Campground

Saddlehorn Campground

Colorado National Monument
Near Fruita, Colorado

Facilities

Saddlehorn Campground is located near the Saddlehorn Visitor Center, four miles from the west entrance (near Fruita, Colorado) and nineteen miles from the east entrance (near Grand Junction, Colorado), and is the only established campground within the Monument.   

There are 79 campsites with three camping loops within the Saddlehorn Campground (Loops A, B, and C).  

  • Loop A is typically open early April through the end of October. Loop A will remain on a "day of" reservation basis for the summer due to need for scheduled maintenance. 
    • All "day-of" reservation sites open at 8AM mountain time on the day of.
  • Loop B is open year-round. Outer loop sites are reservable 6 months in advance, inner loop sites are reservable 2 weeks in advance. 
  • Loop C is open early May through mid/late October, weather dependent. Sites 52-69 are reservable on a day of basis, while sites 70-80 are reservable up to two weeks in advance.
    • All "day-of" reservation sites open at 8AM mountain time on the day of.

Reservations can be made via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Due to size of the campground, vehicles longer than 40 feet cannot be accomodated--this includes tow vehicle AND trailer. Restrooms have flush toilets and water available during the summer, and each site has a picnic table and charcoal-only grill. There are no electric hookups, fill or dump stations, or showers. 

There are three tunnels on Rim Rock Drive. There are two tunnels on the west side and one on the east side of the park; the campground sits between the east and west tunnels. Heights: The clearance above the lanes of traffic ranges from a low point of 10'6" near the edge of the curb to a maximum of 16' above the centerline of the road. Vehicles must be able to stay in their lane; vehicles may not cross the centerline without a pilot vehicle.

For a group of 15 people or more, do not book through recreation.gov. Contact the park at 970-858-2800 or colm_campground@nps.gov to make group reservations.

Natural Features

The campground is nestled within large red rock formations, with pinyon and juniper trees providing adequate shade. There are spectacular views of the Grand Valley to the northwest, and some of the park's most scenic monoliths and canyons to the southeast

Recreation

Colorado National Monument is famous in cycling communities for its majestic views and challenging climbs, but Historic Rim Rock Drive is also a popular motor tour. Hikers flock to the miles of maintained trails, photographers come year round to capture the spectacular views, and geologists study the unique landscape for its scientific value. Climbers come for the towering sandstone, and wildlife lovers may spot Desert Bighorn sheep, golden eagles, collared lizards, and many other special creatures.

Recreation Sites

  • Standard Nonelectric
  • Management
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Amphitheater
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Ranger Station
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hiking
  • Educational Programs
  • Camping
  • Rock Climbing
  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Scenic Drive
  • Star Gazing
  • Interpretive Programs
  • Photography

Amenities

  • Accessible Campsites
  • Cell Phone Service
  • Flush Toilets
  • Picnic Area
  • Recycling
  • Tables
  • Tent Pads
  • Trailheads
  • Water (Seasonal)
  • Pets Allowed
  • Accessible Parking
  • Accessible Picnic Area
  • Accessible Walkways
  • Accessible Flush Toilets
  • Accessible Sites
  • Picnic Table
  • Accessible Grills
  • Grills
  • Picnic Tables
  • Accessible Picnic Shelters

Nearby Attractions

The cities of Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade boast many urban and agricultural attractions, but there are also abundant recreation areas surrounding the Monument. Among these are McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, Highline Lake State Park, and many Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service areas.

Getting Here

Latitude
39° 6' 17.3002" N
Longitude
108° 43' 58.3000" W

Westbound on Highway I-70 towards Grand Junction: take Exit 31 (Horizon Drive). Follow signs through Grand Junction to the park's east entrance. The visitor center and campground are 19 miles (30 km) from the east entrance.


Eastbound on Highway I-70 (Fruita): Take Exit 19. Turn south on Highway 340 to the park's west entrance, which is approximately three miles (5 km) from Fruita. The visitor center and campground are four miles (6 km) beyond the west entrance.

Need to Know

  • For a group of 15 people or more, do not book through recreation.gov. Contact the park at 970-858-2800 or colm_campground@nps.gov to make group reservations.

  • No wood fires or wood gathering permitted. Cooking in charcoal grills and camp stoves only.
  • Hammocks, tarps, tents and all other camping equipment cannot be attached to trees or vegetation.

  • No Generators from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. in Loops A & B. The campground prohibits generators in Loop C. Quiet Hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. 

  • The campground cannot accomodate vehicles longer than 40 feet (12 m). This includes the tow vehicle and trailer. Maximum vehicle length in Loop C is 19 feet (5.7 m).

  • There are three tunnels on Rim Rock Drive: two tunnels on the west side and one on the east side of the park. The campground sits between the east and west tunnels. Heights: The clearance above the lanes of traffic ranges from a low point of 10'6" (3.2 m) near the edge of the curb to a maximum of 16' (4.8 m) above the centerline of the road. Vehicles must be able to stay in their lane and may not cross the center line without a pilot vehicle.

  • Do not fill camper/RV tanks from campground water faucets. The nearest Dump Station is at the Colorado Welcome Center in Fruita. 

  • Reserved campsites will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival.

  • Pets must be on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed on trails, only paved surfaces.

  • Bicycles are allowed on paved surfaces only. Bicyclists must have front and rear lights on inside the tunnels.

  • No Fireworks.

  • From late October to late March, Loop A and C will be closed for the season.

    • Contact Information

    1750 Rim Rock Drive
    Fruita, CO 81521

    For facility specific information, please call (970) 858-2800.

    colm_campground@nps.gov

    Additional Information