The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Jouflas Campground is located in the Rabbit Valley Motorized Area of the McInnis Canyons Natural Conservation Area. The campground provides access to many of the canyons in the area, including the popular Mee, Ruby, and Rattlesnake Canyons. The area is a favorite spot for rock climbers, wildlife and photography enthusiasts, and hikers.
Jouflas Campground and other wilderness areas have been set aside and protected by the Bureau of Land Management with the intent to preserve nature and allow people to access wild areas. To find other BLM sites with camping options, search for “BLM camping near me.”
This trail in the nearby Colorado National Monument is ideal for viewing wildlife thanks to its secluded location.
Length: 4.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This beautiful trail offers scenic views. There are a few uphill areas, and the trail is mostly exposed with little shade.
Length: 3.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail offers lovely views of nearby Grand Junction, and wildlife in the area is abundant. The trail has some rocky and steep sections.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This dog-friendly trail offers a few challenging areas, but visitors will be rewarded with panoramic views and, during the spring months, the sight of many wildflowers in bloom.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail climbs into the canyon and connects to several other trails along the way, offering different options for routes.
Length: 5.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Ruby Canyon offers excellent nearby swimming opportunities, and the waters are a favorite for rafters and floaters. For fishing, most people choose to explore the nearby Colorado River. The river, which also provides plenty of opportunities for boating, is a great place to catch trout, carp, and catfish.
The Grand Junction area is a haven for rock climbers. McInnis Canyon offers nearly 30 bouldering options, while the canyons in the wilderness provide 85 traditional, top rope, and aid routes. There are more than 200 traditional, top rope, sport, and aid routes in the Colorado National Monument, plus some bouldering options. The Bullet Hole Bouldering Area offers more than 25 bouldering options, plus some traditional, sport, and top rope routes of varying difficulties.
Visitors can often view wildlife right from the Jouflas Campground, and the McInnis Canyons Natural Preservation Area is ideal for spotting or photographing animals. The nearby Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness is also a great place to see wildlife. Species native to the area include mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, lizards, snakes, hawks, eagles, wrens, and even mountain lions.
The Junior Service League Park in Grand Junction offers lovely views, and grills are available. The park provides a covered picnic pavilion and tables, but many visitors choose to spread out a blanket. The Devil’s Kitchen Picnic Area is another favorite nearby location for picnicking. The area offers picnic tables, easy access to hiking trails, and restrooms.
Visitors to the area can find great BLM RV camping at the Saddlehorn Campground in the Colorado National Monument. The campground costs only $22 per night, and each site has a grill and picnic table. The campground can accommodate RVs of up to 40 feet. The Moondance RV and Campground is another excellent choice. This campground offers full hookups, and there are showers, a laundry area, and barbecue grills.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available right at the Jouflas Campground. The campground offers eight sites, and each has a fire grate and picnic table. The sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are also several other free campgrounds, including the Knowles Overlook and Castle Rocks Campgrounds, in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. Like the Jouflas Campgrounds, these free camping sites have limited amenities.
The Jouflas Campground is relatively remote. Some roads that lead to the campground and surrounding wilderness area are closed periodically throughout the year and are only open to hikers and horseback riders. Some roads might require four-wheel-drive or all-terrain vehicles. Always check ahead for any road closures and to get information on the state of the roads so you can plan your trip accordingly.
Before you leave for your trip, let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Always carry first aid supplies and travel with food rations and water in case you become stuck. Keep an eye on the weather and avoid camping if a storm is in the forecast. If you plan to camp during the winter, remember that temperatures in arid climates, like that of the area surrounding the Jouflas Campground, can drop swiftly at night.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds require care so they can be enjoyed for years to come. Always pack out all of your trash, and be mindful of the impact you leave on the environment. Make fires only when strictly necessary, and check for fire bans. Observe animals from a distance, and never take home any plants or animals. When setting up a dispersed campsite, try to camp only on stable land or land that has already been used for camping.
From Grand Junction, take Interstate 70 west to exit 2. At the stop sign, take a left, drive over the interstate, and continue until you reach the entrance to the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. Stay right through the first two intersections, and continue on until you reach the campground.
Ready to visit Jouflas Campground? 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.
