The best camping near Highline Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Highline Lake State Park adventure.

100% (1 reviews)
100% (1 reviews)

A Grand Valley hot spot and desert oasis with two lakes and miles of trails.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Highline Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Highline Lake State Park

97%
(397)

The Views at Gateway

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2000 acres · Gateway, CO
Located on the Dolores river, this property is perfect for hikers, fishing, rafting, or just camping! There is a natural spring just a few miles from the location with drinking water as well. When you stay here you are located right on the river with nothing but places to hike, climb and have fun and there are several options for you to choose from. There is a cabin, an onsite RV, a canvas tent, and BYO tent or RV camping on the land - you can pick whatever suits you best! No matter what, you can fall asleep to the sound of the river after a great night of star gazing! Nearby outdoor points of interest include the Dolores River on property, Hanging Flume which is approx. 20 miles from site, Gateway Canyons Resort Auto museum 7 miles from site, Arches National Park 2 hour drive from site, Colorado national monument 1 hour drive. The Grand Mesa 2 hour drive, Telluride ski resort 2 hour drive! You can find hiking, biking, swimming, paddle board, kayaks, rafting, fishing, tubing, bird watching, star gazing rock climbing, bouldering, all right from the property. All sites are accessible without 4wheel drive. I love where I live and think everyone should be able to experience the peaceful quiet beautiful environment that it is!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
100%
(51)

Palisade by Moonlight

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Palisade, CO
We live on a lovely 2 acres in East Orchard Mesa. ( which is approximately 8 miles from downtown Palisade) Our property is adjacent to peach orchards and vineyards and has a gorgeous view of the Grand Mesa. There are lawns and gardens and a landscaped area to enjoy a campfire 🔥 In 2010, The Wedding House venue began hosting weddings. Our home has a past! Formerly a church, and built in 1910, the house was brought into the property in the mid 60’s and was thoroughly remodeled.Learn more about this land:Located in the East Orchard Mesa area of Palisade.(about 8 miles and 15 min. from both downtown Palisade and Grand Junction! We are surrounded by Peaches/Vineyards and have an awesome view of the Grand Mesa. Our property is also a wedding venue with lawns and open skies, fire pit area, bbq grill, porta potty and hand washing station. Close by shooting range and ATV BLM land. A favorite road biking route through the rolling hills of Palisade Wine country. You cannot beat the sunsets, rainbows, and mountain views. The “chapel” can be a place to have an outdoor meal with tables and chairs available. Plenty of parking.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
99%
(62)

Reverie Retreat at MTO

1 site · RV10 acres · Palisade, CO
This retreat is surrounded by a peach orchard which has breathtaking views of Mt. Garfield and is surrounded by farms, vineyards and wineries. Mosher-Talley Orchard (MTO) is a ten acre, third generation farm. Located on the Fruit and Wine Byway, we are eight miles from Palisade or downtown Grand Junction. There are two wineries within one mile in either direction and four wineries within three miles. We provide electric hook-ups along with an indoor bathroom (no shower). Bring a propane bottle for our gas fire pit or enjoy our traditional one with complimentary wood. Friendly pets are welcome! There are two small free-range farm dogs that will likely greet you. On occasion, wildlife roams the property as well. Other local activities: (season depending) - Multiple hiking and mountain biking trails -Skiing/snowboarding (45 minutes away) -Wineries, distilleries and craft breweries -Local produce, pies, honey & farmer’s markets -River activities: rafting, SUP’s, and floating -Festivals -Fishing
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
96%
(24)

