Rabbit Valley campsite reservations available online in February
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management will implement an online reservation system for overnight camping on February 1, 2023, for the five campgrounds in the Rabbit Valley area of McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. The recreation.gov online reservation system will help manage the increased popularity of the area and will ensure campsite availability prior to arrival.
“Since 2008, the BLM has seen a large increase in demand for campsites in Rabbit Valley,” said BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner Alex Martin. “The online reservation system and additional developed sites will protect natural resources and ensure availability upon arrival.”
Visitors may make online reservations at www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance or on-site using a mobile device. The Equestrian campground will be closed to the public from February through April each year to accommodate livestock operations.
The camping fee is $20 per night plus a $8 transaction fee for each reservation. Approximately 50 percent of the sites in each campground will be available for online reservations on a six-month rolling window, with the rest of the sites available on a four-day rolling window to accommodate spontaneous trips. Camping in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area is limited to 7 nights per month.
Since 2018, the BLM solicited public input on the proposal through a Business Plan, Environmental Assessment, and a Federal Register Notice. The BLM Colorado Southwest Resource Advisory Council also provided valuable recommendations. BLM incorporated the public input and recommendations into its final decision to develop additional campsites to accommodate future growth, implement a fee structure, and establish a reservation system.
The associated camping fees are directly invested into the recreation area from which they are collected. Rabbit Valley camping fees will support the camping facilities, improvements, construction, and maintenance of the adjoining trail system.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.