Little Book Cliffs WSA
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Little Book Cliffs Wilderness Study Area features a wild horse range with over 120 horses roaming freely on about 36,000 acres. You’ll see a 2,000-foot escarpment with four canyon systems and several national bridges. It is attractive to visitors because of the Fremont Culture and history. RVers love it for the free dispersed camping and the breathtaking wildlife views. It’s the perfect location for nature lovers and photographers. RVers can access it via Interstate 70 and enjoy a more rugged off-the-grid wilderness adventure.
Quick Facts About RVing in Little Book Cliffs WSA
● RV Friendly: No ● Max RV Length: Recommended maximum length is up to 25 feet ● Camping Type: Dispersed camping ● Reservations: No ● Hookups: None ● Dump Station: None onsite ● Potable Water: Bring your own ● Cell Service: Spotty ● Pets: Allowed, but must be on leash ● Roads: Steep, rocky, and dirt roads ● Best Season: Spring and fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
● Free-roaming wild horses, including paints and palominos ● Scenic canyon views in a peaceful environment ● Terrific hiking trails with views ● Easy access to the wilderness from Interstate 70 ● Diverse and abundant wildlife
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Main Canyon Trail
The Main Canyon Trail is a very long out-and-back trail located within the Little Book Cliffs WSA. The route is located near the town of Mesa Lakes, CO and regularly sees horseback riders in addition to hikers. The trail features several creeks that hikers must cross and can get a bit muddy in some areas, but overall, it's a leisurely route to traverse that leads to beautiful desert scenery and views of the nearby canyons.
Length: 11.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
Coal Canyon Trail
Coal Canyon Trail is an out-and-back route that's excellent for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-roading. It features a river, beautiful wildflowers, gorgeous desert views, and plenty of wildlife inhabitants. Many who have visited the trail have reported spotting wild horses, desert bighorn sheep, and other cool creatures. You can bring your pups along on the trail as long as they stay leashed, and the ideal time to visit is between June and November.
Length: 5.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fishing & Boating
Perhaps the most popular fishing destination near the Little Book Cliffs WSA is the Grand Mesa, CO area, which features hundreds of different lakes for anglers. You can do your fishing from a boat if you like, as both motorized and non-motorized crafts are permitted on the reservoirs. When you do cast your line, you'll have a good chance of coming away with a few rainbow, brook, or cutthroat trout. Another quality nearby option is the majestic Colorado River, which also offers opportunities to catch several kinds of trout. Alternatively, you can hop in your canoe, kayak, or paddleboat and spend a pleasant afternoon on the river.
Climbing
With such a large variety of canyons and cliffs in the area, the Little Book Cliffs WSA is filled with options for those who enjoy bouldering and adventure climbing. The rock formations in the area come in all sorts of sizes and qualities, and the canyons vary greatly in size and difficulty as well.
Wildlife Viewing
Due to its impressive variety of animal inhabitants, the Little Book Cliffs WSA is a popular destination for wildlife photographers and enthusiasts. Although the WSA is perhaps most known for its population of wild horses, many other interesting species roam the area as well. You might be lucky enough to glimpse a mountain lion, wild turkey, gray fox, black bear, ringtail, chukar, collared lizard, or coyote. If you enjoy bird-watching, you'll want to keep your eyes open for great horned owls, golden eagles, and the various other raptors that live in the region.
Picnicking
The Little Book Cliffs WSA is surrounded by beautiful scenery and areas of high elevation. Although there may not be any designated picnic areas at the site, it shouldn't be too hard to find a spot with a lovely view to enjoy your meal. All you need to do is bring your own picnic blanket and whatever you plan to eat, and you'll have everything necessary for a pleasant snack or lunch in nature.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
Visitors can partake in RV camping near the Little Book Cliffs WSA, but they must do so outside of the area that's federally designated as wilderness. Since there are no Bureau of Land Management campgrounds located at the site, they'll have to create their own campsite and go without amenities or services. That said, there are a couple of nice RV parks within only a few miles of the BLM site. One great nearby option is Palisade Basecamp RV Resort, which features full RV hookups and a variety of modern amenities and conveniences.
