Ready, set, camp! The Green River Campground at the Dinosaur National Monument opens today, Friday, April 12, 2019.

Are you looking for an opportunity to camp, but have no burning desire to drive to the moon and back? The Dinosaur National Monument is just down the road from Grand Junction. Google Maps puts it at 110 miles and roughly two hours travel time.

Personally, I've never been to the Green River Campground. What features will you find? According to nps.gov:

The Green River Campground is located along the banks of the Green River at an elevation of 4795 feet. The highly eroded Split Mountain towers to the north of the campground. The famous dinosaur quarry, where you can see 149 million year old dinosaur bones still encased in the rock is approximately five miles from the campground. Also nearby is the Split Mountain Boat Ramp where river rafters come off the Green River after trips through Dinosaur National Monument's canyons. Just a short drive away, you can see petroglyphs left by the Fremont people, explore the homestead of Josie Morris, hike numerous trails or maybe catch a glimpse of wildlife like mule deer and bighorn sheep.

What services will you find?

  • 80 sites - maximum of eight people per site
  • No water, sewer or electric hookups
  • No water tank fill up locations
  • Restrooms available, but no showers

Okay, it's not the Ritz. On the other hand, being something of a purist at heart, this is an example of the way camping is supposed to be.

We're coming up on the middle of April. What are you waiting for? Fire up the camper and get away this weekend. Sites in Loops A and C are open for first-come, first-served. Reservations are accepted at Recreation.gov for the B Loop sites. Make the 110-mile drive and enjoy the getaway you deserve.

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