Bear Family Ranch RV and Camping

10 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Mack, CO
Bear Family Ranch gives you a feeling of remoteness, away from the hustle and bustle. The family here works hard, but we are all laid back in the country. We are less than 2 miles from I-70, easy off and onto I-70. We are just outside of the small really small town of Mack, Colorado. We are 20 miles west of Grand Junction. We are 2 miles from the Colorado River, Horse Thief Canyon, and many other outdoor activities. Mountain Biking all around the valley, and you can bike on our trails around the 150 acres. We are a farm and ranch sometimes we have cattle, sometimes we have horses. Bear Family Ranch is a secluded and hidden ranch, you cannot see the ranch from the roadway. You will see incredible views of the Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa, and Mount Garfield. When the sun sets, shinning it's sun rays on the Colorado Monument the monument comes to life. There are 3 full hook-up RV sites and 7 dry camping, walk-in sites. The Bear Family Ranch sits in a desert like valley with, trees in and around the property, there is a pond fed by an irrigation stream, the pond is not stocked at this time, there is a creek nearby, and a river 1 mile from camping and still on our property. Farm animals we have, most are in pins, but you are welcome to explore. Go for a walk around the pond, explore the property, hike a mile to the Mack Wash (which is a small river) and you get there by crossing 1st creek, and winding through the small hills, and down to the river. Along the upper small canyon there are naturally formed mini rapids. You can mountain bike around the property. It's quiet with birds flying and chirping. This is a very private and secluded location with lots of space! ARRIVAL: Please ask for directions, there is a red sign out front that says "Bear Family Ranch'. Also, a blue and white sign with our address on it. You will drive on a dirt road up and over a hill, less than 2-10ths of a mile off of 10 road you will then see the Bear Family Ranch. When you arrive, we will assist you to your spot, there are 3 back-in RV spots, on a gravel and road base pad, with 30A/50A, water, and limited sewer hook-up (see below). There are 7 dry camping sites, raised 8 x 8 pad, and the sites are a short walk from where you park. Roughly 400 feet. There is no parking at the dry camping sites. You will park on the gravel pad and enjoy the short walk into the camp sites. (See dry camping below). Bring your own camping toilet or use our outhouse with a camping toilet inside. This toilet would be shared by whomever else is camping. Because it's a working ranch, we prefer to familiarize you and your guests to the ranch and show you the route to the site as we have exposed irrigation, irrigation ditches, and a pond. We prefer not to fish you out of the pond. LOL. Someone is always here at the Ranch, and if you experience a problem, we can try our best to figure it out and 'get'Rr-dun!' The goats, Tom Brady and Darelene along with baby goats, Haas and Cinnamin, are very happy to see you, but you can't go inside with them, without a Ranch hand. We have ducks, Turkeys and chickens. Farm eggs, ice, and firewood are available for purchase as availability allows. Chickens have a say in the eggs, LOL. There is a small store in the Salon, between the main house and the RV parking. The Salon is available with an appointment made at the Bear Hair Salon with April. There are limited use of the washer and dryer, and what is being washed, if you need to wash bulky or excessively dirty laundry, we recommend the laundry machines in Fruita. Sewer goes into a leach field and can only handle so much water, thanks for your understanding and flexibility. The Bear Family Ranch crew are up early and usually busy in the field, or around the ranch, as there is always something to do! We are 30 minutes west of Grand Junction. A family water park 15 minutes away. 1/2 a mile from the Annual 3rd week of June Country Jam, 2 miles from Colorado river, World Class Mountain Biking in Loma, Kokopelli trail, Horse Thief Canyon, 18 Road into the Fruita Desert, and Mtn Bike lunch loops in Grand Junction. 10 min from the Colorado Monument. 1 hour to the Grand Mesa, 1 hour and 15 min from Moab. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: DRY CAMP SITES are a SHORT WALK. Roughly 200 feet. We have a pull wagon, if necessary one of our family ranch hands can use a quad with a trailer. This is because of periotic and seasonal wet rainy times causing incredible muddy conditions all over the Grand Valley. Because of this mud, at times, we must have vehicles stay off of areas not graveled. For this reason, we currently do not have a park next to thew dry camp sites. (**IF DRY CONDITIONS EXIST, and we are not currently watering grass in and around the dry camping sites, it may be possible to park closer, in a designated parking area, about 40-80 feet from dry camp sites. There is absolutely no parking at the dry camp sites. (This does not apply to the RV sites as they are on road base and gravel). DIRECTIONS: If needed we can provide specific directions to the property, upon contact through Hip-Camp, for peace of mind and due to some map apps don't give direct location. LIMIITED SEWER (If you need to dump grey or black from your tank, please help us keep our leach field from being saturated, If you need to dump grey or black water from your RV, we recommend the really nice rest area in Fruita. The Colorado Welcome Center Rest Area is off of I-70 at EXIT 19, which has a FREE dump station. We are on a leach field, no paper products including toilet paper into the sewer, please and thank you. CHECK-IN is between 1 pm-8 pm, any sooner or especially later please notify the Host through Hip-Camp, for possible arrangements to change the check-in time. It is really helpful, for you and us to show you in daylight hours. We are up early every day, and you may understand we turn-in early at the ranch. Check out is 11 am. We must check you in, to familiarize you and your guests to the location where you will stay and the many nuances with a ranch/farm. We need to know what vehicles are here and know about any guests that may be visiting. Ater check-in you are our guests; you may come and go as you need. We respect your privacy, but if you need anything please contact us or go to the main house. Being a family ranch, we are always working and vigilant of our animals and the security of the Bear Family Ranch. We just need to know who is coming and going. We are also keeping you safe here.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$22.50
 / night

The best camping near Highline Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

With two separate lakes, the park is a mecca for water activities. Enjoy motor boating, water skiing, jet skiing, paddling, swimming, and fishing on Highline Lake, or opt for a quieter experience on the smaller, non-motorized Mack Mesa Lake. Surrounding the lakes are several hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as easy access to world-class mountain biking. In winter, enjoy hunting, ice fishing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. The park is also an important bird area.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for amenities: Bookcliff Campground offers sites with grills, fire rings, and picnic tables, plus a year-round camper services building.
  • Best for tent campers: Three walk-in campsites (#10, 11, and 12) are available for tents only.
  • Best for groups: The Group Camping Area offers space for up to 100 tent campers.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Those planning to spend the night should make plans early, as only 36 basic campsites are available for RVs and tent campers.
  2. During peak season, make a reservation as soon as you know your dates. All campsites require a reservation, which can be made up to six months in advance up until the same day.
  3. If you’re traveling light, go for one of the walk-in, tent-only campsites.
  4. If your plans are flexible, try to visit the year-round park during the week, during non-holiday periods, or in winter.

When to go

The park is busiest in summer. Highline Lake is open to boating between March 1 and September 30, weather permitting, while the swim beach is open from the second weekend of May through September. Visit in fall for trout fishing, and winter for birdwatching and ice fishing on Mack Mesa Lake. Small-game hunting is permitted in designated areas between the Tuesday following Labor Day and the Friday before Memorial Day, only Monday through Friday.

Know before you go

  • Mack Mesa Lake is only open to electric or hand-powered boats, paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks. All boats, including paddleboards and kayaks, must have life jackets. Loaners are available from the visitor center.
  • Pets are not allowed at the swim beach—a designated pet swimming area can be found near the east boat ramp. 
  • Hunters may only hunt waterfowl from the blinds, and may only use shotguns for small game hunting. All hunters must register at the west entrance and have appropriate licenses.  
  • Accessible facilities include the day-use area restrooms, camper services building, group picnic area, wildlife overlook, the Mack Mesa Lake fishing pier, and campsite #25. 
  • Ice and firewood are available for purchase at the campground.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, RV parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2024 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.