RV Dump Stations In Cedaredge, Colorado
38.9016° N, 107.9265° W
Quick Overview
Cedaredge sits at 6,230 feet on the southern slope of Grand Mesa in Delta County, right where the mesa's forested high country meets the orchard and wine valleys below. For RVers, it is the gateway to the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, CO Route 65, which climbs from town up to the largest flat-top mountain in the world and its 300 alpine lakes. We track several dump stations in and around Cedaredge, which is genuinely useful up here because a lot of the best camping is dry camping on the mesa.
You have two very different camping experiences to choose from. Down in town and just up CO 65, private parks like Shady Creek and Aspen Trails give you full hookups, a mild climate, and easy access to groceries and fuel. Up on the mesa, Grand Mesa National Forest campgrounds like Island Lake sit near 10,000 feet with lakeside sites, some electric, and dump stations bundled into the fee. There is also plenty of dispersed boondocking off the byway if you want to get away from it all.
The catch is elevation and season. The mesa top is far colder than town, its campgrounds open late and close early with the snow, and the CO 65 climb is steep enough that you will gear down going up and ride your brakes carefully coming down. Time it right, from roughly summer through the October Applefest, and Cedaredge is one of the best high-country RV bases anywhere in western Colorado for chasing cool air and alpine lakes.
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Gear for Your Trip to Cedaredge
All Dump Stations Near Cedaredge
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aspen Trails Campground & Resort | 3.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Gunnison River Pleasure Park | 9.4 mi | 4.7 | Dump Station | Free |
| Valley Sunset RV Ranch | 12.1 mi | 4.4 | Dump Station | Free |
| Confluence Park | 13.2 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Free |
| Early Settlers Campground | 22.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Crawford State Recreation Area | 22.8 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Vega State Recreation Area - Oak Point Campground | 23.2 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Island Acres State Recreation Area | 27.3 mi | 4.3 | Dump Station | Free |
| Exxon | 28.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| KOA - Montrose / Black Canyon National Park KOA | 28.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
Aspen Trails Campground & Resort
3.0 miGunnison River Pleasure Park
9.4 miValley Sunset RV Ranch
12.1 miConfluence Park
13.2 miEarly Settlers Campground
22.6 miCrawford State Recreation Area
22.8 miVega State Recreation Area - Oak Point Campground
23.2 miIsland Acres State Recreation Area
27.3 miExxon
28.4 miKOA - Montrose / Black Canyon National Park KOA
28.7 miTraveling to Cedaredge by RV
Cedaredge is a mountain-valley town, so you reach it on state highways rather than an interstate. CO Route 65, the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, is the main artery: it runs north from town up and over Grand Mesa to connect with I-70 near Palisade and Grand Junction, roughly 40 to 50 miles away, and south toward Delta. CO Route 92 links the region east and west. There is no interstate through town, so plan your fuel and grocery stops in Cedaredge or nearby Delta.
The byway itself deserves respect. The climb up Grand Mesa is paved but steep and high, with switchbacks and long grades, so gear down on the ascent and use engine braking rather than riding your brakes on the way down. At 6,230 feet in town and 10,000-plus on top, weather changes fast: afternoon thunderstorms are common up high in summer, and CO 65 sees ice and seasonal closures in winter. If you are heading to the mesa campgrounds, check that they are open, since they run late spring through early fall as the snow allows.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Cedaredge, Colorado, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Cedaredge
Cedaredge gives you a nice spread of price points. Private full-hookup parks in and near town, like Shady Creek with its 17 sites, sit in the moderate range and buy you 30 and 50-amp power, a dump on-site, and a mild valley climate. Up on Grand Mesa, the National Forest campgrounds are cheaper per night, and several bundle a dump station into the overnight fee, which typically runs about twenty to thirty-five dollars depending on the site and whether it has electric.
The real budget play here is dispersed camping. Grand Mesa National Forest allows free dispersed boondocking off CO 65, so if you are self-contained you can camp for nothing and use one of our several listed Cedaredge dump stations when your tanks fill. Just remember services are down in the valley, not on the mesa, so fuel and propane are cheapest and easiest in Cedaredge or Delta before you climb into the high country.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
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Best Time to Visit Cedaredge by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
18F - 40F
Crowds: Low
Cold and snowy; the mesa top draws skiers and snowmobilers but CO 65 sees ice and closures.
Spring
Mar - May
34F - 60F
Crowds: Low
Wettest season with an April peak; mesa campgrounds open late as the snow melts.
Summer
Jun - Aug
48F - 72F
Crowds: High
Warm dry days and cool nights; prime time for the mesa lakes and dispersed camping.
