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Camping
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Established Camping

West Dolores Campground

Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

The Stage 2 Fire Ban has been rescinded as of 12:01am on 9/05/2025. You may now have a campfire in your campsite again!

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begin August 8, 2025.This is from Order #02-13-00-25-13 and is in effect until December 31, 2025 or unless rescinded earlier.Restrictions include: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

West Dolores Campground, near Dolores, Colorado, is a peaceful retreat tucked away in the San Juan National Forest. This spot is perfect for those looking to unwind amidst nature, with sites that offer a mix of sun and shade, making it comfortable throughout the day.

The campground features picnic tables and fire rings, ideal for cozy evenings under the stars. Visitors have noted the clean facilities, including well-kept pit toilets, and the availability of drinking water, which adds to the convenience of your stay. One camper mentioned, “The site was clean, and the hosts were very friendly,” highlighting the welcoming atmosphere here.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby West Dolores River provides a beautiful backdrop and opportunities for hiking along scenic trails. Many campers appreciate the proximity to the river, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Whether you’re setting up a tent or parking your RV, West Dolores Campground offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle, with plenty of natural beauty to soak in.

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Location

West Dolores Campground is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Dolores, travel 21 miles north on Highway 145 and Forest Road 535 to the campground entrance, 1 mile from Mavreeso Campground.

Address

CO Hwy 145 (FS Road 535)
Dolores, CO 81323

Coordinates

37.6597222 N
108.2761111 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 14, 2021

Shaded and peaceful

West Dolores was beautiful, peaceful and nearly perfect. The only caution I would give is that although the campground information on Recreation.gov correctly states that there are water spigots throughout the campground, the written rules we were given on arrival expressly forbid filling RV tanks with water from the campground. Only one spigot is threaded and the rest have a sign stating that water should only be used for drinking, not washing. This is mainly an issue because although there are very decent pit toilets, there are no sinks or hand sanitizer stations provided.

Site52
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2020

Peaceful

Loved being to close to the river. There were nice hiking trails nearby. Loved that the vault toilets had lighting. There was plenty of drinking water. The site was clean. The hosts were very friendly.

Site15
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of West Dolores Campground by Meghan A., July 8, 2020
Reviewed May. 25, 2020

All As Expectd

My family has frequented the West Dolores for over 35 years.  It has evolved and now has electricity.   It's close to the river, and the different size spots are good for both tent and camper.  It's spread out so you have privacy and it gets the right amount of sun during the day so it's always comfortable.  It's a good mid point to base up to The Meadows, Fish Creek, or back down to Dolores or over 145 down to Rico. 

#EnterpriseBarandGrill

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2019

A true San Juan gem

Having stayed in the Telluride area many times, the west fork of the Dolores River was a welcome reprieve from the leaf-peeping crowds in late September who flock to the upper reaches of Lizard Head Pass. 

After passing the Mavreeso Campground and finding the gate already closed for the season, we were happy to pull into West Dolores, where a sign greeted us saying that it would be open, but with very little amenities, until the snow came. Didn't see a host or firewood, but paid our money in the envelope regardless. There were a few sites still available on a Saturday night at this time of year.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of West Dolores Campground by Lindsey S., October 1, 2019
  • Review photo of West Dolores Campground by Lindsey S., October 1, 2019
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Reviewed Aug. 2, 2019

$24/night, no cell service, basic campground

Your basic woodland campground, picnic tables, fire pits, pit toilets, etc. No cell service. Fire wood sold by host. $24/night for single sites. Seems pretty booked up for the weekend but I got a single night site next to the river on a Wednesday night early August with no reservation.

  • Review photo of West Dolores Campground by Kaelin P., August 2, 2019
  • Review photo of West Dolores Campground by Kaelin P., August 2, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 2, 2016

Gorgeous spot!

This campground is in the midst of some amazing scenery! Super close to great hiking and the on the West Dolores River. We had a picnic table and fire ring. Loved our time there!

  • Review photo of West Dolores Campground by Heather B., July 2, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos of West Dolores Campground to view before visiting?

Yes, photos of West Dolores Campground are available to view before your visit. You can find images on Recreation.gov, the official booking website where the campground is listed. These photos showcase the campground's scenic setting along the West Dolores River, the wooded campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, and the surrounding natural environment. Viewing these photos in advance can help you get a feel for the campground's layout and setting, allowing you to better prepare for your stay.

What amenities are available at West Dolores Campground?

West Dolores Campground offers several amenities for a comfortable camping experience. The campground provides picnic tables and fire rings at each site, with vault toilets that feature lighting for nighttime use. Drinking water is available from spigots throughout the campground, though filling RV tanks from these spigots may be prohibited. Some sites have electricity, which is an upgrade from previous years. The campground host sells firewood on-site. Sites vary in size to accommodate both tent campers and those with RVs, with single sites priced at $24 per night. The campground layout provides good privacy between sites with ample tree cover.

Where is West Dolores Campground located in Colorado?

West Dolores Campground is located along the West Fork of the Dolores River in southwestern Colorado. It sits in a scenic woodland area near Telluride but offers a quieter alternative to the more crowded areas around Lizard Head Pass. The campground is situated past Mavreeso Campground along the river. This location provides easy access to nearby hiking trails and serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding mountains. The area is particularly beautiful in late September during fall foliage season but tends to be less crowded than other nearby destinations.