Rabbit Valley Recreation Area
A desert oasis offering unparalleled stargazing and extensive off-road trails, with spacious, reservation-only campsites.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Rabbit Valley Recreation Area
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A desert oasis offering unparalleled stargazing and extensive off-road trails, with spacious, reservation-only campsites.
"Amazing spot, especially during the night you can see milky way in the sky. You are not gonna have any regrets!"
Book Online in Advance
All sites require online reservations and payment. No walk-ins! Plan ahead to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
Pack In, Pack Out
Bring all your own water and pack out all trash. No dumpsters or water sources available. :recycle:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stargazing Paradise
Campgrounds
Experience breathtaking night skies with the Milky Way visible. An unforgettable celestial show away from city lights.
Off-Roading Trails
Designated trails
Explore miles of trails perfect for dirt bikes and OHVs. Enjoy the thrill of riding through diverse desert landscapes.
Spacious Campsites
Fluffle Campground
Large, roomy sites ideal for RVs and trailers. Plenty of space between sites for privacy and comfort.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reservations are Key
Prepare for Limited Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Online in Advance
All sites require online reservations and payment. No walk-ins! Plan ahead to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
Pack In, Pack Out
Bring all your own water and pack out all trash. No dumpsters or water sources available. :recycle:
Expect Some Freeway Noise
Sites near I-70 can experience traffic noise. Choose your site wisely if you're sensitive to sound. :sound:
Great Cell Service
Surprisingly strong cell signal across most of the area. Stay connected even in this remote spot. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Online in Advance
All sites require online reservations and payment. No walk-ins! Plan ahead to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
Pack In, Pack Out
Bring all your own water and pack out all trash. No dumpsters or water sources available. :recycle:
Expect Some Freeway Noise
Sites near I-70 can experience traffic noise. Choose your site wisely if you're sensitive to sound. :sound:
Great Cell Service
Surprisingly strong cell signal across most of the area. Stay connected even in this remote spot. :iphone:
Bring a Good Camera
Capture the incredible desert scenery and night skies. Your phone might not do it justice! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Rabbit Valley for its stunning, unpolluted night skies perfect for stargazing and its extensive off-road trail system. The spacious campsites are a plus, though some note potential freeway noise. The mandatory online reservation system and lack of amenities like water and trash services are common points of preparation.
"I visited this campground last year in the end of July. It was completely empty, which is really beautiful! Amazing spot, especially during the night you can see milky way in the sky. I was impressed! If you in this area,visit this place,you are not gonna have any regrets!!!!"
Oleg Adamov
"It was awesome and the fact they keep up with the trails to make it accessible by vehicle is amazing. It was my wife's first time doing anything like this being she is a city girl was the topping on the cake. Definitely worth checking out and if possible take a good camera instead of phone"
Southerntankie Trash
"All camping is by reservation / online payment only. No FCFS. Sites are $20/$10 senior with an $8 reservation online fee. 7 day camping limit
FLUFFLE CG and GROUP AREA
This area is called Fluffle Campground, and the center is a large Group Area with an equestrian corral also. There are a total of 25 sites but 9 of them are in the so-called group area complex. All of the Fluffle campsites are large and roomy and best for RVs and TTs. However they are close to I70 and some will have freeway noise depending on the site. One small vault toilet is at the group area, another double vault toilet at the start of the Fluffle camping area. No dumpsters, no water, no RV dump. Cell signal is very strong. Sites all are reserved and paid for online. No FCFS but sort of a hybrid if FCFS and online pay for sites as most are open during the week. Likely alot of OHVs on weekends.
JOUFLAS CG
Small tight CG. Best suited to tenters and van/ truck campers. A couple side spots for a TT but narrow access road is post cabled on both sides and not enough room for two TTs or RVs to pass. Note that this area is now fee reservation only and has had sig improvements to the roads, sites, signage and toilets. However...NO water, NO trash dumpsters. $20/$10 senior and an $8 reservation fee. 7 day camping limit. Cell signal is very good to excellent. Lots of marked trails and expect this area to be busy on weekends. Lots of I70 traffic noise depending on your site.
HIGH NORTH CG
This is one of several campgrounds noted in the larger Rabbit Valley Area. This CG is on the north side of the I70 interchange and seems to be more for the nonmotorized folks. However, the gravel road up to the top of the ridge was very steep and a couple sections gave me pause hauling my 18 ft TT. Total of 15 sites. In 2023 a new fee and reservation system started ($20/$10), no FCFS...7 day camping limit, with picnic tables and fire rings. One vault toilet. NO trash dumpsters noted, NO WATER, no RV DUMP. CG roads on top are all improved gravel and cabling keeps vehicles restricted. Cell signal is great, 5 bars LTE all carriers due to proximity to the freeway. Negative is truck noise constant in background from I70."
