Best Campgrounds near Pagosa Springs, CO

Several campgrounds around Pagosa Springs, Colorado serve as good bases for San Juan mountain adventures. Pagosa Riverside Campground sits just a few miles from town, making it easy to fish the San Juan River during the day and grab dinner in town at night. East Fork Campground also sits near the river, with hiking trails that start right from the camping area. Many campers heading into the Rockies choose Vallecito Campground for its mountain views and proximity to the Colorado River. Most public campgrounds in the area have a 14-day stay limit and follow seasonal fire restrictions, which can be strict during dry summers. You'll want to make reservations ahead of time, especially between June and August when sites fill quickly. Some campsites have more trees between them than others, so checking the campground map helps if you want more privacy. Trees provide decent shade at most sites, though bringing a canopy still makes sense for sunny afternoons. Spring and fall camping brings milder temperatures and fewer people, while winter camping requires serious cold-weather gear. The summer months draw the biggest crowds, so book well in advance if that's when you plan to visit.

Best Camping Sites Near Pagosa Springs, Colorado (248)

    1. Pagosa Riverside Campground

    29 Reviews
    Pagosa Springs, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 264-5874

    "Beautiful location along the San Juan. Well maintained park close to Pagosa Springs"

    "Right outside of Pagosa Springs. This place is great. Awesome staff, clean and friendly. All hookups and fun surroundings. On the San Juan River. Quiet and I would def stay here again."

    2. Turkey Creek Road

    17 Reviews
    Pagosa Springs, CO
    9 miles

    "It was plenty big for 2 cars, 2 tents, and a common area for us to sit around the campfire (before a red flag warning came in). The spot I hung my hammock was amazing!"

    "Very close to atv trails at east fork if it is full. But will have drive there. 10min drive"

    3. East Fork Campground

    18 Reviews
    Pagosa Springs, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 264-5255

    $32 / night

    "Its location provides easy access to Pagosa Springs (~10 minutes) and to Wolf Creek Pass."

    "Great wooded campground at the foot of Wolf Creek Pass near Pagosa Springs. Stayed at site A10 which was spacious and shady. Would love to stay here again."

    4. West Fork Dispersed

    19 Reviews
    Pagosa Springs, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    "There were 4 spots right near the water after the bridge then if you take the 303 road on the left right after the bridge there’s two more spots further down the road on the left hand side."

    "Te river passes right next to you and the views are amazing! There are a few trails next (like the Rainbow trail). Awesome place to stargaze!"

    5. Del Norte Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Pagosa Springs, CO
    13 miles

    "There were plenty of available campsites the majority of which had access to the river. It was relaxing with the exception of the occasional can am with music blaring."

    "Beautiful views and great trails to hike. I found a spot that was a peninsula, surrounded by the river. Very primitive camping."

    6. The Last Resort RV Park & Campground

    8 Reviews
    Chromo, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 264-6464

    $28 - $48 / night

    "The Last Resort is a lovely RV Park and campground on the Blanco River off Highway 84 between Chama, New Mexico and Pagosa Springs, Colorado."

    "Also, I have got to say their showers are so nice and powerful after having camped over 4 days in New Mexico and Colorado. Love the fact they have ice readily available when you need it."

    7. West Fork Campground

    14 Reviews
    Pagosa Springs, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 264-2268

    $32 / night

    "Far enough away from the hustle of Pagosa Springs, far enough from the highway. Old growth forest reminded me of CA."

    "Annie, you've gotten the Campgrounds backwards, as there are No ATV or off road trails at Westfork and there is easy access to the river from multiple sites and a public path behind the 2nd bathroom."

    8. New Jack Road

    6 Reviews
    Pagosa Springs, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-4874

    "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."

    "There’s a ton of hiking and mountain biking trails in close proximity."

    9. Ute Campground

    10 Reviews
    Chimney Rock, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 264-2268

    $22 - $100 / night

    "Not that far from Pagosa Springs if you need supplies."

