Camping near Rangely and Dinosaur National Monument

Northwest Colorado is one of the most seldom camped regions of Colorado, home to small rural towns and secluded natural landmarks. Camping is easy to find nearby Dinosaur National Monuments, between the towns of Dinosaur and Rangely, CO, as well as Jensen and Vernal, UT.

Situated on the Dinosaur Diamond Byway, Rangely is the biggest Colorado town nearby Dinosaur National Monument, while the namesake town of Dinosaur is the closest, but very tiny. For those planning on visiting this famous national monument known for its dinosaur bones and prehistoric rock art, both northeastern Utah and northwestern Colorado boast plenty of campgrounds. Some sites are well-secluded, while others are in town.

List of camping by Rangely and Maybell, CO, plus Jensen and Vernal, UT, in order of proximity:

Camping near Rangely

For those Coloradoans planning a trip to the northwest corner of the state, Rangely makes a great base. The town boasts numerous restaurants, shops and local parks. There are a few RV parks in town, with the rest of the campgrounds located far north of Dinosaur within the national monument. And those are a bit of a hike to reach.

Rangely Camper Park

This quaint little park is operated by the City of Rangely. It offers all the amenities of a larger park with the convenience of a location inside the city limits. Paved sites allow easy access for RVs. There are attractions for the entire family inside the park. It is a great home base for exploring nearby trails, driving off-road vehicles, or just enjoying the wonders of Colorado.

• Closest town: Downtown Rangely (<1mi)
• Specs: 26 sites, RV, tent, 30 amp sites, water, toilet, open year-round; reservable
• Amenities: Kid’s fishing pond, showers, waste dump, near the White River, volleyball net
• Address: 857 East Main Street, Rangely, CO 81648 (Map)

Silver Sage RV Park

This well-maintained RV park has it all. Located in downtown Rangely a variety of amenities are within walking distance. It’s location just 18 miles from Dinosaur National Monument makes it the perfect launching point for families interested in dinosaurs or serious scientists looking for an inexpensive base camp. Fishing, hiking, off-road vehicle trails, and much more are all nearby.

• Closest town: Rangely (<1mi)
• Specs: 69 RV sites, full hookup, water, restrooms, open year-round; reservable
• Amenities: Showers, laundry, restaurants, shops nearby
• Address: 314 E Main Street, Rangely, CO 81648 (Map)

Kenney Reservoir

Located just a few miles east of town, Kenney Reservoir is open for day use and camping while the lake is open and unfrozen. There are ample campsites for tents and campers, but no hookups. Swimming is permitted in two areas on the south end of the lake. All types of boating is permitted. Thousands of rainbow trout are stocked every spring season.

• Closest town: Rangely (6mi)
• Specs: Tent and self-contained camper sites; open early April to November when lake freezes; first-come, first-serve
• Amenities: Bathrooms, covered picnic tables, two swim areas
• Address: Kenney Reservoir, State Highway 64, Rangely, CO 81648 (Map)

Camping near Maybell by Dinosaur NM

The little rural village of Maybell houses less than a 100 full time residents. There’s a general store with gas pumps, and maybe a restaurant open for dining. Craig is located thirty minutes to the east on Highway 40 providing ample commerce. Situated alongside the Yampa River, Maybell is located at a fork of Highway 40 and CO-318. The former leads to the town of Dinosaur in an hour and the latter leads parts of the national monument, including campgrounds, as well as Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in the northwest corner into Utah.

Dinosaur National Monument River Campsites

Dinosaur National Monument offers river camping on three drainages within the monument boundaries: Lodore Canyon on the Green River, Yampa Canyon on the Yampa River, and Whirlpool/Split Mountain also on the Green River. They campgrounds/headquarters with reservations necessary for most downriver campsites at the three locations listed below.

