Rio Grande National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Rio Grande National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Colorado camping adventure.
$29 - $103 / night
"It's everything we wanted in a Colorado vacation. The mountains were spectacular. The water was cold and clear. It was perfect. To start, we stayed in site 38."
"The campground was a bit off the highway and we saw countless waterfalls along the way to the campground entrance Immediately upon getting to our site my heart sank because I realized our site didn't"
"Park Creek Campground Rio Grande National Forest
Elevation: 8500
Directions: In South Fork, Colorado, at intersection of State 149 and US 160, take Road 160 west 7.8 miles to Park Creek campground sign"
"It will surprise you to know the campground is next to a creek (kinda gave it away in the name), which thankfully drowns out the noise of the highway."
"There were 4 spots right near the water after the bridge then if you take the 303 road on the left right after the bridge there’s two more spots further down the road on the left hand side."
"Te river passes right next to you and the views are amazing! There are a few trails next (like the Rainbow trail). Awesome place to stargaze!"
"They also have great trails close that you can drive to via atv or ohv's. Wonderful views all around from our campsites! Great mom and pop business that is reasonably priced."
"Only an hour from the Sand Dunes, 45 min from Creede, and close to Three Barrel Brewing Co!
The cabin was perfect, full bathroom, half kitchen, and plenty of sweetness that makes you feel cozy!"
"Tho the road to Beaver Reservoir is close by, it is a quiet campground even during the day and pretty much dead silence at night."
"We ended up pulling into this campground at night when we didn't feel safe driving on the road any longer. Spots were easy to find. Basic setup, table and fire pit. Bathrooms were stocked and clean."
"Beautiful location on the Rio Grande River. 12 spots, 26$ per night. Flat parking lots for fishing and overflow parking."
"Close to grocery and restaurants, hiking, fishing, ATV! Internet is not great. ATT Cell phone coverage sporadic."
$32 / night
"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."
"Far enough away from the hustle of Pagosa Springs, far enough from the highway. Old growth forest reminded me of CA."
"This is a great area that’s near a few private ranches. The app mentioned a steep incline but we managed no issues with a 04 Toyota sienna FWD"
"I wanted a spot while driving north from New Mexico and this was perfect. sat right above town, it was an awesome little spot."
$29 - $42 / night
"Nestled next to the Rio Grande River hand its gorgeous. This is the Rio Grande in Colorado so there's plenty of running water for tubing, rafting and fishing."
"There is an office at the entrance and the staff were friendly. Next to the office is a community room and laundry room.
The RV sites have water and electric hookup."
ScoutBeautiful views, clean toilets and fresh drinking water available
GuideThe reservoir water level is down at least 25 feet since May. A little shocking at first but the campground is still beautiful and peaceful with the cleanest vault toilets I have ever seen.
TravelerThe farther you go, the steeper some of the hills get. I saw a large 5th wheel and a class A near the beginning. The last spot occupied was a capable Toyota 4Runner. Our 2-wheel drive made it to the top of the bald. 2bar for Verizon. I can see a cell tower across the valley, which must be T-Mobile, or I would have a stronger signal. Very short drive into town. Depending on your fitness level, an hour hike into town and back up. We had OHV vehicles drive by. The older the driver, the more they slowed down;) To avoid kicking up dust.
RangerEasy 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.
GuideCity allows one overnight parking. Dump and water for RVs.
GuideWas going to stop at the dispersed camping which is before this one. Decided to continue on and take my chances. So glad I did. Beautiful scenery, so quiet. It’s a mental escape. There are flies here now so have kept the Tune closed up.
GuideThe 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. The host advised we would have to use buckets for water and we were not prepared for that. He also advised Pagosa Springs was in water conservation and did not offer any public water access. We did not stay the two nights we had reserved and went to a different campground.
GuideI stayed here for two nights in July while bagging Sunshine, Redcloud, and Handies. Very nice, quiet campground.
It’s $20 a night & many sites are reservable but a few are first come first serve. I reserved a Wednesday night and rolled over into a second day FCFS.
GuideTraveling through the area and needed an easy location, this fit the bill. Wide open area with fire pit and some wood gathered. Sufficiently distant from neighboring sites. A little local road traffic with dust from ATV haulers. Across the valley from the highway so some road noise but nothing terribly annoying.
Camping near Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.
Camping near Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're with family or exploring solo. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there cabins for rent in Rio Grande National Forest?
While Rio Grande National Forest itself has limited cabin rental options directly managed by the Forest Service, there are several cabin accommodations near forest boundaries. Riverbend Resort offers lodging with access to 3/4 miles of private river frontage stocked with rainbow trout, perfect for fly fishing enthusiasts. Grandview Cabins and RV near South Fork provides cabin rentals with amenities including water and toilets. For those seeking a camping experience with some cabin comforts, Pagosa area resorts offer alternatives while still providing easy access to the national forest. When planning a cabin stay, reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak summer months when availability becomes limited.
Where are the best dispersed camping areas in Rio Grande National Forest?
Rio Grande National Forest offers excellent dispersed camping opportunities, with West Fork Dispersed being one of the top choices for those seeking free, primitive camping. This area provides drive-in access and is located near Pagosa Springs. Another popular option is Forest Road 614, which offers drive-in dispersed sites. For those looking to avoid crowds, dispersed camping areas near Buffalo Pass provide a more secluded experience. Remember that dispersed camping in Rio Grande National Forest typically requires you to camp at least 100 feet from water sources, stay on existing sites, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Most dispersed areas have no facilities, so come prepared with plenty of water and supplies.
Can you camp near Rio Grande Reservoir in the national forest?
Yes, camping is available near Rio Grande Reservoir in the national forest. Highway Springs Campground is located along State Highway 160 near South Fork and provides access to the reservoir area. This National Forest Service site offers basic facilities including fire rings, picnic tables, pit toilets, and bear-proof food lockers. The fall season is particularly beautiful here with golden aspen trees. For those seeking RV accommodations near the reservoir, South Fork Lodge & RV Park provides more amenities including water and toilets. Camping around the reservoir area is typically best from late spring through early fall, as mountain weather can be unpredictable and access roads may be affected by snow during winter months.
What campgrounds are available in Rio Grande National Forest?
Rio Grande National Forest features numerous developed campgrounds catering to different preferences. Park Creek Campground sits at 8,500 feet elevation and is located 7.8 miles west of South Fork along US 160. River Hill Campground offers shady sites alongside Little Squaw Creek and the upper Rio Grande River. Other options include East Fork Campground with nearby hiking trails, Highway Springs Campground with bear-proof food lockers, and West Fork Campground with river access. For those seeking more remote experiences, Buffalo Pass Campground provides a less crowded alternative. Most forest campgrounds feature basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, with camping fees typically ranging from $10-20 per night.
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