Fruita Colorado offers several camping options, our usual go-to spot is right by the trails on 18Rd. As a family it’s a convenient spot to hang out and take turns riding the loops surrounding the camp sites. In addition, you can camp near the Colorado River, or on a lake. Camping in Fruita Colorado has it all!
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Camping in Fruita: 18Rd Camping
At the top of 18Rd are 58 campsites each with a fire ring, picnic table and parking for 2-4 vehicles. Each campsite cluster also has a vaulted toilet. Cost to stay in the campground is $10/night. There are four vault toilets located within walking distance of each cluster of campsites. Note that on the weekends this place becomes a zoo of groups and families with very little oversight or enforcement.
Directions: 18 Road: Exit Interstate 70 at Fruita (Exit 19). Head north on Cherry Street and take the first right onto Aspen Avenue. Go through the roundabout and continue on Aspen to Maple Street. Take a left on Maple Street and travel north for approximately 3.6 miles (Maple turns into 17.5 Road.) Take a right on N.3 road and then a left on 18 Road. Travel approximately seven and a half miles north on 18 Road until you reach the North Fruita Desert Campground.
For those of you on a budget dispersed camping is allowed outside of the mountain bike trail system but requires the use of a portable toilet system and portable fire pan. Follow Leave No Trace principles. You’ll see the first area off a dirt track on your right before you reach the first trailhead. This area has become very popular on the weekends.
The second dispersed option involves taking the first left directly across from where you pay to camp. Follow this road until the signs stop saying “No Camping.” You will have company on the weekends but there is a lot of space and it’s a great point to jump on the Western Zippity trail.
Camping in Fruita: Rabbit Valley
This is the farthest of all camping options listed but if you’re looking to get away from the crowds to camp and don’t mind a bit of driving then look at Rabbit Valley. This area also has one of our favorite trails, Western Rim.
Directions: Follow I-70 west about 20 miles (from Fruita) to the Rabbit Valley exit (Exit #2). Turn left (south) at the stop sign, cross over the freeway and a cattle guard. Head back on these dirt roads and you’ll find many dispersed camping options.
Camping in Fruita: Highline State Park
Camping is offered year-round at 31 grassy campsites accommodating tents or RVs. This campground is a good location to enjoy a few trails near the state park or to just relax. Campers can enjoy coin operated hot showers and laundry facilities at the camper services building. Water hydrants are dispersed around the campground and a dump station is available year-round. There are no electrical hook-ups. Note: All State Parks require an entrance fee in addition to the camping fee.
Campground Website: http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/HighlineLake
Camping in Fruita: James Robb State Park
There are 63 campsites which include 22 full hookups, 22 electric sites, 13 tent sites and a group camping area. This campground is a great place to stay if you are planning to road ride the Colorado National Monument and is close to the Fruita Bike park. The campground is open year-round and is available on the reservation system from March 16th through October 31st. A camper services building is centrally located with coin operated showers and a laundry facility. Note: All State Parks require an entrance fee in addition to the camping fee.
Campground Website: http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/jamesmrobbcoloradoriver
Check out a video of James Robb State Park here.
We almost always camp at the state park by the dinosaur museum. Three playgrounds for kids, a pond, a river with a hiking trail and walking distance to the museum. It’s definitely not wilderness camping but our kids love it and it’s centrally located for all rides (18 road, Tabeguache, Rabbit Valley, Kokopelli’s). Also, it makes it easy for our babysitter to hang out with the kids all day while we’re riding.
Great info, I should add that one. For some reason I just have it in my head not to pay for camping while in Fruita. But that is a great location and good base for road rides up to the Monument.
ARG. Wish I was in Fruita right now. It’s been too cold to get the camper out of storage. Think you’ll take the baby out to camp this spring?
I will be in Fruita/GJ a lot this spring (my doc is there). Hopefully still riding! Let me know when you all are there.
what is the name of the campground by Dinosaur Museum?
or directions? bathrooms? showers? water? THANKS
James Robb State Park. They have it all. http://coloradostateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/james-m-robbcolorado-river-state-park–fruita-section/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=CO&parkId=50069