Dispersed Camping
There are several dispersed camping options in and nearby Little Book Cliffs WSA, including the North Soda Area and the Indian Park Area. There aren’t any camping fees, and they are first-come, first-served. The maximum stay is 14 days within a 28-day period. Visitors must follow a leave-no-trace policy since there aren’t any trash collection services or receptacles. The camping spots aren’t defined; you won’t have privacy outside of your RV. The current fire restrictions state that visitors cannot use fireworks or leave fires unattended.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
● Camper Vans: Camper vans are the most recommended since 4x4 models are available. They offer high clearance and easier turn capability. These models are easier to turn around in challenging terrain. ● Travel Trailer: When traveling this region with a travel trailer, you may experience violent jerking due to intense washboards. These models are low-slung, and the sewage pipes could become damaged on uneven roads. ● Fifth Wheels: You would need a 4x4 truck or SUV to pull a fifth wheel in this area. However, the trailer length could make it difficult to turn in narrow canyon areas. Jackknifing is also possible and could lead to trail twisting and severe damage. ● Class A Motorhomes: Class A motorhomes are too large for this area and would be difficult to turn around. The massive length could lead to front and rear bumper damage, and there is a higher risk of becoming stuck in uneven terrain. ● Class B Motorhomes: Class B motorhomes offer a better turning radius; however, standard models are low-slung, and the tailpipe may scrape in rocky areas. Smaller Class B models are better for navigating through dispersed campgrounds in the Little Book Cliffs area. ● Class C Motorhomes: Class C motorhomes are not recommended for this area because of their low clearance and potential dragging on uneven terrain. It is also possible for the rear wheels to become caught on sharp rocks and cause damage.
Free Camping 
If you don't mind roughing it and are able to find a suitable spot among the rocky terrain, you're welcome to enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping at the Little Book Cliffs WSA. If you travel north and stick to the areas near the banks of the Colorado River, that may provide the best odds of finding a pleasant spot to set up a dispersed campsite. Search "BLM camping near me" on your phone to see what options best suit your needs.
RV Rentals Near Little Book Cliffs WSA Plan your next adventure
Planning your Little Book Cliffs WSA BLM trip
If you're planning to visit the Little Book Cliffs WSA, don't forget that there are restrictions around areas federally designated as wilderness. Most importantly, no motorized vehicles or equipment are permitted, meaning you'll need to limit your driving and RV travel to the areas outside of the wilderness. You should also check on the weather in the area before you make the trip as the main access road tends to become impassable during rainy and snowy winter conditions. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
RVers visiting this area should bring their own potable water as it isn’t readily available. Visitors can find several grocery and camping stores within 15 minutes of Little Book Cliffs WSA. The nearest gas station is about 12 minutes from the recreation area. There are two public dump stations about 20 minutes from Little Book Cliffs WSA, including Gold Gate Petrol and Pilot Travel Center. You can use a generator on dispersed camping areas, but you must adhere to the BLM quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Cellular service is spotty to nonexistent inside the wilderness area. You must adhere to leave-no-trace policies and manage your own trash. Roads can become steep and are either dirt or loose gravel, except at interstate-adjacent access points. Summer heat and flash floods can impact this wilderness area, and the roads can become icy in winter. Grand Junction and Palisade are close by, and emergency services are available through the Mesa County Sheriff's Office and the Grand Junction Fire Department.
Leave No Trace 
Any time you visit or camp on public BLM land, it's crucial that you make a real effort to leave no trace of your stay. If you're thorough about cleaning up after yourself and careful to avoid disturbing the ecosystem, it will go a long way toward preserving the site. You should also keep a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter, limit your traveling and BLM RV camping to durable land surfaces, and be respectful of other campers. If you keep these things in mind and make it a point to plan your travels and activities in advance, you'll help the Little Book Cliffs WSA remain pristine and healthy.
