Deerlodge Park Campground

4.47

37 reviews

P. O. Box 128, Jensen, UT 84035

Quick Facts

5,614 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

5,614 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Deerlodge Park Campground

$12.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

This campground uses Scan & Pay for payments. All campsites are first-come, first-served, and payment can be made using the Recreation.gov mobile app...

Standard Site Fee$12.00

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

4.47

Recommended

Based on 37 reviews

47 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietclean

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

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P. O. Box 128, Jensen, UT 84035

Deerlodge Park Campground

P. O. Box 128, Jensen, UT 84035

Driving directionsTo reach Deerlodge Park Campground, drive west from Craig, Colorado 59 miles (95 km) or east of Dinosaur, Colorado 51 miles (95 km) on Highway 40. At the Dinosaur National Monument sign turn north on to Deerlodge Road (or labeled Dinosaur Park Service Rd on some maps) and drive 17 miles.

The access road is labeled as Dinosaur Park Service Rd on some maps. It involves a 17-mile drive on a road that may be challenging during winter or spring runoff due to snow and flooding.

Nearby places

Craig, Colorado (59 miles)

Dinosaur, Colorado (51 miles)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies can be found in Craig, Colorado, 59 miles away, or Dinosaur, Colorado, 51 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Deerlodge Park Campground

Experience the dramatic dance of seasons in this high desert wonderland, where winter's crisp embrace brings temperatures that can plunge to a bracing 0°F, while summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise with mercury climbing to a toasty 100°F. Spring arrives with spectacular drama as snowmelt from distant mountains swells the Yampa River to its peak flow, creating the thunderous rapids that draw whitewater enthusiasts from around the globe. These seasonal floods, typically occurring in late spring, showcase nature's raw power and rejuvenate the riparian ecosystem.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Accessible and scenic but busy rafting season and prevalent mosquitoes reduce appeal.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Likely quieter with good scenery and cooler weather; fewer seasonal access issues than spring.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.5 / 5

Late spring runoff can affect accessibility; season is wet and may limit use.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Open year‑round but winter access difficult and visits are rare due to snow and cold.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Late spring runoff affects accessibility due to flooding.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; winter access may be difficult due to snow.
Current Alerts: Flooding occurs when Yampa River exceeds 18,000 cfs; check NOAA and USGS for water levels before visiting.

About Deerlodge Park Campground

Nestled beneath a canopy of towering cottonwood trees, Deerlodge Park Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience along the mighty Yampa River. This tranquil, primitive tent-only sanctuary serves as the gateway for thrilling whitewater expeditions, where rafters gather before embarking on their journey through one of the last free-flowing rivers in the Colorado River system. The rustling leaves overhead and the gentle murmur of the river create a natural symphony that lulls campers into the peaceful rhythms of canyon country.

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.

Historical Significance

Indigenous Heritage

Step back through millennia at this crossroads of ancient cultures and frontier history, where the echoes of the past whisper through the canyon walls. Within the boundaries of Dinosaur National Monument, mysterious Fremont petroglyphs etched into stone tell stories of peoples who called these canyons home over a thousand years ago. Weathered homestead cabins stand as silent sentinels to the hardy pioneers who attempted to tame this rugged landscape, their dreams and struggles now part of the monument's rich tapestry of human history.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of seasons in this high desert wonderland, where winter's crisp embrace brings temperatures that can plunge to a bracing 0°F, while summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise with mercury climbing to a toasty 100°F. Spring arrives with spectacular drama as snowmelt from distant mountains swells the Yampa River to its peak flow, creating the thunderous rapids that draw whitewater enthusiasts from around the globe. These seasonal floods, typically occurring in late spring, showcase nature's raw power and rejuvenate the riparian ecosystem.

ElevationSituated in the embrace of the high desert canyon country, where the unique elevation creates a distinctive ecosystem supporting both riverside cottonwoods and drought-resistant sage.

Natural Features and ScenerySpread across a serene meadow beneath a living cathedral of ancient cottonwoods, the campground offers front-row seats to nature's grand theater. The majestic Yampa River flows past like a liquid highway, its waters reflecting the changing moods of the sky while carving ever deeper into the ancient rock. This verdant oasis contrasts beautifully with the surrounding high desert landscape, creating a microclimate where wildlife congregates and wildflowers paint the understory in seasonal splashes of color.

Geological RegionImmerse yourself in the geological wonderland of Dinosaur National Monument, where eons of Earth's history lie exposed in spectacular canyon walls. The campground rests in a rare flat expanse carved by the patient work of the Yampa River, sheltered by magnificent cottonwoods whose roots tap into the life-giving waters below. This unique riparian corridor cuts through layers of ancient rock, creating a green ribbon of life through the rugged canyon country that has captivated geologists and nature lovers for generations.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specific check-in time provided.

Check-out

No specific check-out time provided.

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

Site layoutShady walk-in sites suitable for tents.

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov app (Scan & Pay)

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served; visitors must arrive physically to secure a site.

Cancellation PolicyNo refunds, changes, or cancellations allowed with Scan & Pay payments.

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

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

HikingHiking opportunities are available along the Yampa River. Trails provide scenic views, though some of the monument's popular trails are not dog-friendly.

BoatingThe campground is at the head of Yampa Canyon, making it a major rafting launch point. The Yampa River offers multi-day rafting trips, including famous rapids like Teepee, Big Joe, and Warm Springs. Private trips require a permit.

Wildlife viewingThe campground setting along the Yampa River with its large cottonwood trees provides ample opportunities for birdwatching and spotting other wildlife.

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

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlooding during late spring runoff; mosquitoes are described as 'relentless' by users.

Active AlertsFlooding occurs when Yampa River exceeds 18,000 cfs; check NOAA and USGS for water levels before visiting.

Fire PolicyCampfires must be in provided fire pits. Firewood collection is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No explicit quiet hours provided in authoritative sources.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are in Craig, Colorado, 59 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, though details on recycling are not provided.

Water FeaturesLocated directly along the Yampa River.

Camp HostUser reviews praise campground hosts as 'phenomenal, kind, and very involved.'

Weather at Deerlodge Park Campground

Reviews

4.5

37 reviews

Recommended

Deerlodge Park Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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