Knowles Overlook Campground
Open
— Open year-round with required advance reservations through Recreation.gov. Road access through a dry stream bed can change rapidly with storms; high-clearance vehicles and 4x4 strongly recommended. Stays limited to 7 days per month.
About
Located in the Rabbit Valley Motorized Area within McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, Knowles Overlook Campground provides a rugged camping experience for tent and overland enthusiasts. The campground sits approximately 300 feet above the Colorado River canyon, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape including the Colorado River, San Juan and La Sal Mountains, Colorado National Monument, and Grand Mesa.
This primitive campground features 20 individual campsites designed for those seeking a more immersive backcountry experience while still having designated camping areas. Access to the campground requires a high-clearance vehicle, with 4x4 strongly recommended, as the road passes through a dry stream bed that can rapidly change conditions during storms. Vehicles longer than 30 feet cannot be accommodated.
Rabbit Valley offers extensive recreational opportunities including ATV and motorcycle riding, mountain biking, and horseback riding on designated trails. The area is also known for its paleontological resources, with the family-friendly Trail Through Time interpretive hike nearby. The campground sits in high desert terrain at the edge of the Colorado Plateau, with sparse vegetation and dramatic temperature ranges. Located just west of Fruita, the area provides easy access to supplies while maintaining a remote wilderness feel.
Directions
From Grand Junction, travel west on I-70 and take exit 2 towards Rabbit Valley. Turn left over the interstate and travel straight into McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. Take a right at the first intersection and a left at the second intersection. Stay on the main road for approximately 2.8 miles and take a left. The campground is approximately 1.3 miles further.
Nearby Campgrounds