Looking for the best campgrounds near Chimney Rock, CO? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Chimney Rock is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Chimney Rock and user-submitted reviews.
$22 - $100 / night
"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"
"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."
$20 - $41 / night
"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."
"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."
$22 / night
"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."
"There’s a ton of hiking and mountain biking trails in close proximity."
"Dirt load leading in little bumpy but easy to drive. We stayed about half mile short of the coordinates. Barely any Verizon service. Fire rings, open space, nice fresh air, close to pagosa springs."
"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."
"Nice quiet area outside of Pagosa Springs. Lots of flat spaces, road is bumpy with some potholes, but not bad at all for BLM. 1-2 bars of Verizon LTE depending on where you are."
"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."
"Others you might require four-wheel drive."
$30 - $100 / night
"River is a short walk on a trail from the campsite."
"So nice to be close to the water- 1.5 miles away. Super clean bathrooms and great views."
GuideOur site was full hook up 50 amp and pretty much level. The pad was rock and sand. Overall park occupancy was low due to off season. Good off season rate for 3 or more nights. Overall park was clean and quiet. Traffic noise from highway was fairly loud. Self check in during this time of year as office is rarely open. Best to make reservations online
TravelerWe were able to find this spot easily off the road. Spots are very spread out and not a lot of them that we passed but there’s a couple literally on the road that we stayed at
RangerRight off the main road, lots of spots to choose from. Most were « first come first serve » for us. Bring cash to pay the fee. The winter rate (starting Oct) is $30. Spots are level and spacious and lots of trees to add privacy. Not too much to do but perfect for relaxing.
TravelerOne of the nicest BLM campgrounds I have stayed in. Spacious sites, super clean vault toilets, and even has electrical hookups, which is partially why I decided to stay here since I needed to top off my batteries. T electrical was shut off due to the government shut down, but was still the same price, so that sucks, but that’s not the fault of the host. Still an excellent campground.
TravelerThe road up is fine for 2wd but holy crap it’s twisty! I have a full size pu and you definitely wouldn’t want to take anything bigger. We grabbed the second site up so not sure what’s beyond. 1-3 bars for Verizon.
RangerWe ended up in a huge site in the outside edge of campground so no one on either side. The Traffic noise is a little loud but the site size and views make up for it. The entire grounds feel spacious which is not true for a lot of parks. This park is designed for the customer, not the business. Has a really nice playground, putt putt and pickle ball courts. Laundry room was fine. A few machines out of order but it dies the job. It is really nice and I would stay again.
TravelerWe are usually dispersed or National or state park campers We needed a spot on our way east and selected this RV park It was beautiful About 10 miles outside of PS We had a riverside site and could hear the stream it was quiet and in a lovely place I hiked the dirt road and it was like a trail
ScoutThe road starts our residential and then eventually becomes unpaved but quite nice. I’m in a Corolla and had no problems. I was surprised that I was able to roll up at dusk and get a spot no problem - there seem to have a handful of pullouts here (with fire rings!). Maybe because it was mid week after elk season closed. The creek adds lovely background noise. Service is good enough you can text your family you made it without issue, but photos will be slow to send (Verizon).
TravelerEven coming in well after dark was smooth. Quiet, not another vehicle has been threw by 8am the next day.
Camping near Chimney Rock, Colorado, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Chimney Rock, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
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.
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