West Fork Campground

Compact campground but decent buffer between each site. Only a short distance to the river. Very well maintained restrooms and potable water source. Sites 16, 17 and 18 closest to river. 16 and 17 are pull throughs.

A mile or so from Rainbow Hot Springs trailhead

Far enough away from the hustle of Pagosa Springs, far enough from the highway. Old growth forest reminded me of CA.

Beautiful, small campground near a a rapidly flowing stream/creek. Campsites are relatively large, on dirt, no utilities, but fresh water and restrooms.

Peaceful, spacious sites. Spectacular Rainbow Hot Springs trail is worth the work-out of 12 miles out and back (6 miles each way, don't let anyone tell you it's less). Deer came into our site. The adjacent stream is shallow enough in areas if you want an icy dip. Rainbow Hot Springs Trail is spectacular in spite of the massive forest damage. Go for the hike, not the springs, though you'll probably enjoy them as a break before returning to camp. If you're more adventurous you could even camp a night hear the springs. Regardless, bring snacks or lunch and plenty of water.

The River/creek was really pretty. If you want to hike to rainbow hot springs, drive to the trailhead. We turned it into a 14 mile trek and ended up hiking back in the dark. (We had lights but weren’t prepared for the close encounter with a mountain lion family) Dont be like us… also bring snacks and water for that hike, it’s a long one. And the trail is well worn until you get to the rainbow springs campsite. Once there, you’ll have to get down to the river level and stay along the wall to find the springs. We would’ve never found it without a map.

Very nice campspot on creek. Quiet!

Hi, everyone. My review is in response to the review of Annie C.. Annie, you've gotten the Campgrounds backwards, as there are No ATV or off road trails at Westfork and there is easy access to the river from multiple sites and a public path behind the 2nd bathroom. Eastfork has the trails and no river access. 

I hope this helps everyone. 

The Camphost

A campground with the usual spots is near the creek. More dispersed sites past that. Take the first left after the bridge for some great spots. One, near the top, is 100% grassy but exposed.

Haved came here often and love it. The bathrooms were great! Firewood is available for sale. H2O onsite.

If you are into off roading or four wheeling, this might be the campground for you. West Fork sits up from the main road on the way to lots of ATV trails as well as some nice #hike #getoutside #go #explore #hiking #nature #freshair #adventure #wildernessculture trails. That said, it can be very noisy throughout the day as campers as well as visitors race up and down the mountain trails. It is also very dusty. The campground is a small/tight loop with lots of trees and smaller sites, some that allow the pleasant sound of the West Fork to drift up, but none with views or access to the Creek. The back portion of the campground has sites large enough for small trailers and RV’s. When we were there the only access to water was in the back portion of the campground at a hand pump. The vault toilets were clean-ish, but in need of being emptied. The campground host did not seem to be worried about maintaining the campground or maintaining his records as he moved us twice in the same day as he double booked several sites. While we planned on staying for two or more nights at this campground, we ended up packing up and moving to much better camping at the East Fork campground.

I stayed here first in 1996 and I absolutely love these parts of the San Juans, these campsites are close to Pagosa and I suggest Treasure Mountain Trail and for sure check out Treasure Falls...

Excellent secluded campground. Sites are huge and accommodate both tents and RVs. Some sites can be reserved. Not crowded or over run with people. Vault toilets and no bath house or sinks. Next to a river. Great hiking trails at the end of the road and in the immediate vicinity.