Places to Camp near Pagosa Springs, CO
Camping near Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, offers a variety of camping experiences that cater to both seasoned adventurers and families looking for a peaceful getaway. With its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and proximity to natural hot springs, Pagosa Springs is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you prefer established campgrounds with amenities or more rustic, dispersed camping, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.
From the serene riverside spots at Pagosa Riverside Campground to the secluded, nature-immersed sites at East Fork Campground, you'll find a range of options that suit your camping style. Read on to discover what makes camping near Pagosa Springs so special, what to do while you're there, and tips from fellow campers to make your stay even better.
What to do
Camping near Pagosa Springs offers a plethora of activities to keep you entertained. From fishing and hiking to simply enjoying the natural beauty, there's no shortage of things to do.
Fishing enthusiasts will love the access to the San Juan River at Pagosa Riverside Campground. According to Jim B., "The campgrounds are located on the San Juan River with good access for fishing." Read more.
Hiking is another popular activity. The West Fork Campground is close to the Rainbow Hot Springs trailhead. Camp Comet mentions, "Spectacular Rainbow Hot Springs trail is worth the work-out of 12 miles out and back." Read more.
For those who enjoy water activities, Big Meadows Reservoir Campground offers a beautiful lake perfect for fishing and boating. Amber notes, "Several people fishing. Friendly hosts drove by a couple of times." Read more.
What campers like
Campers appreciate the friendly hosts, clean facilities, and beautiful surroundings that many of the campgrounds near Pagosa Springs offer.
At Pagosa Riverside Campground, Windy H. shares, "The hosts were the kindest people, I was treated with 'We're glad to have you, thank you for coming to stay.'" Read more.
The cleanliness of the facilities is often highlighted. Shane T. says about East Fork Campground, "The bathrooms were ridiculously clean pit toilets but so clean. No bugs in the bathrooms." Read more.
Campers also love the scenic beauty. Taylor O. describes Big Meadows Reservoir Campground as a "Beautiful campsite with awesome lake. There is a lot of traffic but it is not overwhelming." Read more.
What you should know
While camping near Pagosa Springs is generally a fantastic experience, there are a few things you should be aware of to ensure a smooth trip.
Generators can be a nuisance. mE mentions about Ute Campground, "RV in campground ran generator ALL NIGHT LONG,!! So no sleep for us." Read more.
Mosquitoes can be a problem, especially near water. Candace notes about West Fork Dispersed, "Only downside was that there were a lot of bugs, but that is to be expected when you’re next to a water." Read more.
Some campgrounds have limited amenities. For example, Turkey Creek Road has no toilets or drinking water. Tara I. says, "Nice free spot to pull off of the road. Climb a gravel hill to get to a 5 or so dispersed spots." Read more.
Tips for camping with families
Camping with kids can be a rewarding experience, especially in a place as beautiful as Pagosa Springs. Here are some tips to make your family camping trip enjoyable.
Choose a campground with amenities. Pagosa Riverside Campground offers a variety of amenities that make camping with kids easier. Windy H. mentions, "The amenities were plentiful with 24/7 laundry room, showers, bathrooms, hookups, dumps station and general store." Read more.
Look for campgrounds with spacious sites. Erik A. highlights Pagosa Riverside Campground as having "Spacious spots. Clean facilities." Read more.
Consider the proximity to activities. Big Meadows Reservoir Campground is great for families who enjoy fishing and hiking. Severen B. says, "Large lake in view of most all camp sites. Be sure to take the trail to cascade falls near the back of the camp site." Read more.
Tips from RVers
RVers have specific needs and preferences when it comes to camping. Here are some tips from RVers who have camped near Pagosa Springs.
Check for big rig-friendly sites. East Fork Campground is noted as being big rig-friendly. Shane T. says, "The sites give you 70 feet in-between so a good amount of privacy." Read more.
Be prepared for limited hookups. Many campgrounds in the area, like West Fork Campground, do not offer electric hookups. Donna H. mentions, "Beautiful, small campground near a rapidly flowing stream/creek. Campsites are relatively large, on dirt, no utilities, but fresh water and restrooms." Read more.
Consider the road conditions. Earl L. notes about Turkey Creek Road, "There are several pullouts along this 3 mile road. Room enough for our T@B trailer. Amazing views of the sunrise on nearby peaks." Read more.
Camping near Pagosa Springs, Colorado, offers a diverse range of experiences, from well-equipped campgrounds to more primitive, dispersed sites. Whether you're planning a family trip or an RV adventure, the tips and insights from fellow campers can help you make the most of your stay in this stunning region.