Grand Junction CO campgrounds for the Alcan Experience - a thread seeking input for present and future journeys

[Boudicca908]

Greetings to the Alcan Oliver Club plus! 

I'm looking for suggestions for campgrounds in proximity to Grand Junction. This will be a detour for my summer, and thankfully not too far off course from my planned route. However, I haven't had much time to research for places to camp before the day. I have tried to read the entire Made In USA Leaf Springs thread (now at 37 pages) but haven't been able to complete that task.  I am looking for suggested campgrounds but also favorite things to do during a day or two in the area. Also suggested good eats. 

CAMPGROUNDS   So far, I've found two campgrounds mentioned in that thread, and I am seeking additional input to add to this list:  

James M Robb Colorado River SP FRUITA SECTION CO  8 miles W of Alcan Spring; https://www.cpwshop.com/camping/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-fruita-section/r/campgroundDetails.page?parkID=50069&media=3 

James M Robb Colorado River SP ISLAND ACRES SECTION CO   23 miles NE from Alcan Spring; 1055 I-70, Palisade, CO 81526    https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-camping

Rifle Gap SP  76 miles NE from Alcan Spring;  5775 CO-325, Rifle, CO 81650     https://www.cpwshop.com/camping/rifle-gap-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.page?parkID=50038&queueittoken=e_snasoco01~ts_1784416095~ce_true~rt_safetynet~h_7c7fd3b7e002cd85f34c1de9feaf47d1b6c0c9a91e25de9abdb5894558bc513e

 

Other campgrounds in the regional area: 

KOA Grand Junction  (commercial) this is close, but not my cup of tea... 

Rabbit Valley Mcinnis Canyons Conservation Area (NPS) 30 miles W of Alcan Spring;  Mack, CO 81525  https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10227416   I camped at Rabbit Valley in 2024; it's very minimal but has some interesting formations. I was actually in the Horse Camp area, and had the entire place to myself. That section was easier to access, and better suited to my limited time that year. 

Saddlehorn Campground (NPS)  LIMITED LENGTH (will not accommodate Oliver E2, not sure about E1) max 40 feet combined length  https://www.nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/camping.htm  *The length limit in Loops A and B for all RVs is 40 feet. The length limit for trailers is 40 feet total for the vehicle and trailer combined.*

 

LOCAL EATS 

Dream Cafe 314 Main St, Grand Junction, CO 81501 

 

I resisted posting this in the MADE IN USA LEAF SPRINGS thread, but I hope it will serve as a good reference for those of us making the journey to Alcan Spring in Grand Junction. Moderators might be able to better link, if they see fit to do so. I am inserting that thread below. 

Made in USA leaf spring

 

Edited July 19 by Boudicca908
Adding to the list

[Galway Girl]

We stayed here.. 

https://www.canyonviewrvresort.com/

Very new and nice and close to Alcan 

[Mike and Carol]

We stayed at James Robb SP in Fruita.  It’s close to ALCAN.  It’s also just a couple of miles from the entrance to the Colorado Monument, a must see if you have time (plan on at least a half day).  We’ve stayed at Robb SP several times, always nice.  We’ve also camped at Rifle Gap SP several times, also very nice but not very convenient for going to ALCAN.

We had a nice breakfast at Dream Cafe in Grand Junction.  Good food and service.  There’s a Bass Pro Shop nearby if you want to kill some time while waiting.  Mike

Edited July 19 by Mike and Carol

[Boudicca908]

I will make one more addendum to this thread:

If you are going to Grand Junction CO for Alcan Spring installation (or just going because it's beautiful), take note that this year only the US Park Service has lifted the "timed entry" requirements for Arches NP in Utah -- and it's definitely a doable day drive from the James Robb campground in Fruita. They still have reservation requirements for the "hike with a ranger" but otherwise, you don't have to make a timed entry reservation this year -- in celebration of our 250th.