265 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Chimney Rock, Colorado and the surrounding San Juan National Forest provide various camping opportunities ranging from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. The area includes both primitive and developed options like Ute Campground, located near Chimney Rock National Monument, and several free dispersed camping areas along Fossett Gulch Road and Turkey Springs. Accommodation types vary from tent-only sites to RV-friendly spots with hookups, as well as cabin rentals at Pagosa Riverside Campground and Navajo State Park.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from late May through mid-November, with winter limiting access due to snow conditions. The established campgrounds like Ute Campground ($22/night) and Williams Creek Campground offer basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while dispersed sites on forest service roads require self-sufficiency. Elevation and mountain terrain influence weather patterns, making advance planning essential during peak summer months. A visitor noted: "We stayed here on a trip between Pagosa Springs and Mesa Verde. It was a great stop as the campground is only $20 and it is only about 25 mins from Pagosa Springs so you can easily drive into the town."
Several campers highlight the quiet atmosphere and natural setting as primary draws to the camping areas. Developed sites near the Piedra River receive positive feedback for their accessibility and scenic value, while dispersed camping options appeal to those seeking more solitude. Cell service is limited throughout much of the region, particularly at forest service sites. A camper described Fossett Gulch Road dispersed camping: "Dirt road is in very good shape. No cell signal. A couple quick pull off sites right inside the gate would be good for a quick sleep. The other sites are 10-15 minutes drive down the dirt road." Proximity to Pagosa Springs hot springs, Navajo Reservoir, and Chimney Rock National Monument provides recreational activities beyond camping.
"It was a great stop as the campground is only $20 and it is only about 25 mins from Pagosa Springs so you can easily drive into the town and soak in the springs and then spend a semiquiet night in the"
"Chimney rock across just across the road"
from $22 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Located close to town off an easily acsessable road, is lakeside and riverside, offering a very peaceful vibe."
"The beautiful San Juan River will be just a few steps outside your door."
"The campgrounds are spread all throughout the lake which reaches from Northern New Mexico into Colorado. The Marina is newly remodeled and expansive."
"We prefer to disperse camp along the North Shore of the lake, basically directly North, across the lake from the marina, in the small coves that have 4×4 and dirt road access."
from $20 - $41 / night
Check Availability"Just outside the town of Pagosa with great access to everything in the area. We enjoyed the nearby hikes too!"
"There’s a ton of hiking and mountain biking trails in close proximity."
"The pull-off was flat and about 150ft from highway 160. There was a gate near our spot that was closed, presumably for the winter. Although we could hear road traffic it didn't keep us awake."
"Easy access to flat spots. Tall trees and very quiet. There was trash that we picked up. It looked like there were some long term campers. I would camp there again."
"Should be accessible to anybody in any type of rig. Cell service isn't the greatest. Our campsite is pretty large and nice"
"Next to the piedra river which was nice, didn’t have a Colorado fishing license at the time so not sure how the fishing was, water looked pretty high."
"In a short hike you can set up camp surrounded by pines along the river. There is also a natural hot springs."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"Turned out to be a beautiful site, spacious, needled sites, surrounded by lodge pole pines. There are many comfortable tents sites, and water and power hookups at several RV sites."
"The lake is nice seen eagle catch fish more than I did lol. The only problem is they are only open for the weekends I think Thursday thru Sunday. It would be great if they were open all the time."
"Others you might require four-wheel drive."
"Relatively convenient for access to the town and activities in the area. The main road into the area is very easy navigable by any vehicle. Some of the side roads get significantly tougher."
"A residential area with no access to BLM land. Instead, search for Durfield dispersed camping nearby and it will take you to the correct place."
LegendWe grabbed a spot off to the right with a view over the canyon and mountains. It was perfect for an overnight stop or a few days of kicking back. No amenities so come prepared. There was a fire ring so we enjoyed a night by the fire and listening to the coyotes and the elk off in the distance. The area is a popular recreational area so weekends and holidays you may have to go farther up the road to find spots.
