Is Gates Of Lodore Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Gates Of Lodore Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Gates Of Lodore Campground before I book?

Yes! Gates Of Lodore Campground has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Gates Of Lodore Campground?

Gates Of Lodore Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Gates Of Lodore Campground have?

Gates Of Lodore Campground has 19 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Gates Of Lodore Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Gates Of Lodore Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Gates Of Lodore Campground?

Gates Of Lodore Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Gates Of Lodore Campground

4.36

51 reviews

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Top 12% in COSpring

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Swimming Camping Colorado

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,338 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Dinosaur National Monument Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,338 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Dinosaur National Monument Official Website

Get Directions

Gates Of Lodore Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-781-7700dino_information@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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Gates Of Lodore Campground

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Nearby places

Maybell, CO - approximately 52 miles (83.6 km)

Weather at Gates Of Lodore Campground

Best Time to Camp at Gates Of Lodore Campground

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the warmest, most reliable conditions for river-based recreation — expect daytime highs roughly 70–100°F (cooler in early June, hottest in July) and comfortable evenings for campfires. This is peak rafting and boating season on the Green River, with swimming, canyon hikes, and longer daylight hours at their best; commercial river trips and campground use are busiest, so reservations are recommended. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms, strong sun, and hot mid-day temperatures Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Prime rafting season and running water available; summer is most popular despite hot daytime temps.

Planning Tips

About Gates Of Lodore Campground

Gates Of Lodore Campground sits at the northern edge of Dinosaur National Monument, where the Green River carves into the canyon country of northwest Colorado. Operated by the National Park Service, this small mid-elevation campground serves as a launch point for multi-day river trips and offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. The setting draws paddlers, stargazers, and visitors seeking quiet access to canyon scenery and the Green River corridor.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the warmest, most reliable conditions for river-based recreation — expect daytime highs roughly 70–100°F (cooler in early June, hottest in July) and comfortable evenings for campfires. This is peak rafting and boating season on the Green River, with swimming, canyon hikes, and longer daylight hours at their best; commercial river trips and campground use are busiest, so reservations are recommended. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms, strong sun, and hot mid-day temperatures Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation5338 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at the entrance to Lodore Canyon, where the Green River cuts directly through the Uinta Mountains and steep canyon walls rise on either side. The exposed rock layers reveal millions of years of geological history. The riverside setting offers spacious views, but reviewers note limited shade. Plan accordingly. Wildlife viewing is common. At 5,338 feet elevation, the landscape is high desert terrain where water meets stone in dramatic fashion.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging or hotel-style accommodations are available at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe 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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

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

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.

Best CampsitesOne site is wheelchair accessible. Reviewers prefer sites closest to the Green River for access and views. Specific site numbers aren't mentioned in reviews, but spacious layouts are consistent across the campground.

Need help booking Gates Of Lodore Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Drinking water is available seasonally. The campground has vault toilets, but no showers. There are sites for tents and RVs (but there are no hook-ups). Water is usually available from early May to late September.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Only vault toilets are provided.

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

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

51 reviews

Recommended

Gates Of Lodore Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want Green River access, dark skies for stargazing, and a quiet base for rafting or canyon exploration.

Skip if

You need abundant shade, extensive dog-friendly trails, or guaranteed solitude during peak rafting season.

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Less Visited

4.4

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Gates Of Lodore Campground

Dinosaur National Monument

Gates of Lodore Campground sits at the northern edge of Dinosaur National Monument where the Green River enters Lodore Canyon. Run by the National Park Service, this small campground serves as the put-in point for multi-day rafting trips and offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water during peak season, fire rings and picnic tables. Visitors come for the canyon scenery, riverside access and quiet atmosphere under large shade trees.