Echo Park Campground
4.3231 reviewsP.O. Box 128, Jensen, UT 84035, USA
Echo Park Campground
$12.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$14.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$12.00
Group Site Fee$25.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates for individual non-electric sites are $14 per night. Non-peak season rates for individual sites and walk-to sites are $12 per night. Group site rates are $25 per night year-round.
About this campground
Nestled along the emerald waters of the Green River, Echo Park Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience in the heart of Dinosaur National Monument. This primitive campground invites adventurers to disconnect from modern life and immerse themselves in nature's raw beauty. Each campsite comes equipped with the essentials—a sturdy picnic table for riverside meals, a campfire ring for evening gatherings (note: walk-in sites excluded), and access to vault toilets. During the warmer months, fresh drinking water is available on-site, making your stay both comfortable and convenient.
Echo Park Campground provides a rustic camping experience with options for individual tent sites and a reservable group site.
Historical SignificanceStep back through millennia at Echo Park, where ancient voices still speak through the canyon walls. The nearby Fremont petroglyphs serve as silent testimonies to the indigenous peoples who once called these canyons home, their rock art telling stories that predate written history. Throughout Dinosaur National Monument, layers of human history unfold—from prehistoric cultures to early explorers and pioneers who navigated these rugged landscapes. Every trail and overlook connects modern visitors to this rich tapestry of cultural heritage.
Weather and SeasonsEcho Park transforms dramatically with the seasons, offering visitors distinctly different experiences throughout the year. Summer brings intense desert heat, with mercury climbing above 95°F (35°C), creating perfect conditions for early morning hikes and refreshing river dips. Winter paints the canyon walls with snow, bringing a hushed beauty to the landscape alongside frigid temperatures. Be prepared for nature's unpredictability—when rain arrives, it can transform the access roads into impassable muddy tracks, occasionally closing the campground entirely. This seasonal drama adds to the authentic wilderness experience that makes Echo Park so memorable.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery upon your arrival, Echo Park's position within the monument's dramatic canyon system creates its own unique microclimate and ecosystem.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched on a natural bench overlooking the Green River, Echo Park Campground serves as your front-row seat to one of the American West's most dramatic theaters. Towering canyon walls rise like ancient sentinels on all sides, their layers telling Earth's story in shades of red, orange, and gold. The iconic Steamboat Rock dominates the horizon—a massive sandstone monolith that seems to sail eternally through the desert landscape. Desert plants dot the terrain with surprising bursts of life, while the diverse wildlife, including the occasional black bear, reminds visitors they're sharing this space with nature's original inhabitants. As daylight fades, the granite formations catch the last rays of sun, creating a light show that no human artist could replicate.
Geological RegionEcho Park sits at the confluence of geological wonders within Dinosaur National Monument, where the patient work of the Green River has carved a masterpiece from solid rock. Spectacular canyons frame the campground, their walls revealing millions of years of Earth's history in colorful stratified layers. Granite cliffs thrust skyward, their ancient faces polished by wind and water, while Steamboat Rock stands as the crown jewel—a geological monument that has witnessed the rise and fall of inland seas, the age of dinosaurs, and the slow dance of erosion that continues to shape this landscape today.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the available information.
Sites SizeSites vary between open areas and shaded spots under trees. Some are more secluded with private river access.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy appears to vary, with some sites offering more seclusion and others being less shielded. No systematic layout details about site arrangements are provided.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid traveling during rainy weather due to road conditions. Choose shaded sites for relief from summer heat.
Best CampsitesIndividual sites shaded by trees or offering views of cliffs; group site provides privacy and proximity to the Green River.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly provided.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limits not explicitly provided in sources.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not explicitly provided.
Groups
The group site is set 800 feet east of the individual sites and is reservable in advance. It includes food storage lockers and is located on a scenic bench along the Green River.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutIncludes 17 campsites, some walk-in sites (Sites 18-21) without campfire rings. Group site is located 800 feet east of individual sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 16 to September 31. Group site and campground are typically inaccessible from November to April due to weather.
Reservation PlatformsReservations for group sites can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability for individual sites during peak season. Visitors must physically arrive to claim their site.
Cancellation PolicyScan and Pay payments are non-refundable. Reservations may incur a $10 service fee for changes or cancellations. Late cancellations may result in forfeiture of the first night's use fee or total use fee for single-night reservations. Group site late cancellation within 14 days forfeits the total fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Echo Park Campground offers a variety of activities tied to its natural features and location along the Green River. Visitors can engage in river-related activities (swimming and fishing), hiking, and stargazing. The site is surrounded by cultural and natural landmarks, including Native American petroglyphs and Steamboat Rock.
