James M Robb-Colorado River State Park-Fruita Section

James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park is one of the gems of the Colorado state parks system. Spread across five separate sections referred to as a "string of pearls", the park offers a diverse range of nature experiences and opportunities for outdoor relaxation.

The Fruita section of James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park sits at its western end, just to the southwest of the town of Fruita. Open all year round, this section sits adjacent to the Colorado River and offers spectacular views of both the Colorado National Monument and the Book Cliffs area.

Features of this area of the park include lake fishing and boating, scenic picnic spots, excellent bird watching, and a lovely walkway along the banks of the mighty Colorado River.

The Fruita section is also home to a popular 57-site campground that can accommodate tents and RVs. Sites range from walk-in tent sites to electrical sites and others with full hookups. The campground is also located within walking distance of the Dinosaur Journey Museum as well as shops and restaurants, making it the perfect base from which to explore the area. Even better, it's entirely pet-friendly.

A daily pass to enter the park will set you back $7, while all campers must purchase a valid camping permit. Basic tent-only campsites cost $18 a night, electric campsites cost $24 a night, and if you want to stay on a full-hookup site, you'll need to fork out $28. It's also worth pointing out that while the campground is open all year round, the shower buildings and flush toilets are closed from November through March.

If you're staying with your pet, please note that your furry friend must be under control and on a leash of no longer than six feet at all times. You'll also need to show courtesy to other park users and responsibly dispose of your dog's waste whenever necessary. Doing so will help ensure that parks like this continue to welcome canine guests with open paws.