Is Deerlodge Park Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Deerlodge Park Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Deerlodge Park Campground before I book?

Yes! Deerlodge Park Campground has 4 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 Deerlodge Park Campground?

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

How many campsites does Deerlodge Park Campground have?

Deerlodge Park Campground has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Deerlodge Park Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Deerlodge Park 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 Deerlodge Park Campground?

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

Deerlodge Park Campground

4.24

37 reviews

P. O. Box 128, Jensen, UT 84035

Top 21% in COFall

Featured in:Boating Camping Utah

Quick Facts

5,614 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,614 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Deerlodge Park Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-781-7700dino_information@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Deerlodge Park Campground

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

P. O. Box 128, Jensen, UT 84035

Deerlodge Park Campground

P. O. Box 128, Jensen, UT 84035

Nearby places

Craig, Colorado (59 miles)

Dinosaur, Colorado (51 miles)

Weather at Deerlodge Park Campground

Best Time to Camp at Deerlodge Park Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the iconic display of cottonwoods turning gold along the Yampa River, with daytime highs typically in the 60s–80s°F and crisp nights often dropping into the 30s–40s. Trails and canyon overlooks are excellent for hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing with far fewer visitors than summer, and lower river flows make for calmer float trips and scenic launches. Crowds are generally light to moderate, making it the ideal time for photographers and anyone Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 21% in CO

Best season: comfortable temps and iconic cottonwood gold make fall excellent.

Planning Tips

About Deerlodge Park Campground

Deerlodge Park Campground sits along the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument, managed by the National Park Service near Jensen, Utah. This primitive riverside spot offers tent and walk-in sites beneath tall cottonwoods, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for quiet river access, fall foliage, and a launching point for canyon floats, though mosquitoes can be heavy and sites see less maintenance than busier NPS campgrounds.

Deerlodge Park Campground is a primitive camping facility catering primarily to tent campers. It is not suitable for RVs due to the lack of hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the iconic display of cottonwoods turning gold along the Yampa River, with daytime highs typically in the 60s–80s°F and crisp nights often dropping into the 30s–40s. Trails and canyon overlooks are excellent for hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing with far fewer visitors than summer, and lower river flows make for calmer float trips and scenic launches. Crowds are generally light to moderate, making it the ideal time for photographers and anyone Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation5614 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a green ribbon of riparian habitat carved by the Yampa River through layers of ancient canyon rock. Tall cottonwoods provide shade across the flat terrain, their roots tapping into the river that flows past camp. The trees contrast sharply with the surrounding high desert landscape and canyon walls. At 5,614 feet elevation, the site creates a microclimate where wildlife gathers along the water. In fall, the cottonwoods turn gold against the red rock backdrop.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or similar accommodations are available within the Deerlodge Park Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesVisitors can explore Fremont petroglyphs, homestead cabins, and other cultural sites within Dinosaur National Monument. Educational programs may be available at visitor centers.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No stay limit provided explicitly in authoritative sources.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No explicit guest limits provided for individual campsites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov app (Scan & Pay)

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned. Campsites are walk-in, which may limit accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeStandard tent sites with enough space for a single tent setup.

PrivacySites are relatively open, located under large cottonwood trees, offering shade but limited privacy due to the flat and open layout of the campground.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesIdeal for visitors seeking scenic views and rafting opportunities; sites are shaded and provide proximity to the river.

Amenities available

Deerlodge Park Campground is a small, primarily tent-friendly campground located within Dinosaur National Monument. Its amenities are straightforward but sufficient for a primitive camping experience. The campground offers seven shady walk-in sites, each equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit. Drinking water and vault toilets are available seasonally. However, there are no showers, electrical hookups, or dump stations on-site. Campers should note that drinking water is only available during warm seasons. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and visitors are required to pay on arrival using a QR code system or self-pay envelopes.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Deerlodge Park Campground provides access to a variety of recreational activities, with a focus on the natural features and history of Dinosaur National Monument. Popular activities include hiking along trails by the Yampa River, wildlife viewing, and participating in river rafting trips, which often launch from the park.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground is equipped only with vault toilets.

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.

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

Rate Deerlodge Park Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.2

37 reviews

Satisfactory

Deerlodge Park Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the picturesque and peaceful nature of the campground, though some complaints about maintenance and bugs were also noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the 'picturesque setting' under tall cottonwood trees, the clean vault toilets, and the quiet atmosphere. The campground's proximity to the Yampa River and scenic views are highly...

Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes are a major issue, according to multiple reviews. Some campers found the campground poorly maintained, with overgrown sites and limited amenities.

Based on 37 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers were noted as best or worst; however, the general consensus is that the sites are peaceful but can lack privacy.

Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray to combat mosquitoes, and carry your own firewood as collecting wood on-site is prohibited. Download the Recreation.gov app before arriving as cellular service is unreliable.

Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight the busy rafting season, with increased noise levels due to rafting groups. Winter visits are rare due to snow making access difficult.

Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Deerlodge Park Campground is within Dinosaur National Monument, Moffat County Colorado.' - Stormy Concoby. 'If it wasn't for the five star hosts, this campground would get 1 star.' - Michael...

Based on 37 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility are available, though the campground's walk-in nature may pose challenges.

Based on 37 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed. Some reviewers noted that popular trails within the monument are not pet-friendly.

Based on 37 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Deerlodge Park Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-781-7700dino_information@nps.gov

Go if

You want a quiet riverside camp with fall foliage and don't mind primitive facilities or seasonal mosquitoes.