Hiking
The campground features access to trails that explore the confluence of the Yampa and Green Rivers and nearby cultural sites such as petroglyphs and Steamboat Rock. Hiking options range from historic exploration to scenic canyon views.Fishing
Fishing is possible near the Green River, though no specific details about fish species or regulations were provided.Swimming
Swimming and wading are common near the Green River, as noted by users. However, a user review mentioned being fined for not having a required pass for river access, indicating the need to check local regulations.Boating
Boating is allowed on the Green River with the necessary permits. Whitewater rafting trips are available in surrounding areas of the Dinosaur National Monument.Wildlife viewing
Campground visitors frequently observed deer and other wildlife in the area. One user reported signs of 'big kitties' (likely cougars).Winter Activities
The campground and surrounding areas are generally inaccessible in winter due to road conditions.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are possible with proper permits for river activities like kayaking and canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated rings except for walk-in sites. Avoid fires during windy conditions.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly provided.
Hazards
General hazardsRoad access can become dangerous during rain or snow with steep grades, tight switchbacks, and slick clay. Wildlife hazards include black bears and cougars.
Active alertsRoad closures may occur during rainy or snowy weather. Check the park's Current Conditions page before travel.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 27%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Quarry Visitor Center emergency radio (yellow pelican box), east of the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 - September 17 annually
Trash and recyclingCampers are expected to pack out their trash, as no mention of trash or recycling facilities is provided. One reviewer emphasized, 'Pack out trash.'
Proximity to water featuresCampground is adjacent to the Green River, offering opportunities for swimming, wading, and fishing.
Common complaintsMosquito infestations during summer evenings; road accessibility issues after rain; lack of signage about trailer restrictions.
HostRangers occasionally visit the campground and provide assistance. Emergency radio box available east of the campground.
Campground Map
P.O. Box 128, Jensen, UT 84035, USA
Driving directionsStarting from the town of Dinosaur in northwestern Colorado, travel approximately 3 miles (5 km) east on Highway 40. Turn left onto Harpers Corner Road and travel for approximately 24 miles (39 km). Turn right onto Echo Park Road and travel approximately 13 miles (21 km) to the Echo Park Campground. When you reach the campground, travel an additional 800 feet (244 m) to the Group Campsite. It takes most visitors around 90 minutes to travel from the town of Dinosaur to the Echo Park Campground Group Site. WARNING: The Echo Park Road is a high clearance, four-wheel-drive road, and becomes impassable during rainstorms and snowy weather. Trailers of any size are not recommended.
The Echo Park Road is a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive road that becomes impassable during rainstorms and snowy weather. Even under good conditions, trailers of any size are not recommended.Nearby places
Dinosaur, Colorado: Approximately 90-minute drive
Jensen, Utah (Quarry Visitor Center): Nearby but exact distance unavailable.
Nearby supplies
Supplies available at Dinosaur, Colorado, and Jensen, Utah
exact distances unavailable.
Camper Reviews
4.3
31 reviews
Echo Park Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, users describe Echo Park Campground as a beautiful, remote, and peaceful location. Common themes include its scenic setting, clean facilities, and challenging access road. While many appreciate its seclusion and natural beauty, some reviewers criticize the lack of signage, poor road conditions, and issues with mosquitoes.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praise the spectacular scenery, clean facilities, and excellent stargazing opportunities. One user noted, 'The peace and quiet once you make it down is worth the trek.' Stargazing is...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include difficult road conditions, accessibility issues for trailers, mosquitoes, and a lack of signage regarding regulations. One review noted, 'The mosquitoes made the site unbearable...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing a high-clearance vehicle, checking weather conditions to avoid rain, and downloading maps offline due to lack of cell service. Mosquito repellent is deemed essential during...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews mention high temperatures, increased mosquito activity, and high visitor numbers. Stargazing is frequently praised in clear summer skies. Winter renders the campground largely...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'This was a fantastic find... The campground costs $10 per night, has clean pit toilets, water and 17 campsites.' 2. 'The views were nice BUT the mosquitoes will eat you alive!!!!!!!' 3....
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 18-21 are walk-in and lack campfire rings. Some sites offer private river access. No detailed review of specific sites beyond these observations.
Based on 31 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 31 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Multiple reviews emphasize restrictions on pets, such as leashing requirements and prohibitions on trails. Users noted, 'Dogs must be leashed at all times,' and 'Dogs are not allowed along the river...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025