James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park RV & Campground Guide
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The James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park is unique among recreational lands in that it's spread out across five different sections: Island Acres, Corn Lake, the Colorado River Wildlife Area, Connected Lakes, and Fruita. These five sections offer different activities, but they all have one thing in common: They provide access to the Colorado River on the state's Western Slope near Grand Junction. Depending on which sections you visit, you can partake in activities as varied as hiking, whitewater rafting, hunting, swimming, snowmobiling, fishing, and biking. The distance between the westernmost Fruita section and the easternmost Island Acres section is just under 30 miles. You could visit all five sections in a day, but it's more fun to take your time, so you can explore what each part of the park offers at a more leisurely pace.
Spring 48-76 F
Summer 59-88 F
Fall 30-53 F
Winter 25-47 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park
The park has two campgrounds, in the Fruita and Island Acres sections. Amenities inclusive of both campground sections include showers, laundry facilities, picnic tables, stand-up grills, fire rings, playgrounds, dump stations, and opportunities for fishing. Fruita's campground has 57 total sites, with 22 of these full-hookup sites, 22 of these electric-only sites, and 13 tent sites. The full-hookup sites have 50-amp power, while the electric-only sites have 30-amp power. There's also a group campground here. The Island Acres campground features 80 total sites; the spots are either full-hookup or electrical only. The electric-only sites have 30 amps. Most of the full-hookup spots have 30-amp power, but a few offer 50 amps.
What to Do at
James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park
The best way to plan a visit to James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park is to spend anywhere from a half-day to a full day at each of its sections. This will allow you to experience fully what each district offers. Activities range from boating, swimming, fishing, paddleboarding, and whitewater rafting to hunting, hiking, biking, and bird-watching. Pick up a brochure and map as you visit each of the five parts to see which section offers what activity.
Fishing
The Island Acres, Fruita, and Corn Lake sections offer fishing. The lakes here are stocked with trout in the spring and summer. In addition to rainbow trout in all three sections, you can try catching largemouth bass and black crappie at Corn Lake. Dress warmly for ice fishing during the winter.
Nature Watching
Various bird species migrate to the state park during the spring and fall. You may see bald eagles, ospreys, owls, great blue herons, swallows, and hummingbirds.
Flora and Fauna
Plant life at the park varies and consists of communities like saltgrass grassland, desert shrubland, and woodlands. Plants that thrive in these different communities include Russian olive, tamarisk, cattail, sandbar willow, rabbitbrush, and sagebrush. Wildlife frequenting the region includes coyotes, foxes, beavers, muskrats, and mule deer.
Hiking
Most of the park's sections offer trails of varying surfaces. At Island Acres, take the 1-mile trail for an easy stroll that follows the Colorado River. Corn Lake offers a 1-mile trail that travels around the lake and along the river. At this section, there's also a paved trail that goes for 3 miles out to 29 Road. Connected Lakes has 6 miles of trails that go around the lakes and along the Colorado. At Fruita, hike the 1-mile path that takes you around the lake here.
Boating
The Fruita, Connected Lakes, Island Acres, and Corn Lake sections allow boating with hand-propelled and electric-powered vessels as well as those with sails. Every person on your boat must wear a life jacket.
Swimming
The swim area at Island Acres offers swimming. Note that it's only open seasonally, though.
Biking
Hop on your bike to ride the paved trail that extends from Corn Lake and goes through Grand Junction, terminating at Fruita. You'll also find some mountain bike trails near Fruita.
How to Get to
James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park
Because the park has five sections, getting to them will depend on which part you want to visit and where you're coming from. Fruita has a visitor center; pick up a map and directions here for the other park sections. To get to Fruita, take exit 19 off Interstate 70. Head south for a half-mile on CO-340, and look for the park's entrance on the highway's west side.
Entering James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park
The day-use park hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Most sections have parking, although Fruita is the only one with a visitor center. While you can camp at either campground year-round, there are limited services during the winter.
James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park Entry Fee (per vehicle) : $10.0
James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park Entry Fee (per person) : $4.0
Frequently Asked Questions About James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park
The park stays open year-round, so you can participate in both warm-weather and cold-weather activities. However, for the mildest daytime temperatures, visit the park from late spring through early fall.
You can spot all sorts of birds and animals in the park. See quail, wild turkey, hawks, pheasant, prairie dogs, snakes, leopard frogs, and raccoons.
Fruita's campground has 57 sites, of which 22 have full hookups and 22 have electric hookups only. Island Acres' campground has 80 sites; these have either full hookups or electric hookups only.
Yes, you must reserve your camping spot at the park. At Fruita, a full-hookup site costs $41 per night while an electric-only site costs $36 per night. At Island Acres, full-hookup sites cost $37 a night while electric-only sites cost $32 a night.
The park does allow dogs. You can take your dog on the park's trails, but make sure it's on a leash. Dogs are not allowed in the swim areas.