Are you ready to go camping? Okay, so it's only mid-February. When you're ready for the great outdoors, there's no need to head far. A top notch year-round camping area is just a hop, skip, and jump down the road.

If you live in Grand Junction, there's no need to drive to Montana to enjoy a little camping. For that matter, there's no need to drive more than ten miles. If you live in Fruita, well, you're already there.

The Fruita section of the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park is just the getaway you've been looking for. The views are awesome, the amenities are top-notch, and the location is pretty hard to beat.

The camping area has everything you could ever want... facilities, playgrounds, access to nature, and a McDonald's about two blocks away. Just because one goes camping, it doesn't immediately follow they should have to "rough it."

What do you need to have in order to enjoy this adventure? Something to camp in and a State Parks pass. That's about it. If McDonald's isn't your thing, then pack a few groceries, or... go to Wendy's right across the street from the McDonald's.

I, for one, thoroughly enjoy camping, but don't like driving 1,000 miles to do it. Okay, so you think camping in your own town is silly. Let's say you have family coming in from out of town. Let's say they like to camp. This site is immediately off I-70, and easily accessible.

During last Saturday's visit, precisely one campsite was occupied. Yes, it's February and not exactly peak season. Nevertheless, the weather was more than adequate to put this campground to good use.

Make a point to visit the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park the first chance you get. Maybe you're not looking to camp, but rather enjoy some outdoor time. Use that State Parks Pass. This is the perfect distraction for locals and campers alike.

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