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.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 9 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT A strong low pressure system off the Pacific Coast will begin to draw in tropical moisture associated with Topical Storm Rachel this weekend. This strong southerly fetch will draw anomalously high moisture content across the Desert Southwest and into eastern Utah and western Colorado. The chance for widespread precipitation increases Saturday evening into Sunday. Total precipitation forecasts range from 1 to 3 inches across high terrain, with highest amounts favoring the Uintas, Tavaputs and the Southwest San Juan mountains. Embedded thunderstorms are also possible Sunday afternoon, increasing the threat for flash flooding across vulnerable terrain. While confidence in location and rainfall rates remain low at this time, the potential for rapidly rising rivers, streams, normally dry arroyos and slot canyons are possible Sunday through Monday. Please follow the evolving forecast, especially if your plans including recreating or commuting across eastern Utah and western Colorado Sunday onward. Also, keep in mind weather potential above your location and upstream, particularly for those who reside below sensitive terrain like recent burn scars.
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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