Knowles Overlook Campground

4.58

53 reviews

McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area, 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506, USA

Featured in:Camping Near Canyonlands National Park

Quick Facts

1,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Closed during constr...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Closed during constr...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Knowles Overlook Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground has no use fee.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

970-244-3000gjfo_webmail@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 53 reviews

55 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhikingsites

Some mention

dusty

"The Knowles Overlook Campground receives high praise for its scenic views, access to outdoor activities, and relative seclusion. Users appreciate the well-maintained campsites, which include picnic tables and fire rings, as well as the clean vault toilets. However, the lack of amenities such as water, trash disposal, and shade can be challenging for some campers. The campground's accessibility is also noted as requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly in wet conditions."

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Campground Map

McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area, 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506, USA

Knowles Overlook Campground

McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area, 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506, USA

Driving directionsFrom Grand Junction, CO travel west on I-70 and take exit 2 towards Rabbit Valley. Take a left over the interstate and travel straight into McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. Take a right at the first intersection and a left at the second intersection. Stay on the main road for approximately 2.8 miles and take a left. The campground is approximately 1.3 miles further.

The campground is accessible via paved roads up to Rabbit Valley, then transitions to unpaved roads. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended. User reviews mention that vehicles with good ground clearance are needed, particularly during wet conditions.

Nearby places

Grand Junction (approximately 30 miles), Fruita (approximately 25 miles)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be acquired in Grand Junction, CO, which is the nearest urban center.

Best Time to Camp at Knowles Overlook Campground

The high desert climate here dances between extremes, creating a dynamic camping environment that changes with each season. Persistent canyon winds sweep across the exposed overlook, making low-profile tents essential for comfortable nights under the stars. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched expanse where shade becomes precious currency, while spring and fall offer those coveted moderate temperatures that make desert camping magical. The typically dry conditions create perfect stargazing opportunities, though savvy campers come prepared for the desert's mood swings.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Hot and persistently windy in summer; requires shade and hydration preparations.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Milder weather and excellent trails make fall especially pleasant for visits.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 16% in CO

Spring offers milder temps and good trail access; positive seasonal feedback noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Reviews note winter visits are possible and popular, but exposure and closures matter.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Closed during construction starting November 15, 2021.
Current Alerts: The campground has been closed for construction as of November 15, 2021.

About Knowles Overlook Campground

Perched high above the Colorado River, Knowles Overlook Campground offers an unforgettable escape into the raw beauty of McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. This remote gem features approximately 20 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with its own picnic table and designated tent pad. While some sites welcome RVs with generous parking loops, others cater to tent campers with more intimate parking spaces. Despite its rugged location, this popular destination draws adventurers seeking panoramic vistas and authentic wilderness camping where the desert meets the sky.

Knowles Overlook Campground is a mixed-use site suitable for both tent camping and smaller RVs. It offers basic amenities without any advanced facilities like cabins or group-specific areas.

Historical SignificanceKnowles Overlook sits within the protected embrace of McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, a testament to our commitment to preserving the American West's irreplaceable high desert ecosystems. This landscape tells ancient stories through its weathered rocks and hardy vegetation, serving as a living museum where visitors can connect with the timeless spirit of the Colorado Plateau while experiencing firsthand why these lands deserve our protection and reverence.

Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate here dances between extremes, creating a dynamic camping environment that changes with each season. Persistent canyon winds sweep across the exposed overlook, making low-profile tents essential for comfortable nights under the stars. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched expanse where shade becomes precious currency, while spring and fall offer those coveted moderate temperatures that make desert camping magical. The typically dry conditions create perfect stargazing opportunities, though savvy campers come prepared for the desert's mood swings.

ElevationRising dramatically 1,000 feet above the mighty Colorado River, the campground's lofty perch provides a natural balcony overlooking one of North America's most legendary waterways. This elevated position not only delivers spectacular views but also creates a unique microclimate where desert breezes cool evening temperatures and morning light paints the canyon walls in brilliant hues.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground serves as your basecamp for exploring the untamed wilderness of McInnis Canyons, where sculpted sandstone formations frame distant horizons and the Colorado River carves its ancient path far below. Mountain bikers discover world-class trails threading through slickrock gardens, while hikers explore hidden alcoves and dramatic viewpoints. The surrounding high desert landscape bursts with surprising diversity—from twisted junipers clinging to cliff edges to carpets of wildflowers that emerge after rare desert rains, creating an ever-changing canvas of colors and textures.