Gates of Lodore – Green River

• Closest town: Maybell (50mi), Dinosaur (106mi), Rangely (112mi)
• Specs: 17 tent-sites, no water, no toilet, pack-in, pack-out, open year-round; reservations Gates of Lodore for downriver sites before launch.
• Amenities: River Camping
• Address:  County Road 34, Gates of Lodore, CO 81640 (Map)

Camping Areas Downstream

• Wade and Curtis – 1 campsite – 3 miles downstream
• Pot Creek – 2 campsites, 6 miles downstream
• Kolb – 1 campsite, 1 mile downstream
• Triplet – 1 campsite, 2 miles downstream
• Rippling Brook – 2 campsites, 2 miles downstream
• Wild Mountain  -1 campsite, 1 mile downstream
• Limestone – 1 campsite, 2 miles downstream
• Echo Park – No campsites, river exit, 2 miles downstream

Deerlodge Park – Yampa Canyon

• Closest town: Maybell (28mi), Dinosaur (53mi), Rangely (58mi)
• Specs: 7 walk-in sites, no water, vault toilets, open year-round; first-come, first-serve
• Amenities: Large shade trees, on the banks of the Yampa River
• Address: Dinosaur Park Service Road, Maybell, CO 81640 (Map)

Camping areas downstream

• Anderson Hole 1 campsite, 4 miles downstream
• Ponderosa – 1 campsite, 5 miles downstream
• Tepee Hole – 1 campsite, 1 mile downstream
• Big Joe – 1 campsite, 12 miles downstream
• Harding Hole – 4 campsites, 4 miles downstream
• Mather Hole – 1 campsite, 2 miles downstream
• Laddie Park – 2 campsites, 7 miles downstream
• Warm Springs – 1 campsite, 7 miles downstream
• Box Elder – 3 campsites, 2 miles downstream
• Echo Park – No campsites, river exit, 2 miles downstream

Echo Park

• Closest town: Dinosaur (69mi), Rangely (57mi)
• Specs: No sites – river entrance, no water, vault toilets, open year-round; first-come, first-serve
• Amenities: On the banks of the Green River
• Address: Echo Park Road, Maybell, CO 81640 (Map)

Camping areas downstream

• Seacliff – 1 campsite, 4 miles downstream
• State Line – 1 campsite, 1 mile downstream
• Jones Hole – 4 campsites, 2 miles downstream
• Compromise – 1 campsite, 1 mile downstream
• The Cove – 1 campsite, 4 miles downstream
• Big Island – 1 campsite, .5 miles downstream
• Island Park – 1 campsite, .5 miles downstream
• Rainbow Park – no campsites, 4 miles downstream
• Split Mountain – no campsites, river exit, 9 miles downstream – reservations at recreation.gov

Camping near Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge

One of among eight national wildlife refuges in Colorado, Browns Park is probably the hardest to reach. It lies in a secluded river valley in the northwestern part of the state, an hour northwest of little Maybell on Highway 40. This vast protected park expands into Utah and houses some gorgeous terrain shaped by the Green River. Boating, camping, fishing and hiking are among the main activities, and hunting during the seasons.

Swinging Bridge

This primitive campground is a long way from civilization. Located near the Green River it is a haven for fishermen, waterfowl hunters, big game hunters, can campers that want to get away from it all. Canoeing and kayaking on the Green River are enhanced by easy access boat ramps. Horses are welcome but certified, weed-free hay is required.

• Closest town: Maybell (62mi), Dinosaur (119mi)
• Specs: 2 river-side campsites, vault toilet, no water, open late May to end of September; first-come, first-serve
• Amenities: 2 boat ramps for wake-less watercraft on Green River, handicapped fishing pier
• Address: Unnamed Road, Maybell, CO 81640 (Map)

Camping near Jensen, UT by Dinosaur NM

Seventeen miles west of the Colorado border lies the 400+ population town of Jensen, UT. It’s a small country town that serves as a gateway to both Dinosaur National Monument and the rest of Utah. There’s an RV park in town, plus the national monument’s largest campground, Green River. For a much larger town experience, consider visiting Vernal, 13 miles to the west, for supplies and additional entertainment.

Outlaw Trail RV Park

Located just seven miles from Dinosaur National Monument this popular RV park has all the amenities for short and long term guests. Facilities are designed with the family in mind. Playgrounds, a camp store, and other amenities will keep the younger members of the family active after long days surveying the ancient wonders of the nearby national monument.

• Closest town: Jensen, UT (<1mi)
• Specs: 29 RV sites, 15 pull thru, 14 back in, tent sites, group sites, flush toilet, water, open year-round; reservable
• Amenities: Showers, laundry, playground, outdoor dining areas, fire pit
• Address: 9650 East 6000 Street, Jensen, UT 84035 (Map)

Green River Campground

This well-maintained campground is located inside Dinosaur National Monument. Campers are required to pay an access fee to the monument, as well as a camping fee. The location of the campground near the spectacular paleontological outcrops and history of this area makes it a very popular campground for all ages.