Greg D. Lind
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rabbit Valley Recreation Area is located near Fruita, Colorado, just off I-70. Take exit 197 for Rabbit Valley Road. The campgrounds are accessible from this main road, though some internal roads can be steep.
Yes, the main roads to the campgrounds and many trailheads are maintained gravel roads. Some internal roads may be steep or rough, so a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended for exploring further.
The closest town is Fruita, Colorado, which offers amenities like gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. It's a convenient stop for supplies before heading into the recreation area.
While there isn't a general entrance fee, camping fees apply. Expect to pay $20 per night, or $10 for seniors, plus an $8 online reservation fee per stay.
GPS is generally reliable for finding the main access roads. However, it's always a good idea to have a physical map or download offline maps, as cell service can vary once you're deeper in the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Absolutely! All camping is by reservation and online payment only. There are no first-come, first-served sites available. Book well in advance, especially for weekends.
Standard campsites are $20 per night, with a senior rate of $10 per night. An $8 online reservation fee is applied per booking.
The camping limit is 7 days. This ensures fair access for all visitors wanting to experience the area.
Yes, a senior discount is available, reducing the nightly rate to $10. Ensure you meet the age requirements for this rate.
No, all payments and reservations must be made online prior to your arrival. There are no on-site payment facilities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Rabbit Valley is popular for off-roading (OHVs, dirt bikes), hiking, camping, and incredible stargazing. The trails offer diverse riding experiences.
Yes, there are many marked trails for hiking and exploring the desert landscape. Some are shared with OHV users, so be aware of your surroundings.
Families can enjoy the open spaces and trails. Watching kids on dirt bikes is a common sight. However, be mindful of OHV activity and the lack of amenities.
Campgrounds have vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. There are no water sources, trash dumpsters, or RV dump stations.
Yes, cell signal is generally strong across most of the area, especially near I-70, due to its proximity to the freeway.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Rabbit Valley Recreation Area does not have any restaurants or food services. You must bring all your own food and drinks.
The nearest town with grocery stores is Fruita, Colorado. It's recommended to stock up on supplies before heading to the recreation area.
Campfires are generally permitted in designated fire rings, but always check for current fire restrictions or burn bans with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) before your visit.
Pack plenty of non-perishable food items, snacks, and a significant amount of water. Since there are no water sources, plan for more than you think you'll need.
Yes, most campsites are equipped with picnic tables. There are also picnic tables available at the group area in Fluffle Campground.
📸 📸 Photography
The open desert landscapes, dramatic rock formations, and especially the night sky for stargazing are prime photography subjects. Site 3 in Fluffle Campground offers great sunrise/sunset views.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light for landscape photography. Nights are spectacular for astrophotography, with the Milky Way often visible.
While a phone camera can capture the scenery, a good quality camera is recommended to truly capture the detail of the desert and the brilliance of the night sky.
The vast, unpolluted night sky is a major draw for photographers. Capturing the Milky Way over the desert landscape is a unique experience.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a tripod is essential for night photography. Consider a camera with good low-light performance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's crucial for families to be prepared for the limited amenities. Ensure you bring ample water, food, and entertainment, as there are no services within the recreation area. The strong cell signal is a plus for staying connected. Remind children about safety, especially around OHV activity and the desert environment.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, pack all your own food, water, and camping essentials. Since there are no dumpsters or water sources, planning ahead to minimize waste and carry out everything you bring in is key. The incredible natural beauty and stargazing are free once you've secured your campsite.
🏍️ Off-Road Enthusiasts
Be aware that weekends can be busy with OHV activity. It's essential to follow trail etiquette, wear protective gear, and be mindful of other riders. The campgrounds, particularly Fluffle and Jouflas, are well-suited for those bringing their off-road vehicles.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Campgrounds
Jouflas Campground is a smaller, tighter area best suited for tenters and van/truck campers. Access roads can be narrow, and passing larger vehicles might be challenging. Significant improvements have been made to roads, sites, and toilets here, but amenities remain basic.
High North Campground, located on the north side of I-70, is geared more towards non-motorized users. The gravel road leading up can be steep, and while the campground roads are improved, they are restricted by cabling. This campground also offers great cell service due to its proximity to the freeway, but constant truck noise from I-70 is a downside.
Off-Roading Adventures
Visitors often rave about the sheer abundance of riding opportunities. Whether you're looking for challenging climbs, fast-paced flats, or scenic routes, Rabbit Valley delivers. It's common to see families and groups enjoying the trails together, making it a popular spot for weekend adventures. Remember to always ride responsibly, wear appropriate safety gear, and be aware of other users on the trails.
The Magic of Stargazing
Campers frequently mention the awe-inspiring experience of looking up at night. The sheer number of visible stars and the distinct band of the Milky Way create a truly magical atmosphere. If you're a photography enthusiast, this is a prime location to capture stunning astrophotography. Bringing a good camera and a tripod is highly recommended to do justice to the celestial spectacle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit