Few people camp in the far western stretches of Colorado out near the Utah border. Yet, just southwest of Grand Junction holds some amazing landscapes and campgrounds that are worth the 5-6 drive.
Hidden west of the Highway 50/550 towns of Grand Junction through Ridgway, lie little welcoming places like Naturita, Norwood, Nucla, Paradox, and Gateway. They offer easy access to camping locally in private campgrounds and nearby within the Uncompahgre National Forest, as well as BLM and various other federal lands.
All the towns are located along the Unaweep Tabeguache Byway. It begins to the north from Whitewater, CO on US-50, just south of Grand Junction. It then winds to the southwest/south/southeast, ending in Placerville, CO on CO-145 not far from in-between Ridgway and Telluride. The 133-mile drive is scenic and suitable for 2WD vehicles.
List of campgrounds by Gateway, Paradox, Naturita, and Norwood, CO, in order of proximity:
Camping near Gateway and Paradox

Gateway is the closest town to Denver on our list, at just under five hours, and only an hour from Grand Junction. There’s not really much in terms of population or amenities in either town. You’ll come across some places to eat, get gas and supplies, but pretty bare bones. Pack in what you need and plan to stop at GJ on the way in. Paradox is more desolate ranchland, with little to no commerce.
The town of Gateway is known for its automobile museum and the luxurious Gateway Canyons Resort, a secluded upscale accommodation. The former is worth a visit and the latter if you feel like ditching the tent and millions of stars, for a comfortable bed and four stars. The Paradox Valley is a gateway to the Buckeye Reservoir and the historic Hanging Flume Overlook.
Gateway Public Grounds Campground
Just one mile from the small town of Gateway, Colorado lies a hidden gem of a campground. Campers who are hopeful for scenic views will love this spot and its close proximity to hiking trails.
- Closest Town: Gateway (1mi)
- Specs: Free primitive camping; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Picnic areas, fire pits, access to hiking trails, spectacular views of rock formations and stars at night
- Address: 4.4 R, Gateway, CO 81522 (Map)
Divide Forks Campground
High-country camping at its finest defines Divide Forks Campground, another secluded site close to the Utah border. You’ll find an abundance of hiking trails that offer tons of scenic vistas as well as quiet campsites at this campground.
- Closest Town: Gateway (29mi)
- Specs: 11 primitive campsites for tent campers and small RVs/trailers; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Vault toilet, picnic areas, fire pits, nearby hiking trails and wildlife viewing
- Address: Divide Rd, Whitewater, CO 81527 (Map)
Buckeye Reservoir Camping
Camping closer to the Utah border gets more and more remote, but Buckeye Reservoir is worth a stop if you enjoy the seclusion and quiet that sites like this provide. Be warned that the roads here can be tough, so ensure your trailers and RVs can handle the long dirt stretches.
- Closest Town: Paradox (13mi), Gateway (31mi)
- Specs: Developed and dispersed camping near Buckeye Reservoir
- Amenities: Vault toilets, boat ramp access for fishing and water recreation, picnic areas, off-road and ATV trails; reservable and first-come, first-serve
- Address: Forest Rd 4141, Paradox, CO 81429 (Map)
Big Dominguez Campground
Perhaps the most remote campground on our list, Big Dominguez Campground is perfect for those who want to get lost in the scenic riches of the Dominguez-Escalante Conservation Area. Bring your supplies–this site is truly rugged.
- Closest Town: Grand Junction (35mi), Gateway (40mi)
- Specs: Free primitive camping in the Dominguez-Escalante Conservation Area; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Primitive campsites, access to hiking trails, and nearby Escalante Boat Launch
- Address: Divide Rd, Whitewater, CO 81527 (Map)
Camping near Naturita and Nucla

