North Fruita Desert

Thirty-three miles of singletrack mountain bike trails wind through the North Fruita Desert, placing campers at the center of the famous 18 Road trail system. This campground sits at the base of the Book Cliffs in Loma, offering direct access to both the 18 Road network and the world-renowned Kokopelli Trail system. The facility divides into two distinct units: the Upper Campground with 58 sites and the Lower Campground with 53 sites, totaling 111 campsites. Each site features a fire ring, concrete picnic table, and graveled parking, though only the Lower Campground includes constructed tent pads. Vault toilets are available within walking distance, but visitors must supply their own water, firewood, and trash bags since electricity and garbage collection are absent. The Upper unit hosts two group sites while the Lower unit integrates with an event staging area for races and festivals. Scattered juniper trees dot the landscape, providing shade against a backdrop of red rock canyon country and distant views of the San Juan and La Sal mountains. Camping is limited to 14 days per site, with a maximum of ten people and two vehicles allowed. A volunteer campground host typically staffs the north end of the Upper Campground during spring and fall seasons. The area experiences temperature extremes ranging from below zero to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with average annual precipitation under 10 inches.