May Flats Camp

For Colorado locals yearning for a truly unique and immersive outdoor experience, May Flats Camp offers an unparalleled adventure within the stunning Ruby-Horsethief Canyon. Located in Mesa County, this isn't a traditional drive-up campground with paved roads and extensive amenities. Instead, May Flats Camp is a designated, permit-only river-side campsite, accessible exclusively by floating down the scenic Colorado River. It's a highly sought-after destination for rafters, canoers, kayakers, and stand-up paddleboarders who seek a multi-day journey through some of Western Colorado's most captivating red-rock landscapes.

May Flats Camp is part of a carefully managed system of primitive campsites along the Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River, overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This stretch of river is celebrated for its relatively mild whitewater (Class I-II), its dramatic canyon walls, and the abundant wildlife that thrives in this arid environment. For Colorado residents looking to truly disconnect, experience the rhythm of the river, and camp under a vast, star-filled desert sky, May Flats Camp provides the perfect primitive oasis.

May Flats Camp is located in Mesa County, CO 81525, USA, specifically nestled within the Ruby-Horsethief Canyon section of the Colorado River. This area is a significant part of the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (NCA), a vast and beautiful landscape managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Western Colorado, not far from Fruita and Loma. May Flats is approximately 20.3 miles downstream from the Loma Boat Launch, which serves as the primary put-in point for float trips through Ruby-Horsethief Canyon.

Access to May Flats Camp is exclusively by river craft. This means you will begin your journey at the Loma Boat Launch, carefully preparing all your gear and supplies for a multi-day float. The trip to May Flats will take several hours, depending on river flows, the type of boat you are using, and how often you stop to explore the canyon. The Ruby-Horsethief section is known for its generally calm waters with occasional Class I-II rapids, making it suitable for a range of river users. However, even mild rapids require attentiveness, and campers must be skilled in navigating their boat to spot and pull into their assigned campsite, as missing it can make it difficult to paddle upstream against the current.

For Colorado locals, it's crucial to understand that there is no vehicular access to May Flats Camp. All provisions, including water, food, and waste, must be carried in and out by boat. A vehicle shuttle is typically required, where one vehicle is left at the take-out point (often Westwater Ranger Station or Fruita) for your return. This unique, boat-in access is precisely what contributes to the secluded and pristine nature of May Flats, offering a truly remote and unforgettable Colorado wilderness experience.

As a primitive, river-side campsite within a National Conservation Area, May Flats Camp provides minimal developed services. The emphasis is on self-sufficiency and strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural environment.

• Designated Campsite: May Flats Camp is a specific, permit-reserved site along the riverbank. It typically offers a relatively flat area suitable for pitching tents and a designated space for a fire pan.
• No Hookups: There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available at May Flats Camp or any other river campsites within Ruby-Horsethief Canyon.
• No Potable Water: Visitors must bring all their own drinking water. A general guideline is to carry at least one gallon of water per person per day, with more needed during hot summer months. Filtering or treating river water is an option, but not guaranteed due to potential silt and seasonal flows.
• Human Waste Management: A "groover" or other approved portable toilet system is mandatory for all human waste. This is a strict BLM regulation for all Ruby-Horsethief trips to prevent pollution.
• Fire Pan Required: Any fires must be contained within a metal fire pan or similar device to prevent scorching the ground. All ash must be packed out. Collecting firewood from the canyon is generally prohibited; campers should bring their own firewood or use a propane fire pit.
• No Trash Service: All trash, including food scraps, packaging, and any other waste, must be packed out of the canyon. "Pack it in, pack it out" is a fundamental rule.
• Limited Amenities: Sites are primitive and do not include picnic tables, grills, or other typical campground amenities found at drive-up sites.

• Exclusive Permit-Only Access: Ensures a controlled number of visitors, providing a less crowded and more peaceful river camping experience. Reservations for these sites are highly competitive, especially for weekends during peak season, and are managed via Recreation.gov.
• Stunning River-Side Location: Directly on the banks of the Colorado River, offering immediate access for swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying the tranquil flow of the water.
• Breathtaking Canyon Scenery: The campsite is enveloped by the majestic red sandstone cliffs, towering bluffs, and unique geological formations characteristic of Ruby-Horsethief Canyon.
• Ideal for Multi-Day Float Trips: Perfectly situated as an overnight stop for longer rafting, canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding adventures through the canyon.
• Wildlife Abundance: The canyon is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including various bird species (such as bald eagles in winter), mule deer, and potentially bighorn sheep.
• Exceptional Stargazing: Being far from urban light pollution, May Flats offers incredibly dark night skies, ideal for stargazing and observing celestial phenomena.
• Fishing Opportunities: Anglers can enjoy fishing in the Colorado River, though it's essential to be aware of and adhere to all local fishing regulations and licensing requirements.
• Opportunities for Exploration: While camping is limited to designated sites, the surrounding canyon offers potential for short, informal hikes into side drainages or along the riverbank, always respecting the fragile ecosystem.
• Profound Sense of Solitude: The remote, boat-in access ensures a true wilderness experience, allowing for quiet contemplation and a deep connection with nature.

Address: Mesa County, CO 81525, USA

Note: May Flats Camp is a specific, permit-only campsite within the Ruby-Horsethief Canyon, which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as part of the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. There is no direct phone number for the campsite itself. All reservations and general inquiries should be directed to the official BLM resources or the Recreation.gov website, where permits are obtained.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - Grand Junction Field Office:

Phone: (970) 244-3000

Address: 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506

Colorado locals planning a trip to May Flats Camp are strongly advised to visit Recreation.gov well in advance to secure their required permits, as they are highly competitive. Additionally, checking current river conditions (flows, temperatures), fire restrictions, and all BLM regulations is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trip.

For Colorado locals who are experienced in outdoor recreation and possess a deep appreciation for the unique beauty of our state's river canyons, May Flats Camp offers an unparalleled and authentic adventure. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's an invitation to embark on a multi-day float trip that epitomizes the spirit of self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship. The requirement for a permit and strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles aligns perfectly with the values of responsible outdoor enthusiasts across Colorado.

The allure for locals lies in the profound sense of escape and immersion in nature. Floating down the Colorado River, surrounded by towering red sandstone cliffs, is an iconic Western Colorado experience. Pulling into your designated spot at May Flats Camp, setting up your primitive site, and spending an evening under a sky bursting with stars offers a level of peace and connection to the land that is increasingly rare. While it requires careful planning regarding water, waste, and gear, these preparations only enhance the sense of accomplishment and deepen the appreciation for the pristine environment. For Colorado residents seeking an unforgettable, multi-day river camping adventure that challenges and rewards in equal measure, securing a permit for May Flats Camp is a highly recommended and truly iconic local experience.

May Flats Camp

Mesa County, CO 81525, USA