Home/Westwater Canyon River/Westwater Campground (Ranger Station)

Recreation.govUT

Westwater Campground (Ranger Station)

Westwater Canyon River

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Upcoming Availability

14 of 14 days currently show available sites.

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Sun, Jul 26

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Campground guide

What to know before booking

The Westwater Campground is located next to the Westwater Ranger Station; the take-out for the Ruby-Horsethief and put-in for the Westwater Canyon sections of the Colorado River. Each campsite has parking for two vehicles (vehicle pulling a trailer = two vehicles), a picnic table, a fire ring, and close proximity to a vault toilet and trash receptacles. The Westwater Campground is adjacent to the Colorado River as it meanders through a valley.

Official campground details, summarized

Concise planning notes based on the public Recreation.gov campground information.

Facilities

Each campsite has parking for two vehicles (vehicle pulling a trailer = two vehicles), a picnic table, a fire ring, and close proximity to a vault toilet and trash receptacles. Drinking water may be available March - November. However, do not rely on this as the water source for your trips needs as it is not always operational. There are no electric hook-ups and cell service is spotty to non-existent. During business hours, the Westwater Ranger Station can assist visitors with acquiring a campsite, trip planning, and campground etiquette.

Natural Features

The Westwater Campground is adjacent to the Colorado River as it meanders through a valley. Views of Navajo Sandstone walls surrounding the valley can be seen from the site.

Recreation

The Colorado River is known for extraordinary boating trips including the Ruby-Horsethief section up-river and Westwater section downriver of the Westwater Campground. The Ruby-Horsethief section begins in Loma, CO and consists of a 25-mile stretch of mostly flat-water with sections of Class I and II rapids. It flows through beautiful red rock canyons and has many day hiking opportunities offering both solitude and exploration. The Westwater Canyon section offers boating excitement for experienced adventurers to test their skills navigating eleven named rapids ranging in difficulty from class I to class IV. The section contains incredible geology and day hiking opportunities with glimpses of abandoned settler cabins and caves. Approximately 10,000 people float this section of the Colorado River each year. The 17 mile stretch is surrounded by the Westwater Wilderness Study Area. North of the campground are many motorized and non-motorized trails. These trails include Kokopelli’s Trail , one of Colorado's and Utah's premiere mountain bike trails. It stretches 140 miles from Loma, CO to Moab, UT with elevations that rise to 8,400 feet following four-wheel-drive roads and single-track trails.

Nearby Attractions

The town of Moab, UT, Canyonlands National Park, and Arches National Park are located approximately 70 miles to the southwest. The cities of Grand Junction and Fruita, CO along with McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and Colorado National Monument are located approximately 35 miles to the east.

Campsite map

Ravens, chipmunks and other wildlife frequent the sites; NEVER leave food or trash unattended.

More at Westwater Canyon River

Other tracked campgrounds from the same park or area.

Recreation.govUT

Westwater Group Site (Ranger Station)

Westwater Canyon River

Active

Tracked page

1 site open

Scanned 1d ago

Official link

Booking

View campgroundReserve

Surrounding campgrounds

Other tracked campgrounds within driving distance, nearest first.

Westwater Group Site (Ranger Station)

Westwater Canyon River

0.1 mi

Rabbit Valley

McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area

8.1 mi

North Fruita Desert Campground

18 Road - North Fruita Desert

27.3 mi

North Klondike Campground

Moab Field Office (BLM)

40.1 mi

Courthouse Rock Campground

Moab Field Office (BLM)

42.4 mi

Hunter Canyon Group Site

48 mi

Common questions

Is Westwater Campground (Ranger Station) available right now?

Kestrel's most recent scan found openings on 14 of the next 14 days, starting Sun, Jul 26. Availability changes constantly — check the calendar above, then confirm on Recreation.gov.

How do I book Westwater Campground (Ranger Station)?

Reservations are handled by Recreation.gov, not by Kestrel. Use the official reservation link on this page to book. Kestrel only watches availability and tells you when a site frees up.

How quickly will I hear about a cancellation?

Kestrel rescans every two minutes, and every 30 seconds during the provider's daily release window. Alerts go out by email as soon as a matching site appears.