Westwater Campground (Ranger Station)

3.85

15 reviews

Westwater Ranger Station, Westwater, UT, 84532

Quick Facts

4,318 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens BLM Moab Field Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

4,318 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens BLM Moab Field Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Westwater Campground (Ranger Station)

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$20 per site per night plus a reservation fee. Payments onsite by cash, check, or through Recreation.gov mobile app. Campsites 8-11 are available by...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-259-2100blm_ut_mb_mail@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

3.85

Mixed Reviews

Based on 15 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

Some mention

noisemosquitoestrain

"Overall, reviews for Westwater Campground are mixed, with many praising its scenic location, clean facilities, and proximity to the Colorado River. However, some users mention issues with insects and crowding."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Westwater Ranger Station, Westwater, UT, 84532

Westwater Campground (Ranger Station)

Westwater Ranger Station, Westwater, UT, 84532

Driving directionsFrom Grand Junction Colorado (westbound traffic): Take I-70 from Grand Junction for approximately 35 miles to exit 227. Turn south at the stop sign and proceed for nine miles to the Ranger Station and put-in. From the west (eastbound traffic): Take exit 227 on I-70, then head south at the stop sign. Proceed for nine miles to the Ranger Station and put-in. NOTE: Do NOT use exit 221 toward Sulphur when the roads are wet. It may be impassable with muddy conditions.

Accessible via I-70 exit 227 with a nine-mile drive on paved roads. Exit 221 toward Sulphur is not recommended during wet conditions due to potential impassability.

Nearby places

Grand Junction, CO (35 miles, ~40 minutes), Fruita, CO (35 miles, ~40 minutes), Moab, UT (70 miles, ~1 hour 20 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Grand Junction, CO (~35 miles) or Moab, UT (~70 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Westwater Campground (Ranger Station)

The high desert climate here paints each day with brilliant sunshine and crisp, dry air that carries the scent of sagebrush and adventure. While the arid landscape rarely sees rain, when storms do roll through the canyons, they arrive with dramatic flair—bringing gusty winds that whistle through the sandstone walls and occasional flash floods that remind visitors of nature's raw power. From March through November, fresh drinking water flows at the campground, making these months ideal for extended stays. Winter visitors should come prepared with their own water supply but will be rewarded with serene solitude and crisp, clear days.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open in summer but late summer sees increased mosquito and fly activity per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Likely pleasant shoulder-season conditions; fewer insects than late summer (inferred).

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Visitors recommend spring and early summer as best times; mosquitoes less active then.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round but drinking water is seasonal (Mar-Nov); desert winters are dry and cool.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1 - December 31 (Peak Yearly Season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Drinking water available March-November but not guaranteed.

About Westwater Campground (Ranger Station)

Perched along the banks of the mighty Colorado River, Westwater Campground at the Ranger Station serves as your gateway to unforgettable river adventures and desert exploration. This riverside haven welcomes both spontaneous adventurers and planners alike, with a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Each campsite comes equipped with essential comforts—sturdy picnic tables for riverside meals, fire rings for evening gatherings under star-filled skies, and vault toilets for convenience. Whether you're launching a multi-day float trip or setting off on the legendary Kokopelli's Trail, this campground provides the perfect basecamp for your Colorado River journey.

Westwater Campground provides both reservable and first-come, first-serve sites, catering to tent and small group camping. No facilities for RV hookups or luxury camping are offered.

Historical SignificanceWhispers of the Old West echo through Westwater Canyon, where weathered remnants of pioneer dreams still cling to the cliffsides. As you explore the area, you'll discover mysterious caves that once sheltered ancient peoples and stumble upon abandoned settler cabins—their sun-bleached timbers telling silent stories of homesteaders who tried to tame this wild landscape. These historical treasures dot the canyon walls, offering glimpses into the lives of those who came before, from Native Americans who first called this land home to the hardy pioneers who followed the river's promise westward.

Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate here paints each day with brilliant sunshine and crisp, dry air that carries the scent of sagebrush and adventure. While the arid landscape rarely sees rain, when storms do roll through the canyons, they arrive with dramatic flair—bringing gusty winds that whistle through the sandstone walls and occasional flash floods that remind visitors of nature's raw power. From March through November, fresh drinking water flows at the campground, making these months ideal for extended stays. Winter visitors should come prepared with their own water supply but will be rewarded with serene solitude and crisp, clear days.