Skip if

You need electric hookups, maintained sites, or want to avoid rafting-season crowds and bugs.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.2

(37)

Deerlodge Park Campground

Dinosaur National Monument

Deerlodge Park Campground sits under tall cottonwoods where the Yampa River enters Yampa Canyon in Dinosaur National Monument. Seven walk-in tent sites occupy a flat, open area along the river, offering a primitive first-come, first-served experience with vault toilets and seasonal water. Reviewers consistently praise the quiet, uncrowded feel and clean facilities.

7 campsites

Tents

0.057 km

$12.00 - $14.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

Frequently Visited

4.2

(37)

Deerlodge Park Campground

Dinosaur National Monument

7 campsites

Tents

0.057 km

$12.00 - $14.00 / night

Less Visited

4.0

(94)

Yampa River State Park

6185 US Highway 40 PO Box 759, Hayden, Colorado, 81639, United States

Yampa River State Park sits along the Yampa River corridor in Colorado's high desert, about 50 sites spread between RV loops with electric hookups and scattered tent areas. You'll pay $31-32 per night for modern amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, and laundry. Highway noise carries through camp, and mosquitoes can be relentless in summer, but the trade-off is direct access to a productive trout fishery and surprisingly diverse riparian habitat.

$31.00 - $32.00 / night

Less Visited

4.2

(38)

Dry Lake Campground (Co)

Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District, 925 Weiss Drive, Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Dry Lake Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine terrain of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests near Steamboat Springs, operated by the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District. This small, seasonal campground accommodates tent and RV campers with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for hiking and biking access in a peaceful setting known for fall aspen color and wildlife viewing.

$26.00 - $50.00 / night

Less Visited

4.0

(94)

Yampa River Campground

Nestled along the banks of the free-flowing Yampa River near Hayden, this welcoming headquarters campground offers the perfect blend of comfort and wild Colorado beauty. With electric RV hookups, tent sites, hot showers, and direct river access from every spot, you'll enjoy developed amenities surrounded by sweeping sagebrush valleys and endless high-plains skies—all just off Highway 40.

Sheriff Reservoir Campground

Sheriff Reservoir Campground, Yampa, CO

Sheriff Reservoir Campground sits at 9,700 feet on the edge of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, offering five tent-only sites in a tight spruce forest loop. Sites run $14/night and include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. There's no potable water or cell service. First-come, first-served.

$14.00 - $14.00 / night

ASHLEY NATL FOREST PO BOX 279, MANILA, UT 84046, USA

Deer Run Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Ashley National Forest, near Manila, Utah, and is operated by American Land and Leisure. The campground offers spacious, shaded sites with full amenities including showers and a dump station, attracting families who come for fishing, boating, and hiking. Reviewers praise the privacy and cleanliness but note occasional water availability issues and crowded facilities during busy periods.

$42.00 - $82.00 / night

Less Visited

3.7

(21)

Elkhead Reservoir Campground

Spread across the shores of a stunning 900-acre reservoir in northwest Colorado's Yampa Valley, Elkhead Reservoir Campground invites you to experience wide-open high-desert vistas and endless water recreation. Choose between the Pronghorn area with electric hookups or the rustic Bear's Ears section, both offering vault toilets and essential amenities—just remember to bring your own water and secure your reservation and parks pass before arrival.

2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO, USA, 81637

Gypsum Campground sits along the Eagle River in mid-elevation forest, operated by the Colorado River Valley Field Office. The small riverside site offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets and picnic tables. Summer brings prime conditions for boating and wildlife viewing, though Interstate 70 runs nearby.

Dripping Springs Campground (Ut)

ASHLEY NATL FOREST PO BOX 279, MANILA, UT 84046, USA

Dripping Springs Campground sits in Ashley National Forest near Dutch John, minutes from Flaming Gorge Reservoir and the Green River. Operated by American Land and Leisure, this small mid-elevation campground offers tent sites, RV spots, and group camping with flush toilets and potable water. Visitors hike, fish, and bike in the surrounding forest, with reservoir access nearby for water-based recreation.

$30.00 - $189.00 / night

Nestled along the shimmering northern shore of Rifle Gap Reservoir, this high-desert campground offers front-row seats to stunning water views framed by dramatic sandstone cliffs. With five distinct loops—Cottonwood, Lakeview, Cedar, Sage, and Pinion—spreading across the landscape, it's your perfect launching point for days spent boating across glassy waters, casting lines for trout, or simply soaking in the serene beauty where desert meets reservoir.

$28.00 - $41.00 / night

Campgrounds

Dinosaur National Monument

Deerlodge Park Campground

About Dinosaur National Monument

Context for the broader area surrounding Deerlodge Park Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Dinosaurs once roamed here. Their fantastic remains are still visibly embedded in the rocks. Today, the mountains, desert, and untamed rivers flowing in deep canyons support an array of life. Petroglyphs hint at earlier cultures. Later, homesteaders and outlaws found refuge here. Whether your passion is science, adventure, history or scenery, Dinosaur offers much to explore.

Directions

Dinosaur National Monument is located on the Colorado and Utah border with a parts of the monument in both states. Dinosaur fossils are not visible in the Colorado portion of the monument - only on the Utah side. The Quarry Visitor Center and Exhibit Hall (where you see the dinosaur fossils) are located approximately 7 miles north of Jensen, Utah.

Explore related camping guides

Deerlodge Park Campground appears in our curated guides. Explore more top-rated campgrounds for the same activities and regions.

Boating Camping in Utah