Camping near Naturita, Nucla and Gateway, around the Utah Border

Few people explore the far western stretches of Colorado out near the Utah border. Yet, just southwest of Grand Junction holds some amazing landscapes and places to camp 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. The 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, 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 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
• Amenities: Picnic areas, fire pits, access to hiking trails, spectacular views of rock formations and stars at night
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: 4.4 R, Gateway, CO 81522 (Map)
• Directions: From Gateway, use CO-141 to travel south for a half-mile. Turn right onto 4.4 Rd and follow this for another half-mile–the campground will then be on your right.

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
• Amenities: Vault toilet, picnic areas, fire pits, nearby hiking trails and wildlife viewing
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: Divide Rd, Whitewater, CO 81527 (Map)
• Directions: From Gateway, travel north on CO-141 for about four miles, then turn right onto 6 3/10 Rd. Follow this road for another thirteen miles, then turn left onto 19 5/10 Rd. After another seven miles, continue straight onto 19 1/2 Rd. Four miles later, turn right onto Divide Rd to get to the campground.

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
• Reservations: Yes, some sites can be reserved at Recreation.Gov
• Address: Forest Rd 4141, Paradox, CO 81429 (Map)
• Directions: From Paradox, head west on U5 Rd for about two miles. Take a slight left and the road becomes Forest Rd 0371; continue for another ten miles down this road. Turn right onto FR0378/Q13 Rd, then make a right onto Buckeye Campground Rd. After a half-mile, make a left onto FR985, then turn right onto FR4141. After about a half mile, you’ll arrive at the campsite.

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 own supplies–this site is truly rugged.

• Closest Town: Grand Junction (35mi), Gateway (40mi)
• Specs: Free primitive camping in the Dominguez-Escalante Conservation Area
• Amenities: Primitive campsites, access to hiking trails and nearby Escalante Boat Launch
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: Divide Rd, Whitewater, CO 81527 (Map)
• Directions: From Grand Junction, use CO-141 to travel south for about twenty miles. Then make a sharp left onto Divide Rd and continue on this road for another eleven miles to arrive at the campground.

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 plateau country, surrounded by high desert mesas and nearby national forest.

Camping, fishing, hiking and sightseeing bring people through this part of Montrose County; as do historic sights like Cottonwood and Tabeguache Cave and Tabeguache pueblo. There are plenty of RV parks close to Naturita.

High Country RV Park

Travelers looking for a rustic stopover not far from Naturita will love the quaint setting of High Country RV Park. Located close to the mountains for access to hiking, hunting trails, and scenic vistas, High Country is a great place to take a rest for the night.

• Closest Town: Naturita (<1mi)
• Specs: Small campground and RV park in Naturita
• Amenities: Full hookup sites, recently remodeled showers and bathrooms, access to hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing
• Reservations: Yes, call (970) 865-2101
• Address: 218 W Main St, Naturita, CO 81422 (Map)
• Directions: From Naturita, the High Country RV Park will be located just off of W Main St/CO-141, west of the library.

Black Shadow Campground

If you’re looking for a base camp for hunting season, Black Shadow Campground near Naturita is the perfect place to park. With full hookup RV sites located near the mountains for recreation, you’ll never have to travel too far to get where you’re going.

• Closest Town: Naturita (<1mi)
• Specs: 7 full hookup RV sites
• Amenities: Dump station, close to Naturita as well as hiking trails and hunting grounds
• Reservations: Yes, call (970) 428-2001
• Address: 111 W 2nd Ave, Nucla, CO 81424 (Map)
• Directions: From Naturita, the campground will be located off of W Main St/CO-141, just west of the High Country RV Park.

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
• Amenities: Fire pit, picnic areas, access to WiFi, firewood available, close to hiking trails and hunting areas
• Reservations: Yes, call (970) 369-9520
• Address: Ee 26 Rd, Naturita, CO 81422 (Map)
• Directions: From Naturita, head west on CO-141 for about two miles, then make a left. Continue onto Ee 26 Rd, then Camp V will be on your right.

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
• Amenities: Bathrooms, picnic areas, fire pits/grills at each site, boat ramp access
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: BB36 Rd, Nucla, CO 81424 (Map)
• Directions: From Naturita, head east on CO-141 for about three miles. Then turn left onto CO-90 and follow this road for a little over a mile. Turn right onto DD30 Rd, then continue straight onto CO-90 for another six miles. Take a right onto BB36 Rd, then continue for another three miles to reach the campground.

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
• Amenities: Vault toilet, picnic areas, fire pits/grills at each site, nearby hiking trails and mountain biking trails
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: 25 Mesa Rd, Nucla, CO 81424 (Map)
• Directions: From Nucla, follow Nucla-Delta Rd for about twenty-two miles. Continue onto 25 Mesa Rd, then the campground will be on your left after about a half-mile.

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
• Amenities: Vault toilet, close to ATV and mountain biking trails
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: 90 Rd, Montrose, CO 81403 (Map)
• Directions: From Nucla, use Nucla-Delta Rd to travel east for about fourteen miles. Then, make a right onto V37 Rd and continue for another ten miles. Turn right onto Divide Rd, which you will then follow for another four miles. Continue straight onto 90 Rd, then the campground will be on your right.

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
• Amenities: Electricity, kitchen, five bedrooms, bathrooms, ski in, ski out
• Reservations: Yes, at recreation.Gov
• Address: 1150 Forest St, Norwood, CO 81325 (Map)
• Directions: From Redvale, travel south on CO-145 for about ten miles. Turn left onto Forest St and the cabin will be on your right.

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
• Amenities: Vault toilets, covered pavilions, boat ramp access, nearby fishing and crawdad catching, hiking trails
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: 31U Rd, Norwood, CO 81423 (Map)
• Directions: From Norwood, use CO-145 to travel south for about two miles. Then turn right onto County Rd 44Z headed south and continue on this road for an additional thirteen miles. Take the slight right onto Miramonte Rd, then continue for another two miles. Continue straight onto 31U Rd and the campground will be about two miles down this road.

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 locals 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 basecamp. You can discover its landmarks like 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 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!