North Fruita Desert Campground
Open for camping with sites available. Reservations required through Recreation.gov. Site configurations vary; some are tent-only while others accommodate trailers. Check individual site details before booking if bringing a trailer, as some sites have road curves preventing trailer access.
Flood Watch issued August 30 at 4:18AM MDT until August 31 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of Colorado, including the following areas, Central Colorado River Basin, Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, Central Yampa River Basin, Debeque to Silt Corridor, Flat Tops, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, Grand Valley, Grand and Battlement Mesas, Northwest San Juan Mountains, Paradox Valley/Lower Dolores River, Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus, Southwest San Juan Mountains, Uncompahgre Plateau and Dallas Divide, Upper Gunnison River Valley and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains and Utah, including the following areas, Arches/Grand Flat, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains, Southeast Utah and Tavaputs Plateau. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Recent burn scars will also be especially susceptible and these include the Lee and Elk RX, Gold Mountain and Elk, Ferris, and Babylon burn scars to name a few. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Monsoonal moisture will remain across the area today and will support thunderstorms and showers with heavy rainfall across the watch area. Several rounds of heavier rain are expected increasing the chance for flash flooding especially in our more susceptible areas. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Special Weather Statement issued August 30 at 8:02AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
At 759 AM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 31 miles north of Fruita, or 37 miles north of Grand Junction, moving northeast at 30 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph. Heavy rainfall possible. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include... Meeker, Mack, and Loma, including Lee and P-L Gulch burn scars. This includes the following highways... Interstate 70 in Colorado between mile markers 1 and 13. Interstate 70 in Utah between mile markers 230 and 231. Colorado 13 between mile markers 21 and 48. Colorado 64 between mile markers 61 and 73. Colorado 139 between mile markers 2 and 55.
From Recreation.gov
To ensure success and enjoyment for all visitors we have made some changes to what sites can accommodate trailers. When making your reservation, please pay attention to what site you are booking. If you have a trailer, do not book a tent only site. Thank you for your cooperation.
About
North Fruita Desert Campground is a BLM-managed destination campground designed for mountain bikers seeking direct trail access from their campsite. Located at the base of the Book Cliffs near Fruita, Colorado, the campground anchors the 18 Road trail system with 33 miles of singletrack ranging from fast and flowy to tight and technical, plus another 25 miles of mixed-use trails climbing into the Book Cliffs. The campground is divided into upper and lower sections totaling 111 sites. The Upper Campground has 58 sites including two group sites, each with a fire ring, concrete picnic table, and graveled parking. The Lower Campground has 53 sites including one group site, with the addition of 12x12-foot constructed tent pads. Site sizes and configurations vary significantly; some are pull-through accommodating vehicles up to 60 feet, while others are tent-only due to access road curves. This is a primitive campground with vault toilets but no potable water, electricity, hookups, showers, dump station, or trash collection. Campers must bring their own water and firewood (collection prohibited) and pack out all garbage including pet waste. Food and supplies are available in nearby Fruita. Maximum stay is 14 days.
Directions
Take I-70 west to Fruita (exit 19). Turn north onto Cherry Street and take the first right onto Aspen Avenue. Go through the roundabout and continue on Aspen to Maple Street. Turn left on Maple Street and travel north; it becomes 17.5 Road. Turn right on N.3 Road, then left on 18 Road. Travel approximately 7 miles to the trailhead and lower campground. Continue 1.5 miles north for the upper campground loops.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $40 - $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 60ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| blm_co_gj_web_mail@blm.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (970) 244-3000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| BLM North Fruita Desert Campground |
Availability
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