Naturita and Nucla are neighbors located four miles apart, although Nucla is more off the beaten path. Nearly 600 and 800 people call those towns home, respectively. They are both located in a plateau country, surrounded by high desert mesas and nearby national forests.
Camping, fishing, hiking, and sightseeing bring people through this part of Montrose County; as do historic sights like Cottonwood Tabeguache Cave and Tabeguache Pueblo. There are plenty of RV parks close to Naturita.
Camp V Campground
Up for a glamping experience? Camp V boasts an abundance of options, from RV spots to glamping rentals, for you to enjoy on your next visit to Naturita.
- Closest Town: Naturita (2mi)
- Specs: RV park and campground with glamping options available; reservable
- Amenities: Fire pit, picnic areas, access to WiFi, firewood available, close to hiking trails and hunting areas
- Address: Ee 26 Rd, Naturita, CO 81422 (Map)
Ledges Rockhouse Campground
Free boondocking is popular in this area of Colorado and Ledges Rockhouse Campground is no exception. This BLM spot is secluded and free but be warned–the road into this campground may become slick and impassable during rain storms, especially for larger vehicles.
- Closest Town: Naturita (14mi), Nucla (14mi)
- Specs: 24 total sites, 12 tent, and 12 RV sites; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Bathrooms, picnic areas, fire pits/grills at each site, boat ramp access
- Address: BB36 Rd, Nucla, CO 81424 (Map)
Columbine Campground
Campers and RVers looking for a mountain escape will find Columbine Campground to their liking. Although the camping at this site is primitive, the views and access to nearby hiking trails make this a gorgeous spot to camp.
- Closest Town: Nucla (23mi)
- Specs: 6 primitive campsites; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Vault toilet, picnic areas, fire pits/grills at each site, nearby hiking trails and mountain biking trails
- Address: 25 Mesa Rd, Nucla, CO 81424 (Map)
Iron Spring Campground
Those campers and off-roaders looking to get away from it all should take the time to check out Iron Spring Campground, located deep in the mountains. An abundance of ATV and off-roading trails are accessible from this site, but its usage is light due to the seclusion of the spot.
- Closest Town: Nucla (29mi)
- Specs: 8 primitive campsites for tent camping and small trailers/RVs; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Vault toilet, close to ATV and mountain biking trails
- Address: 90 Rd, Montrose, CO 81403 (Map)
Camping near Redvale and Norwood

CO-145 neighbors Redvale and Norwood are located just ten minutes apart and the closest campgrounds to Telluride on this list, if you feel like a day trip. There are a few places to camp nearby, including a historic cabin for rent in Norwood.
There’s also a state wildlife area located less than 30 minutes south of town. Remember to pick up your fishing license so you can test your luck at all the nearby streams and reservoirs in Western Colo.
Matterhorn Cabin
Matterhorn Cabin is a historic cabin available for large groups to rent. The lodge houses up to twelve people, with a generous kitchen and the ability to ski in and out of this gorgeous spot.
- Closest Town: Norwood (<1mi), Redvale (9mi)
- Specs: Cabin available for rental for large families and travelers on a special occasion; reservable
- Amenities: Electricity, kitchen, five bedrooms, bathrooms, ski-in, ski-out
- Address: 1150 Forest St, Norwood, CO 81325 (Map)
Miramonte Reservoir Campground
Families and individuals who share a love of catching fish and crawdads will fall in love with Miramonte Reservoir’s scenic campgrounds. Each site is close to the boat ramp to ensure that your time is well spent enjoying the water. It’s located within the Dan Noble State Wildlife Area, so you’ll need a valid hunting or fishing license to use the facilities.
- Closest Town: Norwood (19mi)
- Specs: Free primitive campground; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Vault toilets, covered pavilions, boat ramp access, nearby fishing and crawdad catching, hiking trails
- Address: 31U Rd, Norwood, CO 81423 (Map)
Consider Telluride or Grand Junction

45 minutes southeast of Norwood sits the famous Box Canyon town of Telluride. If you happen to be down in this part of the state, it’s always lovely to spend a day exploring its charming streets and local sights. To get the best of both worlds, consider these campgrounds near Placerville, which sits in between Norwood and Telluride on CO-145, right at the start (or finish) of the Unaweep Tabeguache Byway.
Maybe you don’t have 6 hours to make it to Telluride or even 5-6 to make it to the above campgrounds from Denver. For a launching off point, Grand Junction makes a terrific base camp. You can discover its landmarks like the Colorado National Monument, and then head south to see the lesser-explored national scenic byway. And if I-70 is clear (fingers crossed), you can drive to/from Denver in 4 hours. Check out these campgrounds near Grand Junction.
Those are among the best places to camp on this side of the Colorado Plateau. Have a serendipitous time aboard the Unaweep Tabeguache National Scenic Byway, uncovering the quaint towns of Whitewater, Gateway, Paradox, Naturita, Nucla, Gateway, and Placerville.