Hikers and anglers seeking creek access will find Cathedral Campground tucked into Rio Grande National Forest along a rushing mountain stream. This free Forest Service campground requires a 10-mile drive down a narrow dirt road that can be rough in spots, but the remote location means fewer crowds even during holiday weekends.
The 22 sites spread across open terrain with scattered aspen and fir trees, offering varying levels of shade. Creek-side sites like #5 provide the best water access, while pull-through spots accommodate RVs up to 50 feet. Multiple vault toilets serve the campground, and Christina notes they're "the cleanest pit toilets I have ever seen." Bear-proof garbage cans are positioned near restrooms, necessary given the abundant bear scat reviewers report throughout the area.
A hiking trail to Cathedral Rock starts directly from the campground, winding through terrain that allows motorcycles though few use it. The creek runs too low for fishing during some seasons, but South Fork offers reliable fishing spots a short drive away. Campers should bring drinking water as none is available on-site. Those visiting during colder months may encounter wood rats that can damage vehicles, so securing food and gear becomes especially important.
Description
.NO POTABLE WATER AVAILABLE Cathedral Campground is northwest of Del Norte and northeast of South Fork, on Embargo Creek. It was remodeled in 2010 and now has 22 sites. 17 are dead end spurs and 5 are pull throughs. Sites vary from 35 to 45 feet in length. This campground is located in a mature aspen and spruce grove with a beautiful view of Cathedral Rock to the north. Embargo Creek flows alongside the east side of the grounds. There is ample fishing in Embargo Creek and hiking/horseback riding/mountain biking on Cathedral Creek Trail #794, Embargo Trail # 792 and Fremont's Camp Trail #885. Motorcycles may use both Cathedral and Embargo Trails. ATV’s are not allowed on the trails.The campground is composed of two large loops along Cathedral Creek. The left hand loop features a large meadow and a few open sites. The right hand loop has a dense Aspen and spruce (including Blue) woods and a more rustic feel. Scroll down to Information Center for individual site details. John Charles Fremont's winter camp is nearby. He attempted an ill-fated expedition across the Rocky Mountains for a transcontinental railroad route in late 1848.
Fee Info
Free
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCathedral Campground is located in Colorado near South Fork
Directions
From Del Norte, Colorado: Travel 8.75 miles west on U.S. Highway 160to Embargo Creek Rd. and County Rd. 18 signs. Turn right onto Rd. 18 and >go 1.4 miles to a "T" intersection (County Rd. 15). Turn right onto Rd. 15 and go 0.3 miles to another "T" intersection (County Rd. 65) Turn left onto Rd. 65 and go 3.2 miles to "Y" intersection (Forest Rd. 640/650). Bear left onto Rd. 640 (dirt, single lane with no turnouts) 7.6 miles to campground sign. Right at sign into campground.. From South Fork, CO, take US 160 east 5.3 miles to Embargo Creek Rd. and County Rd. 18 signs. Turn left onto Rd. 18 and follow directions above from >
Coordinates
37.83699261 N
106.6050004 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Cathedral Campground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 2 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 42 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 4 hrs 31 min from Farmington, NM
- 4 hrs 31 min from Grand Junction, CO

























