Anyone know of good boondocking areas within 10 miles or so of Grand junction,(for large M/H)? I've stayed at some of the state parks and one of the private RV parks but would like to drycamp this time. Will be heading that way the end of April. Thanks.
'06 Rexhall 39' Rose Air T-Rex,Cummins ISL 400.
'02 Ford Ranger 4x4 and a Perception sea kayak.
ALWAYS paddle away from the rocks.
Yes, up on Grand Mesa there are forest spots, but that's not that close to town. There is a campground at Co Natl. Monument, but, at least as of a few years ago, it was pretty much for very small rigs. Likewise, you might be able to find some boondocking down in the Umcompahgre, but you'd need to be prepared for some backcountry roads, and it's also not that close to town.
Lynn
That's the one I was going to recommend. We got the info on this place last year while we were in Grand Junction (at Fruita), but we didn't get the chance to go check out the access for big rigs, so I have no idea what the camp sizes & roads are like. I'd advise to call the BLM office and ask them.
Do let us know what you find out! This one is on our radar too.
A variety of opportunities but few within your 10 mile range.
Rabbit Valley. Right over the UT/CO border, there's an interesting dinosaur quarry on the north side of the interstate. To the south is the camping. All dirt roads out there. Can be filled with motorcyclists on weekends, so noise can be an issue. The best spots are around 1/2 to one mile south of the interstate to the west near the base of the hills. Not much shade here anywhere.
Another BLM spot is of 18 Road (gravel) seven miles north out of Fruita. This is a mountain biking area, so weekends are very full. But on weekdays, things aren't so bad. Some parking areas could easily accomodate your rig. The campsites are grouped in small clusters, but good distance between clusters. Scout out some of the longer "driveways" before pulling in to make sure you'll fit. Pit toilets but that's it for services. Some smaller junipers, etc. here for limited shade.
As mentioned, Colorado National Monument is between Fruita and Grand Junction. Some spots will accomodate your rig, although your toad would have to be disconnected. Nice views of the valley below. We just camped up there a couple of weeks ago. It's where we camp when we make a trip to Grand Junction. Had a wonderful evening watching the stars and the moon rise. Close enough to town we dined in GJ before heading back to camp.
Mention is made of Grand Mesa, but nothing will be open up there by the end of April. We did some hiking up there on our trip a couple of weeks ago and still three to four feet of snow most places. The back roads typically don't open until early June.
With all these options, it will be busy on weekends as everything high up is still under snow. (skipnchar mentioned White Mesa but I have no idea where that's at. Maybe they meant Grand Mesa.)
Thanks for all the replies so far. The 10 mile distance was an arbitrary figure, I like Grand Junction and wanted to be close enough to go into town when I want to. I will start doing some research and go from there. I will let you all know where I end up and what it's like. Now if the weather would just co-operate.
What time of the year in the Fall do temps get nice for camping and mountain biking with a 19 foot travel trailer around either Rabbit Valley or 18 mile road?
NinerBikes wrote: What time of the year in the Fall do temps get nice for camping and mountain biking with a 19 foot travel trailer around either Rabbit Valley or 18 mile road?
Generally, temps in mid September are in the mid 80's in the daytime and mid 40's at night. Of course like a lot of places, temps are above average this year. BTW, given the choice I'd head to 18 mile road. Some spots are tent only because of the parking pad size, but others with handle quite large RV's. Plus, there are a number of trails to ride right from the CG. A little more shade, too.
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