Hay Press Campground

For those of us who call Colorado home, there’s a distinct appreciation for places that offer a genuine, no-frills escape into nature. The Hay Press Campground in Glade Park embodies this spirit perfectly, providing a rustic and accessible option for those spontaneous camping trips where the goal is simply to create lasting memories in the great outdoors. It’s a spot that many locals have cherished for years, offering a taste of the "old fashioned way of living" that makes Colorado camping so special.

Situated within the vast and beautiful Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, Hay Press Campground offers a more primitive camping experience compared to highly developed sites. It's a place where you can truly disconnect and enjoy the natural surroundings, with forested areas and open spaces providing a diverse landscape to explore. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of a commercial campground, its simplicity and accessibility for a quick getaway from Grand Junction make it a valuable resource for Colorado residents. It's about building those cherished family memories, enjoying a campfire under the stars, and embracing the peaceful solitude of the Western Slope.

Hay Press Campground is located in Glade Park, CO 81523, USA. This places it approximately 45 minutes of easy driving from Grand Junction, a significant advantage for locals looking for a convenient escape. The campground is situated within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, an expansive area known for its diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities.

Access to Hay Press Campground typically involves driving on improved dirt or gravel roads. While it offers a sense of being "far enough away," it's also "close enough that the drive home doesn't feel like a half a day," making it ideal for spur-of-the-moment trips. Reviews suggest it's relatively easy to navigate to the camping spots, which are described as plentiful and easy to find. Its location also offers a pleasant temperature difference, being about 15 degrees cooler than Grand Junction, providing a welcome respite during warmer months. While some specific sites might be very close to the main gravel road, the general accessibility and ease of reaching this spot from nearby population centers like Grand Junction are key advantages for Colorado residents.

Hay Press Campground is a primitive or dispersed camping area managed by the Forest Service, meaning the services and amenities are basic. This type of camping experience emphasizes self-reliance and minimizing impact on the natural environment. Visitors should come prepared with all necessary supplies.

• Free Camping: A major draw for many, camping at Hay Press Campground is free of charge.
• Pit Toilets/Outhouses: The campground typically provides pit toilets or outhouses for sanitation. As noted by a local reviewer, "that's pretty standard in this part of the state."
• Designated Camping Areas: While it may feel more like dispersed camping, there are typically designated clearings or spots along the main road where camping is established, often with existing fire rings.
• Fire Rings: Fire rings are available for campfires. However, it is critical to bring your own firewood, as gathering firewood on-site is prohibited to protect the forest. Always check current fire restrictions with the local Forest Service office before lighting any fire.
• No Potable Water: Visitors must bring their own drinking water, as no potable water sources are provided at the campground.
• No Trash Services: There are generally no trash receptacles on-site. Campers are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles, which includes packing out all trash and leaving the site cleaner than they found it.
• Dog-Friendly: The campground is generally dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your canine companions, but responsible pet ownership, including leashing and waste removal, is expected.

It's important to set expectations that this is not a developed campground with amenities like picnic tables, dedicated cooking stations, or readily available water. It's a more rugged, back-to-basics experience.

Hay Press Campground, while rustic, offers several compelling features and highlights that appeal to those seeking an authentic outdoor experience in Colorado:

• Spur-of-the-Moment Accessibility: Its proximity to Grand Junction makes it ideal for quick, unplanned camping trips, allowing locals to easily satisfy their craving for a night under the stars without extensive travel.
• Natural Beauty and Varied Terrain: The campground is set within a landscape of "forested areas and open spaces," including "beautiful aspen groves." This diverse terrain offers opportunities for quiet enjoyment of nature.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is known for "plenty of wildlife," providing opportunities for observation. Being in the national forest, deer, elk, and other local species are common.
• Fruita Reservoirs Access: The campground is near the Fruita Reservoirs (Fruita Reservoir #2 and #3, with #1 being rebuilt). While their current use for fishing might vary, their presence adds to the scenic appeal and potential for waterside recreation.
• Cooler Temperatures: At about 15 degrees cooler than Grand Junction, it offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat of the valley.
• Old-Fashioned Camping Experience: For families, it evokes a "very old fashioned way of living," allowing kids to build memories of traditional camping away from modern distractions.
• Hiking Opportunities: There are "some hiking trails" in the area, allowing campers to explore the surrounding national forest. The broader region, including the Colorado National Monument and Grand Mesa, offers extensive hiking options.
• Quiet and Uncrowded: As a dispersed camping area, it generally offers more solitude and peace compared to busier developed campgrounds, appealing to those who prefer a less crowded environment.

It's important to be aware of the interaction with the Glade Park Volunteer Fire Department, as mentioned in a review, regarding fire regulations. Always adhere to current fire bans and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

As Hay Press Campground is a primitive, dispersed camping area managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, there isn't a direct phone number for the campground itself. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including current fire restrictions, road conditions, and any changes to regulations, it is best to contact the managing Forest Service office.

Address: Glade Park, CO 81523, USA (This indicates the general area, not a precise mailing address for a staffed facility.)

Phone: For information related to Hay Press Campground and the surrounding national forest land in the Glade Park area, you should contact the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Supervisor's Office, or the local ranger district that oversees this specific area (likely based in Grand Junction or Delta).

A general contact number for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests is (970) 874-6600. It is highly recommended to call this number or visit their official website before your trip to ensure you have the most current information regarding fire bans, road accessibility, and any other important guidelines for dispersed camping.

For us Coloradans, Hay Press Campground represents an invaluable opportunity for authentic, accessible, and often spontaneous outdoor adventure. Its location in Glade Park, just a short drive from Grand Junction, perfectly balances remoteness with convenience, making it an ideal choice for those times when the urge to camp strikes without extensive pre-planning. We understand and appreciate the rustic nature of such sites; it’s not about luxury, but about the genuine experience of being in the wild.

The feedback from fellow locals highlights its suitability for creating family memories in an "old fashioned way," emphasizing the simple joys of a campfire (when permitted) and the raw beauty of nature. The cooler temperatures, abundant wildlife, and access to the Fruita Reservoirs add to its appeal. While the cautionary note about fire regulations underscores the importance of responsible camping, it also reminds us of the shared responsibility we have in protecting our precious public lands. Hay Press Campground offers a quiet, uncrowded escape where you can truly connect with the Colorado wilderness, providing a memorable and accessible option for any local seeking a refreshing break from the everyday grind.

Hay Press Campground

Glade Park, CO 81523, USA