If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Rio Grande National Forest, look no further. Find the best information on tent camping near Rio Grande National Forest, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Stunner campground sits at 9700-foot in elevation beside the Alamosa River, two miles below the top of Stunner Pass. There are 5 campsites with tables, fire pits, a vault-type toilet, and adequate parking.
There is no water supply, so plan to bring your own. Firewood is limited. Convenient trailer spaces available. The Alamosa River is nearby for fishing. Unfortunately, naturally acidic water severely limits fishing in the Alamosa River between Stunner Campground and Terrace Reservoir. Big game hunting is possible.
The ghost town of Stunner is just east of the campground. This was a mining town that failed, due to nonproducing mines and transportation problems. Parts of the town are private property, so pack out all your trash and observe posted no-trespassing signs.
Tewksberry Trail makes a gentle ascent over scenic Meadow Pass between Cattle Mountain and Demijohn Peak. Throughout the trail, spruce, Douglas fir and aspen stands shade the pathway. Interspersed with the trees are open grassy meadows. For the first 2 miles, Tewksberry Creek meanders near and occasionally crosses the trail. A few Non-Forest Service System foot and horse trails depart from the main motorized trail. All ATV’s and Motorcycles must stay on the main motorized trail. If you wish to explore these non-system trails, park your ATV or motorcycle a few feet off the trail, and hike them.
Access to the Weminuche Wilderness
Off Cow Camp is a small cabin located in a high elevation meadow at 10,500 feet on Burro Creek near an off-highway vehicle trail. The cabin and barn were renovated in 2010 and a vault toilet was installed. Visitors may reserve the cabin for a maximum of fourteen nights to allow others the opportunity to rent the cabin.
The surrounding area offers many recreation opportunities, including hunting, hiking, off-highway vehicle riding, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling, backcountry skiing, and fishing.
There are meadows, aspen groves and spruce/fir forests near the cabin. At 13, 200 feet, Bennett Peak sits southeast of the cabin. Fitton Guard Station is located 400 yards upstream from Off Cow Camp and is available as a rental cabin to the public.
The Burro Creek off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails connect many miles of OHV trails and forest roads in the area. The trails are also used by motorcycles, mountain bikers, hikers and horseback riders. During the winter, snowmobilers and backcountry skiers use the area near the cabin.
$25 / night
Guide
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. Turn left at sign into campground.
This small campground, stretches along the banks of the South Fork of the Rio Grande River among mature shade trees. Many sites are adjacent to the river. US Highway 160 is very close by so will have some traffic noise. The campground has the feel of spacious seclusion and is very cool and shady. Accessible, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets , Drinking water.
Guide
I’m tent camping from my car, but after seeing the tent sites that are on top of each other and zero views i asked to move to the rv overflow lot. It’s more spread out, same amenities as the rustic tent and 180 mountain sunrise views. I’m also working full time while here and the internet has been pretty dependable so far. There is a laundry and shower both for additional fee, as well as a pool for additional charge. Indoor restrooms as well. There is an area to refill on drinking water and an are to wash dishes. A bit of road noise during the day as the overflow lot has an unobstructed view of the mountains, it’s also right off the main road / highway. It was peaceful and quiet at night though so that’s all that mattered to me.
Legend
My 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.
Ranger
Lovely small campground with lots of shady, generous campsites, some by the Little Squaw Creek and upper Rio Grande River, and others up next to rock bluffs. The site and facilities were very clean and the camp hosts extremely nice and well versed on this area of Rio Grande National Forest! No electric or sewer hookups, with community well water pumps, and restrooms. Fishing was really good, artificial lures only! Wildlife included elk, moose, bear, deer, chipmunks, rabbits, magpies, ravens, hummingbirds, swallows, and Spring flora were everywhere! Road to camps are rock/dirt, and not very RV friendly (lots of washboards and fallen rock), and if you're not good with heights, some of the road narrows with drop off sides and no railing/barriers. We were there in late May and the nights got down into the 20s, with some heavy wet snow that melted off the next day. Took a drive up past Lost Creek Campground to one of the high meadows and it was breathtaking! Did I mention the elevation of over 10,000 feet? There is a large forested area that has burned, but aspens and other new growth are coming back. Overall, this has been one of our favorite campgrounds. Some sites are reservable and the rest are FCFS. America the Beautiful and Golden Age Passes are accepted.
