Deerlodge Park Campground
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Winter access is very difficult due to snow. Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect: no wood or charcoal fires allowed, only pressurized gas stoves. Drinking water is available seasonally; during winter months, no water is available on-site. The campground floods when the Yampa River exceeds 18,000 cfs, typically during late spring runoff.
Quarry Exhibit Hall Temporary Closure - September 8 through late October
The Quarry Exhibit Hall "Wall of Bones" is temporarily closed from September 8, 2025, to late October 2025 for a major road, parking lot, and sidewalk construction project. There will be no visitor access to the fossils in the quarry when closed.
No Wood or Charcoal Fires Allowed - Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Effect
All wood and charcoal fires, including in fire grates, grills, or fire pans at campgrounds, picnic areas, or river camps are prohibited. Pressurized gas and liquid fuel stoves with on/off switches are allowed. No smoking outdoors. Per 36 CFR § 1.5(f).
Road Construction on Green River and Quarry Access Roads
Road construction is currently occurring from the monument boundary to the Quarry Visitor Center and Exhibit Hall. Speed limit if 25 mph through construction area. Road is currently a gravel surface. Motorcycles should use caution.
Rough Sections of Echo Park and Yampa Bench Roads
Recent storm damage resulted in washouts, exposed culverts, and rocks/mud on the roadway. Multiple sections of deep, powdery sand along Echo Park Road remain impassable for many vehicles, including small SUVs. High clearance and 4WD are strongly advised.
About
Deerlodge Park Campground occupies a flat, shaded area beneath large cottonwood trees along the Yampa River at the head of Yampa Canyon in Dinosaur National Monument. Located 51 miles east of the Canyon Visitor Center and 80 miles from the Quarry Visitor Center, this remote campground offers seven walk-in tent sites, each equipped with a table and fire pit. The campground sits at the boat ramp that serves as the primary put-in for Yampa River rafting trips, where boaters begin their 44-mile journey through Yampa Canyon to Echo Park. The Yampa River is the largest free-flowing tributary in the Colorado River system, characterized by seasonal fluctuations and famous rapids including Teepee, Big Joe, and Warm Springs. When river flows exceed 18,000 cfs during late spring runoff, the campground floods and becomes inaccessible. Access to Deerlodge Park requires driving 17 miles north from Highway 40 on Deerlodge Road (also labeled Dinosaur Park Service Road on some maps). Dinosaur National Monument encompasses over 210,000 acres of rugged canyon country, ancient petroglyphs, and world-famous dinosaur fossils. While the campground itself offers a quiet riverside setting, the monument provides extensive opportunities for hiking, scenic drives, and exploring both natural and cultural history. Winter access to Deerlodge Park can be extremely difficult due to snow accumulation on the access road.
Directions
From Highway 40, drive 59 miles west from Craig, Colorado or 51 miles east from Dinosaur, Colorado. At the Dinosaur National Monument sign, turn north onto Deerlodge Road (labeled Dinosaur Park Service Road on some maps) and drive 17 miles to the campground. Winter access can be very difficult due to snow.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $12 - $14 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| dino_information@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (435) 781-7700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| Regulations | |
| NPS Campground Website |
Availability
Photos
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