Camping near Cedaredge and Collbran, around the Grand Mesa

The scenery from below or on atop of the largest flat topped mountain the world make for some dramatic campsites. The towns of Mesa and Collbran reside on the northern base of Grand Mesa, while Cedaredge sits on its southern start.

Full of lakes and endless alpine wilderness, the landscape atop and surrounding Grand Mesa resides in the Grand Mesa National Forest. This provides numerous public amenities like forest service campgrounds, hiking trails and other recreational sites. In addition to all the private and public campgrounds we’ll cover below, there are ample opportunities for free, dispersed camping within the national forest.

List of campgrounds by Cedaredge, Mesa and Collbran, CO, in no particular order:

Camping near Cedaredge

Cedaredge is a beautiful mountainside town at the southern base of Grand Mesa. It’s a gateway to all the adventure awaiting above, with a few campgrounds of its own to satisfy campers looking to stay closer to town. There are plenty of places to eat and shop in downtown Cedaredge, a town of more than 2,200 people.

Shady Creek RV Park

Small town RV camping has its perks, and Shady Creek RV Park represents the best of quiet and scenic sites close to the heart of Cedaredge. With 17 full hookup sites and just a short drive to the scenic views at the top of Grand Mesa, you’ll want to check out this campground.

• Closest Town: Cedaredge (>1mi), Orchard City (5mi), Grand Mesa (19mi)
• Specs: 17 full hookup RV sites for up to 50ft vehicles
• Amenities: Creekside sites, laundry, picnic area, dogs allowed on leash, 20 min to top of Grand Mesa
• Reservations: Yes, call 970-856-7522
• Address: 205 N Grand Mesa Dr, Cedaredge, CO 81413 (Map)
• Directions: From Cedaredge, head down CO-65. You will find Shady Creek RV Park between NW Aspen Ave and Main Street–turn east to turn into the park.

Aspen Trails Campground

Close by Cedaredge and only 20 minutes from Grand Mesa, Aspen Trails Campground is in a prime location. Along with that, you’ll find rare amenities like an onsite restaurant, plenty of recreational activities onsite, and access to the greater Grand Mesa area.

• Closest Town: Cedaredge (3mi), Grand Mesa (16mi)
• Specs: 23 full hookup pull-thru sites with generous 75ft vehicle limit
• Amenities: Bathrooms, showers, WiFi, horseshoes, restaurant onsite, nearby fishing, mountain biking, and hiking
• Reservations: Yes, call (970) 856-6321
• Address: 19991 CO-65, Cedaredge, CO 81413 (Map)
• Directions: From Cedaredge, take CO-65 headed north. After about 3 miles, you will see the Aspen Trails Campground on the left.

Big Spruce Campground

Big Spruce may not have hundreds of RV sites to choose from, but you will find it centrally-located and well-stocked with recreational activities, including plenty of space for events and family reunions. While you’re there, check out their gorgeous indoor and outdoor chapels–might be time to get hitched on your next camping trip!

• Closest Town: Cedaredge (5mi), Grand Mesa (15mi)
• Specs: 8 sites for RVs and campers, tent campsites, cabin rentals
• Amenities: Bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, chapel, dining hall space, hiking trails, basketball court, Rec Hall, volleyball court
• Reservations: Yes, call (970) 856-3741 
• Address: 24862 Ute Trail Rd, Cedaredge, CO 81413 (Map)
• Directions: From Cedaredge, drive north on CO-65 for a little over 3 miles. Take a right onto Ute Trail Rd, then continue for another 1.5 miles, then the campground will be on your right.

Camping near Grand Mesa

This giant flat topped mountain is accessed by CO-65, aka the Grand Mesa Byway. The stunning scenic drive is open year round, weather pending, and provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. From the numerous alpine lakes and overlooks, to rugged forest roads and primitive camping, you’ll love exploring up here. The summit resides at 11,330 feet of elevation. The towns of Mesa (north) and Cedaredge (south) are the closest towns to Grand Mesa, providing places to eat and get supplies.

Crag Crest Campground

If are looking to camp as close to the scenic views that Grand Mesa has to offer, Crag Crest Campground cannot be beat. Many of the sites are located on the shore of Eggleston Lake, offering water recreation close at hand. For those looking to escape civilization, Crag Crest is a great choice.

• Closest Town: Grand Mesa (1mi), Cedaredge (20mi)
• Specs: 11 back-in and pull-thru campsites, 25ft vehicle limit
• Amenities: 2 vault toilets, access to Crag Crest Trail, close to Grand Mesa for recreation and sightseeing
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: Lakeshore Dr, Cedaredge, CO 81413 (Map)
• Directions: From Grand Mesa, head northeast on Lakeshore Dr for about a mile, then you will see the campground on your left.

