Family friendly biking on the 18 Road trail system

North Fruita Desert Campground

Open

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.

Red Flag Warning issued July 1 at 12:34PM MDT until July 1 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

12:34 PM — 8:00 PM

* AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 203 Lower Colorado River below 8000 feet. * TIMING...Until 8 PM MDT this evening. * WINDS...Southwest 5 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...6 to 11 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Air Quality Alert issued July 1 at 9:10AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

9:10 AM — July 2nd, 9:00 AM

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke. WHERE...Moffat, Routt, Jackson, Grand, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Eagle, Summit, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Mesa, Pitkin, Lake, Park, Delta, Gunnison, Chaffee, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores, and northern parts of Montezuma and Saguache Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Craig, Steamboat Springs, Walden, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, Meeker, Rangely, Glenwood Springs, Eagle, Vail, Breckenridge, Central City, Georgetown, Grand Junction, Aspen, Leadville, Fairplay, Delta, Gunnison, Buena Vista, Salida, Montrose, Nucla, Ouray, Telluride, Dove Creek, and Saguache. WHEN...900 AM Wednesday July 01 to 900 AM Thursday July 02 IMPACTS...Areas downwind of large fires in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah could have periods of moderate to heavy smoke through at least Thursday morning. HEALTH INFORMATION...Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

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.

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

Email blm_co_gj_web_mail@blm.gov
Phone +1 (970) 244-3000

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Availability

Photos

Family friendly biking on the 18 Road trail system
Mountain bikers heading out on Prime Cut
North Fruita Desert Campground sign at entrance to campground.  Bookcliff mountain range in background.

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