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North Fruita Desert Campground

Fruita, Colorado · Bureau of Land Management

RVTent
North Fruita Desert Campground — official Recreation.gov photo

Photo: Recreation.gov

About

The North Fruita Desert campground is a mountain biker’s paradise with campsites situated at the heart of the famous "18 Road" trail system and within easy reach of the world-renowned Kokopelli Trail system. Come to the North Fruita Desert for an active outing of riding and relaxing with family and friends. Ride to the trails in just a few minutes from any of the campsites. The trail system and associated camping amenities provide great opportunities to experience the diverse desert terrain along the base of the Book Cliffs. Food, lodging and other amenities are available nearby in the City of Fruita. Your camping fees pay not only for campground maintenance and improvements, but also for trail construction and maintenance on the 18 Road trail system. The North Fruita Desert Campground is just north of Fruita CO, which serves as a hub for outdoor recreation on nearby public lands including the red-rock canyons of Colorado National Monument, and the adjoining McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (MCNCA) - home of the Kokopelli trail system, the Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River, Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness and the Rabbit Valley recreation area. The Monument and NCAs along with the other public lands surrounding the Grand Valley - formed by the Colorado River flowing between Palisade to Loma - offer something for everyone, from scenic drives to hiking, horseback riding, biking, rafting, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, and off-roading. The Grand Valley is also well-known for it's orchards, vineyards and wineries, and the distinct and vibrant communities of Palisade, Grand Junction, and Fruita. The North Fruita Desert, also known as the 18 Road trail system, offers 33 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails along the base of the Book Cliffs, along with another 25 miles of mixed use singletrack in the Book Cliffs north of the campground. The trails surrounding the campground provide a mix of fast and flowy to tight and technical riding opportunities Easy access directly from your campsite makes riding from dawn to dusk a mountain biker's dream. The Edge Loop trails climb from the campground into the heart of the Book Cliffs Range, offering challenging long-distance loops and spectacular views of the Grand Valley and beyond. While mountain biking is the focus of this area, the North Fruita Desert Campground is within easy reach of hundreds of miles of routes for motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides and 4x4s in the desert country from the Utah

Directions

Take Interstate 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. Take a left on Maple Street and then travel north. The street will turn into 17.5 Road. Take a right on N.3 Road and then a left on 18 Road. Travel approximately 7 miles on 18 Road to the trailhead, event area and lower campground. Continue 1.5 miles north to reach the upper campground loops.

Location

Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.

Details

State
Colorado
City / area
Fruita
Agency
Bureau of Land Management
Parent area
18 Road - North Fruita Desert
Campsites
144
Reservable
Yes
Typical price
$20–$40 / night
Rating
4.03 / 5 (380 reviews on Recreation.gov)
Equipment
Tent, RV, Trailer, Caravan/Camper Van, Pickup Camper, Fifth Wheel, Pop up

Reserve on Recreation.gov

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