Camper submitted image from Graham Creek Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Graham Creek Campground - 2
Roads
Camper submitted image from Graham Creek Campground - 3
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Graham Creek Campground - 4
Nature
Camper submitted image from Graham Creek Campground - 5
Water
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Graham Creek Campground

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

ALERT: STAGE 2 FIRE BAN NOW IN EFFECT! Due to increased risk of wildfires, the San Juan National Forest fire managers have issued restrictions on campfires, smoking, and other activities within the forest. These restrictions begin August 8, 2025.This is from Order #02-13-00-25-13 and is in effect until December 31, 2025 or unless rescinded earlier.Restrictions include:

  • Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including a charcoal fire and pellet fire on all National Forest System lands. Portable cooking stoves, lanterns, and heating devices using liquefied or bottled fuel, such as propane, are allowed as they can be switched off instantly.
  • Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated campground, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
  • Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited year-round on national forest lands.
  • Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Graham Creek Campground, near Vallecito Reservoir, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature without sacrificing comfort. This campground is RV-friendly and features picnic tables and fire rings, making it perfect for cozy evenings around the campfire.

Visitors rave about the stunning scenery, with many sites offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. As one camper noted, “Our site was in the woods overlooking a small prairie and large lake,” which really captures the beauty of the area. Wildlife is abundant here, with deer frequently spotted wandering through the campground at dusk.

For those who enjoy fishing, the lake is a great spot to cast a line, and some campers suggest bringing a canoe or kayak to fully enjoy the water. While the campground is primitive, with vault toilets and no showers, it provides a peaceful retreat for those looking to disconnect. Just be mindful of the road conditions; following the right directions is key to getting there smoothly.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Graham Creek Campground is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Bayfield, travel 14 miles north on County Road 501. Turn right on County Road 501A at the fire station; travel over the dam and continue just over 3 miles to the campground.

Address

SAN JUAN NF
CO

Coordinates

37.3902778 N
107.54 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Last on 6/20/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Is Graham Creek Campground sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Last on 6/20/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
50%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed May. 29, 2025

Simply the Best

This was a great place to spend a few nights. Sites are private and beautiful. There is good access to hiking and we rented kayaks at the local marina. Only wish we had more time here.

Site11
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Graham Creek Campground by Elena C., May 29, 2025
  • Review photo of Graham Creek Campground by Elena C., May 29, 2025
  • Review photo of Graham Creek Campground by Elena C., May 29, 2025
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 11, 2019

Perfect little get away

Great campground! This is an RV friendly campground. So if you have a traditional tent, I would reccomend the sites near the camp host. Camp hosts were super friendly! We were in site 19. Deer would cross our campsite every night at dusk. Don’t miss the turn! The road gets really sketchy after graham creek and north canyon campgrounds. So turn left when you see the sign

  • Review photo of Graham Creek Campground by Krystal S., June 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Graham Creek Campground by Krystal S., June 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Graham Creek Campground by Krystal S., June 11, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2018

Beautiful!

This is a very pretty campground. If you take the long way around the resivour the way google will take you, the road does become a little difficult and is dirt but our altima made it through. Do not go the long way through the other campground, follow the directions on the offical page and take the short way around the lake!

Phone signical was suprisingly okay with Verizon and Sprint.

Visited in June.

  • Review photo of Graham Creek Campground by Jessica S., June 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Graham Creek Campground by Jessica S., June 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Graham Creek Campground by Jessica S., June 16, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 3, 2018

Camp and fish

Nice campground. Vault toilets, water, picnic tables, fire rings. Great if you want to camp and then fish the lake. We just angled from the shore. We should have brought a canoe or kayak. Some “civilization” on the other side of the lake. We went the week before Labor Day. Basically had the camp to ourselves.

Some raccoons did attempt to steal our car... or they were after the marshmallows in the backseat.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jan. 25, 2017

Best camping view yet!

This campground is by far the most beautiful "in your backyard" view yet! Our site was in the woods over looking a small prairie and large lake. On the opposite side of the lake there were several mountains which made my morning breakfast amazing. We saw several deer at night run through the prairie. The campground is primitive with no flushing toilets or showers. There are water pumps and vault toilets throughout the campground. This place is hard to find from the main highway to Durango and our car GPS didn't know where to go. Luckily we printing off directions so it was all good. If you aren't fishing or kayaking, which we didn't do, there isn't really a whole lot to do at this campground. There is a trail which seemed nice but other than that it was pretty much just an overnight stop on our road trip. I suggest bringing a canoe/kayak to take out on the lake! Overall, amazing views and nice manager!

  • Review photo of Graham Creek Campground by Dominic U., January 25, 2017
  • Review photo of Graham Creek Campground by Dominic U., January 25, 2017
  • Review photo of Graham Creek Campground by Dominic U., January 25, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Graham Creek Campground located and how do I get there?

Graham Creek Campground is located alongside a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. When driving there, be careful to follow the official directions rather than GPS routes that might take you on a longer path. The access road is partially dirt and can be challenging, but passenger cars like an Altima can make it through. Make sure not to miss the turn to the campground, as the road becomes significantly more difficult beyond that point. For the easiest access, follow the directions from the official campground page rather than taking the long route through another campground.

Is there a map available for Graham Creek Campground?

Yes, there should be a map available for Graham Creek Campground. While not specified in detail, the campground has numbered sites (site 19 is mentioned specifically), suggesting an organized layout with marked sites. For the most current and detailed map, check with the official managing agency or speak with the camp hosts who are noted to be very friendly and helpful. Maps typically show the campground layout, including the location of sites, vault toilets, and access to the lake.

How does Graham Creek Campground compare to Vallecito Campground?

Graham Creek Campground offers more privacy with wooded sites and beautiful views overlooking a lake and mountains. It's equipped with basic amenities including vault toilets, water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Graham Creek is RV-friendly with good access to both fishing and hiking. While there's some evidence of civilization across the lake, Graham Creek generally feels more secluded. The campground is well-maintained despite being a bit dusty at times. For visitors considering both options, Graham Creek is particularly ideal for those wanting lakeside recreation with scenic mountain backdrops.

What hiking trails are available near Graham Creek Campground?

There are hiking trails accessible near Graham Creek Campground. The area provides good access to hiking opportunities, though specific trail names aren't detailed. The natural setting includes wooded areas, a small prairie, and lakefront terrain that likely offers various walking and hiking options. Beyond hiking, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking (rentals available at the local marina), fishing from the shore, and wildlife viewing—deer frequently cross through the campground at dusk. Contact the friendly camp hosts for recommendations on the best local hiking trails and their difficulty levels.