Saddlehorn Campground

4.48

634 reviews

1750 Rim Rock Drive

StargazingGreat Hiking

Featured in:Desert Camping

Quick Facts

5,728 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

79 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,728 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

79 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Saddlehorn Campground

$22.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly camping fee is $22. Access and Senior Pass holders receive a 50% discount. Reservation fees include $8 online or app, $9 contact center,...

Standard Site Fee$22.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-858-3617 EXT. 300Janet_Kelleher@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.48

Recommended

Based on 634 reviews

244 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacycleansites

Some mention

noiseunlevel

"User reviews highlight both the positive aspects of the campground, such as its scenic views and cleanliness, and negative aspects like unlevel sites and generator noise. Many reviewers commend the camp host's helpfulness."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1750 Rim Rock Drive

Saddlehorn Campground

1750 Rim Rock Drive

Driving directionsWestbound on Highway I-70 towards Grand Junction, Exit 31 (Horizon Drive): Follow signs through Grand Junction to the east entrance. The visitor center and campground are 19 miles from the east entrance. Eastbound on Highway I-70 take Exit 19 (Fruita): Turn south on Highway 340 to the west entrance, which is approximately three miles from Fruita. The visitor center and campground are four miles up from the west entrance.

Road access includes paved roads, but involves Rim Rock Drive with tunnels. Tunnel clearance ranges from 10'6" near the edge of the curb to a maximum of 16' above the centerline of the road. Vehicles must stay within their lane or use a pilot vehicle. Vehicles longer than 40 feet cannot be accommodated.

Nearby places

Grand Junction (19 miles, approximately 25-minute drive), Fruita (4 miles, approximately 10-minute drive), Palisade (distance null, travel time null).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies such as groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Fruita, 4 miles away, and Grand Junction, 19 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Saddlehorn Campground

Experience the high desert's dramatic personality, where sun-drenched summer days give way to crystalline nights perfect for stargazing. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms dotting the red rock landscape, while autumn transforms the scene with golden cottonwoods in the valleys below. Winter brings a stark beauty to the canyons, though snow may dust the higher elevations. Savvy travelers time their visits for the sweet spots of spring and fall, when comfortable temperatures make exploring the Monument's trails and viewpoints pure pleasure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer often very hot with limited shade; reviewers recommend shoulder seasons instead.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CO

Shoulder-season praise: cooler weather, fewer crowds and excellent hiking conditions.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 1% in CO

Spring wildflowers and cooler temps are highlighted; shoulder season recommended by visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Loop B open year-round; some reviewers recommend winter camping if prepared but services limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1 - October 13, 2025 (Peak Season). Non-Peak Season runs October 14 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Loop A is open year-round. Loop B operates year-round. Loop C operates early May to mid/late October.

About Saddlehorn Campground

Perched high above the Grand Valley, Saddlehorn Campground serves as your gateway to the otherworldly landscapes of Colorado National Monument. This remarkable 79-site campground, thoughtfully arranged across three distinct loops, places you amid towering sandstone spires and ancient geological wonders. As the Monument's only campground, Saddlehorn offers an exclusive basecamp where each morning begins with sunrise painting the red rocks in brilliant hues, and evenings end with stars emerging above the dramatic canyon walls.

Saddlehorn Campground accommodates a wide range of camping styles. It features first-come, first-served and reservable sites, with options suitable for tents, RVs, and small trailers. Group camping reservations are also available via direct contact.

Historical SignificanceColorado National Monument stands as a testament to the power of preservation, protecting these extraordinary western landscapes for over a century. The area has long captivated geologists who read Earth's history in its exposed rock layers spanning millions of years. Today, the Monument has earned legendary status among cyclists who challenge themselves on the scenic Rim Rock Drive, while the campground serves as a gathering place for adventurers drawn to this timeless landscape where ancient geology meets modern exploration.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the high desert's dramatic personality, where sun-drenched summer days give way to crystalline nights perfect for stargazing. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms dotting the red rock landscape, while autumn transforms the scene with golden cottonwoods in the valleys below. Winter brings a stark beauty to the canyons, though snow may dust the higher elevations. Savvy travelers time their visits for the sweet spots of spring and fall, when comfortable temperatures make exploring the Monument's trails and viewpoints pure pleasure.

ElevationFrom your elevated perch high above the valley floor, the world spreads out in a magnificent panorama. The campground's strategic position rewards visitors with commanding views that stretch across the patchwork of farms and orchards below to distant mountain ranges. This bird's-eye perspective transforms sunrise and sunset into theatrical events, as light and shadow play across the landscape, revealing why John Otto fought so passionately to preserve this remarkable high-desert sanctuary.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape sculpted by time itself, where massive red sandstone monuments rise like ancient sentinels from a sea of pinyon and juniper. Your campsite becomes a front-row seat to nature's grandest sculpture garden, with sweeping vistas encompassing the fertile Grand Valley stretching northwest and the Monument's maze of canyons and monoliths unfolding to the southeast. Each twist of sunlight reveals new details in the rock faces, from delicate cross-bedding patterns to soaring cliff walls that glow ember-red at golden hour.