    "We stayed here on a trip between Pagosa Springs and Mesa Verde."

    10. East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Pagosa Springs, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    "Great boondocking sites about 45minues from Pagosa Springs. These sites are completely primitive. No restroom facilities, electricity, potable water or trash service.  No cell service. "

    "We parked a popup at the 1st campsite past the bridge near the trailhead. 2 waterfalls are close, Pagosa Springs is 30ish mins away. Our kids tubed down the creek."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 248 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Pagosa Springs, CO

871 Reviews of 248 Pagosa Springs Campgrounds


  • H
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Pagosa Riverside Campground

    Beautiful riverside campground

    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. The campsite has bathrooms, showers, and laundry. The laundry is coin operated so make sure you come prepared. It's only a 5-minute drive from downtown Pagosa Springs, so nice and convenient!

  • A
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    Easy location

    We 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

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Haviland Lake Campground

    Quiet and private spots, some with lake view

    Right 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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Junction Creek Campground

    Excellent Campground! 10/10

    One 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.

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Missionary Ridge Road

    Missionary Ridge Road

    The 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.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Durango RV Resort

    Clean and easy, Really Liked It

    We 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.

  • Jane M.
    Oct. 2, 2025

    The Last Resort RV Park & Campground

    Beautiful spot

    We 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

  • Chris S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Forest Road 37

    Quiet, easy access.

    Even coming in well after dark was smooth. Quiet, not another vehicle has been threw by 8am the next day.

  • Bruce L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Fossett Gulch Rd Dispersed

    My kind of disperse camping

    Camped in a pull over on the forest Road about a mile up from the suggested disperse camping spot. Loved it


Guide to Pagosa Springs

Dispersed camping options near Pagosa Springs, Colorado provide alternatives to established campgrounds in the San Juan National Forest. Many free sites sit along forest roads at elevations between 7,000-8,000 feet, offering riverside camping with no amenities or hookups. Multiple roads off Highway 160 lead to dispersed areas where campers must follow Leave No Trace principles and prepare for variable mountain weather conditions throughout the camping season.

What to Do

Fishing access from camp: At Del Norte Dispersed Camping, you can set up camp and fish directly from your site. "Great spot! Lots of dispersed camping along the river. Fishing, hiking and swimming all right there," shares Michael W., who appreciated having multiple outdoor activities within steps of his campsite.

Hot springs day trips: Many campers use their sites as a base for visiting the thermal waters in town. "Pitched the tent in the afternoon and headed to town for a soak," writes Ryan T. about staying at Turkey Creek Road, noting how the area's location makes it convenient for combining camping with hot springs visits.

Waterfall hunting: Several falls are accessible from camping areas east of town. "There are several waterfalls within a short drive to visit, including one just up hwy 160 toward Wolf Creek Pass," writes Henry H., who used East Fork Campground as his base for waterfall exploration.

What Campers Like

River sounds for sleeping: Camping beside moving water creates natural white noise. "The sounds of the river nearby. One negative is the sound of the road nearby. It's not a busy road but it has ruts that caused vehicles with trailers going by to make some loud rattling," notes Ryan H. at East Fork Campground, highlighting both the benefits and drawbacks of the location.

Secluded spots with privacy: Campers value finding areas away from crowds. "We grabbed a pull through spot without reservations, very friendly office crew drove us to the spot. Full hookups & Wi-Fi. Right on the river with benches spread out to enjoy the scenery," reports Jody R., who appreciated the riverside amenities at Pagosa Riverside Campground.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forest setting attracts various animals. "Deer came into our site. The adjacent stream is shallow enough in areas if you want an icy dip," writes Camp Comet about their stay at West Fork Campground, showing how wildlife encounters enhance the camping experience.

What You Should Know

Road conditions for dispersed sites: Many free camping areas require driving on unmaintained roads. "The road was in great conditions, many sites to choose for. I stayed for 10 days and many people came and go (busy) but just stunning with the river there and amazing lullaby for sleeping time," explains Karla L. about East Fork San Juan River Dispersed Camping.

