• Camarasaurus skull still embedded in the quarry face

    Dinosaur

    National Monument CO,UT

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Ely Creek Backcountry Campsites Closed

    The Ely Creek backcountry campsites located along the Jones Hole Trail have been closed until further notice due to bear activity in the area. More »

  • Numerous Campsites Closed in the Green River Campground

    A recent tree assessment of the Green River Campground identified potential safety issues with numerous cottonwood trees, requiring us to close many of the campsites. Please plan ahead so that you are not disappointed if the campground is full. More »

Backcountry Camping

Free backcountry permits are required for overnight stays outside established campgrounds. For experienced backpackers, there are many opportunities for backcountry camping at Dinosaur National Monument. The beauty and solitude are inspiring, but the terrain is isolated and rugged. It is also very difficult to find water in the backcountry. Good planning is essential. Please remember that despite its appearances, Dinosaur National Monument is home for black bears. Proper storage of food or any itmes that produce odors is required at all locations in the backcountry. Visit our bear information page for details.

 
Picnic table at Ely Creek backcountry campsite.

Picnic table at Ely Creek backcountry campsite.

DESIGNATED SITES

There is one designated backcountry location in the park. It is at the confluence of Jones Hole Creek and Ely Creek, along the Jones Hole hiking trail. Reservations are required to use this location. Call 435-781-7700 for reservations.

  • There are two sites at this location.
  • Maximum group size is 8 at each site.
  • Treat water in creek before drinking.
  • Vault toilet available.
  • Pack out all trash.
  • No fires.
  • No bicycles.
  • No pets.
  • No soap discharge in creek.
 

AT LARGE CAMPING

A free backcountry permit is required before you venture into the monument's backcountry overnight. Water is scarce. Contact a ranger at 435-781-7700 if you need help planning your trip. Basically, you can camp anywhere provided you are:

  • At least one mile from developed areas, like the Dinosaur Quarry and boat ramps.
  • At least 1/2 mile from roads.
  • At least 100 feet from any water source such as a pond, seep, plunge pool, river or stream. Individuals or groups with valid river permits may camp in designated river campsites
  • At least 100 yards from any cultural, historical or paleontological sites.
  • At least 1/8 mile from the Green or Yampa rivers. (River campsites are closed to backpackers during the high-use river-running season, which is the second Monday in May until the second Friday in September.)
  • Not on the Desert Voices, Sound of Silence, Box Canyon or Hog Canyon trails.

Did You Know?

A section of the painting showing stegosaurus.

How does an artist recreate a scene from the Jurassic era? Watch this video to see the development of scientific artist Liz Bradford’s painting-from sketches to completion-showing Dinosaur National Monument as it might have looked 150 million years ago. More...