ElevationNestled in the Colorado River valley, the campground sits at an elevation that perfectly balances accessibility with the dramatic topography of the surrounding canyon country.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering walls of ancient Navajo Sandstone embrace the campground, their layers telling a story written over millions of years in shades of crimson, amber, and cream. The Colorado River flows past your tent door, its waters carrying the whispers of distant mountains and the promise of adventure. This stunning landscape forms part of the pristine Westwater Wilderness Study Area, where red rock canyons carve dramatic sculptures against azure skies. Dawn paints these stone sentinels in glowing hues while sunset transforms them into a natural amphitheater of shadow and light, creating an ever-changing canvas that captivates photographers and nature lovers alike.

Geological RegionSet within a dramatic river valley where the Colorado River has carved its ancient path through layers of Navajo Sandstone, the campground offers front-row seats to one of nature's most impressive geological theaters. These towering sandstone formations, sculpted by wind and water over eons, create a natural fortress around the campground. The surrounding Westwater Wilderness Study Area preserves this geological wonderland in its raw, untamed state, where cross-bedded sandstone cliffs reveal the ancient sand dunes that once dominated this landscape millions of years ago.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in by 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out by Noon.

Stay Limit

Maximum group size: 10 people and 2 vehicles.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 10 people per site.

Groups

Group sites are not explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites 1-7 (first-come, first-served) are closer to the water; Campsites 8-11 (reservable) are further inland.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov mobile app or website.

Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites 1-7 are available first-come, first-served. Campsites 8-11 require reservations.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be changed or cancelled through Recreation.gov. Changes include a $10 fee if moving to dates outside of the original reservation. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's use fee. No refunds available for Scan & Pay sites.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.

Site SizeRoom for 3-4 medium-large tents is noted for some sites.

PrivacyThe first-come, first-serve sites are located along the river, offering scenic views, while the reservable sites are further inland, providing slightly more seclusion.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesReserve spots for privacy and mowed grass; first-come river spots provide water views but are closer to traffic.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Westwater Campground serves as a hub for various outdoor activities centered around the Colorado River, including boating, biking, and hiking. The area offers significant opportunities for adventure with challenging rapids, scenic trails, and access to iconic trails like Kokopelli’s Trail.

HikingHiking opportunities are abundant nearby, with day hikes available in Ruby-Horsethief Canyon and Westwater Canyon. Highlights include scenic views of red rock canyons and geological features.

BikingThe campground offers access to Kokopelli’s Trail, a 140-mile biking route from Loma, CO, to Moab, UT, featuring elevations as high as 8,400 feet and a mix of single-track trails and four-wheel-drive roads. One user review praises the ranger for assisting with a bike issue.

BoatingThe campground is the take-out for Ruby-Horsethief Canyon and a put-in for Westwater Canyon river trips. Ruby-Horsethief offers Class I to II rapids, while Westwater Canyon has Class I to IV rapids, suitable for experienced adventurers.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential dangers include gusty winds, flash flooding, and abundant mosquitoes.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in fire rings provided at campsites.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesBLM Moab Field Office, 82 E. Dogwood, Moab, UT 84532. Phone: 435-259-2100.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available near the campsites. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to the Colorado River, boating access available.

Camp HostStaff at Westwater Ranger Station available during business hours for assistance with campground etiquette and campsite acquisition.

Weather at Westwater Campground (Ranger Station)

Reviews

3.9

15 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Westwater Campground (Ranger Station) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, reviews for Westwater Campground are mixed, with many praising its scenic location, clean facilities, and proximity to the Colorado River. However, some users mention issues with insects and crowding.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback highlights include clean vault toilets, spacious campsites, proximity to the river, and assistance from attentive rangers.

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include issues with insects (mosquitoes and flies) and occasional crowding, particularly with boaters.

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellent to address mosquito and fly issues. If possible, choose first-come, first-serve sites for better river views. Secure tents and gear due to strong winds.

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors recommend spring and early summer as the best times to visit, as mosquitoes are less active then. Late summer sees an increase in insect activity.

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms were clean, the only problem we had was the bugs. The mosquitos were insane, and the flies were out of control." - Amara S. "A great place off the beaten path. Very clean bathrooms,...

Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 10 has received mixed reviews. One user noted it was spacious and well-maintained but switched to a riverside site (No. 3) for better views. Reservable sites are noted for being inland but...

Based on 15 reviews