• Closest town: Jensen, UT (11mi), Vernal, UT (20mi), Dinosaur (31mi)
• Specs: 80 campsites, both tent, and RV, flush toilets, water, open May to snow closure; reservable
• Amenities: Located on a bench along the Green River, spectacular geology
• Address: Utah Highway 149, Jensen, UT 84035 (Map)

Camping near Vernal, UT

Thirty-three miles to the west of Dinosaur, CO sits the headquarters town of Dinosaur National Monument, Vernal, UT. This big city of more than 10,000 in population offers plenty to do and see in addition to the amazing fossils and natural landmarks. Camping can be found in town at an RV park, a couple of nearby state parks, or to the north in Ashely National Forest.

Fossil Valley RV Park

Located on five acres of green grass and mature trees, this Good Sam Park is conveniently situated in downtown Vernal, Utah. Just a short drive from world-famous Dinosaur National Monument it is the perfect launching pad for adventures in this historic paleontological wonder.

• Closest town: Vernal, UT (1mi), Jensen, UT (14mi), Dinosaur (35mi)
• Specs: 70 RV sites, multiple tent sites, water, restrooms, open year-round; reservable
• Amenities: Full hookups, 60’ and 80’ pull-thru sites, WiFi, laundry, showers
• Address: 999 U.S. Highway 40, Vernal, UT 84078 (Map)

Steinaker State Park Campground

A haven for water recreation on nearby Steinaker Reservoir, this is a popular campsite for local visitors and for travelers to Dinosaur National Monument. A full-function campground with a host, operated by Utah State Parks. This campground is located between the Ashley National Forest and Dinosaur National Monument with close access to the town of Vernal.

• Closest town: Vernal, UT (7mi), Dinosaur (41mi)
• Specs: 41 campsites total, water, restrooms, open year-round; reservable
• Amenities: Group campsite, 11 standard campsites, 8 full-hookup, 8 partial-hookup, 12 tent-only, dump station
• Address: Utah Highway 301, Naples, UT 84078 (Map)

Red Fleet State Park

This campground is close to the unique combination of outstanding outdoor recreation and tremendous educational opportunities. Red Fleet Lake is a destination all by itself. Add hikes to see 200-million year old dinosaur tracks to a weekend or longer of fishing, boating, and camping and you have a destination of interest to everyone.

• Closest town: Vernal (12mi), Dinosaur (46mi)
• Specs: 48 campsites, water, restrooms, open year-round; reservable
• Amenities: 23 standard sites, 5 full-hookup sites, 17-tent only site, 2 teepee only sites, boat trailer parking area
• Address: 8350 North Highway 191, Vernal, UT 84078 (Map)

East Park Campground

Located in the Ashley National Forest, this campground offers outstanding outdoor recreational activities. Fisherman can try their luck at rainbow trout in the nearby water throughout the open season and in September the waterfowl hunting is widely renowned.

• Closest town: Vernal, UT (29mi), Dinosaur (63mi)
• Specs: 21 campsites, water, vault toilet, open June to mid-September; first-come, first-serve
• Amenities: Trails to Oaks Park Lake, trout fishing on East Park Reservoir
• Address: Forest Service Road 21, Vernal, UT 84078 (Map)

Consider Craig or Meeker

If you’re coming from Colorado and would like to stay near a larger city, Craig boasts nearly 9,000 residents, so there are plenty of businesses. Less than four hours from Denver, Craig makes good basecamp for branching off further into the northwest. It’s 1.5 hours west to Dinosaur, so it’s a doable day trip to see all the amazing sights of this national monument.  With a nearby state park, Craig has numerous campgrounds to accommodate visitors.

Meeker is about the same distance to both Denver and Dinosaur as Craig, so this is another viable option for camping in the northwest. Meeker is a gateway to the Flat Tops, a beautiful range of mesas and wilderness to the east of town. It connects with Yampa via the Flat Tops Trail, a national scenic byway. Both paid and free dispersed camping near Meeker is available.

That’s a roundup of the top campgrounds around Dinosaur National Monument. Hopefully between the towns of Maybell, Dinosaur and Rangely, CO, as well as Jensen and Vernal, UT, you’ll find more than one awesome campsite to discover! Leave no trace please.