Melon Valley State Wildlife Area Dispersed Camping

This is a small leveled parking lot that provides access to a local conservation area. This is the last marked free campsite from here to Pueblo and beyond to Great Sand Dunes NP.

Take the right leading down the embankment, as if you miss this turn in an RV- it won’t be fun. Camping is posted allowed in parking lot only- no fires. I would not recommend larger RVs, and after having a Bobcat walk through the parking lot not 8 feet from me, probably wouldn’t tent camp here either.

Small bend in local river with waterfowl, surrounded by agriculture and private property. I could see the road and lot being muddy at times.

Pretty quiet outside of one car that came down and left as soon as they saw I was parked in here. I assume local kids looking to smoke some pot (it’s 4/20)

Level, fenced gravel parking area for the Mellon Valley State Wildlife Area, just off Dike road. Camping permitted by sign. Surrounded by plains and agriculture. Camped on a Friday night in June when nothing else was available nearby. Alone, dark and quiet, save for the occasional passing vehicle on Dike road. There are actually two parking areas, one being down by the river with a much steeper entry. Not bad for an overnight.