Rainbow Park Campground campground
Jensen, Utah

Rainbow Park Campground

Mostly first-come
5 campsites
Open in maps

5

Total Campsites

Campground

Reservable Sites

Mostly first-come

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Rainbow Park Campground

Overview Rainbow Park Campground is 28 miles (45 km) from the Quarry Visitor Center in the Utah portion of Dinosaur National Monument. It is located on a rugged dirt road that is impassable when wet. The campground sits beside the Green River near the Rainbow Park Boat Ramp at the head of Split Mountain Canyon. Rainbow Park Campground is open year-round, but there is no winter maintenance on the unpaved road. 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 This campground sits beside the Green River near the Rainbow Park Boat Ramp at the head of Split Mountain Canyon. It has wonderful views of geologic features such as the Mitten Park Fault.

  • 5 total campsites listed.
  • Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
  • Most common site type: tent only nonelectric (4).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Rainbow Park Campground photo 2
Rainbow Park Campground photo 3

Our Take

What makes Rainbow Park Campground special

Rainbow Park Campground sits along the Green River in a remote and strikingly beautiful corner of Dinosaur National Monument, about 28 miles from the Quarry Visitor Center near Jensen, Utah. With just five sites, this is camping distilled to its essentials: open sky, red rock, the sound of the river, and very few neighbors. The drive in follows a graded dirt road that winds through classic high desert terrain, passing sculpted sandstone formations and sagebrush flats before dropping down to the cottonwood-lined riverbank. Rainbow Park itself is a popular launch and takeout point for river runners on the Green, and watching rafts drift past camp at sunset is one of those simple pleasures that defines a trip here. Nearby, the Jones Hole Trail and other monument hikes provide opportunities to explore petroglyphs, side canyons, and fossil sites that tell a story stretching back millions of years. The campground is best visited from late spring through early fall, with April through June and September through October offering the mildest temperatures. Summer days can be scorching, so bring shade and plenty of water. Sites tend to be available without much advance planning given the remoteness, but always check current road conditions before heading out. This is a place for campers who like their wilderness raw and their night skies undimmed.

Campsite Inventory

5 sites to choose from

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC

4total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

1total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Bed Type

N/A

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

N/A

Check-in time

1:00 PM

Check-out time

12:00 PM

Condition Rating

N/A

Driveway Grade

Slight

Driveway surface

Gravel

Electricity Hookup

N/A

Location Rating

N/A

Max guests

8

Max vehicle length (ft)

20, 25

Minimum guests

Yes

Num of Rooms

large tent, small tent

Pets allowed

Yes

Proximity to Water

Riverfront

Shade

Yes

Shower/Bath Type

N/A

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mostly first-come

Phone

435-781-7700

Email

dino_information@nps.gov

Getting There

Rainbow Park Campground is 28 miles (45 km) from the Quarry Visitor Center in the Utah portion of the monument. It is located on a dirt road that is impassable when wet. From the Quarry Visitor Center, drive south on State Road 149 for 4 miles (7 km). Turn right onto Brush Creek Road, and follow it for 5 miles (8 km). Turn right at the fork, following the signs to Island Park for 4 miles (7 km). Turn right onto the Island Park Road and follow it for 12 miles (19 km) to reach Rainbow Park Campground.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Rainbow Park Campground.

How do reservations work for Rainbow Park Campground?

Reservation availability for Rainbow Park Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Rainbow Park Campground?

Rainbow Park Campground currently lists TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (4), MANAGEMENT (1).

Where is Rainbow Park Campground located?

Rainbow Park Campground is in Utah near Jensen. Coordinates: 40.4954, -109.1742.

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