Saddlehorn Campground Colorado National Monument

Saddlehorn Campground is the only campground in Colorado National Monument, and is well located within the park. This 80-site campground is adjacent to the park visitor center and several hiking options are nearby, including Window Rock Trail, Alcove Nature Trail, and Canyon Rim Trail. Saddlehorn Campground is situated on a high bluff overlooking the cities of Fruita and Redlands to the north. The park landmark, Balanced Rock, can also been seen from areas of the campground. Superb sunrise and sunset views make this a great place to start and end your day in Colorado National Monument.

Saddlehorn Campground
Camping in Colorado National Monument

The sites are decently spaced. The bathrooms are modern, with motion-activated flush toilets. Picnic tables are provided at each site, and drinking water is available. What’s the catch? No campfires. That’s right, no wood fires allowed! Each site has a charcoal grill that can be used with the proper provisions, but camping just isn’t camping without a fire.

Saddlehorn Campground
No campfires at Saddlehorn Campground!

Saddlehorn is a fine campground for a restful night in Colorado National Monument. The campsites at Saddlehorn Campground were formerly available entirely on a first-come first-served basis. The campground now accepts reservations for sites along the B-loop from mid-March through October. Make a reservation by calling (877) 444-6777 or visiting recreation.gov. All sites are available year round for $20 per night (price as of 2018). A self-registration kiosk at the entrance to the campground offers an efficient way to sign out open sites.

Backcountry camping is also an option, with a free permit available at the park visitor center. Visit the Colorado National Monument camping information page for more details. For other lodging options, check out tripadvisor.com.

Window Rock Trail Map
A map of the Saddlehorn area courtesy of the National Park Service

To get to the campground: from the west entrance of the park, drive 4.3 miles south on Rim Rock Drive and turn left, just before Saddlehorn Visitor Center, following signs for the campground. Make a second left and continue 0.2 miles to the self-registration kiosk at the entrance of the campground.

Campground address: Rimrock Drive, Colorado National Monument, Fruita, CO 81521
Campground coordinates: 39.104589, -108.732684 (39° 06′ 16.52″N 108° 43′ 57.66″W)

Use the map below to view the campground and get directions:

View Colorado National Monument in a larger map

Photos

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These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.
Nearby Trails
Colorado National Monument TrailsAlcove Nature Trail
This one-mile round trip hike is less scenic than others in the park, but offers information about area plants, animals, and geology.
Colorado National Monument TrailsCanyon Rim Trail
This one-mile round trip hike begins at Saddlehorn Visitor Center and travels along the cliffs edge overlooking Monument Canyon.
Colorado National Monument TrailsCoke Ovens Trail
This one-mile hike visits a line of sandstone domes decorating the rim of Monument Canyon.
Colorado National Monument TrailsDevils Kitchen Trail
This 1.2 mile hike crosses the bottom of No Thoroughfare canyon to a rock grotto surrounded by tall boulders.
Colorado National Monument TrailsMonument Canyon Trail
This 7-mile hike travels down into Monument Canyon to visit the tallest freestanding rock formation in the park.
Colorado National Monument TrailsOtto’s Trail
This 0.75-mile round trip hike visits an overlook near the Pipe Organs with an excellent view of Independence Monument and Monument Canyon.
Colorado National Monument TrailsWindow Rock Trail
This 1/3-mile round trip hike ends at a distinct point on the wall of Monument Canyon where a natural window appears just below the top of the cliff.
Tagged with · Fruita · Grand Junction · Tent Camping

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7 Comments on Saddlehorn Campground in Colorado National Monument

  1. Dave Yuhas wrote:

    Does the fire restriction include gas stoves?

    “camping just isn’t camping without a fire.”
    Personally, that’s an atavistic ritual I’d like to see “extinguished.”

    • hikespeak wrote:

      Gas stoves are permitted in the campground and at picnic areas, just no wood fires.

    • BaristaLady wrote:

      Yep, I come to national parks for CLEAN AIR, not tons of smoke from campfires.

  2. Deborah wrote:

    When does the campground close for the season?

  3. Patricia wrote:

    I understand there are 2 tunnels. I have a 5th wheel RV that’s 13′. Is it safe to drive it up to the campsite?