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BLM Camping

North Delta OHV Staging Areas

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

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North Delta OHV Staging Areas

The North Delta OHV Staging Areas are located only a few miles north of the town of Delta in Colorado. The areas are also only a short drive from the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Visitors to the staging areas can use the space to prepare for an OHV adventure across the location’s 8,560 acres.

BLM sites are public lands that are managed and protected by the Bureau of Land Management. These protections help to increase wild animal populations, preserve landscapes, and provide recreational activities for visitors. To find BLM sites that offer camping options, you can search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Ute Road

This scenic trail is ideal for hiking, OHV riding, or horseback riding, and it’s also pet-friendly.

Length: 12.7 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Sweitzer Lake Trail

Located in Sweitzer Lake State Park, this lovely trail is an excellent way to view wildlife or watch birds.

Length: 2.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

McCarty Trail

This trail in the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness can be traversed in short sections, or hikers can backpack along the trail.

Length: 24.5 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Confluence Lake Loop

This beautiful trail offers views of the lake and connects to several other nearby trails.

Length: 2.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Gunnison Gorge West River Trail

This scenic trail follows the Gunnison River and passes through Gunnison Gorge, offering hikers glimpses of the area’s stunning landscape and rock formations.

Length: 5.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Fly fishing is very popular in the nearby Gunnison River. Anglers will catch rainbow, cutthroat, cutbow, and brown trout, and Kokanee salmon are common during particular times of the year. Confluence Lake is also a fantastic place to fish, and Sweitzer Lake offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities.

Climbing

Nearby Escalante Canyon offers some of the best rock climbing opportunities in the area. The Interior Walls Area, for example, offers more than 20 traditional routes, and the area also provides some excellent bouldering options. The Cabin Wall features 17 traditional and aid routes, while the Zappa Wall has 27 traditional and aid routes in a range of difficulties.

Wildlife Viewing

The North Delta OHV Staging Areas are a great place to view wildlife, but visitors can also head to one of the nearby national forests or the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. Animals that are native to the area include rattlesnakes, mountain lions, eagles, mule deer, bighorn sheep, beavers, collared lizards, black bears, elk, and turkeys.

Picnicking

The Glacier Springs Picnic Area, located north of the North Delta OHV Staging Areas, offers beautiful scenery, picnic tables, and access to fishing and hiking. The Wild Rose Picnic Area is also a good option. It offers picnic tables, fire rings, and a restroom.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Visitors to the North Delta OHV Staging Areas can find standard or BLM RV camping throughout the surrounding area. The Valley Sunset RV Ranch offers full hookups, clean bathrooms, a dog play area, a pool, a laundry area, and a playground. The Riverwood Inn & RV Park offers beautiful views of the river, and the park is pet-friendly. The Shady Creek RV Park offers 30 amp electric, water, and sewer hookups at their spacious RV sites. There is also a laundry area.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the nearby Cottonwood Grove Campground. There are six campsites, picnic tables, shade areas, fire rings, and a restroom. Campers can stay for up to seven days. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to ensure there is enough room.

RV Rentals Near North Delta OHV Staging Areas Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your North Delta OHV Staging Areas BLM trip

There are no fees to enter the North Delta OHV Staging Areas, but all vehicles in the area must be registered. Vehicles from out of state will need to obtain a non-resident permit, and any necessary plates or stickers should be clearly displayed. The staging area leads to a wide space where open riding is encouraged, and riders are not required to stay on trails. However, some hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders also use the area, so be courteous and stay alert for other visitors.

Visitors can enjoy the North Delta OHV Staging Areas at any time of the year. Summers are warm and dry, with temperatures reaching into the low 90s. Temperatures during the late fall, winter, and early spring months can be very cold. The area also sees a fair amount of snowfall, so always check the weather forecast for storms before you start your adventure.

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

Leave No Trace

It’s always important to utilize Leave No Trace practices since they guide visitors regarding how to protect Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and other wild areas. When driving through the OHV area, watch out for animals. Always let animals cross your path, and maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Take your trash with you and dispose of it properly when you reach a trash can. Whenever possible, recycle plastic or glass items. Share common areas with other visitors and be polite. Before starting a campfire, obtain any necessary permits. Ensure that campfires remain contained in rings or pits. Make sure the coals of the fire are cold before you leave, or cover them with dirt or sand.

North Delta OHV Staging Areas Location

From Grand Junction, take US 50 southeast to the town of Delta. From Delta, continue north on State Highway 92 to the intersection of State Highway 65. Take State Highway 65 north to Fairview Road. Turn left onto Fairview Road and continue to the OHV parking lots.

Ready to visit North Delta OHV Staging Areas? 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.