLES and GRILLS for your evening meal. Follow your meal by socializing in ADIRONDACK CHAIRS around the FIRE PIT watching the sunset colors, clouds, rainbows, and stars, or playing evening games. Finally, sleep the night away in our quiet residential neighborhood.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$26
 / night

Palisade Vista

97%
(91)
30mi from Highline Lake State Park · 1 site · RV · 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

Other options near Highline Lake State Park

The best camping in Highline Lake State Park, CO guide

Overview

About

With two separate lakes, the park is a mecca for water activities. Enjoy motor boating, water skiing, jet skiing, paddling, swimming, and fishing on Highline Lake, or opt for a quieter experience on the smaller, non-motorized Mack Mesa Lake. Surrounding the lakes are several hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as easy access to world-class mountain biking. In winter, enjoy hunting, ice fishing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. The park is also an important bird area.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for amenities: Bookcliff Campground offers sites with grills, fire rings, and picnic tables, plus a year-round camper services building.
  • Best for tent campers: Three walk-in campsites (#10, 11, and 12) are available for tents only.
  • Best for groups: The Group Camping Area offers space for up to 100 tent campers.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Those planning to spend the night should make plans early, as only 36 basic campsites are available for RVs and tent campers.
  2. During peak season, make a reservation as soon as you know your dates. All campsites require a reservation, which can be made up to six months in advance up until the same day.
  3. If you’re traveling light, go for one of the walk-in, tent-only campsites.
  4. If your plans are flexible, try to visit the year-round park during the week, during non-holiday periods, or in winter.

When to go

The park is busiest in summer. Highline Lake is open to boating between March 1 and September 30, weather permitting, while the swim beach is open from the second weekend of May through September. Visit in fall for trout fishing, and winter for birdwatching and ice fishing on Mack Mesa Lake. Small-game hunting is permitted in designated areas between the Tuesday following Labor Day and the Friday before Memorial Day, only Monday through Friday.

Know before you go

  • Mack Mesa Lake is only open to electric or hand-powered boats, paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks. All boats, including paddleboards and kayaks, must have life jackets. Loaners are available from the visitor center.
  • Pets are not allowed at the swim beach—a designated pet swimming area can be found near the east boat ramp. 
  • Hunters may only hunt waterfowl from the blinds, and may only use shotguns for small game hunting. All hunters must register at the west entrance and have appropriate licenses.  
  • Accessible facilities include the day-use area restrooms, camper services building, group picnic area, wildlife overlook, the Mack Mesa Lake fishing pier, and campsite #25. 
  • Ice and firewood are available for purchase at the campground.
83%
3 ratings · 1 review