Traveler
Appears to be an old KOA campground. Somewhat rustic, but hosts helpful and friendly. Full hook-ups and tent camping available. We had a lovely spot by the pond very enjoyable stay.
ScoutWe had a tent site on the river with our puppy. The staff were very helpful and the facilities including the showers were well maintained.
Traveler
Our family of 4 tent camped at this site. We were able to walk to the edge of the cliff and had a clear view of Lake San Cristobal. We had a creek running beside our campsite.
Traveler
This spot is pretty open with room for a small rv or tent camping. Area Code It's a short drive up to Poage Lake at the top of the mountain and also a short drive to Beaver Creek Reservoir down the mountain.
Scout
Early in June there are two moose that have babies in the area so keep your eyes open. The toilets are clean and the river helps drown out any noise from your neighbors.
If you’re looking for more rustic tent camping there is an informal area just downstream.
Guide
I stayed here for one night and was pleasantly surprised. It’s surrounded by tall Lodgepole pines that offer awesome shade and privacy from neighbors. Bathrooms were clean. Camp hosts were friendly. It sounds like there is a lot of bear activity so tent camping could be a concern. There were mostly RVs.
Guide
This was a wonderful spot! We tent camped with our family of 4 for 4 nights. Camp hosts were awesome too! We haven’t ever done a site with no shower so that’s the only reason it didn’t get a 5 star. But! The river made for great bathing :-D
Nearby to tons of hiking spots and great outdoors experiences.
Legend
Most sites are Park and walk into fire pit and table area. A few scattered back-in sites. No pull through. Nice wooden picnic tables, men and women’s bathrooms. Level tent sites, water pump on site but nothing available in October. No cell service. Loads of down wood for collection. Close to river access
Guide
Arrived at Last Resort and immediately fell in love with this campsite. Site was well maintained and level. You didn’t feel like you were on top of one another at the tent sites. Staff was friendly and occasionally checked up on you, to make sure your stay was pleasant. Will be returning for a longer visit for sure.
Scout
The tent sites were large and well spaced. Well maintained and equipped with a great fire ring. Bathrooms very clean and great hot shower. Don’t go if you need to be connected digitally at this moment that is not up and running, but they did say by the end of the summer. The family was friendly and gave good advice when asked.
TravelerTent sites were very close together but no one was next to us. Bathrooms close but just Porta potties. Showers you have to pay. Nice place we enjoyed it but there was a screaming baby all night long. Loud neighbors were expected camping in a resort like this those. Great place to stay unless you want a more nature camping experience.
Guide
Stunning spot, lots of tent sites, room for maybe 12 campers of modest length, mine is 26' spot #9 is prime for a camper with a driver side slide/kitchen table. unknown if it's seasonal but the biting flies, primarily deer flies are beyond bearable, I survived 4 days, most other campers left after one night. The camp host is very friendly, and knows the best fishing holes.
Scout
I was just passing thru, and everything in Durango looked booked up, so I stopped here. 4 tent only sites, and more RV sites. Pulled in around 3:30pm and still 2 tent sites left. Table fire pit and BBQ stand. Lots of trees. Pit outhouse not too far and was clean and well stocked. Gravel road, but I could easily navigate with my cruiser bike. It did rain, but as you can see from the photos, I was prepared
TravelerI stayed here on June 16 2023. I some with one of the locals there and he said they just opened the gates that morning. This spot is pretty open with room for a small rv or tent camping. It's a short drive up to Poage Lake at the top of the mountain and also a short drive to Beaver Creek Reservoir down the mountain. The road is a well kept dirt road. There was a family that drove their minivan all the way up to Poage lake. We got a little weather while there, mixture of rain and light snow.
ScoutWe enjoy tenting in relatively primitive national forests and usually avoid private campgrounds. But our friends recommended Last Resort on the River, and we were pleasantly surprised. The tent sites are separated from the RV sites in a forested area along the river. We shared a campsite on the river that had lots of trees and plenty of room for two tents and a canopy. Several other tent sites are carved out of the brush along the river. This makes a very nice setting with lots of privacy. The sound of the river is soothing and there was very little sound from the road.
It was a short walk to the amenities of the campground. There is a picnic shelter where we sat out a rainstorm, a very nice bathhouse for showering and washing dishes, as well as a comfortable indoor sitting area and another outdoor area with chairs and a fire pit. Ice and firewood are available at the office. Rich delivered them to our site. There are also some ice cream treats there and a few snacks. There is a fishing pond and a volleyball court. The rabbit hutch would have entertained the kids, if we had any with us.
