Westwater Campground (Ranger Station)

Westwater Canyon River · Colorado · Recreation.gov

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★ 3.3 (14 ratings) · 11 sites · $20/night · Tent · Caravan/Camper Van · Pickup Camper

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Westwater campsite on the Colorado River

Entrance to Westwater Ranger Station and Campground

About

Welcome to the wild and remote canyons and rivers of eastern Utah. The Westwater Campground is located next to the Westwater Ranger Station; the take-out for the Ruby-Horsethief and put-in for the Westwater Canyon sections of the Colorado River. This campground is ideal for those looking to camp along the river at the start or end of a river float trip or otherwise recreating in the area. Campsites 1 - 7 are available first come, first serve only . Payments can be made by cash, check, or scan and pay throught the Recreation.gov mobile app. Campsites 8 - 11 are available by reservation only . Reservations can be made the day of, up to 6 months in advance from anywhere service is available. This is the only option, cash and check payments are NOT available for these campsites. There is cell service for most providers at the Westwater Ranger Station. Each campsite has parking for two vehicles (vehicle pulling a trailer = two vehicles), a picnic table, a fire ring, and close proximity to a vault toilet and trash receptacles. Drinking water may be available March - November. However, do not rely on this as the water source for your trips needs as it is not always operational. There are no electric hook-ups and cell service is spotty to non-existent. During business hours, the Westwater Ranger Station can assist visitors with acquiring a campsite, trip planning, and campground etiquette. The Westwater Campground is adjacent to the Colorado River as it meanders through a valley. Views of Navajo Sandstone walls surrounding the valley can be seen from the site. The town of Moab, UT, Canyonlands National Park, and Arches National Park are located approximately 70 miles to the southwest. The cities of Grand Junction and Fruita, CO along with McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and Colorado National Monument are located approximately 35 miles to the east. The Colorado River is known for extraordinary boating trips including the Ruby-Horsethief section up-river and Westwater section downriver of the Westwater Campground.

The Ruby-Horsethief section begins in Loma, CO and consists of a 25-mile stretch of mostly flat-water with sections of Class I and II rapids. It flows through beautiful red rock canyons and has many day hiking opportunities offering both solitude and exploration.

The Westwater Canyon section offers boating excitement for experienced adventurers to test their skills navigating eleven named rapids ranging in difficulty from class I to class IV. The section contains incredible geology and day hiking opportunities with glimpses of abandoned settler cabins and caves. Approximately 10,000 people float this section of the Colorado River each year. The 17 mile stretch is surrounded by the Westwater Wilderness Study Area.

North of the campground are many motorized and non-motorized trails. These trails include Kokopelli’s Trail , one of Colorado's and Utah's premiere mountain bike trails. It stretches 140 miles from Loma, CO to Moab, UT with elevations that rise to 8,400 feet following four-wheel-drive roads and single-track trails.

Amenities

Toilets (vault)
Pets allowed

Availability at Westwater Campground (Ranger Station)

CampFinder checks Recreation.gov every 30 minutes, around the clock, and emails you when a booked-up night opens back up. That catches most cancellations, which sit open for hours; at the few campgrounds that refill in seconds it can miss the race. Set up a free availability alert for Westwater Campground (Ranger Station).