GuidePlenty of spaces after you continue left!
TravelerIt’s right on the dan Juan River
GuideJust pulled in trying to beat the weather there could be more spots up the rd but I found this one! Really pretty drive in and real close to the springs in town about 13 min away
TravelerCash or check only. Level gravel sites with hookup in the main section; a few dirt and less level sites with minimal or no hook ups down by river. Friendly and welcoming host. Cash or check only. Distant road noise; quiet otherwise. Aztec Ruins National Monument just down the street. Would stay here again.
ScoutSmall camp ground by the stream with metal fire rings.
ScoutThis was the perfect spot to camp in the rain. It had a nice creek and several sites available. The creek behind the site was epic. The drive in was easy and way better and secluded spots than nearby Lime Creek. Do not drive above the frost spot at lime creek it sucked! We went all the way to the top at Potato Lake and nothing was better than the first few spots which were wide open to everyone else around. We stayed in the free spots directly across from Sig creek. Not sure what that's like, but there is no way it's better especially considering the cost ($0.00). We can pack our doo out for a few bucks and privacy. The post adjacent to our (to the right) was taken but had a small and fast flowing waterfall in the rain. I'd have loved to have snagged that.
ScoutBeautiful campground, great service, but after staying for 7 days I returned to my campsite (after being gone for less than 3 hrs) and someone had stollen all my items. Reported to forest service. (Literally stole a felony amount, I have never had this happen and I camp on dispersed lands a lot)
LegendWould have given a 5 star but numerous sites not very level: Those listed are either level, or 'good enough/level-ish': 22, 21, 11, 12, 13, 14, 7 (group site?), 8. 9, 10, 16. Vault toilets (2 pairs on either edge of campground) were CLEAN!, well-stocked, very nice and as good as it gets for vaults. Well tree'd, quiet, not busy at all in late September. Camp host was great and when we realized site 17 was not level (nor would orange levelers have worked), she let us switch with no problem (of course, it was not busy either). Potable water: 1 station available. Some sites not very close to bathrooms. Bears active in area (see pick below!). Very close to Chimney Rock ruins (go see if you have time). Would stay here again.
Chimney Rock camping offers multiple dispersed sites on forest service roads with elevations between 6,500-8,000 feet. The region experiences short summer seasons with temperature ranges of 40-85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms from July through September. Many locations remain accessible in winter months when other mountain camping areas close due to snow.
Fishing opportunities: Williams Creek Campground provides easy access to both Williams Creek and the reservoir 1.5 miles away. A camper noted, "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."
Visit hot springs: Pagosa Riverside Campground serves as a convenient base for exploring local hot springs. As one visitor explained, "It's only a 5-minute drive from downtown Pagosa Springs, so nice and convenient!" Another camper shared, "We came near the end of the season so it was pretty empty. The sites are clean and there are many right next to the river."
Mountain biking: Turkey Springs dispersed camping area provides direct access to extensive trail networks. A recent visitor commented, "Lots of fun biking nearby!" Another camper mentioned the accessibility: "Roads in are gravel and dirt, easy for most RVs. Sites are pretty level and in the forest. Quiet, peaceful and pretty."
River access: Lower Piedra River Camp offers multiple riverside sites with varying sizes. A camper reported, "Great camping area, stayed here for just one night. There was plenty of camping areas along the river. About 8 spots. Some were large enough to handle RVs. Others you might require four-wheel drive."
Privacy and seclusion: New Jack Road dispersed camping features separated sites among tall pines. A reviewer shared, "We rolled in about 5 pm on a Thursday and there were plenty of open sites. Big sites that are pretty flat with existing stone fireplace rings on all sites we saw. Only saw one person walking their dog and a couple of cars pass on the road."
Camp hosts: Ute Campground consistently receives praise for attentive staff. One visitor noted, "The camp host is fantastic and was very attentive to campers and the facilities alike." Another camper shared, "But the bathrooms were super clean and the camp host is on top of people coming in a out and making sure the site is super clean."
