Mud springs campground

For Colorado locals seeking a refreshing escape from warmer temperatures and a true immersion in the natural beauty of our state, Mud Springs Campground on Glade Park is an outstanding choice. Nestled at a cool elevation of around 8,400 to 8,500 feet, this Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campground offers a serene and picturesque setting, characterized by abundant aspen trees and a peaceful atmosphere. It's a favorite among Colorado residents who appreciate rustic camping, clean facilities, and direct access to stunning outdoor recreation without the need for reservations.

Mud Springs Campground provides a more traditional camping experience, focusing on connecting with nature rather than extensive amenities. Its first-come, first-served policy means you can spontaneously plan your trip, and the friendly on-site host ensures a welcoming environment. Whether you're pitching a tent or bringing a smaller RV, this campground offers a genuine Colorado high-country retreat, perfect for unwinding and exploring the unique landscapes of Glade Park.

Mud Springs Campground is conveniently located at 7914 S 16 1/2 Rd, Glade Park, CO 81523, USA. Situated on the expansive Glade Park mesa, southwest of Grand Junction, this campground offers a truly elevated experience, both literally and figuratively. The drive to Mud Springs is part of its charm and appeal for Colorado locals seeking a scenic journey. From the end of the pavement, you'll travel approximately 2.8 miles on a graded gravel county road (often described as washboarded), which leads you up to the campground's higher, cooler elevation. This final stretch of road, while manageable for most vehicles, encourages a slower pace, allowing you to fully appreciate the transition from lower elevations to the serene aspen groves.

Glade Park itself is an unincorporated community known for its vast open spaces, red rock formations, and proximity to the Colorado National Monument. Accessing Glade Park typically involves driving up Little Park Road or the iconic Rim Rock Drive within Colorado National Monument (which has a fee, though you can bypass it if solely going to Mud Springs and informing the gate attendant). The elevation gain on these approaches is significant, offering spectacular views of canyons and sheer rock faces. Once on Glade Park, the well-marked County Road 16 1/2 will guide you to Mud Springs. Its slightly remote location ensures a peaceful atmosphere while still being within a reasonable drive of Grand Junction for supplies or other needs, making it an ideal spot for Colorado locals looking to truly get away without being entirely cut off.

• Campsites: Features 13 individual campsites, primarily back-in sites, with a soft pad for tents, a fire pit, and a picnic table at each. Sites are generally not oversized, making them suitable for tents and smaller travel trailers/RVs (up to about 30 ft maximum recommended length).
• Group Sites: Two larger group campsites are available, perfect for families or friends camping together.
• Picnic Area: A nice, large picnic area loop is present, which is sometimes utilized for overflow camping during busy periods.
• Clean Vault Toilets: Well-maintained and clean vault toilets (outhouses) are provided for restroom facilities throughout the campground.
• Water Availability: Potable water is typically available via a water system, though it has experienced issues during droughts in the past (e.g., August 2021). As of an August 2024 update, the water system was reported to be working. It's always advisable for campers to check current conditions or bring extra water.
• Friendly On-Site Host: A dedicated campground host is present on-site, offering a welcoming presence and assistance to campers.
• First-Come, First-Served: All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are required or accepted.
• Camping Limit: A maximum stay limit of 14 days applies.
• Fees: A nominal fee of $10 per night applies, with a discounted rate of $5 for seniors.
• Limited Cell Service: While not universally strong, limited cell signal is available for Verizon and AT&T users, though T-Mobile typically has no service.

• Higher, Cooler Elevation: At 8,400 to 8,500 feet elevation, Mud Springs provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat of lower elevations, making it a desirable destination during warmer months.
• Abundant Aspen Trees: The campground is surrounded by numerous aspen trees, offering beautiful scenery, especially in the fall when the leaves change color, and providing welcome shade during summer.
• Beautiful Area: Consistently described as a beautiful natural setting, contributing to a peaceful and enjoyable camping experience.
• Friendly Host: The presence of a welcoming and helpful on-site host significantly enhances the camping experience.
• Clean Facilities: Visitors frequently commend the cleanliness of the vault toilets, which is a key comfort in rustic campgrounds.
• Soft Tent Pads: Individual campsites feature soft pads specifically designed for tent placement, ensuring a more comfortable night's sleep for tent campers.
• Individual Fire Pits and Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with essential amenities for outdoor living and cooking.
• Larger Group Campsites: The availability of dedicated group sites is a significant advantage for larger parties or multiple families camping together.
• Proximity to a Beautiful Lake: A nearby lake, accessible via a nice hike, offers additional recreational opportunities such as fishing or enjoying the waterfront.
• Access to Trails: The surrounding Glade Park area offers numerous opportunities for hiking and exploring the high mesa landscapes.
• Managed by BLM: Being a BLM campground means it often offers a more primitive feel and lower fees compared to some state or private campgrounds, appealing to those seeking an authentic public land experience.

Address: 7914 S 16 1/2 Rd, Glade Park, CO 81523, USA

Phone: (970) 244-3000

Mobile Phone: +1 970-244-3000

Note: As a BLM campground, the provided phone number typically connects to the local BLM field office (likely the Grand Junction Field Office) which manages the area. This is the best contact for current conditions, water availability updates, and general information about the campground.

Mud Springs Campground is a hidden gem that is perfectly suited for Colorado locals seeking an authentic and refreshing high-country camping experience. Its elevated location on Glade Park provides a welcome respite from the summer heat, offering cool temperatures and abundant aspen trees that create a distinctly Colorado atmosphere. For residents across the state, this campground represents an accessible yet wonderfully secluded getaway, far from the crowds of more heavily trafficked areas.

The first-come, first-served policy is a huge draw for spontaneous Colorado adventurers, allowing for flexible trip planning without the need for advance reservations. The presence of a friendly on-site host and the consistent cleanliness of the vault toilets elevate the comfort level of this otherwise rustic campground. While the graded gravel access road and limited cell service for some carriers might be minor considerations, they contribute to the sense of getting away from it all—a key desire for many Coloradans. The availability of a soft tent pad, fire pit, and picnic table at each site, coupled with larger group sites, makes it versatile for various camping styles. Moreover, the proximity to a beautiful lake via a pleasant hike adds another layer of outdoor enjoyment. For Coloradoans who value a peaceful, natural setting, a friendly atmosphere, and a true connection to our state's stunning high-elevation landscapes, Mud Springs Campground is a highly recommended and cherished local secret.

Mud springs campground

7914 S 16 1/2 Rd, Glade Park, CO 81523, USA