Best Campgrounds near Pagosa Springs, CO

Camping near Pagosa Springs, Colorado, offers a fantastic mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to suit your style.

What to do:

• Fishing: The Pagosa Riverside Campground is right on the San Juan River, making it a great spot for fishing. One reviewer mentioned, "The campgrounds are located on the San Juan River with good access for fishing."
• Hiking: Check out the trails near the Vallecito Campground. A visitor said, "The Vallecito Trail is such a beautiful hike and was right next to our camp site."
• Wildlife Watching: At the East Fork Campground, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. One camper noted, "The amount of hummingbirds was crazy."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for the Vallecito Campground highlighted, "Bathrooms were clean. Camp hosts were friendly."
• Friendly Hosts: Many visitors rave about the welcoming atmosphere. One camper at the Pagosa Riverside Campground said, "The hosts were the kindest people, I was treated with 'We're glad to have you, thank you for coming to stay.'"
• Scenic Views: Campers love the picturesque settings. A review for the Big Meadows Reservoir Campground described it as "the most beautiful campground with sites that are well spread out amongst trees."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like the East Fork Campground, do not have electric hookups or showers. One camper mentioned, "No showers but awesome host and clean bathrooms."
• Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially near water. A visitor at the West Fork Dispersed noted, "It’s VERY buggy. There were a ton of mosquitoes the entire time we stayed there."
• Road Conditions: Some roads can be rough. A camper at the Del Norte Dispersed Camping said, "The road is bumpy and rutted but nothing your average passenger car couldn’t get to."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like the Pagosa Riverside Campground, which has amenities like a general store and picnic tables. One family shared, "The amenities were plentiful with 24/7 laundry room, showers, bathrooms, hookups."
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a mix of activities. A reviewer at the Vallecito Campground said, "Can’t wait to come back here- the camp host was very nice and clean bathrooms."
• Pack for Comfort: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A camper at the Turkey Creek Road mentioned, "Nice area, seems like 3+ camping areas."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Hookup Availability: Not all campgrounds have electric hookups. For example, the East Fork Campground has no electric hookups, so plan accordingly.
• Space Between Sites: Many RVers appreciate spacious sites. A review for the West Fork Campground noted, "Compact campground but decent buffer between each site."
• Explore Nearby Attractions: If you're near the Williams Creek Campground, take a trip to the nearby lake for a day of fun. One visitor said, "The lake just a mile up the road is magnificent."

Camping near Pagosa Springs, 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!