SP Campground Review – James M Robb State Park, Fruita, CO
A pristine campground with views of the Colorado River and National Monument in Fruita, CO in Western Colorado.
Link to campground here: James M Robb State Park, Fruita, CO
Link to map location here: James M Robb State Park, Fruita, CO
- Site Quality = 5/5
These are probably the most pristine sites I’ve seen in a state park. Perfectly flat, large, manicured sites with central concrete section (for support), beautiful “sitting areas” with fire-pit, picnic table and shelters, good separation and absolutely lovely, green grounds. There’s a selection of full hookup (50Amp/water/sewer) or electric (30Amp/water). Sites at the outer end 36-44 have the bonus of lake and stunning monument views - Facilities = 4/5
Excellent facilities here. There are flush toilets, large showers (only ding is that they are pay only, $1 for 4 mins), and modern laundry (book-swap there too). Park also has several on-site lakes, a swim beach (indefinitely closed due to e-coli problems while we were there), boat ramp, picnic areas, fishing and trails. On-site dump station. - Location = 5/5
Lovely location here. You are right next to lakes and the Colorado River as well as within sight of the gorgeous Colorado National Monument. Nearby Grand Junction has restaurants and all major shopping needs. - Pet Friendliness = 4/5
Good doggie spot. On-site hiking trails and space to “play” by the river. Only dings are that the lake was closed to swimming while we were there, plus some of the trails were closed from damage and needed re-work. A short drive to McInnis Canyons BLM (just across the river) provides masses of additional pooch-friendly hiking. Poo bags provided on-site.
Overall Rating = 4.4
BONUS ALERT = Camp with stunning views of the Colorado National Monument & McInnis Canyons!
Summary: Well, this turned out to be soooo much nicer than we ever imagined. James M Robb SP actually offers 2 campgrounds in the area, but the one we chose was the Fruita section. The campground is set beautifully by a lake and the Colorado River and has stunning views of the Colorado National Monument in the background. The grounds themselves are more like a fancy RV resort than a state park with manicured grounds, trails, lakes, fishing and simply pristine sites (beautifully flat, large, well-kept pads with selection of full hook-up too!). Lots of green, modern facilities and the draw of the surrounding nature makes this a hidden gem. The only possibly dings I could give it is that the sites closest to the main road (12-19) have some road noise, the swim-beach was closed indefinitely due to e-coli problems and some trails were closed due to flood damage, but overall the campground is simply lovely. This place was miles better than the KOA we stayed at last year and we enjoyed it so much we extended our stay. No doubt when we come back this is where we’ll camp again.
Extra Info: Full Verizon signal on both smartphone and aircard. Sites cost $20/night for electric (30Amp/water), $24/night for full hook-up (50Amp/water/sewer). There is an extra daily park fee of $7/day (can be covered with the Colorado Annual Parks Pass). Over 57 sites, all reservable. On site dump station and laundry.
We’ve been kinda following your footsteps (all of them) here and there. Yesterday we did Colorado Nat’l Monument – a second time for us. It is a beauty! In Sept. we’ll backtrack from CO to AZ and pick up some more of your suggestions and campgrounds. Thanks for sharing!!
Oh how very cool! I have to admit the Colorado Nat’l Monument blew me away. We’d definitely go again if we went back.
Where are you staying between now and Sept?
So happy you’re enjoying the blog and getting some use out of it!
Nina
We’ll be leaving the Montrose area and heading for Rifle Gap State Park and then to a forest service campground east of Meeker – West Fork. Not much there but a river for hubby for some fishin’. We’ll chill out there over Labor Day weekend and then Bogan Flats forest service c.g. then Ridgeway for some fall colors, hopefully. Best of luck with your motorhome repairs and enjoy Oregon!!
Awesome!! I’m totally jealous that you guys are spending all that time in CO.
The fall colors should be fabulous and Ridgeway should be just perfect at that time.
Hoping to get back to spend more time in the mountains next year!
Nina
Is Colorado still requiring a daily park pass for both the MH & your toad? If so, I think you should add that to your section about camping fees, instead of just the $7 daily park pass.
I just looked at the Colorado SP website & it looks to me that they are still double charging for MH’s w/toad, but not for a truck & trailer/5’er combination.
Nope. Only one pass required and it’ll cover both motorhome and toad. I gather this was a problem a few years back so the question is definitely a valid one, but the policy seems to have changed. Both last year and this year we’ve only been required to have one pass for our MH+toad combo in the CO state parks.
Nina
Nina,
Thanks for the update. When we were in Colorado in 2009 they were requiring a pass for the toad & MH. Since both vehicles were drivable they both needed a pass. So for the 3 months we were in CO. we didn’t stay at any SP’s.
Our favorite spot for sure. Set up a tent here for years and now ready to test out the new Eurovan at this location as well. We have met and talked to some cool people at this campground and everyone is very friendly.
The views and ambiance are spectacular. You would hardly know civilization is within walking distance!
Totally agree that this place is a hidden GEM. We stayed at the KOA (yuk!) in Grand Junction our 1st year not even aware that this spot existed. Our 2nd year we discovered it and totally loved it!! Fabulous park.
Nina
Love your blog! Hubby and I are preparing to hit the road in a couple of months. Selling it all and living life on the open road. Your blog is so informative and educational about our upcoming life change. Thank you!
I do have a question about the James M. Robb SP, our youngest son and his fiance are planning a Fall 2016 wedding and have been considering having it at the Red Rocks Group Picnic area. The setting will suit their interests and personalities perfectly! Do you happen to have any photos or info of the picnic shelter there? Thank you again for all your photos, information, and advice.