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Established Camping

North Canyon 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restrictions begin August 8, 2025.This is from Order #02-13-00-25-13 and is in effect until December 31, 2025 or unless rescinded earlier.Restrictions include: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

North Canyon Campground is located near Vallecito Reservoir in the San Juan National Forest. The terrain consists of forested areas with nearby water bodies. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 80°F in summer. Vallecito Lake offers opportunities for fishing and boating, while nearby hiking trails provide access to scenic views and wildlife.

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Location

North Canyon Campground is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Bayfield, Colo., at the Vallecito Lake sign on U.S. Highway 160 (County Road 501), go north about 13 miles to Vallecito. Turn right on County Road 501A at the fire station and travel 4 miles to the campground.

Address

FS Road 603
San juan nf, CO

Coordinates

37.3938889 N
107.5388889 W

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Connectivity

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    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk 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

  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.5

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2025

Lakeside Getaway

Stayed for 2 nights in a nice site with lake views. Pretty standard USFS campground with clean facilities and potable water. Mix of FCFS and reservable sites. Looking forward to staying again next year!

Site4
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of North Canyon Campground by Kate A., June 30, 2025
  • Review photo of North Canyon Campground by Kate A., June 30, 2025
Reviewed Nov. 4, 2019

Good campground for lake access

We camped at Vallecito for a week in July of 2019. The water to the reservoir was pleasantly over capacity (a joy after a drought) but meant that the water line was well into the brush making swimming a challenge among the branches and driftwood that would tangle little feet. I saw signs that I assume were supposed to be at a beach, twenty feet out into the lake. I would imagine that this would be a great swimming hole when the lake was at a normal capacity. 

The campground was typical for a forest service campground. There are vault toilets and the host comes around once per day. There is a dumpster. There is clean water.

The campground is almost entirely shaded by tall pines. There is a creek that trickles past some of the campsites (which makes for a pleasant sound when lying in the tent at night).

Noise travels over the water and through this area like it doesn't at many other campgrounds. While overall, I found the campground to be quiet and peaceful, neighbors arguing a few campgrounds down, or being rowdy by the fire, will keep the light sleeper awake at night.

There are many RV parks on the other side of the lake (about a 20-30 minute drive from North Canyon) where showers can be purchased for about $5. Call ahead. There is small store on the other side of the lake too, but it was closed when we went trough.There is a camp store in an RV park only a few miles away from North Canyon where a camper could likely purchases supplies. Bayfield has many amenities.

The campgrounds on the East side of Vallecito are all located on a very well maintained dirt road. If driving to the camp from Bayfield be sure to take a right before the dam. We camped in a large group of people, and most of them missed this turn. Trying to drive around the lake will create two problems. The first is the addition of an hour to your drive time. Secondly, a couple miles north of North Canyon Campground, the road ceases to be well maintained (this questionable area is not marked as a road on all maps and is likely seasonal). There is a dirt road that will connect the North to the East--however, but many vehicles and trailers are not recommended to pass through. To drive through it will look as though the traveller is going through at least two different, private campgrounds. They will pass a warning sign about the road conditions, and they will have to go up a steep grade and around a sharp corner. The dirt road is minimally maintained. Having said that, I arrived at Vallecito from the North after and 4 day wilderness trek in the Weminuche, so I wanted to investigate this stretch of dirt road.  I was able to pass through with my minivan (nicknamed VanJeep). Needless to say, it would be better to take the right before the dam!

Site4
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of North Canyon Campground by Celina M., November 4, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2019

Well maintained

Heavy use and most sites very close to each other. Several people ran generators but I'm guessing not an issue during less peak weekends. Otherwise wonderful place close to lake shore when it's full. Could be a tricky walk if it's down. It was beautiful and cool temps.

Site17
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of North Canyon Campground by Kristina H., August 10, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at North Canyon Campground in Vallecito?

North Canyon Campground offers basic but functional amenities typical of a USFS campground. Facilities include clean restrooms, potable water, and designated campsites. Some sites feature lake views, particularly when the reservoir is at capacity. The campground can accommodate various camping setups, including larger RVs up to at least 27 feet in length. Cell service is available with T-Mobile showing approximately 3 bars of coverage. The campground is maintained by camp hosts who can provide assistance to visitors.

Where is North Canyon Campground located at Vallecito?

North Canyon Campground is located along the shores of Vallecito Reservoir near Durango, Colorado. It's a USFS (United States Forest Service) campground situated in a scenic area with beautiful lake views when the reservoir is full. The campground is positioned close to the water's edge, though the actual distance to the water may vary depending on reservoir levels. Its proximity to Durango makes it a convenient base for exploring the broader region.

Do I need reservations for North Canyon Campground at Vallecito?

North Canyon Campground offers a mix of first-come, first-served (FCFS) sites and reservable sites. For the best chance of securing a preferred spot, especially during peak summer months or holidays, making a reservation is recommended. The campground can get busy during peak periods, so planning ahead is advisable if you have specific site preferences or are traveling with a larger RV. Contact the Forest Service or check recreation.gov for current reservation procedures and to determine which sites require advance booking.