The Bent Pickle

Camped here with a friend during a cross-country road trip in September 2020. Booked via HipCamp and had a wonderful experience. It was sad to hear that the diner burnt down the next month, but looks like it is being re-built and camping is still offered.

We were looking for a simple, quiet, and safe place to camp on our way from Utah to Denver. There are rave reviews on HipCamp and loved the idea of staying near an organic pickle farm! Plus, this place offered showers, a toilet, and a highly rated diner.

It was after dark when we arrived and no one was inside the diner, which was a little spooky in such a small town. Brian arrived shortly to greet us and was incredibly kind, even asking if we wanted any snacks from the closed diner. He was willing to make us milkshakes! We politely declined, and he brought out some pickles and flavored waters inside (so kind).

We set up camp and slept well. It was very quiet and felt like a safe area for two female travelers. The next morning we utilized the shower and bathrooms, which were clean. The shower is on an enclosed deck, so it was a little chilly but the water was nice and hot. There was a beautiful view and a nice grassy area for my dog to run around before we left.

The diner didn't open until after we left but based on the rave reviews and Brian's personality I imagine it's a great place to dine. Would definitely return to try it out and camp again.

I will post the owners text messages his response to a slightly negative review you decide for yourself if he should cook your meal.

This is a diner like every town needs and is worth the trip to Collbran because it unfortunately isn't available in every town. Great menu with amazing and unique shakes and malts including Dill Pickle l, Pineapple and habanero, sweet potato, maple and bacon ... yep you read that right !! Great flavors that might be good for dipping their awesome sweet potato fries. The hospitable owner clearly has fun with what he's doing and made it a fun stop for our group after a hike in the Mesa. They have everything traditional with great food and home grown veggies and a fun name

A cute little spunky diner way out in the country. We stopped and got some burgers, fries, and shakes after kayaking at Vega Reservoir. The owner is a former marine with great customer service. He stayed open late for us and even gave us samples of some of the shakes. The pickle shake was sooooo good! You have to try it!! The fries are hand cut and delicious! I highly recommend stopping by.

On a road trip, literally telling my friend/navigator that I wanted to stop at a cute, little diner just off the main road and BOOM, we stumble upon this charming pitstop - The Bent Pickle! Great name, great views from the backyard area, clean bathroom, and amazing hospitality! The owner was very helpful describing the shakes and food. I ordered the Navajo tacos, which were LEGIT delicioso, and a mixed shake of sweet potato and chai - I was in heaven!!! And the serving of tacos was big enough for seconds later that night. I literally wish we had this place in Austin - I would be a weekly visitor for sure. Thanks for the lovely experience!

Delicious, farm to fork. Homeade fries. Friendly staff. nice price. yummy thick shakes too!

The owner is very rude and the food is awful, if you just want ice cream you'll be fine.