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 - $42 / night
"Good fishing opportunities and trails for hiking and horseback riding. Spring cave is open seasonally April 15-aug15 with permit required to protect the bats from White nose syndrome."
"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."
"Pass by the entrance to East Fork Campground and continue on the forest service road. This is where the road becomes fairly rough. Dispersed sites begin about 2 miles further."
"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."
"Kids area, river, bridge to trails super close, etc…
The town nearby, Creede, was pretty closed down as well. But very fascinating little place."
"Fly fishing on the Rio Grande is just steps away. The restaurant there is very good! Reservations are recommended.
The town of Creed is cute and funky. I will definitely go back. Loved it there."
$34 - $190 / night
"This privately owned campground feels like Colorado-at peace-to me. "
"Nice campground right next to the San Juan nation forest. Could use a little landscaping. However, it is very peaceful and we would stay here again"
$34 - $58 / night
"Beautiful area with lots of hiking near by."
"It's a little ways out but the drive makes up for the miles"
$29 - $33 / night
"Situated along the banks of the Rio Grande, we were able to sleep with the sound of moving water which was so relaxing.
The bathrooms were clean and smelled like bubble gum."
$29 - $62 / night
"River access from most campsites, some are back in, some pull through, and some walk to site. Amphitheater, loads of toilets, water points, and sink/disposal water points."
$20 / night
"It is located away from Lake City that it feels quiet and ties neatly into local 4x4 roads and mountain passes."
"Nestled in pine trees alongside the lake fork of the Gunnison river. Most sites have tons of privacy. All have picnic tables and bear boxes. First-come first-serve. Very clean vault toilet restrooms."
TravelerThis campground is in a secluded lovely valley on the south fork of the white river. Good fishing opportunities and trails for hiking and horseback riding. Spring cave is open seasonally April 15-aug15 with permit required to protect the bats from White nose syndrome. The cave is beautiful, and also wet and cold. Helmet and lights and good warm clothes are essential!
Campsites are close together, some smaller and some better or groups. Site#5 can fit 4-5 tents. Pit toilets which are kept very clean by camp host. Equestrian trailer parking available.
LegendOnly people here, but beautiful spot. Woke up with a light dusting of snow but it thawed by 10:30. Bathrooms were clean, unisex toilet last cleaned on oct 2nd, and well stocked. Used as a horse campground complete with halter point and tack bar with wide open spaced for trailers. Loads of foot and horse trails. High bushes make great wind blocks. Right on the river! Pack it in, pack it out.
GuideNestled 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.
GuideGreat boondocking sites about 45minues from Pagosa Springs. These sites are completely primitive. No restroom facilities, electricity, potable water or trash service. No cell service. Its worth it, so plan accordingly.
Follow US160E about 10 miles, turn right onto USFS 667. Pass by the entrance to East Fork Campground and continue on the forest service road. This is where the road becomes fairly rough. Dispersed sites begin about 2 miles further. Most sites are clustered together in pockets near the river.
We arrived early in the day and found a great site near a vertical rock face. Campsite was at 8000'. We stayed a week and only saw other campers on the weekend. The weather was perfect with day time temps in the 70s and overnight temps in the 50s. Ideal hiking and fishing conditions.
The forest road gets busy with Jeeps and UTvs during the day on weekends. Our site was far enough away from the road that we weren't bothered.
Access to several trails, beautiful valley views and waterfalls nearby .
LegendMy friend and I stayed at the South Fork Campground for a fly fishing trip.
The campground seems to be primarily a RV campground with 50 sites, but they do allow tent camping with 6 sites. 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. The tent sites do not - at least ours did not. There are restrooms with sinks, toilets and showers nearby the campsites.
The campground itself sits on the Rio Grande River which is a world class fly fishing river. When we were visiting the river was flowing fast and deep, so it was not a very productive time. We choose to fish in the mountain lakes and streams instead.
Overall the South Fork Campground is a nice place to stay for a few days or longer. The campsites were a little close in proximity for me, but I'm one that is accustomed to backcountry camping where there are few people around. The campground is a short drive to the town of South Fork where there are grocery stores, gas stations and outdoor gear and fly fishing stores.
RangerSpots right on the river are pure bliss. Full hookups and the sound of the Rio Grande to lull you to sleep. How great is that?
Full hookups were great. Owners were fantastic and friendly.
The town of South Fork is very small but you can get groceries and gas. South Fork is on the East side of Wolf Creek Pass, which is a beautiful, steep, drive. The best part about the area is the ample amount of fishing. This area is an anglers dream, reservoirs in every corner of the map with the Rio Grande at your fingertips. Fishing dreams made!
Campground spots were well positioned but a tiny bit close. I would highly recommend any of the ones on the river, you have plenty of space to spread out between the picnic table, fire ring and grassy area by the river's edge.
RangerThis privately owned campground feels like Colorado-at peace-to me. Campgrounds, especially in the times of Covid are filled to the brim these days and that means a different type of experience complete with sometimes noisy neighbors, lots of vehicles and generators running at all hours.
This. Place. Is. Peaceful.
Your first look at the view on the way in to the camoground office should make you want to take a big breath of fresh CO air and leave the worries of the world behind.
The owners/workers were all as friendly as can be and seemed extremely genuine in providing everyone an enjoyable experience. There are 3 ponds on property for fishing and there are some whoppers in there! Do keep in mind, you need to get a permit at the office to partake in being an angler for the day.
The campsites themselves are well spaced, shady, pretty level and have full hookups. What more could you want? They have even separated the RV area from the tent camping area which I find to be the most enjoyable for all parties involved.
As for the general area-you can't go wrong no matter which direction you go. Pagosa Springs is a lovely town with everything you could need. There are too many fishing opportunities to name in the area, and a MUST see-Treasure Falls-it's quite literally .5 miles from the campground entrance.
RangerThe website listed for this campground is correct Ponderosa campground Antonito, CO.
Phone 719.376.5857
This is a very relaxing place to stay and it seems like most of the people there have been there many times before. The drive in is easy on Route 17 and does not require a vehicle with high ground clearance. They do allow campfires, they have clean bathrooms and a shower house. I stayed in a backpacking tent after driving all day arriving on a Friday at about 4:00 PM. The campground is set-up for small campers and has some cabins for rent too. The bathrooms with showers are clean and comfortable. The sites have fire rings with grates and picnic tables. The owner manager is great, providing quality fishing advice, conversation and even a free cup of coffee in the morning. Hiking on the CDT is near the campground and fishing is right in the campground. The steam train is right up the pass and I happened to be there the night before opening day catching a photo when I drove over the pass to Chama New Mexico. The Cumbres and Toltec Train traveling between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. This is a very nice drive and Chama is a cool place to visit, it is a trail town on the CDT.
I will visit this campground again for sure.
GuideWe did show up a little early in the year and the restaurant at the campground was closed. Kids area, river, bridge to trails super close, etc…
The town nearby, Creede, was pretty closed down as well. But very fascinating little place. Kind of a shithole driving through, but, don’t let that scare you away. Great food and even better service.
My wife and I with a 4 year old and 1 year old went hiking right next to the park and had an amazing experience.
Horse camping near Rio Grande National Forest in Colorado offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Rio Grande National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Rio Grande National Forest is South Fork Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Rio Grande National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Rio Grande National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
