If you’re heading to Fruita with an RV, you have your choice between two different RV parks, both with full hook-ups and both just off the interstate in a quiet area south of town.
Fruita’s RV scene is compact: the two parks are located across the street from each other, literally a two minute drive off of I-70. One is privately-owned, the other a Colorado state park. Both are just 2 miles from the entrance to the Colorado National Monument.
These two Fruita RV parks, James M. Robb Colorado River State Park and Monument RV Resort have their own personalities and advantages depending on what you want (quiet riverside state-park vibes vs. full-service resort convenience).
Below is information on the sites, hookups, typical fees, amenities, and some tips for a first-time Fruita RV visitor.
James M. Robb Colorado River State Park (Fruita section)
The James Robb Colorado State Park is a 890 acre greenspace that stretches for miles along the Colorado River, from Clifton, Colorado to Fruita.
There are two different RV parks total, but here we are just talking about the Fruita section. (The other one, Island Acres, is 29 miles to the east).
The Fruita park has 44 RV spaces (plus 13 tent spaces too).
(The black RV is James Robb State Park, while the maroon one is Monument RV Resort.)
When my parents bought their first RV (a Bounder), they camped here to test RV living out, and really enjoyed this location along the banks of the Colorado River.
The 44 total RV spots include 22 with full hookups (50 amp) and 22 other sites with 30 amp service.
It has the benefit of feeling like you’re out in the middle of nowhere, yet is within walking distance of all amenities. Dinosaur Journey Museum is about a half mile walk, and it’s just over a mile walk (1.2 per Google maps), to charming downtown Fruita’s restaurants and shops.
If you brought your pups, the Fruita dog park is right next door and borders the property.
The park is run by the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. There is a pretty little walking path around the small lake and you may see eagles looking for breakfast along the river.
Amenities here include a covered picnic table and fire ring at each site. There are also grills, a visitor’s center, playground, restrooms, seasonal showers and laundry machines. A dump station is also available.
The maximum RV size is 50 feet for the 22 full hookup spots, and all are pull-through.
The electric (30 amp) sites vary, with some a max of 50 feet, and others 40 feet. Some are pull-through and some are back-in.
Fees
Fees do not include tax. They can vary on the season, but a recent search for spots in March show the following nightly rates:
Full hook-up sites: $41 or $287 per week.
Electric sites: $36 or $252 per week.
In addition to the RV site fee, all visitors are required to pay the $10 per vehicle Colorado state park entry fee.
There is 14 day maximum stay limit for each 28-day period.
Check-in time is at 1 PM, while check-out is at noon.
Phone & Reservations:
595 Highway 340
Fruita, CO 81521
1-800-244-5613
(970) 858-9188
You can make reservations online through the CPW site here: CPWShop-James Robb
Or also at: ReserveAmerica
The park is open year round, but the full hook-up sites are unavailable from November 1st to the end of February.
Why people pick it
If you want a quieter, less “resort-y” experience where you can walk trails along the river. or fish, this is a great choice.
Some reviewers mention a bit of noise from the nearby I-70. Another complaint is a scattered Wi-Fi service in some areas. Having to pay the Colorado state park entrance fee adds to the cost. Good reviews praise the setting, views of the Monument and access to water.
Monument RV Resort
If you want full-service RV resort amenities, Monument is your go-to in Fruita, as they boast a swimming pool, camp store, laundry facilities, cabin rentals, and more.
Like its state park neighbor across Hwy 340, Monument RV Park is very convenient for visiting the Colorado National Monument and downtown Fruita.
There are around 80 or so sites here, including full-hookup sites (30/50 amp) and mostly pull-through options. Some sites can handle very big rigs, up to 95 feet long.
Rates
Pricing varies on the seasons and Monument RV Park has four different tiers, depending on what you’re looking for.
A recent search found the starting rate for a 45 foot max RV back-in site with 30 amp service and water (no sewer), at $49.45 per night (not including taxes).
On the upper end, a premium 50 amp full hook-up pull-through spot was $74.75.
Why people pick it
Monument is the “plug-and-play” choice: if you want reliable hookups, larger paved sites, and resort conveniences (pool, cabins) after a day of mountain biking or exploring the Monument, Monument RV Resort makes life easy.
It’s also right where the action is — short drives to trailheads, the Colorado National Monument, and Fruita restaurants. In fact, the park literally borders one of my favorite restaurants in Fruita, Munchies, where you’ll find a sort of 50’s diner vibe, with great burgers, shakes, chicken sandwiches, pizza and more. A Dairy Queen also borders the park on the north side.
Tips for visiting Monument RV Resort
Monument RV Resort can be busier and sites may be a bit closer together than at James Robb State Park, so if privacy is a priority, check out their site before you go. They do have quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM.
Address, Phone & Website:
607 Highway 340
Fruita, CO 81521.
(970) 858-4405
Website: https://monumentrvresort.com/
You can also email them at: Fruita@HLParks.com
Final tips
- You already know this, but be sure to reserve early for busy months. Fruita may not have the cachet and recognition of nearby Moab, but it’s still very popular. The town’s hotels, Air BnBs and hotels are often full during spring and summer months – especially during Memorial Day and popular events like the Fruita Fat Tire Festival.
- Know the current fire rules. Fruita is in a high desert area and when we’re really dry in the summer, we often have fire restrictions in place. Check current Mesa County and park rules before planning campfires.
- Bring layers. Days can be warm; nights cool off quickly.
- The Colorado Department of Agriculture discourages (or prohibits?) you from bring out-of-state firewood into Colorado, for fear of invasive pests.
- Exploring off-site is very easy: the Colorado National Monument, Kokopelli and 18 Road trails, and the Dinosaur Journey Museum are all super close.
- Monument RV Resort sits almost across from the state park, so it’s easy to mix & match — stay at the resort and picnic or hike in the state park, or camp at the state park and enjoy downtown Fruita.
(By Steve Beauregard. Photos copyright GJFruita.com)