Echo Park, of Dinosaur National Monument Colorado, is an incredible place to visit. Located in a remote canyon, this campground nestled along the shore of the Green River can only be reached after a wild 13 mile drive on a rough 4WD road through Sand Canyon. Many creek crossings are part of the adventure on this road that becomes impassible when wet.

For this reason, Echo Park remains a secluded spot to camp in with stunning scenery as massive sandstone walls rise up all around you. The campground is open year round but after Labor Day (early September) the water is shut off. The camping is tent only with 22 spaces, 1 handicapped accessible site and 4 walk in sites. Each campsite is equipped with a new grill and a fire ring. Fires are only allowed in the fire rings and you may burn wood but you are not allowed to cut anything down. However, check for current fire restrictions while there.

Campground

Site #3

There are many hikes that leave from the campground itself. Sand Canyon is ~ 9 miles in length, but you can just go as far as you want and then backtrack. Pat's Draw is an easy and short hike and one could also take the trail to Mitten Park towards the northwest. Bouldering and climbing can be done from within the campground as well as there are more routes than you cold count, possibly all FA's!

Be sure to see more pictures here!

Red Tape

During the spring and summer, there is an $8 fee per night to camp. Once the water is turned off after Labor Day, the camping is free. There is a self-serve kiosk at the entrance to the campground to deposit your fee's.

Getting There

The drive to Echo Park is a long one from just about anywhere. The entrance to the park is from U.S. Hwy. 40 which runs east - west in the northwest corner of Colorado.

Just east of the town of Dinosaur Colorado, turn north on the park road at the visitor center and drive ~23 miles to the turn off for the Echo Park road. Here is where the drive gets interesting. Take this dirt road for 13 miles to the Echo Park campground. Warning! This road is impassible when wet! The road winds steeply down several switch-backs as it descends deeper into the canyon. You will then drive a bit and finally enter Sand Canyon where the real fun begins. This is an amazing drive if you have the right vehicle (i.e. - high clearance 4WD). There are many creek crossings involved (mostly dry) and the driving is mainly on sand and gravel.

Final 1/2 mile to Echo Park near Whispering Cave

Four miles from the Echo Park campground, you must take a left at a T-intersection. You will then shortly pass an old abandoned ranch, pass some Petroglyphs on your left, and then Whispering Cave before you finally come into the campground.

Maps!

Echo Park Map

Dinosaur Map

Fauna

Within the campground itself, you may encounter deer, rabbits, birds and many weird insects. Recently (summer 2007) there was a mountain lion "incident" so campers/hikers are advised to be cautious when camping/hiking alone. Keep children within sight at all times and keep pets on a leash no longer than 6' at all times.

Jerusalem Cricket

Lion track

External Links

Echo Park

Dinosaur National Monument

Echo Park Camping Information

Area Info

Current Weather at Echo Park

Images