Geological RegionCamp within a geological masterpiece where 200-million-year-old sandstone formations create a natural amphitheater of red rock wonders. The campground nestles among groves of aromatic pinyon pine and twisted juniper, perfectly positioned between two worlds: the lush Grand Valley spreading below and the ancient desert plateau rising above. Here, erosion has carved a fantastical landscape of fins, spires, and balanced rocks, while your campsite offers intimate encounters with the high desert ecosystem that thrives in this dramatic terrain of stone and sky.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

8:00 AM (Mountain Time) for first-come, first-serve sites.

Check-out

Checkout time is unspecified.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The number of guests allowed per site is not specified.

Groups

Group sites must be booked directly through the park. Sites are designed to accommodate larger parties, but exact capacity information is not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layout79 sites divided across Loops A, B, and C; Loops C is first-come-first-serve.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityLoop C is first-come-first-serve during its operating season; Loop A is first-come-first-serve from mid-October to late-March.

Cancellation PolicyIndividual site reservations can be canceled before the date of arrival with a $10 fee. Late cancellations (after midnight on the day before scheduled arrival) incur the first night's fee. Reservation fees are non-refundable.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible campsites, parking, picnic tables, and walkways, reflecting the effort to cater to campers with disabilities.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size. Some are suitable for small trailers or tents, while others accommodate larger RVs, but vehicles longer than 40 feet cannot be accommodated.

PrivacySite privacy is mixed. Some sites on outer loops are more isolated, offering privacy and scenic views, while others are closely spaced, leading to limited privacy.

Total Campsites79 campsites

Recommended SitesSites on the outer Loop B (e.g., 36, 42, 43) offer privacy and views; better for tents or small trailers.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and educational programs. Visitors can explore trails, capture breathtaking views, and participate in ranger-led events.

HikingNumerous hiking trails are accessible from the campground, ranging from short walks like Otto's Trail to longer treks. Reviews praise the spectacular views and variety of difficulty levels.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

BikingCycling is popular, especially along Rim Rock Drive. User reviews note its challenging climbs and scenic routes.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with chances to spot Desert Bighorn sheep, golden eagles, and collared lizards, as noted in both official sources and reviews.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsRanger-led programs and educational activities are available, providing insights into the area's geology and ecology. Some user reviews specifically highlight these programs as engaging.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo wood fires due to desert conditions. Campsites may have uneven terrain or poor drainage.

Fire PolicyCharcoal-only grills allowed. No wood fires permitted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM daily.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include police, fire, and medical facilities in Fruita and Grand Junction.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling services are available at designated locations throughout the campground.

Water FeaturesFew water features nearby; primarily desert landscape.

Camp HostCampground hosts are consistently praised as helpful and friendly. Hosts have assisted with site changes and shared local information.

Weather at Saddlehorn Campground

Reviews

4.5

634 reviews

Recommended

Saddlehorn Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight both the positive aspects of the campground, such as its scenic views and cleanliness, and negative aspects like unlevel sites and generator noise. Many reviewers commend the camp host's helpfulness.

Review Summaries

Based on 634 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews frequently praise the stunning views, clean bathrooms, and helpful camp hosts. Sites in loops B and C are noted for their privacy and proximity to cliffside vistas.

Based on 634 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include unlevel campsites, noise from RV generators and flush toilets, lack of tent pads, and occasional overcrowding. Some reviewers also mention issues with proximity to noisy groups or...

Based on 634 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include selecting sites on outer loop B for privacy and views, bringing earplugs to mitigate noise, anchoring tents due to wind, and using propane campfires as wood fires are prohibited.

Based on 634 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often note high temperatures and limited shade, while shoulder seasons are recommended for cooler weather and fewer crowds. Winter camping is limited to Loop B.

Based on 634 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathroom facilities are super clean and modern." "Site 43 was extremely private and felt like you were alone on a canyon surrounded by trees and beautiful rocks." "No wood fires allowed. Just...

Based on 634 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific issues include unlevel ground at sites 27-B and 50-B, poor tent placement options at 36-B, and proximity to noisy bathrooms at 12-A. Positive mentions include site 43-B's privacy and...

Based on 634 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are praised for being well-integrated, with some reviewers noting easy parking and walkways.

Based on 634 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on leash. Reviews indicate a generally pet-friendly environment but caution against leaving pets unattended due to the desert setting.

Based on 634 reviews

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