Water availability challenges: Filling tanks can be difficult at some campgrounds. "The park was beautiful. We know this is a campground with no connections at the sites but we did expect to be able to fill our tank at the water stations. There is not way to connect a hose at the stations," notes Bonnie B., highlighting a practical challenge at East Fork Campground.

Mosquito preparation: Some areas have significant insect activity, especially near water. "Do you like mosquitos come here and enjoy the feast that come when the sun starts to set! We stayed here before and forgot how bad it was," warns Cheyanne G. about West Fork Dispersed, emphasizing the importance of bringing insect repellent.

Tips for Camping with Families

Kid-friendly amenities: Some private campgrounds offer facilities specifically for children. "The Last Resort is a lovely RV Park and campground on the Blanco River. There is a nice Bathhouse with a full kitchen, bathrooms with showers and a coin operated washer/dryer. There are often horses (and a goat) on the property," describes Beth B. about The Last Resort RV Park & Campground.

Wading opportunities: Shallow stream areas provide safe water play. "The rabbit hutch would have entertained the kids, if we had any with us," notes Tom S. about The Last Resort, showing how this campground offers family-friendly activities beyond just camping.

Bike-friendly campgrounds: Some areas have good terrain for children's cycling. "Dirt roads were great for the kids to ride bikes. Endless hiking options. Wildlife viewing," shares Brooke C. about Ute Campground, highlighting activities that keep children engaged.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for privacy: RVers suggest choosing sites carefully for maximum space. "Loop 20-26 all shady and nice, 12 close to road (and on incline), 14 and 15 are close to the river but a very steep cliff to get there," advises Ken A. about East Fork Campground, providing specific site recommendations.

Power considerations: Not all RV-friendly areas have hookups. "We are in spot #40 a large pull through with electric and water only. Dump station available on property too, most spots are full service," explains Joseph W. about Pagosa Riverside Campground, detailing the hookup situation.

Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across camping areas. "I have AT&T and had no cell coverage at all," reports David about East Fork San Juan River camping, important information for RVers who need to stay connected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Pagosa Springs, Colorado?

Pagosa Springs offers excellent camping options for every preference. Ute Campground stands out for its spacious, private sites, clean bathrooms, and helpful hosts at just $20 per night, located about 25 minutes from town. For riverside camping, Pagosa Riverside Campground provides beautiful sites along the San Juan River with full hookups and is well-maintained. Other notable options include West Fork Campground with its old-growth forest setting, East Fork Campground providing easy access to Pagosa Springs and Wolf Creek Pass, and Lower Piedra Campground situated next to the Piedra River. For RV travelers, Pagosa Pines RV Park offers a small, well-maintained setting with excellent amenities and central location.

Is free dispersed camping available near Pagosa Springs?

Yes, there are several free dispersed camping options near Pagosa Springs. East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 offers primitive boondocking sites about 45 minutes from town. To reach it, take US160E about 10 miles and turn right onto USFS 667. These sites are completely primitive with no restrooms, electricity, water, trash service, or cell coverage. Another option is FS Road 662 campsite, which is closer to Pagosa Springs in the national forest. This site is also primitive with no amenities, so campers must come fully prepared. The San Juan National Forest surrounding Pagosa Springs has numerous dispersed camping opportunities, but most require self-sufficiency and leave-no-trace practices.

What amenities are available at the Pagosa Springs KOA?

While there are no specific reviews for a Pagosa Springs KOA, similar highly-rated RV parks in the area offer comparable amenities. Pagosa Springs RV Park & Cabins features a beautiful setting just south of town with a family-friendly atmosphere, free ice cream, and fresh eggs available for purchase. They offer 41 RV spots with choices of mountain views, Blanco River sites, or large pull-throughs. The Last Resort RV Park & Campground provides essential amenities like water and toilets with reservable sites. Most RV parks in the area typically include full hookups, WiFi, laundry facilities, showers, and easy access to the town's hot springs and other attractions.