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds near Chimney Rock operate seasonally, typically closing by mid-November. Navajo State Park remains open year-round with varying facilities. A visitor to Rosa Campground noted, "The Rosa campsite was easy to find down a paved road. We had no problem pulling our 30' airstream into one of its many open pull through sites. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table."
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly throughout the area. At Turkey Springs, a camper reported "1-2 bars of Verizon LTE depending on where you are," while at Fossett Gulch Road dispersed camping, visitors note "No cell signal."
Road conditions: Forest service roads can challenge some vehicles. At Fossett Gulch Road, a camper observed, "Dirt road is in very good shape. A couple quick pull off sites right inside the gate would be good for a quick sleep. The other sites are 10-15 minutes drive down the dirt road."
Tent sites: Ute Campground offers designated tent areas with amenities. A camper mentioned, "4 tent only sites, and more RV sites. Table fire pit and BBQ stand. Lots of trees. Pit outhouse not too far and was clean and well stocked. Gravel road, but I could easily navigate with my cruiser bike."
Activities for children: Pagosa Riverside Campground includes a small lake with fishing opportunities. A visitor shared, "You can rent paddle boats, swim & fish in it if you want. There is a nice walking path around it & the river that you can also park near. Very quiet at night & during the day other campers kids were having a blast."
Weather preparation: Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common in the region. Sites at New Jack Road offer tree cover but varying ground conditions: "Area is pretty rocky so i would be careful with a ground tent. We stayed in our van and it was great."
Hookup availability: Navajo State Park's Rosa Campground offers full-service sites. A camper reported, "Our spot #136 had 50amp hookup and water, although the water leaked pretty badly. The scenery was beautiful and quiet and the bathrooms were clean with hot showers and coin operated laundry."
Parking considerations: Choose campsites based on rig size and access needs. At Williams Creek Campground, a visitor advised, "Big lot and easy to get our camper trailer in with room to park both of our vehicles. River is a short walk on a trail from the campsite."
Seasonal timing: The best camping season runs late May through September for optimal conditions at the best places to camp near Chimney Rock. For dispersed options, many sites at Turkey Springs provide "Lots of flat spaces, road is bumpy with some potholes, but not bad at all for BLM."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there campgrounds at Chimney Rock National Monument?
While there are no campgrounds within Chimney Rock National Monument itself, several excellent options are located nearby. Ute Campground is a popular choice just off Highway 160 between Bayfield and Pagosa Springs, offering easy access to the monument (about 25 minutes away). For those seeking a more rustic experience, East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping provides beautiful riverside sites and was specifically recommended by a local guide from Chimney Rock National Monument. Both options serve as great base camps for exploring the monument's archaeological sites and scenic views.
What amenities are available at Chimney Rock campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Chimney Rock offer varying levels of amenities. Golden Hour Dispersed provides riverside camping with access to vault toilets, hiking trails, and off-roading opportunities, though privacy can be limited. For more developed options, Park Creek Campground in Rio Grande National Forest features sites along creek banks at 8,500 feet elevation. Most nearby campgrounds include basic facilities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Some dispersed camping areas offer no amenities, requiring campers to pack in water and pack out waste. For RV travelers, options with hookups can be found in nearby towns.
When is the best season for camping near Chimney Rock?
The best season for camping near Chimney Rock is late spring through early fall (May to October), when weather conditions are most favorable. West Fork Campground offers excellent access to the river during summer months, making it ideal for fishing enthusiasts. At higher elevations, Little Molas Lake Campground on the Million Dollar Highway between Durango and Silverton has a shorter season due to snowpack, typically opening by mid-June. Summer brings warmer temperatures and full access to hiking trails around the monument, while fall offers spectacular changing colors with fewer crowds. Always check current conditions as mountain weather can change rapidly.
Keep Exploring
