Westwater Campground
Open year-round. Sites 1-7 are first-come, first-served; sites 8-11 require Recreation.gov reservations. Drinking water is available March through November but is unreliable. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent.
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.
About
Westwater Campground is located at the Westwater Ranger Station in the remote canyons of eastern Utah along the Colorado River. The campground serves as the primary staging area for river trips, functioning as the put-in for the renowned Westwater Canyon section (17 miles of Class I-IV whitewater through a Wilderness Study Area) and the take-out for the 25-mile Ruby-Horsethief flatwater stretch from Loma, Colorado. The campground offers 11 sites total. Sites 1-7 operate on a first-come, first-served basis with payment via cash, check, or the Recreation.gov mobile app. Sites 8-11 are reservation-only through Recreation.gov, bookable same-day up to 6 months in advance. Each site accommodates up to 10 people and 2 vehicles, with trailers counting as 2 vehicles. Basic amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and trash service. North of the campground lies an extensive trail network including Kokopelli's Trail, a 140-mile mountain biking route stretching from Loma, Colorado to Moab. The town of Moab, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park are approximately 70 miles southwest, while Grand Junction and Fruita, Colorado are 35 miles east.
Directions
From Grand Junction, CO: Take I-70 west approximately 35 miles to exit 227. Turn south at the stop sign and proceed 9 miles to the Ranger Station. From the west (eastbound I-70): Take exit 227 and head south 9 miles. Note: Do not use exit 221 toward Sulphur when roads are wet as muddy conditions may make it impassable.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| blm_ut_mb_mail@blm.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (435) 259-2100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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