North Fruita Desert Campground

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.