Elk Springs, CO
Dinosaur National Monument
Six campgrounds across a desert monument shaped by dinosaurs, rivers, and human history.
Dinosaur National Monument spans Colorado near Elk Springs, blending ancient geological history with dramatic canyon landscapes. Fossils embedded in the rocks tell stories of creatures from 150 million years ago, while river canyons, high desert, and mountain terrain create a landscape shaped by both deep time and human presence.
Six campgrounds offer base camps for exploring the monument: Deerlodge Park Campground, Echo Park Campground, Gates of Lodore Campground, Green River Campground, Rainbow Park Campground, and Split Mountain Group Campground. Each serves as a gateway to different sections of the monument's canyons, rivers, and backcountry.
Petroglyphs and homestead ruins scattered across the monument reveal layers of human history. The landscape supports wildlife and offers opportunities for river travel, hiking, and geological discovery. No permit is required to camp or explore Dinosaur.
Experiences
Camping
Explore 6 camping locations in Dinosaur National Monument.
Deerlodge Park Campground
Echo Park Campground
Gates of Lodore Campground
Green River Campground
Rainbow Park Campground
Split Mountain Group Campground
Common Questions
What visitors most often want to know about Dinosaur National Monument.
Do I need a permit to visit Dinosaur National Monument?
No permit is required to visit Dinosaur National Monument. You can explore the monument freely without advance authorization.
What campgrounds are available in Dinosaur National Monument?
Dinosaur National Monument has six campgrounds: Deerlodge Park, Echo Park, Gates of Lodore, Green River, Rainbow Park, and Split Mountain Group. Each offers a different location within the monument for your stay.
What can I do at Dinosaur National Monument?
The monument offers experiences centered on paleontology, with dinosaur fossils embedded in the rocks, as well as scenic mountains, desert landscapes, and river canyons. You can also explore petroglyphs created by Indigenous people and learn about the homesteaders and historical figures who sought refuge in the area.
Where is Dinosaur National Monument located?
Dinosaur National Monument is located in Colorado near Elk Springs.