Forest Service roads lead to Lower Piedra Campground, where the Piedra River flows through dense woodland in the San Juan National Forest. This drive-in campground operates under a no-pets policy and charges between $0-$28 per night depending on site selection and season. The forested setting provides natural shade, while the nearby river offers water access for fishing or cooling off during warmer months.
Campers can explore camping near San Juan National Forest throughout this expansive forest system. The campground serves as a base for forest recreation, with established sites that accommodate standard camping vehicles and provide basic amenities for overnight stays.
Description
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to__first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival__as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Facilities
The Lower Piedra Campground is just north of U.S. Highway 160 on the west side of the Piedra River, about 18 miles east of Bayfield and 25 miles west of Pagosa Springs. It is about a half mile up Forest Rd. 621 on the west side of the river (not to be confused with the First Fork Road [Forest Rd. 622] on the east side of the river). The campground offers 14 large, level sites with plenty of shade. Fishing opportunities are available.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
ALERT: Campground will be closed for the 2026 season due to flooding damage.
- Starting July 1, 2026 at 12:01am, Stage II Fire Prohibitions are in effect throughout the entire San Juan National Forest. The following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands of the San Juan National Forest:
- Building,maintaining,attending,orusingafire,campfire,charcoalbarbecue,orgrill,except ifusingadevicesolelyfueledbyliquidorgasthatcanbeturnedonandoffinanareabarren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device.
- Smoking,exceptinanenclosedvehicleorbuilding.
- Weldingoroperatinganacetyleneorothertorchwithopenflame.
- Usinganexplosive. See forest order below for more detail. Alert Start Date: July 1, 2026 Alert End Date: December 31, 2026 Rec Sites Affected: Columbine Ranger DistrictPagosa Ranger DistrictDolores Ranger District Order Number: 02-13-00-26-10
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLower Piedra is located in Colorado near Chimney Rock
Coordinates
37.24294 N
107.342951 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
Drive Time
- 1 hr 47 min from Farmington, NM
- 2 hrs 56 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 3 hrs 46 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 4 hrs 25 min from Grand Junction, CO
