Mee Corner

For those of us living in Colorado, the vast and varied landscapes offer endless opportunities for adventure. From towering peaks to expansive deserts, our state truly has it all. But sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are found off the beaten path, where the journey is as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself. If you're a local seeking a truly unique, primitive, and undeniably "super pretty" camping experience along the iconic Colorado River, then Mee Corner is a destination that captures the essence of remote Colorado beauty.

Mee Corner isn't your typical drive-up campground with endless amenities. Instead, it’s a primitive campsite primarily accessed by boat, nestled within the breathtaking McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area near Fruita. This means you're trading conveniences for unparalleled solitude, incredible views, and a deep immersion in the natural environment. It's a place where the Colorado River becomes your highway and the stunning red rock formations of the Colorado Plateau become your backdrop.

We understand that for many Coloradans, the idea of an "awesome" and truly "super pretty" off-grid experience is incredibly appealing. However, it’s crucial to know what to expect and to be well-prepared for this kind of primitive adventure. This article will provide a clear and informative overview of Mee Corner, detailing its unique location, the minimal services it offers, and the standout features that make it perfectly suitable for the adventurous local who truly wants to disconnect and embrace the wild beauty of Western Colorado. It's a prime spot for river rafters, kayakers, and those seeking true peace.

Mee Corner is a primitive campsite located on the Colorado River, specifically at Mile 12.99 on the river left, within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area near Fruita, CO 81521, USA. For us Coloradans, Fruita is renowned as a hub for outdoor recreation, particularly mountain biking, but this particular campsite offers a different kind of adventure – one focused on the river.

The primary access to Mee Corner is by boat. It's part of the incredibly popular Ruby-Horsethief Canyon float trip, a 25-mile section of the Colorado River that flows from Loma, CO, to Westwater, UT. This means you'll typically launch your raft, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard at the Loma Boat Launch and float downriver to reach the campsite. While there is hiking access to Mee Canyon from the river, the campsite itself is specifically a "boat-in" site, which adds to its remote and secluded feel.

Being a river-based campsite, there are no roads leading directly to it for car access. This ensures a peaceful environment free from vehicular noise, allowing the sounds of the river and nature to dominate. Permits are required year-round for all camping opportunities along the Ruby-Horsethief section, including Mee Corner, and can be obtained through Recreation.gov. This managed access helps preserve the wilderness character of the area. Its location provides both shade and a "cobblestone/sand beach landing," offering a comfortable spot to pull up your watercraft and set up camp. It’s also noted for being "away from the other Mee sites," suggesting a higher degree of solitude.

• Primitive camping: This is a wilderness campsite with very basic facilities.
• No potable water: Campers must pack in all their own drinking water, or be prepared to filter and treat river water.
• No restrooms: There are no developed toilet facilities. Campers must adhere to Leave No Trace principles, which includes packing out all human waste (often requiring a portable toilet system for river trips).
• No cell service: Connectivity is non-existent or extremely limited, ensuring a complete digital detox.
• Designated campsite: While primitive, it is a recognized and permitted campsite on the Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River.
• Fire rings: Typically, primitive sites like this will have basic fire rings, but campers must always check for fire bans and bring their own firewood as collection is prohibited.
• Max group size: The site has a maximum group size of 25 people, indicating it can accommodate larger river groups, though it's noted that even with 25, you "will not be able to spread out very much."

• Absolutely gorgeous scenery: Reviewers consistently praise the "super pretty" and "absolutely gorgeous" views of the surrounding canyons, red rock formations, and the Colorado River.
• Remote and peaceful: Its boat-in access ensures a high level of solitude and tranquility, away from crowds and road noise.
• Colorado River access: Direct access to the river provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and enjoying the water.
• Shade: The site is noted for offering shade, which is a valuable feature in the often sunny desert environment.
• Access to hiking: While the main Mee Canyon trail is challenging, the campsite provides access to hiking and exploring opportunities in the nearby canyons and spires.
• Wildlife viewing: The Ruby-Horsethief section is rich in wildlife, including bald eagles, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and various bird species, offering excellent opportunities for observation.
• Primitive experience: Ideal for experienced campers and river adventurers who enjoy self-sufficiency and a raw wilderness connection.
• Cobblestone/sand beach landing: Offers a relatively comfortable and stable area to land watercraft and set up camp.
• Part of a renowned float trip: Situated on the popular Ruby-Horsethief Canyon stretch, known for its mild Class I/II rapids, making it suitable for first-time rafters and families.

Address: Fruita, CO 81521, USA (This address refers to the general area. Mee Corner is a specific campsite on the Colorado River within the McInnis Canyons NCA.)

Note: There is no direct phone number for Mee Corner Campsite itself, as it is a primitive, boat-in site. All permits and information for the Ruby-Horsethief Canyon float trip, including details about campsites like Mee Corner, are managed through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and typically reserved via www.Recreation.gov. For specific inquiries about the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, you would contact the BLM's Grand Junction Field Office. There is no public phone number for the campsite itself. No phone number from the provided information is specifically for Mee Corner, but for general area inquiries, the BLM Grand Junction Field Office is the relevant contact.

For us Coloradans, Mee Corner represents the ultimate river camping escape – a truly "awesome" and "super pretty" destination that embodies the rugged beauty and peaceful solitude we seek in our outdoor adventures. Its primary boat-in access means it's not for the faint of heart or the unprepared, but for the local who values an authentic, off-grid experience, it's absolutely ideal.

We appreciate the challenge and reward of a primitive camping experience, and Mee Corner delivers just that. The fact that it's located within the renowned Ruby-Horsethief Canyon float trip makes it a prime destination for our rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding community. The mild Class I/II rapids mean it's accessible for various skill levels, allowing families and groups to enjoy a multi-day river journey to this stunning campsite.

The "absolutely gorgeous" scenery, with its dramatic red rock canyons and the serene flow of the Colorado River, provides an unparalleled backdrop for disconnecting and recharging. The presence of shade is a significant advantage in the often hot Western Colorado climate, offering a respite from the sun. While there are no modern amenities, this is precisely what appeals to the self-sufficient Colorado adventurer. We are accustomed to packing in what we need and packing out all our waste, embracing the Leave No Trace principles that preserve these precious wilderness areas.

Mee Corner offers a rare opportunity to truly escape the hustle and bustle, to witness abundant wildlife, and to experience the Colorado River corridor in its most pristine state. It’s a place where the stars are incredibly bright, the sounds of nature are unadulterated, and the sense of peace is profound. For any Colorado local seeking a primitive, scenic, and deeply immersive river camping adventure that promises unforgettable moments in one of our state's most cherished landscapes, Mee Corner is an exceptional choice.

Mee Corner

Fruita, CO 81521, USA