Gates Of Lodore Campground

4.53

51 reviews

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Quick Facts

5,338 ft

Price

$12 - $14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Dinosaur National Monument site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,338 ft

Price

$12 - $14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Dinosaur National Monument site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Gates Of Lodore Campground

$12.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are $14 per night during peak season when water is available, and $12 per night during low-use season when water is not available....

Standard Site Fee$14.00

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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Provider

435-781-7700dino_information@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 51 reviews

56 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietspacioussites

"User reviews highlight the campground's breathtaking natural beauty, spacious sites, and proximity to the Green River. The remote location is both a draw and a challenge, offering stargazing and wildlife viewing but requiring preparation for off-grid conditions."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Gates Of Lodore Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Maybell, Colorado, follow US Highway 40 west for approximately 0.4 mile (.6 km) west. Turn right onto CO 318. Follow 318 west or 46.2 miles (74 km). Turn left onto Moffat County Road 34N. Follow 34N for 1.7 miles (2.7 km). Turn right onto Moffat County Road 34. Follow 34 for 4.5 miles (7.2 km) until you arrive at the ranger station and campground.

Access in winter may be difficult due to snow and road conditions. Roads are gravel and compacted dirt near the campground.

Nearby places

Maybell, CO - approximately 52 miles (83.6 km)

Nearby supplies

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Best Time to Camp at Gates Of Lodore Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the high desert, where winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland with temperatures plunging between 0°F and 30°F in January. As summer arrives, the mercury climbs dramatically, reaching anywhere from 50°F to 100°F in July, painting the canyon walls in shifting light and shadow. Winter adventurers should note that snow can render higher elevations impassable, while summer visitors are treated to nature's own light show as afternoon thunderstorms roll through, occasionally bringing flash floods that remind us of the raw power that carved these ancient canyons.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is peak season with running water and popular for rafting and swimming.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall likely pleasant with fewer crowds and good weather; less explicitly documented.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers water and river activity; good for rafting though specifics on crowds vary.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but winter access is difficult and temperatures can be very cold.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season corresponds to the period when water is available (dates not explicitly stated).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, although winter access may be difficult due to snow and road conditions.
Current Alerts: null

About Gates Of Lodore Campground

Where the mighty Green River meets the dramatic entrance to Lodore Canyon, Gates of Lodore Campground serves as your gateway to one of the West's most spectacular river adventures. This remote outpost has become a legendary staging ground for river rafters preparing to navigate the thundering rapids ahead. With 19 well-appointed sites nestled in this rugged landscape, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, you'll find the perfect blend of wilderness solitude and essential amenities. While RVs are welcome alongside tent campers, the campground maintains its wild character without hookups, offering vault toilets and seasonal running water for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience.

The Gates of Lodore Campground caters to campers looking for a primitive and natural experience. It accommodates both tent and RV camping, but there are no hookups or modern facilities available.

Historical SignificanceStep into a living museum where ancient voices still speak through stone. The Gates of Lodore region stands as one of the American West's most storied landscapes, where mysterious Fremont petroglyphs etched into canyon walls tell tales of civilizations past. Weathered homestead cabins dot the area, silent testimonies to the hardy pioneers who attempted to tame this unforgiving terrain. Every trail and overlook reveals layers of human history intertwined with the natural world, making each visit a journey through time.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the high desert, where winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland with temperatures plunging between 0°F and 30°F in January. As summer arrives, the mercury climbs dramatically, reaching anywhere from 50°F to 100°F in July, painting the canyon walls in shifting light and shadow. Winter adventurers should note that snow can render higher elevations impassable, while summer visitors are treated to nature's own light show as afternoon thunderstorms roll through, occasionally bringing flash floods that remind us of the raw power that carved these ancient canyons.

ElevationNestled at the convergence of river and canyon, the campground sits at the threshold where the high desert meets the dramatic vertical world of Lodore Canyon's towering walls.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be humbled by nature's architecture as you camp at the very doorstep of geological grandeur. Just south of your tent or RV, witness the Green River's dramatic transformation as it plunges into the narrow confines of Lodore Canyon, where sheer walls rise like ancient sentinels on either side. This is where the patient work of water meets stubborn stone, creating a photographer's paradise of light, shadow, and sculpted rock. The contrast between the gentle riverside setting of the campground and the violent beauty of the canyon entrance creates an unforgettable backdrop for your outdoor adventure.