Geological RegionMcInnis Canyons National Conservation Area showcases the Colorado Plateau's geological masterpiece, where millions of years of erosion have carved dramatic canyons and sculpted otherworldly rock formations. This rugged wonderland reveals layer upon layer of Earth's history in its exposed cliff faces, while the Colorado River continues its patient work far below. The high desert ecosystem thrives in this challenging environment, creating a landscape where ancient geology meets vibrant life in a delicate balance that defines the American Southwest.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground layout includes approximately 20 individual campsites, each with a picnic table and tent pad. Parking varies between individual sites.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as the campground is not reservable.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly mentioned, though reviews indicate first-come-first-served availability.

Cancellation PolicyLate cancellation policies and fees are described for general camping reservations in the conservation area but do not apply to this specific campground which has no use fee and is not reservable.

Site SizeThe campsites vary in size, with some larger sites able to accommodate smaller RVs ("Jouflas camp area can accommodate smaller RV's. We have a 25-foot RV.").

PrivacyThe campsites offer a level of seclusion and scenic views ("Great secluded campground with cell service. Overlooking the Colorado River."), but may not have significant privacy barriers.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesReviews suggest arriving early to secure a spot as campsites are limited and can fill quickly.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Knowles Overlook Campground is well-suited for outdoor recreation, including hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, and wildlife viewing. It sits near the Western Rim Trail, a popular destination for mountain biking and off-road adventures.

HikingThe campground offers access to nearby hiking trails, including short trails providing scenic views of the area ("Great views and short hiking trails in the area.").

BikingThe campground is known for its proximity to the Western Rim Trail, which is described as "unparalleled" for mountain biking ("Very close to Western Rim trail for unparalleled mtb and off-road adventures."). The terrain is well-suited for this activity.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are mentioned in user reviews, although not in detail.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWind is a recurring hazard mentioned in reviews, potentially affecting tents and awnings. Dust conditions are also noted, and high-clearance vehicles are recommended for access.

Active AlertsWILL BE CLOSED DURING CONSTRUCTION. | The campground has been closed for construction as of November 15, 2021.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfire policies are not mentioned.

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital or emergency medical services are likely in Grand Junction, CO. No specific emergency service location is mentioned.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available on-site, as noted in user reviews ("No trash cans either."). Campers are required to pack out their trash.

Water FeaturesThe campground overlooks the Colorado River, providing scenic views but no direct water access.

Camp HostHost information is not provided.

Weather at Knowles Overlook Campground

Reviews

4.6

53 reviews

Top-Rated

Knowles Overlook Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Knowles Overlook Campground receives high praise for its scenic views, access to outdoor activities, and relative seclusion. Users appreciate the well-maintained campsites, which include picnic tables and fire rings, as well as the clean vault toilets. However, the lack of amenities such as water, trash disposal, and shade can be challenging for some campers. The campground's accessibility is also noted as requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly in wet conditions.

Review Summaries

Based on 53 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently mention the spectacular views ("Beautiful views from the campsites 1000 feet above the Colorado River"), the availability of clean vault toilets, and the proximity to trails for...

Based on 53 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints include the lack of water and trash facilities, as well as the challenging access road that requires high-clearance vehicles ("The road getting there is challenging and I...

Based on 53 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure a spot, as the number of campsites is limited ("Get there early, they are popular."). Bringing plenty of water, wind protection, and shade structures is...

Based on 53 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews mention that the campground can be windy and hot during summer months, which may require extra preparation for shade and hydration. Winter visits are also noted to be popular, though sites...

Based on 53 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Mountain biking, off-roading, and camping heaven. A new favorite for sure!" - Michael Hennesy. "The road getting there is challenging and I probably would have turned around if I did not already...

Based on 53 reviews