How to Obtain a Private Ruby-Horsethief Camping Permit
Information has changed from 2012
Permit Office Hours:
970-244-3050
Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to noon
Grand Junction Field Office, 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81505
High-Use Season: May through September
Permits are required to camp every day of the year. Between May 1st through September 30th, permits are issued from the BLM office in Grand Junction for every day of the week. This is a change from 2012, when only weekend permits were issued by the BLM. There are no self-issued permits during high season. Permits become available 60 days prior to the launch date. For example, May 3rd reservations first become available on March 4th. The BLM office is closed on weekends and holidays. Call-in and walk-in service will only be available Monday through Friday. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis either in person at the Grand Junction Field Office or by telephone at 970-244-3050 or 1-855-807-1808. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to noon. There is no lottery, and you do not need to submit an application to get a permit. Permits will be issued by email or in person. The following information is needed to obtain a permit:
§ By phone: credit card number; in person: credit card, check, or cash
§ Dates of trip
§ Preferred camp sites (if available)
§ Size of group, including dogs (maximum of 2 dogs per site)
§ Name, address, and phone number of trip leader
The online calendar shows the availability of camp sites and is updated at least once daily.
Off-Season: October through April
All permits are self-issued at the Loma boat launch at the time of your launch. No fees apply during this time of year. You must do the following:
- Pick your site based on availability on the calendar at the register
- Fill out a permit
- Deposit the tan copy in the slot at the register
- Keep the white copy with you at all times
- DO NOT cross out someone’s name if a desired site is already reserved
Fees are by group size, per night.
Children who are 16 years old and under are not included in the head count for group size fees. There is still a maximum of 25 heartbeats per group.
Dogs ARE included in the head count for group size, with a strict limit of two dogs per group.
| Group Size | Cost per Night |
| 0-5 | $20 |
| 6-14 | $50 |
| 15-25 | $100 |
Changing/Canceling a Permit
As a courtesy to other boaters who wish to camp along the river, please notify the BLM river office as soon as possible if you are unable to use your camping permit or wish to change the trip leader information. If space permits, you may transfer your permit to a different date during the same season.
Westwater Permits
A permit is required to float below Westwater. Permits may be obtained from the Moab, Utah, BLM office, 435-259-7012 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.
