Comanche National Grassland
RV Guide
Introduction
With over 400,000 acres of open prairie land, deep red canyons, and dense juniper groves, Comanche National Grassland is a diverse natural reserve located in the southeastern corner of Colorado. There are dozens of miles of hikes that take you through the canyons, many of which allow for mountain biking and horseback riding. You can also connect to the Santa Fe National Historic Trail.
Comanche National Grassland holds many wonders, such as ancient petroglyphs left by Native Americans amidst the canyon rocks and cliff faces. Not only that, but you can see evidence of dinosaurs from millions of years ago! Park your rig near the Picketwire Canyon and explore the dinosaur tracks of Brontosaurs and Allosaurs. You'll also love exploring the scenic shortgrass prairie and spotting native trees like the western soapberry or netleaf hackberry.
The open prairie land and deep canyons are also home to a number of big game species. There is a large population of mule deer in the area, and you can also find pronghorn living in the western section of the grasslands. You can also find a number of angling opportunities in the grasslands, including at Carrizo Creek.
Most of the RV campgrounds in the grasslands are dispersed, giving you plenty of room and privacy. Withers Canyon Trailhead Campground is a small campground that is perfect for hikers. Or stay at Carrizo Creek RV Campground for access to hiking, fishing, and boating.
RV Rentals in Comanche National Grassland
Transportation
Driving
Located in the southeastern corner of Colorado along the border with Oklahoma, Comanche National Grassland can be reached from a number of major cities in the region. The area itself is fairly easy to navigate, with major roads cutting across the prairies.
Coming from Denver, take I-70 east from the city to US-287 and you’ll arrive in around five hours. From Albuquerque, take I-40 to US-54 and you’ll reach the grasslands in five and a half hours.
Although there are a number of main roads in the area, you may have to drive on narrow dirt roads to reach some of the RV campgrounds. Be prepared for off-roading to reach the remote sites. The roads may also freeze over during the winter, so make sure that you are prepared if you visit during the colder months of the year.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Comanche National Grassland
Campsites in Comanche National Grassland
First-come first-served
Withers Canyon Trailhead Campground
This small campground has excellent views of Picketwire Canyon, making it a great option for RV campers interested in hiking. The basic sites have no hookups of any kind, although they do come with fire pits. There are vault toilets in the campground, although no access to drinking water. The campground is situated on the edge of the Withers Canyon trailhead, giving you easy access to hiking.
Reservations are not accepted, so try to get there early to save a spot. The campground is usually not very busy, but with only four sites, availability can be limited.
Carrizo Picnic Area Campground
This basic campground is a great area for RV campers interested in fishing and hiking. You’ll also have access to a fishing and swimming area near the campground, as well as a trailhead that leads to prehistoric rock art. This is also a popular spot for birdwatchers and wildlife viewers. All of the sites are dispersed, so you’ll be able to pick out your own spot. Reservations are not accepted, and the campground is rarely ever full.
Picketwire Corrals Campground
This is another dispersed campground that gives you plenty of room to park your rig. There are vault toilets, as well as corrals. However, there is no drinking water provided, so make sure to bring enough for your stay. The main attraction of the campground is the access to Picketwire Canyon, with dozens of miles of hiking trails. Reservations are not accepted.
Seasonal activities in Comanche National Grassland
In-Season
Hiking
Comanche National Grassland has a large number of hiking trails that take you across the prairies and down the canyons in the area. Many of the trails lead out from the RV campgrounds in the grasslands, so it’s easy to get out onto the trail from your rig. Hiking is excellent throughout the year, although be prepared for icy conditions if you come during the winter. Many people prefer spring, when the grasslands are in full bloom.
Biking
With open expanses as well as challenging canyon descents, Comanche National Grassland offers mountain bikers and cyclings a wide range of trails to explore. Withers Canyon is a popular mountain biking trails that’s also near one of the RV campgrounds. Arch Rock Trail is another frequently used trail that takes you through Picture Canyon, a geological formation known for its prehistoric rock art. None of the RV campgrounds in the area rent bicycles, so make sure you bring your own if you plan on riding.
Exploring Dinosaur Tracks and Petroglyphs at Picketwire Canyon
Head your RV over to Picketwire Canyon to spot some truly incredible wonders. Purgatoire River track site is located in the canyon, which is the largest set of dinosaur tracks in North America. You can walk along tracks of Brontosaurs and Allosaurs that are millions of years old. There a few ways you can access the track site. The easy way is to take an auto tour offered by the National Forest or private companies. If you're up for an adventure, you'll have to trek on foot about six miles and cross a river to reach the site. Along the way you can see some amazing rock art, or petroglyphs, left by Native Americans, as well as the remnants of a 19th-century settlement and ranch.
Off-Season
Off-roading
The remote and rugged campsites scattered throughout the grasslands are the perfect launch point for off-road adventures. You’ll find dozens of miles of trails leading across the open prairies, and you can also use most of the Forest Service roads that cut through the area. There are a number of plots of private land in the area, so make sure not to trespass as you ride. You can check the Motor Vehicle Use Map provided by the National Forest Service to see which roads are open.
Fishing
Anglers will have a number of opportunities throughout Comanche National Grassland to bait their hook. Carrizo Creek and Picket Wire Canyon offer year-round fishing for channel catfish. You can also fish or fly fish at a number of streams and rivers in the area. You’ll need a valid Colorado fishing license if you plan on fishing in the grasslands. Boat rentals are not available at Carrizo Creek Picnic Area, so you’ll need to bring your own along with your rig.
Hunting
The grasslands are a popular destination for hunters, with a wide range of different ecosystems and terrain types. Mule deer are commonly spotted in the sand sagebrush throughout the grasslands, as well as along the rims of the canyons. You’ll also find excellent pronghorn hunting in the shortgrass prairies on the western side of the grasslands. You’ll need a Colorado state hunting licence if you plan on hunting on the grasslands. Hunting is not allowed within 150 yards of any of the campgrounds in the area.
