San Juan National Forest Williams Creek Campground, near Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With its stunning views and proximity to a beautiful lake just a mile away, it’s a favorite among campers who appreciate both relaxation and adventure.

This campground offers a range of amenities, including picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings. Visitors have praised the cleanliness of the facilities, particularly the bathrooms, and the friendly campground hosts who keep everything in top shape. As one camper noted, “The views here are incredible,” highlighting the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you.

For outdoor activities, you’re in luck! The area is bustling with recreational opportunities, from hiking to fishing in the nearby lake. Many campers have enjoyed floating on the water, making it a great spot for families looking to have some fun. Just remember, it can get busy, so arriving early is a smart move if you want to snag a good spot. Whether you’re pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, Williams Creek Campground is a solid choice for your next outdoor adventure.

## Overview

 This popular campground, 23 miles north of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, offers both shaded and sunny campsites with some located creek-side. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riding, and scenic opportunities.
## Recreation

 The campground is one mile from Williams Reservoir, a popular fishing and kayaking spot. There are several ATV and hiking trails approximately one to five miles beyond the campground.
## Natural Features

 The campground is situated among cedar, aspen and ponderosa pines. Some sites are located on the banks of Williams Creek, which runs along the eastern edge of the campground; some have spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. 
## Nearby Attractions

 There are many fishing opportunities in the creek and in the nearby reservoir. A popular hike nearby is Piedra Falls, located a short distance from the campground. ATV enthusiasts enjoy Poison Park Road which is several miles from the campground, or traveling to East Fork Road to enjoy this four-wheel drive-only road to Silver Falls. Just a few miles north of Williams Creek Campground, is the Cimarrona Trail which begins across the road from its campground namesake. The Williams Creek Trail begins at the end of the Williams Creek Road, at the Palisades Horse Camp. Both run through the Weminuche Wilderness to connect with the Continental Divide Trail. In addition, the town of Pagosa Springs offers many festivals on the weekends and the hottest, deepest hot springs in the country.
## Charges & Cancellations

 Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.

San Juan National Forest Williams Creek Campground

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Pagosa Springs. Pagosa Springs is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Colorado camping adventure.

Pagosa Springs

The Best Camping Near Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Great area to stay outside of Pagosa Springs! Good views with a up kept campground. Less people, larger sites and more secluded than the Pagosa campgrounds. My kind of place! Temperatures as well as opening and closing dates can vary. 

Beautiful area that's less crowded than pagosa springs

I will preface by saying we went over Memorial Day so I’m not sure if the start of the season had something to do with it but it was very clean and extremely well maintained. Drinking water, clean toilets, and the sites are spaced out well. If you want better views, choose a site in the 30s, but the trail to the reservoir is off site 58 (oddly straight through their site).

Beautiful scenery

We got a creekside site that was secluded and gorgeous. The restrooms may be the cleanest campsite restrooms I have ever seen! Nearby reservoir and trailheads made for an amazing trip.

Beautiful, clean, quiet

This campsite was great. We had a stream nearby that the kids all played in and we all bought water shoes and tubes in town and floated the river! We actually came to Pagosa for a family reunion and it was loads of fun for everyone.

If you like water, you’ll like it here!

One of the most beautiful places ive ever been

Amazing

Campground is Forest Service operated by a concessionaire. All have a picnic table. Pit toilets and some water spigots. Good AT&amp;T cell signal.

Forest Service campground about ten miles south of Lake City Colorado

Beautiful campground, with many streamside sites. Very popular. Make reservations.

Rushing River

San Juan National Forest 

We had a great visit and stay at this campground. Only 1.5 miles from the lake which was great. Lots of space between spots and the bathrooms are good too. Highly recommend this campground. 

Amazing Views

Williams Creek is just about the perfect spot if all dispersed sites are full, or if you’re more comfortable with established campsites with toilets and hosts. 

We stayed here during stage 1 fore restrictions so we could build a campfire. 

Hosts were very friendly and kept the facilities immaculate. Firewood available for purchase from them. 

The views here are incredible. Near 360 view of peaks and a crystal clear stream. Some premium sites are near the stream. 

It’s about 40 minutes to Pagosa Springs due to washboard roads, but the drive itself is worth it. 

Perfect established campground 

2nd time here and we loved it.  So nice to be close to the water- 1.5 miles away.  Super clean bathrooms and great views. 

Fantastic Campground 

Busy area for lots of recreation. Lake is beautiful wil amazing views all around. Nice campground.

Beautiful location

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS AREA.  I was their June 2022.  The pollen just about killed me but what an experience.  It ticks all the boxes.  Plenty of First Come First serviced spots and reserve spots.  The lake just a mile up the road is magnificent.  There is a FF/FS camp ground at the lake but spots are pretty limited.  I have booked again for June and July.  Looking forward to floating my Oru Inlet in that gorgeous lake.

Photos of San Juan National Forest Williams Creek Campground

Real photos from real campers