Camping Along Ruby-Horsethief
The BLM has cleared, improved, and marked 32 designated primitive-backcountry sites along the river corridor. Four new sites were completed in 2011, and three more will be added in 2012. With these new sites, we have designated camping at all known accessible and appropriate sites within the river corridor. Starting May 1, 2012, camping will be limited to these designated sites. All camping is primitive in nature. xml:namespace prefix = o />
Please see the Permit Information page for instructions on how to reserve one of these 32 sites during the May 1-September 30 high use season. Note: May Flats Campsite is an overflow-only site for boaters who miss their permitted site.
Check out a Google Earth map of the campsites here , or a print off a PDF map here .
Camp Name | River Miles From Loma | Suggested Group Size | Beach | Shade |
Loma Boat Ramp | 0 | NA | NA | NA |
Rattlesnake | 3.2 | 10 | Clay/Rock | Yes |
Beaver Tail 1 | 3.5 | 20 | Cobblestone | No |
Beaver Tail 2 | 3.6 | 20 | Grass Bench | Yes |
Bull Draw | 3.6 | 25 | Clay/Rock | No |
Cottonwood 1 | 5.8 | 25 | Clay | Yes |
Cottonwood 2 | 5.9 | 25 | Cobblestone/Sand | Yes |
Cottonwood 3 | 6.0 | 25 | Sand | Yes |
Cottonwood 4 | 6.1 | 25 | Sand | Yes |
Cottonwood 5 | 6.2 | 25 | Sand | Yes |
Salt Creek 1 | 7.9 | 12 | Grass | No |
Salt Creek 2 | 8.0 | 12 | Grass | Yes |
Fault Line 1 | 10.3 | 25 | Sand | No |
Fault Line 2 | 10.5 | 20 | Sand | No |
Mee Corner | 12.7 | 25 | Cobblestone/Sand | Yes |
Mee 1 | 13.1 | 25 | Clay/Grass | Yes |
Mee 2 | 13.2 | 25 | Clay/Grass | No |
Mee 3 | 13.3 | 25 | Clay/Grass | No |
Mee 4 | 13.4 | 25 | Clay/Grass | No |
Mee Canyon | 13.6 | 20 | Sand | Yes |
Dog Island | 14.7 | 25 | Cobblestone | Yes |
Split Rock | 15.8 | 15 | Cobblestone/Sand | Yes |
Black Rocks 1 | 16.0 | 25 | Sand | No |
Black Rocks 2 | 16.1 | 15 | Sand | No |
Black Rocks 3 | 16.2 | 15 | Sand | No |
Black Rocks 4 | 16.4 | 15 | Sand | No |
Black Rocks 5 | 16.5 | 15 | Sand | No |
Black Rocks 6 | 16.6 | 25 | Sand | No |
Black Rocks 7 | 16.7 | 15 | Sand | No |
Black Rocks 8 | 16.8 | 25 | Sand | No |
Black Rocks 9 | 16.9 | 15 | Rock | No |
Black Rocks 10 | 17.0 | 25 | Sand | No |
Island Camp | 18.1 | 15 | Cobblestone/Sand | No |
Knowles 1 | 18.3 | 15 | Cobblestone/Sand | Yes |
Knowles 2 (Highwater only) | 18.4 | 15 | Cobblestone/Sand | No |
May Flats (Overflow only) | 20.3 | 25 | Cobblestone | No |
Westwater Boat Ramp | 25 | NA | NA | NA |
Camping Opportunities in the Loma Area
Camping is not allowed at the Loma Boat Ramp or anywhere along the I-70 frontage road and Kokopelli’s Loops (Mack Ridge) area, which is managed for outstanding day use mountain biking opportunities. Here are some alternatives:
- 0.4 miles south of I-70 at exit 19
- 63 camping sites
- Fees apply
- Laundry, showers, and dump station available
2.
Highline Lake State Park Drive west on I-70 west from Grand Junction to Loma Exit, then north onto Colorado Highway 139 for six miles to Q Road. Go west on Q Road for 1.2 miles, then turn north onto 11.8 Road for one mile to the park entrance.
- 31 grassy sites
- Fees apply
- Laundry, showers, and dump station available
3. The North Fruita Desert Campground (Public Lands managed by BLM)
- North of I-70 at exit 19, Fruita North;
- Turn right on Ottley;
- Turn left on Cherry (17.5 Road);
- Right on N-3/10 Road;
- Left on 18 Road. Follow 18 Road north approximately 5 miles to base of the Book Cliffs.
- Camping at 30 BLM sites. Vault toilets and fire grates. Be kind to our trees! No wood gathering – bring your own firewood.
- No camping outside designated sites within Bicycle Emphasis Area.
4. Private Campgrounds – Fruita Area , Grand Junction Area
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