Ward Lake Campground

On the shores of Ward Lake, you’ll find a gorgeous campground with campsites dotting the shore for easy access to water recreation. Ward Lake Campground is a hub for summertime exploration near Grand Mesa, being just 2 miles from town, but be prepared for high-altitude camping in this locale.

• Closest Town: Grand Mesa (2mi), Cedaredge (17mi), Mesa (24mi)
• Specs: 27 total campsites, 45ft vehicle limit
• Amenities: 3 vault toilets, campsites on the shore, lake access for fishing and water recreation
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: Grand Mesa National Forest, Forest Rd 121, Cedaredge, CO 81413 (Map)
• Directions: From Grand Mesa, take Lakeshore Dr southwest–it will turn into Baron Lake Dr. Continue on Baron Lake Dr for almost 2 miles, then take a left onto 2015 Rd and continue for another half-mile until you reach the campground.

Cobbett Lake Campground

At over 10,000 feet of elevation, Cobbett Lake Campground is not for the faint of heart. But for those wanting to soak in as much of the Land O’ Lakes area as possible, this campground is the perfect place to stay a few nights.

• Closest Town: Grand Mesa (3mi), Cedaredge (17mi), Mesa (23mi)
• Specs: 20 campsites for RVs and tent camping
• Amenities: Vault toilets, water, trash, access to lake for fishing and wildlife viewing
• Reservations: Yes, at Recreation.Gov
• Address: Forest Rd 120, Cedaredge, CO 81413 (Map)
• Directions: From Grand Mesa, drive southwest on Lakeshore Dr until it become Baron Lake Dr. Continue for another 2 and a half miles, then turn right onto CO-65 S. Take the first exit for Forest Rd 120, then continue down this road until you reach the campground.

Little Bear Campground

Can’t go without a flush toilet on your camping adventures in Grand Mesa? Little Bear Campground is one of the few in the area that offers flush toilets, in addition to ample-sized RV and tent camping sites.

• Closest Town: Grand Mesa (4mi), Cedaredge (17mi), Mesa (23mi)
• Specs: 36 pull-thru campsites for RVs and tent camping, 45ft vehicle limit
• Amenities: Flush and vault toilets, access to Island Lake for fishing and recreation
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: Forest Rd 116, Cedaredge, CO 81413 (Map)
• Directions: From Grand Mesa, take CO-65 S. Then, take a left onto Z Rd and continue for close to a mile. Take a slight right to turn into the campground.

Island Lake Campground

Don’t want to give up the amenities of an RV park while staying close to Grand Mesa? Island Lake Campground is a rare gem to find with a free spot, due to the electric sites that populate the campground. Make your reservation ASAP because spots fill up quick.

• Closest Town: Grand Mesa (5mi), Cedaredge (18mi), Mesa (21mi)
• Specs: 39 pull-thru and back-in sites with electric, nonelectric, and group sites available
• Amenities: Vault toilets, access to Island Lake for boating and fishing, trail access
• Reservations: Only during peak season at Recreation.Gov
• Address: Forest Rd 116, Orchard City, CO 81418 (Map)
• Directions: From Grand Mesa, take CO-65 S for about 1 and a half miles. Turn right onto Forest Rd 116 and continue for another half-mile, then the campground will be on the right.

Big Creek Campground

Looking for a shady sanctuary to spend a few days? Big Creek Campground offers over 2 dozen shady sites with easy access to the hiking, wildlife viewing, and water recreation that are popular in the area.

• Closest Town: Grand Mesa (8mi), Cedaredge (17mi)
• Specs: 26 total sites for tent and RV camping, 30ft vehicle limit
• Amenities: Vault toilets, drinking water, fire pits, picnic tables, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: Mesa National Forest, Forest Rd 121, Cedaredge, CO 81413 (Map)
• Directions: From Grand Mesa, take Lakeshore Dr northeast for about 7 and a half miles to get to this camping area.

Twin Lake Dispersed Area

If you want a true primitive camping experience, check out Twin Lake Dispersed Area. You won’t find any amenities at the recreation and camping area, but you will find gorgeous views and a way to get away from civilization for a little while.

