List Your RV

BLM Camping

Ant Hills WSA

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Ant Hills WSA is a wilderness area located near the small communities of Maybell and Craig in Colorado. The area is located next to Dinosaur National Monument in the Douglas Mountain region, not far from the Yampa River. Several hills, each between 400 and 500 feet in height, are the main attraction in the wilderness, and these hills offer spectacular views and many opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, backpacking, and wildlife viewing or photography. Visitors can also enjoy the area’s many plant species, which include juniper trees, ponderosa pines, and sagebrush. Other nearby wilderness areas include the Vale of Tears, Chew Winter Camp, Peterson Draw, and Cross Mountain.

BLM locations like the Ant Hills WSA are public lands that are preserved for the protection of the area’s native species and the enjoyment of visitors. Many of these locations offer camping options. To find BLM sites with camping amenities, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Harpers Corner Trail

This beautiful trail offers excellent views and is a great way to take in the landscape near the Ant Hills WSA.

Length: 2.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Ruple Point Trail

Located in the Dinosaur National Monument, this trail is open all year and offers gorgeous views of the scenery.

Length: 9.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Gates of Lodore Nature Trail

This quick trail offers incredible views and provides easy access to primitive camping options.

Length: 0.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Dinosaur Trackway

Located in nearby Red Fleet State Park, this scenic trail offers a few challenging areas, and visitors can spot some dinosaur footprints along the way.

Length: 1.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Mitten Park Trail

This trail offers lovely views and also connects to several other local hiking trails.

Length: 2.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The best nearby location for fishing is at Jones Hole in Dinosaur National Monument. This location is thought to offer some of the best fishing in not only the area but the entirety of the country. Brook, rainbow, and brown trout are the most common catches. The nearby Green River is also a great fly-fishing option.

Climbing

Elephant Toes Butte and Split Mountain Campground in Dinosaur National Monument offer traditional and top-rope climbs. Nearby, the crag at Wild Mountain provides top-rope, sport, and traditional route options.

Wildlife Viewing

The Ant Hills WSA and Dinosaur National Monument are both excellent locations for viewing wildlife. Visitors can often spot a range of small mammals, such as squirrels and rabbits, and many species of snakes and lizards. Elk, mule deer, and birds of prey are also common sights.

Picnicking

The Plug Hat Butte Picnic Area is a popular location to stop for lunch. Located in Dinosaur National Monument, this location offers shaded picnic tables, a paved walking trail, and scenic views. The Split Mountain Campground also offers picnic tables and provides a boat launch.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at the Split Mountain Campground in Dinosaur National Monument. The campground has four large sites. There are no hookups and few amenities, but the area is secluded, quiet, and peaceful. The campground is open all year, even when other nearby campgrounds are closed, and fees are drastically reduced during the winter. Echo Park Campground offers five RV sites and provides potable water, vault toilets, and food storage lockers. The Outlaw Trail RV Park offers full hookups, a laundry area, bathrooms, and showers. The park is only a few minutes from Dinosaur National Monument.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available throughout the nearby Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Visitors can establish a primitive site at several locations. Be aware that there may be a limit regarding the length of your stay.

RV Rentals Near Ant Hills WSA Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Ant Hills WSA BLM trip

In most wilderness areas, including the Ant Hills WSA, motorized vehicles are restricted. In the Ant Hills WSA, motorized travel is limited to existing trails and roads, and off-roading is not permitted. Mountain biking is also restricted on some trails, so check each trail before you head out.

Always check the weather forecast before you head out on your adventure. Although the weather around the Ant Hills WSA is warm and pleasant for the most part during the summer months, the area is remote, and sudden rainstorms can cause travel or safety issues. The late fall, early spring, and winter months can be incredibly cold, especially at night, so dress warmly, and be prepared for snow if you plan to hike or camp in the area during these times of the year.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace practices are important because of how they can help visitors protect Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and wild areas. These practices include staying on trails and decreasing your impact on the landscape and plants around you. Always throw away your trash and pick up any litter you see. If trash cans aren’t available, take the trash with you and throw it away when you can. Keep a distance between yourself and any wild animals. If you plan to start a fire, ensure that it remains controlled and is only built in a safe fire pit or ring. Check for any fire bans, and make sure the rating is low on the fire danger scale.

Ant Hills WSA Location

From Maybell, take US-40 west for about 50 miles. Look for signs directing you toward the Ant Hill WSA and Dinosaur National Monument.

Ready to visit Ant Hills WSA? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.