Fall
Sep - Oct
36F - 65F
Crowds: Medium
Crisp and clear with the October Applefest and harvest season in the valley.
Explore the Cedaredge Area
What we tell RVers heading to Cedaredge starts with elevation. Town sits at 6,230 feet and the mesa top is near 10,000, so even in summer pack for cold nights and be ready for quick weather changes and afternoon thunderstorms up high. Second, respect the CO 65 grade. The climb up Grand Mesa is steep; gear down on the way up and use engine braking on the descent so you do not cook your brakes. Third, check campground dates. The Forest Service sites on the mesa open late and close early with the snow.
Fourth, use the two-elevation strategy. Base in a full-hookup park in town like Shady Creek when you want comforts and a mild climate, or head up to Island Lake and the mesa lakes for cool alpine dry camping and dispersed boondocking. Stock up on fuel, groceries, and propane in Cedaredge or Delta before you climb, since there is nothing up top. And if your timing is flexible, come in October for Applefest, the town's apple-harvest festival, when the valley orchards and nearby wineries are at their best.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Cedaredge
How many dump stations are near Cedaredge, CO?
We currently track several RV dump stations in and around Cedaredge. Some are at private full-hookup parks in and near town, like Shady Creek, while several Grand Mesa National Forest campgrounds up CO 65 include a dump station in the overnight fee. This matters because a lot of the high-country camping here is dry camping or dispersed boondocking, so a reliable dump is part of the plan. Because the mesa campgrounds are seasonal and open late, we suggest confirming a station is open if you are traveling in spring or late fall.
Is the drive up Grand Mesa hard on an RV?
It demands attention but it is doable. CO Route 65, the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, is paved the whole way, but it climbs from about 6,230 feet in town to over 10,000 on the mesa with switchbacks and long grades. Gear down on the ascent so your engine does the work, and use engine braking rather than riding your service brakes on the descent, since overheated brakes are the real danger on a long downhill. Take it slow, pull over to let faster traffic pass, and the climb rewards you with alpine lakes and big views.
Can I boondock for free near Cedaredge?
Yes, and it is one of the best reasons to come. Grand Mesa National Forest allows dispersed camping off CO 65 up on the mesa, so if you are self-contained you can boondock for free amid the lakes and forest. Follow the Forest Service dispersed-camping rules on distance from water and roads, pack out everything, and use existing sites rather than making new ones. There is no dispersed camping in town, though, so this is strictly a high-country option. Plan to fuel up and dump down in the valley before and after your boondocking stay.
When do the Grand Mesa campgrounds open?
The Forest Service campgrounds on Grand Mesa, like Island Lake, Cobbett Lake, and Little Bear, are seasonal because of snow. They generally open in late spring or early summer once the high country melts out and close in early fall, so the usable window is roughly summer through the first snows. Island Lake sits near 10,000 feet and can hold snow later than you would expect. Always check current opening dates before you head up, since a late snow year can push the season back. In town, the private parks stay open far longer.
What highways lead into Cedaredge?
Cedaredge is reached on state highways rather than an interstate. CO Route 65, the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, is the main route, running north from town up over Grand Mesa toward I-70 near Palisade and Grand Junction, and south toward Delta. CO Route 92 connects the broader region east and west. The nearest interstate is I-70 at the north end of CO 65, roughly 40 to 50 miles away over the mesa. Because there is no interstate through town, plan your fuel and grocery stops in Cedaredge or nearby Delta before heading into the high country.
How cold does it get at the campgrounds on the mesa?
Much colder than in town. Cedaredge sits at 6,230 feet, but the mesa campgrounds are near 10,000 feet, where nights are cold even in midsummer and afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. You should pack cold-weather gear and warm bedding no matter the calendar month if you are camping up top. Down in town the climate is milder, with warm dry summer days and cool nights. This elevation split is a feature: you can chase cool alpine air on the mesa or drop back to the valley when you want it warmer.
Where can I get propane and fuel near Cedaredge?
Fuel, groceries, and propane are all easiest in Cedaredge itself and in nearby Delta, a short drive south. Propane dealers in the valley and some private RV park camp stores can fill your tanks. The important thing is to stock up before you climb Grand Mesa, because there are essentially no services up on the mesa. We fill fuel and propane in the valley every time before heading up to the Forest Service campgrounds or dispersed sites, since running low at 10,000 feet with no station around is a headache you can easily avoid.
Are there full-hookup RV sites in Cedaredge?