Little Book Cliffs WSA Location
To reach the Little Book Cliffs WSA from Grand Junction, follow I-70 east to exit 62 for Debeque. After exiting, cross over the Colorado River and then continue on the main road until you reach 4th Street. Take a left on 4th Street into the town of Debeque, and then take a left at the gas station. Follow that road to its end. Then take a right onto Winter Flats Road. Continue on for roughly 20 miles until you come to a fork in the road. Both directions of the fork will take you to different parts of the WSA; keeping left will take you to the Indian Park area, and keeping right will take you to the North Soda area.
Ready to visit Little Book Cliffs 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.
Plan Your Day at Little Book Cliffs WSA
● Morning:Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your RV. Drive to Coal Canyon Trailhead via the Cameo Exit on I-70. Enjoy a 2.2-mile hike with breathtaking scenery. You can park your RV at the gravel parking area or drive your car. You’ll see many beautiful free-roaming horses, including mustangs and palominos. ● Afternoon:About noon, drive to Palisades and explore the farmers market. You’ll find many farm-to-table restaurants in the area. You’ll find fruit stands in the area, offering fresh produce and lavender-based products. ● Evening:Visit the local wine tasting venues and enjoy options from the local Peach Street Distillers. You can grab dinner while you are out or return to your RV and prepare dinner under the stars.
Nearby Attractions
● De Beque Canyon: The De Beque Canyon, about 30 minutes away, is a gorge located along the Colorado River near high plateaus and the Grand Valley. You will see many free-roaming horses and beautiful landscapes. ● Colorado River State Park: About an hour away, the Colorado River State Park is closed to the river corridor and offers many fun activities, including fishing, trail walking, and boating. ● Palisade Vineyards and Orchards: The Palisade Vineyards and Orchards is a 40-minute drive south of the cliffs, and you will find many opportunities to sample local wines and cuisines. ● Mount Garfield: Mount Garfield offers a 2-mile hiking trail with elegant panoramic Grand Valley views. You will find it adjacent to Little Book Cliffs, about a 40-minute drive. ● Palisade Rim Trail: The Palisade Rim Trail, 35 minutes away, is 3.7 miles and offers mountain biking and breathtaking views of the river and nearby vineyards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you RV camp on Little Book Cliffs WSA? Currently, you can RV camp directly at Little Book Cliffs WSA. However, there are several nearby options for dispersed and developed camping. Are generators allowed at Little Book Cliffs WSA? Currently, you cannot camp or bring generators to Little Book Cliffs WSA. However, you can use a generator on BLM lands in nearby dispersed camping areas. If you need help finding the best generator, you can read our Top Generator Guide. Do you need four-wheel drive to navigate through this area? Currently, you cannot bring any motorized vehicles into Little Book Cliff WSA. However, you can park an RV in the parking lot at the staging area. A 4x4 is helpful when navigating through the surrounding areas as roads are steep and uneven. Are pets allowed at Little Book Cliffs WSA? Yes, pets are allowed at Little Book Cliffs WSA. However, you must keep your pets on a leash when they are outside your RV. What is the best season to visit Little Book Cliffs WSA? The best seasons to visit Little Book Cliffs are spring and fall. The summer can bring heavy rain and flash floods, and icy conditions are possible in winter.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
It’s paramount that you rent the right RV for your trip to Little Book Cliffs WSA. We highly recommend camper vans since the terrain is uneven and includes steep, rocky dirt roads. These RV models have a higher clearance and won’t bottom out. They offer easy turning and maneuvering around the popular wilderness area. If you choose to rent an RV, you can get extra perks like setup and delivery to your preferred RV park or campground. Browse our RV rentals in Palisades to find the best choice for your adventure.