Geological RegionYou'll be camping at one of the West's most dramatic geological transitions, where the Green River has carved its masterpiece through eons of patient erosion. The Gates of Lodore marks the spectacular point where the river abandons its meandering ways and commits to a direct assault through the Uinta Mountains, creating the steep-walled Lodore Canyon. This geological wonderland showcases millions of years of Earth's history in its exposed rock layers, offering visitors a front-row seat to the ongoing battle between water and stone that continues to shape this remarkable landscape.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours

Check-out

Open 24 hours

Stay Limit

14 consecutive days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site is limited to 8 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are spacious, level, and consist of compacted gravel or dirt.

Reservation PlatformsScan & Pay system only, first come first served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Walk-up availability is subject to demand.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are not accepted for sites. All sites are first come, first served. Scan & Pay system does not allow refunds, changes, cancellations, or other fee adjustments.

AccessibilityOne campsite is designated as wheelchair accessible. Other campsites may be accessible with assistance. Vault toilets are also wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeSites are spacious and can accommodate both tents and RVs. Specific dimensions were not provided.

PrivacyThe campground is described as "remote" and "spacious," offering a sense of isolation and tranquility, though specific privacy levels between sites are not detailed.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesSites with shade are preferable during summer months. The area can be quiet except near the boat ramp.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Gates of Lodore Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, particularly suited for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. The area is popular for hiking, with trails accessible directly from the campground. "The trail to see the Gates is fairly easy, with a bit of vertical at the beginning, otherwise quite flat," according to a user review. The nearby Green River provides opportunities for swimming and river rafting. Wildlife viewing and stargazing are notable experiences at this remote location.

HikingHiking trails are available, including a short trail that provides scenic views of the Green River as it enters Lodore Canyon. According to a user, the trail has some vertical inclines and is otherwise flat. Pets are not allowed on the trails.

SwimmingSwimming is available in the Green River. One reviewer mentioned it as a good spot for swimming.

BoatingThe campground is a popular starting point for river rafting trips on the Green River. Boaters frequently gather at the nearby boat ramp before launching into Lodore Canyon.

Wildlife viewingThe remote and natural setting of the campground makes it ideal for observing wildlife. Specific animals were not mentioned.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe campground is located within Dinosaur National Monument, which features educational sites such as the Quarry Exhibit Hall, cultural sites with petroglyphs, and homestead cabins. These are accessible by a drive from the campground.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWinter snow can make access difficult; summer thunderstorms can cause flooding. Steep inclines on hiking trails.

Active Alertsnull

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredLockers are available year-round to secure food and prevent wildlife interactions.

Fire PolicyFires must be built inside the provided fire grates. Seasonal restrictions may apply. Use local firewood only.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Null

Emergency Servicesnull

Trash & RecyclingThe campground does not offer trash or recycling facilities. Campers are required to pack out all trash, food waste, and strained particles from wastewater.

Water FeaturesLocated on the Green River; swimming is available.

Camp HostRangers are seasonally available to answer questions.

Weather at Gates Of Lodore Campground

Reviews

4.5

51 reviews

Top-Rated

Gates Of Lodore Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's breathtaking natural beauty, spacious sites, and proximity to the Green River. The remote location is both a draw and a challenge, offering stargazing and wildlife viewing but requiring preparation for off-grid conditions.

Review Summaries

Based on 51 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention the campground's scenic beauty, spacious sites, and the unique experience of being close to the Green River. Stargazing and the quiet, serene atmosphere are also...

Based on 51 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users expressed concerns about the lack of modern amenities, including showers and cell phone reception. The remote location and challenging road access in winter were also noted.

Based on 51 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing plenty of water and sunscreen, especially for hiking. They also emphasize the need to plan ahead due to the lack of cell service and modern amenities.

Based on 51 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season due to the availability of running water. In winter, access may be difficult due to snow and road conditions, making it less suitable for camping.

Based on 51 reviews

Camper Quotes

"An amazing place to camp with some pristine views...look up, stars, stars, and stars like you’ve never seen!" "Absolutely breathtaking campground with spacious sites and good amenities very close to...

Based on 51 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site reviews were provided.

Based on 51 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are limited but include a designated wheelchair-accessible site and accessible vault toilets. Some campsites may be accessible with assistance.

Based on 51 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at campsites and within 100 feet of roads and parking lots. However, they are not permitted on trails, the river, or in the backcountry. Reviewers noted the restrictions for pet...

Based on 51 reviews

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