Looking for the best options for tent camping near South Fork? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find South Fork campgrounds for you and your tent. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
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.
Camp in the San Luis Valley below snow-capped mountains and surrounded by sage brush and cacti in this high alpine desert. Nestled between the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains at 7500’ in elevation, this dispersed campsite gives you magnificent views and a feeling of peaceful privacy.
Easy access to Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mt. Blanca, Zapata Falls, and Hooper Hot Springs.
This area is great for photography, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and solitude.
This place gets busy on holidays but we’ll find a place for you!
$30 - $44 / night
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.
The Middle Frisco trail is 6.3 miles long. It begins at County Road 13 and ends at Frisco Lake. The trail is open for the following uses: Foot Travel, Horse Travel, Mountain Biking
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.
Traveler
A lot of people here are nosy and can’t mind their own business. Quite a bit of RVs parking in the tent sites trying to push out tent camping. Very rude. Lake is dried up.
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.
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.
Traveler
This was pretty close to a perfect campspot for us. It's only a 10 minute drive off the main road from South fork, and 5 mins up from the main Beaver Creek Campground. The main is a bit more populated and traveled. The upper was secluded, closer to the water, closer to the reservoir, and only had 10-12 spots so not populated at all. Our spot was 15 ft from the water! The river is right there and beautiful. Each spot has water access also. We caught 3 trout right in front of our spot! Well shaded, fire pits with grates, and picnic tables. There are toilets and a water pump, no hookups or showers. Overall can't wait to get back here, by far one of the best spots we've ran across-$18 p/night.
TravelerA lot of RVs like to peep on tent campers and make snide comments. They ruin tent camping for everyone with their dog nose up your butt.
Traveler
Clean camp, nice amenities. Dog park is a little small, but is nice to have a place for dogs. Pool was very nice. Was disappointed in our tent site as it was all gravel with brush behind us. Pics online showed nice grassy tent sites with big trees. We had dogs with us, and it sucked to only have gravel for them to sit/lie on at our site. Otherwise, friendly place!
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.
RangerStaff very helpful. Not much privacy, tent sites kinda wide open. Killer views of the San Luis mountains just past my fingertips.
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.
GuideSuper easy to access, very nice staff & good amenities. I pitched my tent four one night here. Tent sites are spacious & have a privacy fence between them. All wood burning fires are currently prohibited in Colorado, but there are fire pits for when they're not. I met a couple with an RV that make this camp a part of any trip this direction. They pointed out that even full this camp is still a gem.
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.
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.
GuideIf you can't get into the Sand Dunes campground, this is your next bet. About 15-20 minutes to the National Park, great for RV's, tent camping was tricky. Winds were insane we ended up sleeping in the car. There are nice fire pits with grates, picnic tables, and a shelter. No other shade then that, no trees. Bathrooms were nice and there was a little camp store. The lake was dried up when we went. This would not be my first choice in the area but you can reserve spots which is nice if you aren't rolling in until Saturday.
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.
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!
Tent camping near South Fork, Colorado offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with various campgrounds providing access to stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near South Fork, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near South Fork, CO is Turkey Creek Road with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near South Fork, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 35 tent camping locations near South Fork, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