Yes. Private parks in and near town offer full hookups, which is the comfortable choice if you want 30 or 50-amp power, a dump on-site, and a mild valley climate. Shady Creek RV Park has 17 full-hookup sites and sits a short drive from Grand Mesa, and Aspen Trails, about three miles north on CO 65, adds a restaurant and live music. If you would rather trade hookups for scenery, the mesa Forest Service campgrounds and dispersed sites are the alternative, with some electric at Island Lake but mostly dry camping up high.
What is there to do in Cedaredge?
Cedaredge blends high-country recreation with valley charm. Up on Grand Mesa you have hiking, fishing among 300 lakes, and the scenic byway drive, plus cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter. In town, the Pioneer Town Museum recreates a 19th-century Western village with more than 20 buildings. The surrounding valley, including Cedaredge, Paonia, and Hotchkiss, is a growing organic food and wine region with tastings and farm tours. And each October the town throws Applefest, a big apple-harvest festival, which is a great time to visit if your schedule is flexible.
Is CO 65 open in winter?
Partly, and with caution. The lower stretches of CO Route 65 near Cedaredge stay open for access to town and the ski and snowmobile areas, but the high mesa portion sees ice, heavy snow, and seasonal closures in winter. If you are traveling in the cold months, check current road conditions with the Colorado Department of Transportation before committing a big rig to the climb, and carry chains. The mesa top is a winter recreation destination, but it is not casual RV-touring weather. Most RVers visit Cedaredge from late spring through fall instead.
Do the Forest Service campgrounds have dump stations?
Some do. Several Grand Mesa National Forest campgrounds include a dump station, with the cost bundled into the overnight fee, which typically runs about twenty to thirty-five dollars depending on the site and whether it offers electric. That is convenient given how much dry camping happens up here. Still, availability is seasonal along with the campgrounds themselves, so do not count on a mesa dump in the shoulder seasons. If the high-country stations are closed, plan to use one of the valley dump options in or near Cedaredge instead.
When is the best time to bring an RV to Cedaredge?
Summer is prime for the high country: warm dry days, cool nights, open mesa campgrounds, and the full run of lakes and dispersed boondocking. Fall is our sentimental favorite, with crisp clear weather, thinner crowds, and the October Applefest celebrating the valley's apple harvest. Spring is wetter and the mesa campgrounds open late as snow melts, so it is better for valley stays than high-country camping. Winter is for skiers and snowmobilers rather than RV touring, given the cold and the seasonal closures on the upper byway. Aim for June through October.
How far is Cedaredge from Grand Junction?
Grand Junction is roughly 40 to 50 miles from Cedaredge, and the most scenic way there is straight over Grand Mesa on CO Route 65 to I-70 near Palisade. That route is beautiful but slow and steep, so allow extra time in a big rig. A flatter valley route via Delta is longer in miles but easier on the drivetrain. Grand Junction is your nearest full-service city for RV repair, larger grocery runs, and medical needs, so a lot of RVers based in Cedaredge make an occasional supply trip there. Plan fuel stops accordingly.
How many dump stations are near Cedaredge, CO?
We currently track {{stationCount}} RV dump stations in and around Cedaredge. Some are at private full-hookup parks in and near town, like Shady Creek, while several Grand Mesa National Forest campgrounds up CO 65 include a dump station in the overnight fee. This matters because a lot of the high-country camping here is dry camping or dispersed boondocking, so a reliable dump is part of the plan. Because the mesa campgrounds are seasonal and open late, we suggest confirming a station is open if you are traveling in spring or late fall.
Is the drive up Grand Mesa hard on an RV?
It demands attention but it is doable. CO Route 65, the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, is paved the whole way, but it climbs from about 6,230 feet in town to over 10,000 on the mesa with switchbacks and long grades. Gear down on the ascent so your engine does the work, and use engine braking rather than riding your service brakes on the descent, since overheated brakes are the real danger on a long downhill. Take it slow, pull over to let faster traffic pass, and the climb rewards you with alpine lakes and big views.
Can I boondock for free near Cedaredge?
Yes, and it is one of the best reasons to come. Grand Mesa National Forest allows dispersed camping off CO 65 up on the mesa, so if you are self-contained you can boondock for free amid the lakes and forest. Follow the Forest Service dispersed-camping rules on distance from water and roads, pack out everything, and use existing sites rather than making new ones. There is no dispersed camping in town, though, so this is strictly a high-country option. Plan to fuel up and dump down in the valley before and after your boondocking stay.
When do the Grand Mesa campgrounds open?
The Forest Service campgrounds on Grand Mesa, like Island Lake, Cobbett Lake, and Little Bear, are seasonal because of snow. They generally open in late spring or early summer once the high country melts out and close in early fall, so the usable window is roughly summer through the first snows. Island Lake sits near 10,000 feet and can hold snow later than you would expect. Always check current opening dates before you head up, since a late snow year can push the season back. In town, the private parks stay open far longer.