• Closest Town: Grand Mesa (8mi), Cedaredge (17mi)
• Specs: Dispersed camping on Grand Valley Rd
• Amenities: Primitive camping, access to hiking trails and wildlife viewing
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: CC 70 Rd, Cedaredge, CO 81413 (Map)
• Directions: From Grand Mesa, take Lakeshore Dr northeast for about 6 miles. Then, take a right onto Forest Rd 126 and continue for another 1 and a half miles. Take a slight right onto CC 70 Rd and the camping area will be on your right.

Weir and Johnson Campground

In the Land O’ Lakes area, it can sometimes be difficult to choose between the gorgeous campgrounds that offers views of one or another of these. At the Weir and Johnson Campground, you’ll have a view of and access to both the Weir and Johnson and Sackett reservoirs.

• Closest Town: Grand Mesa (9mi), Colbran (17mi)
• Specs: 12 back-in and pull-thru sites, 35ft vehicle limit, tent camping
• Amenities: 1 vault toilet, access to 2 reservoirs, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: Mesa National Forest, Forest Rd 126, Collbran, CO 81624 (Map)
• Directions: From Grand Mesa, take Lakeshore Dr northeast for about 6 miles. Then, take a right onto Forest Rd 126 and continue for another mile and a half. Keep right to continue onto CC 70 Dr, then turn left to stay on CC 70 Dr. The campground will then be on your right.

Jumbo Campground

Located between Jumbo and Sunset lakes, Jumbo Campground offers ample RV and tent camping sites as well as easy access to the lakes for fishing, boating, and water recreation. Check out the nearby Mesa Lakes Ranger Station, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1941.

• Closest Town: Grand Mesa (12mi), Mesa (13mi)
• Specs: 21 electric RV and trailer sites, 5 nonelectric, 65ft vehicle limit, tent camping
• Amenities: 2 vault toilets, water, lake views, access to lakes for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing
• Reservations: Yes, at Recreation.Gov
• Address: 251 CO-65, Mesa, CO 81643 (Map)
• Directions: From Grand Mesa, take CO-65 S for about 10 miles. Turn left onto Forest Rd 252, then make the first right. Take another left and Jumbo Campground will be on your right.

Forest Turnout 1051B

Free camping abounds in this area of Colorado, but one particularly beautiful spot is located at the end of Lands End Rd. Perched on a windy hilltop, this campsite has incredible views of the surrounding areas and very little traffic.

• Closest Town: Grand Mesa (19mi)
• Specs: Free dispersed primitive campsites for tents and RVs on Lands End Rd
• Amenities: Primitive camping, access to hiking trails, nearby reservoirs and lakes, and wildlife viewing
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: Forest Rd 1051B, Whitewater, CO 81527 (Map)
• Directions: From Grand Mesa, take CO-65 S for a little under 5 miles. Turn left onto F S 100 Rd and continue for another mile to continue onto Forest Rd 100/A Rd. About 10 miles down this road, take a slight right onto Forest Rd 105, then a left onto Forest Road 1051B to arrive at your destination.

Camping near Collbran and Mesa

The little towns of Collbran and Mesa lie just 13 miles apart at the northern base of Grand Mesa. Collbran is the gateway to Vega State Park, which a phenomenal place to get away from the crowds and still experience one of Colorado’s best state parks. It’s centered around the massive Vega Reservoir, with its great fishing, boating and lakeside camping. Mesa is the north gateway to the Grand Mesa Byway, along with all the gems on top. It’s also the town closest to Powderhorn Mountain Resort, which sits on the side of the flat topped mountain.

Vega State Park Campgrounds

Vega State Park surrounds the gorgeous Vega Reservoir, which was constructed in the late 1950s and continues to provide necessary water to this area of Colorado. Choose from four campgrounds with a variety of amenities, each with easy access to the reservoir for water recreation.

Early Settlers Campground

If you absolutely need electric and water hookups while you’re camping, Early Settlers Campground offers spots with hookups to make camping a bit easier for you and your family. Book your site here ASAP, as this campground fills up fast.

• Closest Town: Colbran (11mi), Molina (19mi), Mesa (24mi)
• Specs: 33 pull-thru and back-in campsites w/ electric and water hookups, tent camping
• Amenities: Shower, flush toilet, playground, access to hiking trails, Vega Reservoir close by for fishing, boating, and swimming
• Reservations: Yes, at CPWShop.com
• Address: 66 6/10 Rd, Collbran, CO 81624 (Map)
• Directions: From Collbran, take Hwy 330 E for about 6 miles until you reach the fork, then take a slight right to continue down 64 6/10 Rd. Follow this road for about 4 miles, then turn right onto N 6/10 Rd and continue onto Vega Dam Rd. After about a mile, turn left onto 66 6/10 Rd and then take another slight right to arrive at the campground.

