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Colorado · Camping
Maybell sits in the far northwest corner of Colorado, where Moffat County's high desert rolls into the canyon country carved by the Yampa River.
28 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapCamping · 28 spots
Maybell sits in the far northwest corner of Colorado, where Moffat County's high desert rolls into the canyon country carved by the Yampa River. Most of the 28 camping options near town are dispersed river camps strung along the Yampa corridor — places like Ponderosa River Camp, Harding Hole River Camps 1 through 4, Box Elder River Camps 1 through 3, and Laddie Park River Camps 1 and 2. These are primitive, no-fee sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management, meaning you get direct river access and solitude but no hookups, no vault toilets at most spots, and no ranger station nearby. For something more structured, Deerlodge Park Campground sits at the eastern edge of Dinosaur National Monument and serves as the main put-in for Yampa River floaters. Irish Canyon offers a small developed campground in a striking red-rock slot canyon north of town. Rippling Brook River Camps 1 and 2 split the difference — listed as campgrounds rather than dispersed sites, so expect slightly more defined infrastructure. The area is genuinely remote. Cell service is unreliable once you leave the highway, the nearest hospital is in Craig about 40 miles east, and summer afternoons bring real heat. Come prepared to be self-sufficient.
For most BLM dispersed sites like Ponderosa River Camp, Kolb River Camp, or Anderson Hole River Camp, no advance permit is required for standard car camping. However, if you're arriving by raft as part of a Yampa River float through Dinosaur National Monument, the river corridor requires a permit through the National Park Service lottery system. Check current BLM and NPS regulations before your trip, as rules can change seasonally.
Late May through June is popular because the Yampa is running and temperatures are manageable, though nights can still drop into the 40s. July and August bring intense afternoon heat in the canyon bottoms, often above 95°F, so early morning and evening are when you actually want to be outside. September is arguably the most comfortable month — cooler air, fewer crowds, and the cottonwoods start turning along the river.
Camping
Maybell, Colorado
Camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Dispersed camping
Maybell, Colorado
Some are, but not all. Several sites require high-clearance vehicles, and a few involve sandy or rocky two-track roads that can become impassable after rain. Warm Springs River Camp and some of the more remote spots like Wild Mountain River Camp and Teepee Hole River Camp are best approached with 4WD or at minimum a truck with decent clearance. Check road conditions with the Little Snake Field Office in Craig before heading out.
Most dispersed sites along the Yampa have no treated water. You'll need to bring all drinking water or carry a reliable filter to treat river water. Deerlodge Park Campground and Irish Canyon may have seasonal water available, but don't count on it without confirming ahead of time with the managing agency. Plan on at least a gallon per person per day, more in summer heat.
BLM dispersed camping in this area is generally limited to 14 consecutive days at a single location before you're required to move at least 25 miles away. After 14 days you cannot return to the same site for 28 days. These limits apply across most of the river camps including Pot Creek, Mathers Hole, and Big Joe River Camp, but always verify current rules with the BLM Little Snake Field Office since limits can vary by management area.