What highways lead into Cedaredge?
Cedaredge is reached on state highways rather than an interstate. CO Route 65, the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, is the main route, running north from town up over Grand Mesa toward I-70 near Palisade and Grand Junction, and south toward Delta. CO Route 92 connects the broader region east and west. The nearest interstate is I-70 at the north end of CO 65, roughly 40 to 50 miles away over the mesa. Because there is no interstate through town, plan your fuel and grocery stops in Cedaredge or nearby Delta before heading into the high country.
How cold does it get at the campgrounds on the mesa?
Much colder than in town. Cedaredge sits at 6,230 feet, but the mesa campgrounds are near 10,000 feet, where nights are cold even in midsummer and afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. You should pack cold-weather gear and warm bedding no matter the calendar month if you are camping up top. Down in town the climate is milder, with warm dry summer days and cool nights. This elevation split is a feature: you can chase cool alpine air on the mesa or drop back to the valley when you want it warmer.
Where can I get propane and fuel near Cedaredge?
Fuel, groceries, and propane are all easiest in Cedaredge itself and in nearby Delta, a short drive south. Propane dealers in the valley and some private RV park camp stores can fill your tanks. The important thing is to stock up before you climb Grand Mesa, because there are essentially no services up on the mesa. We fill fuel and propane in the valley every time before heading up to the Forest Service campgrounds or dispersed sites, since running low at 10,000 feet with no station around is a headache you can easily avoid.
Are there full-hookup RV sites in Cedaredge?
Yes. Private parks in and near town offer full hookups, which is the comfortable choice if you want 30 or 50-amp power, a dump on-site, and a mild valley climate. Shady Creek RV Park has 17 full-hookup sites and sits a short drive from Grand Mesa, and Aspen Trails, about three miles north on CO 65, adds a restaurant and live music. If you would rather trade hookups for scenery, the mesa Forest Service campgrounds and dispersed sites are the alternative, with some electric at Island Lake but mostly dry camping up high.
What is there to do in Cedaredge?
Cedaredge blends high-country recreation with valley charm. Up on Grand Mesa you have hiking, fishing among 300 lakes, and the scenic byway drive, plus cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter. In town, the Pioneer Town Museum recreates a 19th-century Western village with more than 20 buildings. The surrounding valley, including Cedaredge, Paonia, and Hotchkiss, is a growing organic food and wine region with tastings and farm tours. And each October the town throws Applefest, a big apple-harvest festival, which is a great time to visit if your schedule is flexible.
Is CO 65 open in winter?
Partly, and with caution. The lower stretches of CO Route 65 near Cedaredge stay open for access to town and the ski and snowmobile areas, but the high mesa portion sees ice, heavy snow, and seasonal closures in winter. If you are traveling in the cold months, check current road conditions with the Colorado Department of Transportation before committing a big rig to the climb, and carry chains. The mesa top is a winter recreation destination, but it is not casual RV-touring weather. Most RVers visit Cedaredge from late spring through fall instead.
Do the Forest Service campgrounds have dump stations?
Some do. Several Grand Mesa National Forest campgrounds include a dump station, with the cost bundled into the overnight fee, which typically runs about twenty to thirty-five dollars depending on the site and whether it offers electric. That is convenient given how much dry camping happens up here. Still, availability is seasonal along with the campgrounds themselves, so do not count on a mesa dump in the shoulder seasons. If the high-country stations are closed, plan to use one of the valley dump options in or near Cedaredge instead.
When is the best time to bring an RV to Cedaredge?
Summer is prime for the high country: warm dry days, cool nights, open mesa campgrounds, and the full run of lakes and dispersed boondocking. Fall is our sentimental favorite, with crisp clear weather, thinner crowds, and the October Applefest celebrating the valley's apple harvest. Spring is wetter and the mesa campgrounds open late as snow melts, so it is better for valley stays than high-country camping. Winter is for skiers and snowmobilers rather than RV touring, given the cold and the seasonal closures on the upper byway. Aim for June through October.
How far is Cedaredge from Grand Junction?
Grand Junction is roughly 40 to 50 miles from Cedaredge, and the most scenic way there is straight over Grand Mesa on CO Route 65 to I-70 near Palisade. That route is beautiful but slow and steep, so allow extra time in a big rig. A flatter valley route via Delta is longer in miles but easier on the drivetrain. Grand Junction is your nearest full-service city for RV repair, larger grocery runs, and medical needs, so a lot of RVers based in Cedaredge make an occasional supply trip there. Plan fuel stops accordingly.
Are there free dump stations in Cedaredge?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Cedaredge.
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