There is no cell service, but the wifi was excellent and reached our campsite on the river. My wife was able to participate in a Zoom meeting from the picnic shelter where there was a convenient electrical outlet for her computer.
Rich is continually upgrading the property. He was very responsive and always willing to help. We highly recommend this campground.
ScoutThe Hot springs consist of a large outdoor pool and a couple of smaller pools. It’s $15 to soak or half price if you camp there. The Greenhouse pool is 21+ for an additional $3. The Greenhouse is lush with plants and not as crowded as the main pool. We were in overflow camping and were treated to some amazing sunsets on the Sand Dunes. There are berms around the regular tent camping that limit your views. All the water on site comes out hot which was great for our chilly visit yet may not be as nice in the hotter months.
Guide
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. Fantastic waterfall and creek access just a few miles down dirt road.
Notes: 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. 19: probably an RV site; no place to put tent Sites 1,2,3,4 all right on the road, small, no privacy
GuideWe booked this cabin for the cheap price and didn’t even know about the on-site hot spring until we got there. It’s a bit quirky but we loved it and I am waiting for the right moment to go back. It is close to the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and is a great option if you are open to something that is a little less “wilderness” and more of a unique glamping experience.
I use glamping lightly here.
There are also options for tent camping and RV camping on-site.
Apparently there is also a nearby spot to look for UFOs!
Guide
Arrived early evening (6-ish) after rejecting a disbursed campsite which wound through "Hills Have Eyes" terrain. Immediately accommodated by the nicest lady, and led to campsite on a grassy opening a stone's throw away from a bend in the Rio Grande. RV area was out of site/ out of mind. The 4 or 5 tent sites were secluded, beautiful grounds,clean restrooms and showers just built. Fire pit provided and a bbq grill offered if needed. Would recommend and will return again, hopefully for 2 nights. Watch a skyful of stars and then fall asleep to the sound of the river.
Guide
Highway 149 > Miner's Creek Rd > Left on 508 > Left on Shallow Creek Road to end
I got my 25ft Travel Trailer there with no issue. Road is a little tight when it turns at Sawmill Gulch and has a decent incline, but definitely doable. Significantly larger rigs should scout it first.
Nice clearing alongside what I'm assuming is "Shallow Creek". Campfire ring already there next to a large evergreen. Road continues about 100 yards past site to trailhead where there is additional parking and places for tent camping. People do use that trailhead, so expect traffic driving by.
It's tucked away in a little valley, so decent protection from wind. If I recall, cell is limited, but great for Starlink. Also, while it feels remote, it's only about 10 min from Creede.
GuideWe only stayed one night but would definitely come back. We had a nice large tent site right by the river. No trees on this site but the view and the river made up for that. Scenery was great and we had a number of great conversations with some of the other campers. Camp hosts were very friendly and the facilities were pretty nice. There were porta-potty’s half way to the wash house but they were clean and didn’t smell too bad and they saved us from having to walk another few minutes. We had some noisy neighbors but they quieted down once we asked. We paid $27 for the one night.
GuideThe Last Resort is a lovely RV Park and campground on the Blanco River off Highway 84 between Chama, New Mexico and Pagosa Springs, Colorado. There are full RV hook ups in the loop and partial hook up by the river. The Bunk House is a small cabin with a queen bed and electricity. Many great tent camping sites. There is a nice Bathhouse with a full kitchen, bathrooms with showers and a coin operated washer/dryer. They are open year round, free wifi and pets welcome. There is a small store with ice, sodas, snacks, fishing tackle, RV supplies, and toiletries.
This is our 3rd summer at the Last Resort. It's a very laid back place with 2 playgrounds and plenty of activities for kids - horse shoes, volleyball, tether ball, etc. They have a nice 4th of July celebration, potluck dinners and camp fires. There are often horses (and a goat) on the property and plenty of space to take a nice walk. This year, we saw a lot of Canada geese and there are also chickens and ducks. We really love watching the many hummingbirds and hanging out by the river. Lots of campers like to fish or float down the river on inner tubes.
Well maintained, beautiful and friendly hosts make for a wonderful place to stay.
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.
Tent camping near Rio Grande National Forest in Colorado offers a serene escape into nature, with stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Rio Grande National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rio Grande National Forest is Turkey Creek Road with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.
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