
Gates of Lodore Campground
21
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Gates of Lodore Campground
Overview Gates of Lodore Campground is located on the Green River, near the boat ramp at the head of Lodore Canyon. It is at the north end of the monument, 137 miles (220 km) from the Quarry Visitor Center and 106 miles (170 km) from the Canyon Visitor Center. It is a long drive to the area and the wild, remote country adds to its sense of isolation. The campground is popular with river rafters who often stay here before launching on the Green River. There are 19 sites, some with shade. The sites have tables and some sites have grills while others have fire pits. During the summer, there is running water and vault toilets, but no showers. The campsites can accommodate tents and RVs (no hook-ups). Access in winter may be difficult due to snow and road conditions. Recreation Dinosaur National Monument covers over 210,000 acres (84984 ha). Visitor Centers. The monument features two visitor centers - one in Colorado and one in Utah. Quarry Exhibit Hall. You can see over 1,500 dinosaur fossils still in the rock inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall (Jensen, Utah). History & Culture. Numerous cultural sites reveal stories of the people who lived here before and include Fremont petroglyphs, homestead cabins and former ranches. Hiking trails allow in-depth exploration. Hiking. There are miles of trails for hiking and cross-country travel. River Rafting & Boating. Whitewater rafting, both commercial and private, are is popular on the Green and Yampa Rivers. The Yampa River multi-day rafting trips begin at Deerlodge Park. The Yampa rushes downstream 44-miles (71 km) to join the Green River at Echo Park. Boaters continue downstream on the Green River to the take-out at the Split Mountain boat ramp. The Yampa is the largest free-flowing tributary within the Colorado River system. As such, it has a shorter season marked by fluctuations in water level resulting from snow received in the winter. It is characterized by famous rapids such as Teepee, Big Joe and Warm Springs. Raft trips must be arranged in advance. For more information, visit Dinosaur's Commercial Guided River Trips page . Private River Trips require a permit. Scenic Drives. Several roads provide access to key destinations and scenic sites. Scenic drives allow the windshield visitor to see spectacular geology. Facilities Dinosaur National Monument covers over 210,000 acres (84984 ha). Visitor Centers. The monument features two visitor centers - one in Colorado and one in Utah. Quarry Exhibit Hall. You can see over 1,500 dinosaur fossils still in the rock inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall (Jensen, Utah). History & Culture. Numerous cultural sites reveal stories of the people who lived here before and include Fremont petroglyphs, homestead cabins and former ranches. Hiking trails allow in-depth exploration. Hiking. There are miles of trails for hiking and cross-country travel. River Rafting & Boating. Whitewater rafting, both commercial and private, are is popular on the Green and Yampa Rivers. The Yampa River multi-day rafting trips begin at Deerlodge Park. The Yampa rushes downstream 44-miles (71 km) to join the Green River at Echo Park. Boaters continue downstream on the Green River to the take-out at the Split Mountain boat ramp. The Yampa is the largest free-flowing tributary within the Colorado River system. As such, it has a shorter season marked by fluctuations in water level resulting from snow received in the winter. It is characterized by famous rapids such as Teepee, Big Joe and Warm Springs. Raft trips must be arranged in advance. For more information, visit Dinosaur's Commercial Guided River Trips page . Private River Trips require a permit. Scenic Drives. Several roads provide access to key destinations and scenic sites. Scenic drives allow the windshield visitor to see spectacular geology. Natural Features Just south of the campground, the Green River slices into the mountains and enters the steep-walled Canyon of the Lodore. A short trail provides a scenic view of the river as it enters the gates. Nearby Attractions Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge John Jarvie Historic Ranch Charges & Cancellations This is a Scan & Pay campground. No refunds, changes, cancellations, or other fee changes are allowed with Scan & Pay payments.
- 21 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (21).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes Gates of Lodore Campground special
Gates of Lodore Campground sits at the threshold of one of the American West's great river canyons. Located at the north end of Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado, the campground hugs the bank of the Green River right where it begins its plunge into Lodore Canyon -- a 17-mile stretch of towering red quartzite walls, roaring rapids, and deep solitude. The 21 sites are shaded by cottonwoods and box elders, with the river sliding past just yards away. For rafters and kayakers, this is ground zero: the boat ramp here launches multi-day trips through some of the most spectacular whitewater in the state, including landmarks like Disaster Falls and Hell's Half Mile. Even if you never touch a paddle, the campground rewards with evening light that sets the canyon walls on fire, excellent birding along the riparian corridor, and the kind of quiet that only comes from being miles from the nearest town. Stargazing is superb thanks to the monument's remote location and minimal light pollution. Gates of Lodore is a place for river lovers, canyon wanderers, and anyone drawn to landscapes where the earth has been split open to reveal millions of years of geologic story.
Campsite Inventory
21 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
CAMPFIRE RINGS
Campfire Rings
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
01:00 PM
Condition Rating
Basic
Driveway entry
Parallel
Driveway Grade
Slight
Driveway surface
Gravel
FOOD STORAGE LOCKER
Food Storage Locker
Location Rating
Good
Max guests
8
Pets allowed
Yes
Picnic Table
Picnic Table
Proximity to Water
Riverfront
Shade
No, Yes
Site Access
Drive In
Site Rating
Basic
Water Hookup
No
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
435-781-7700
dino_information@nps.gov
Getting There
From Maybell, Colorado, follow US Highway 40 west for approximately 0.4 mile (.6 km) west. Turn right onto CO 318. Follow 318 west or 46.2 miles (74 km). Turn left onto Moffat County Road 34N. Follow 34N for 1.7 miles (2.7 km). Turn right onto Moffat County Road 34. Follow 34 for 4.5 miles (7.2 km) until you arrive at the ranger station and campground.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Gates of Lodore Campground.
How do reservations work for Gates of Lodore Campground?
Reservation availability for Gates of Lodore Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Gates of Lodore Campground?
Gates of Lodore Campground currently lists Unknown (21).
Where is Gates of Lodore Campground located?
See this page for location details and directions.
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