Oak Point Campground

Oak Point Campground is perfect for boaters and water-lovers, just on the shore of Vega Reservoir. Close to the boat ramp, this campground offers easy access for boaters and those looking to enjoy water recreation in the reservoir.

• Closest Town: Colbran (12mi), Molina (19mi), Mesa (25mi)
• Specs: 39 pull-thru and back-in sites, tent camping
• Amenities: Vault toilets, water pumps, easy access to group picnic areas, Vega Reservoir for boating, fishing, and water recreation
• Reservations: Yes, at CPWShop.com
• Address: 66259 64 6/10 Rd, Collbran, CO 81624 (Map)
• Directions: From Collbran, head east on Hwy 330 for about 6 miles. At the fork, take a slight right to continue down 64 6/10 Rd. 4 miles later, make a right onto N 6/10 Rd and follow this towards Vega Dam Rd. Follow this road around the shore of the lake to Oak Point Campground.

Aspen Grove Campground

Private tree-lined sites and wildflower fields await you when you pull into Aspen Grove Campground. For those looking to plan larger gatherings, this site also offers access to the Group Picnic Area that is perfect for special events and reunions.

• Closest Town: Colbran (13mi), Molina (20mi), Mesa (26mi)
• Specs: 27 pull-thru and back-in campsites, tent camping
• Amenities: Vault toilets, water pumps, access to boat ramp and fishing pier of Vega Reservoir
• Reservations: Yes, at CPWShop.com
• Address: 66 6/10 Rd, Collbran, CO 81624 (Map)
• Directions: From Collbran, take Hwy 330 east for about 6 miles. When you reach the fork, take a slight right to continue down 64 6/10 Rd. After another 4 miles, make a right onto N 6/10 Rd and continue onto Vega Dam Rd. A mile later, continue onto N6 and follow this for another mile towards your destination.

Pioneer Campground

If you enjoy primitive camping, Pioneer Campground has 10 gorgeous walk-in campsites for visitors to choose from. Those looking for something a bit more rustic will enjoy the cabin rentals offered in this campground as well.

• Closest Town: Colbran (11mi), Molina (19mi), Mesa (24mi)
• Specs: 10 walk-in campsites, cabin rentals available
• Amenities: Vault toilets, water pumps, handicap-accessible sites, hiking, fishing and boating on Vega Reservoir
• Reservations: Yes, at CPWShop.com
• Address: Vega S Rd, Collbran, CO 81624 (Map)
• Directions: From Collbran, use Hwy 330 to go east for about 6 miles. At the fork, take a slight right to continue down 64 6/10 Rd, and after about 4 miles, take a right onto N 6/10 Rd and continue onto Vega Dam Rd for about a mile. Turn right onto 66 6/10 Rd and the campground will be on your right.

Grand Mesa RV Park

Mesa, Colorado may be a bit far from most big towns and cities in Colorado, but Grand Mesa RV Park provides the same offerings you will find in much larger places. With an onsite general store to fit your fuel and food needs, this RV park is a gem.

• Closest Town: Mesa (>1mi),  Colbran (12mi), Grand Mesa (25mi)
• Specs: Pull-thru RV and tent campsites, cabin rentals available
• Amenities: Bathrooms, showers, water, propane, general store
• Reservations: Yes, call 970-268-5651
• Address: CO-65, Mesa, CO 81643 (Map)
• Directions: From Collbran, take CO 330 W for about 11 miles. Turn left onto CO-65 N, then follow this for about a mile. The RV park will then be on your left.

Consider Grand Junction or Rifle

Located only 45 minutes from the northern start of the Grand Mesa Byway, Grand Junction (GJ) makes a terrific base for those looking to be near a big city of 60,000+. It has its own world class attractions like the Colorado National Monument, which offers rock climbing, hiking, camping and a scenic auto tour. There are plenty of cool campgrounds near Grand Junction to choose from for your stay.

About an hour northeast of Grand Mesa, Rifle is another cool choice for basecamp. You can easily day trip to the mesa top, have some crazy adventures, then retreat to the laid back, western town of Rifle. Like GJ, Rifle has some terrific natural landmarks to explore. There are three state parks close to town, two of which have reservoirs and the third with waterfalls and caves. You can find a lot off camping near Rifle, from free to paid.

That’s a roundup of the camping close to Grand Mesa, Colorado. Enjoy your time exploring the mountain towns of Mesa, Collbran and Cedaredge. Remember to practice leave no trace.