High North Campground

Hey there, Colorado adventurers! If your idea of a perfect outdoor escape involves wide-open spaces, thrilling off-road trails, and views that stretch seemingly forever, then High North Campground in Rabbit Valley is a destination you absolutely need to discover. Nestled on the border of Colorado and Utah, this campground offers a unique and exhilarating experience, particularly for those who love to explore on dirt bikes and 4-wheelers. It's a place where the stunning high-desert landscape provides a dramatic backdrop for your adventures, offering a different kind of Colorado beauty than our towering mountain peaks. For locals seeking a vast expanse to roam, with privacy and abundant wildlife, High North Campground presents an exciting opportunity to truly embrace the untamed spirit of Western Colorado.

High North Campground holds a distinctive and easily identifiable location within the vast and scenic Rabbit Valley area of Mesa County, Colorado. Its address, Mesa County, CO 81525, USA, broadly places it, but more specifically, it's situated right on the border of Colorado and Utah. This strategic positioning makes it highly accessible for residents of both states, but for us Coloradans, it represents a fantastic gateway to the diverse landscapes of our western frontier. Rabbit Valley itself is a well-known recreation area, particularly celebrated for its extensive network of trails, which directly links to the appeal of High North Campground. The drive to the campground, while perhaps less dramatic than a mountain pass, offers its own kind of beauty with expansive views of the high desert. Its proximity to the state line means it's a convenient stop or destination for those traveling between Colorado and Utah, offering a unique blend of geological features and recreational opportunities characteristic of this inter-state region. While it feels remote, the defined location within Rabbit Valley means it’s part of a managed recreational area, providing a degree of established access for visitors.

High North Campground, while offering a more rugged and self-sufficient camping experience characteristic of open range areas, provides essential services tailored for the type of adventurer it attracts. These amenities, though minimal, are crucial for a comfortable stay in this expansive environment.

• Designated Campsites: The campground features specific sites that are described as being "pretty level and flat," providing suitable spaces for setting up tents or parking RVs/campers. These sites are also noted for being "far enough apart," ensuring a good level of privacy between campers.
• Vault Toilets: A key amenity available is vault toilets, with at least one located "near site 3." Visitors have praised these facilities for being "very clean," a significant plus in a remote camping setting.
• Off-Road Trail Access: A primary service offered by the campground's location is direct and extensive access to "many trails for 4 wheeling" and dirt biking. This is a core reason why many choose to camp here.
• Open Space: While not a 'service' in the traditional sense, the vast, open nature of the campground allows for a sense of freedom and uncrowded conditions, which is highly valued by visitors.
• No Hookups: It's important for campers to be aware that the campground does not offer utility hookups (water, electricity, sewer), requiring visitors to be self-contained for their stay.
• Self-Sufficiency Expected: Due to the minimal services, campers are expected to bring all necessary supplies, including water, food, and waste disposal provisions, and practice Leave No Trace principles.

High North Campground in Rabbit Valley offers several distinct features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for a specific type of outdoor enthusiast, particularly those drawn to the unique landscapes and activities of Western Colorado.

• Expansive Views: A standout feature is the "Views forever." The vast, open landscape provides incredibly long sightlines and panoramic vistas of the high desert terrain, offering a sense of immense space and tranquility. This is a different kind of beauty compared to mountain views, but equally captivating.
• Off-Road Vehicle Paradise: This campground is a prime destination for "dirtbikes and 4 wheelers." With "many trails for 4 wheeling," it's a hub for off-road enthusiasts seeking adventure and extensive areas to ride directly from their campsite.
• Spacious and Private Campsites: Campers appreciate that the "Campsites are far enough apart it gives more privacy." This generous spacing allows for a more secluded and personal camping experience, even when the campground might be busy. The sites are also noted as "pretty level and flat," which is ideal for setting up.
• Clean Vault Toilets: Despite the rugged setting, the "Very clean" vault toilets are a significant highlight, providing a well-maintained essential amenity.
• Abundant Wildlife: The presence of "Pronghorn deer are abundant" adds to the natural appeal of the area. Spotting wildlife like pronghorn in their natural habitat enhances the wilderness experience.
• Unique High Desert Landscape: Unlike the typical alpine camping often associated with Colorado, High North offers a "pretty barren" but distinctly beautiful high desert environment. This unique ecosystem provides a different kind of outdoor adventure, characterized by wide open skies and unique flora.
• Minimal Light Pollution: While not explicitly stated, the remote location and vast open spaces typically mean minimal light pollution, offering great opportunities for stargazing, though not specifically mentioned in reviews.
• Colorado/Utah Border Proximity: Its location on the state border offers a unique geographical feature and convenient access for explorers traveling between these two diverse states.

As a campground located within a larger recreational area, High North Campground typically falls under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or a similar federal agency. Direct phone numbers for individual campgrounds are often not available, and inquiries are usually directed to the managing district office.

Address: Mesa County, CO 81525, USA

For specific inquiries regarding High North Campground, including current conditions, accessibility, or regulations, it is best to contact the Grand Junction Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which typically oversees the Rabbit Valley Recreation Area. Their contact information can usually be found on the official BLM website.

For us Coloradans, High North Campground in Rabbit Valley represents a unique and valuable facet of our state's diverse outdoor offerings. While it may not fit the classic image of pine forests and alpine lakes, its high desert beauty and expansive, untamed character offer a truly different and equally compelling experience. This campground is particularly suitable for locals who own dirt bikes or 4-wheelers, as it serves as a fantastic basecamp for exploring the extensive network of trails that define Rabbit Valley. The generous spacing between campsites provides a much-appreciated sense of privacy, a rarity in many popular camping areas, allowing us to truly unwind. Despite the sometimes windy conditions and dusty environment, which are inherent to this landscape, the breathtaking "views forever" and the chance to observe abundant pronghorn deer make these minor trade-offs well worth it. It’s a place where you can feel the vastness of the American West, right here in our own backyard. For those seeking an alternative to the crowded mountain campgrounds, or simply looking to embrace the thrill of off-road adventure, High North Campground offers an authentic, rugged, and incredibly scenic escape that perfectly caters to a specific kind of Colorado spirit. It’s an opportunity to discover another stunning dimension of our beloved state.

High North Campground

Mesa County, CO 81525, USA