Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge

Halfway between Cortez and Telluride on Highway 145, Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park sits along the Dolores River in a heavily treed canyon roughly 10 miles southwest of places to camp near Rico. The campground is privately owned and operates at a scale that surprises first-time visitors: 98 full-hookup RV sites, 8 rentable cabins, 4 tent sites, and a small camp store, all on well-maintained grounds. Easy highway access means no rough roads to navigate on arrival.

The tent sites are the most coveted spots. All four sit directly on the riverbank, and site T4 draws repeat mentions for its position tucked into the trees, well-suited to smaller tents. RV sites are close together, which reviewers consistently note, though the campground enforces strict quiet hours and prohibits generators. "Fishing is good," notes David B., and cutthroat, brown, and rainbow trout have all been caught on the property.

Amenities here go well beyond the basics. Free firewood, laundry facilities, flush restrooms, and hot showers are all included. The bathrooms are cleaned daily and consistently rated clean across reviews. WiFi is available but can slow noticeably when many campers are online simultaneously. Cell coverage on AT&T runs on Edge service, meaning data-dependent work will need to rely on the campground's network. Saturday mornings bring homemade cinnamon rolls for purchase at the camp store. A short on-site trail called Toehole Trail covers about a quarter mile and is accessible for kids.

Jeremy M. describes the property as "immaculately maintained" with hosts who are "kind, warm, and helpful." Tent sites were priced at $20 per night for two people as of 2021, with full hookup RV sites running around $46. Reservations are accepted and worth making ahead of summer weekends, when the campground fills and the four tent sites in particular go quickly.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsPriest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge is located in Colorado near San Juan National Forest

Detail location of campground
RV Park

Directions

From jct Hwy 184 & 145: Go 25 mi N on Hwy 145.

Address

27646 Hwy 145
Dolores, CO 81323

Coordinates

37.58432139 N
108.16065075 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 9/8/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 9/8/26

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 9/8/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 9/8/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews13 Camper Reviews - Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

92%
8%
0%
0%
0%

5.0

out of 5

13 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the immaculate grounds, riverfront sites, and comprehensive amenities as standout features. Several campers reported close RV spacing, though most appreciated the peaceful atmosphere and family-friendly environment.

Reviewed Jun. 26, 2022

Priest Gulch Campground

Not much for Wi-Fi but great for getting away from it all! The temperature is always pleasant. Staff are very helpful.

Site55
Month of VisitJune
  • Play button icon
  • this passes through the clamp ground
    Play button icon
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2022

Loved it!

Beautiful Campground with lovely grounds. Clean facilities. Hot, homemade cinnamon rolls for purchase Saturday mornings. Lovely walking paths and trails right in the campground. The river was delightful for the kids to play in and to listen to through the night. So close to so many beautiful places to play all around. Highly recommend this place.

Site78
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge by Kimberly , June 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge by Kimberly , June 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge by Kimberly , June 19, 2022
Reviewed Oct. 23, 2021

Beautiful scenic spot!

Easily accessible off the highway, clean restrooms and showers, beautiful oversized River front lots and hiking trails, highly recommended!

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2021

Perfection at Priest Gulch

Priest Gulch Campground is a privately owned campground/RV park. They have 98 RV sites with full hookups along with tent spaces and 8 cabins available for rent. They also offer free firewood, shower facilities, and laundry along with a camp store. The property is immaculately maintained and all the hosts are kind, warm, and helpful. The RV spaces are quite close together, but there are no generators and the camp strictly enforced quiet hours. We found it to be extremely calm and relaxing with our spot right on the Animas River.

Site61
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge by Jeremy M., September 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge by Jeremy M., September 7, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2021

Beautiful spot along the river.

We are tent campers. There are only 4 tent sites and they are all wonderful; right next to the river! Bathroom/showers are very clean, but a bit of a walk from the tent sites. Office staff was super friendly and informative. Wifi available. Small store for any basics you may have forgotten/ran out of. Soft serve ice cream available. Basically, way more amenities than we are used to (a nice change from pit toilets). ..and the price is right! $20 a night for 2 people, plus $2 per additional warm body. Would come back in a heartbeat.

SiteT3
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge by paul , July 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge by paul , July 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge by paul , July 9, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2021

My Favorite CG

I have been in love with this campground since I first visited in 2005. It is without a doubt my favorite campground! All the tent sites are great, but my favorite is T4 if your tent is on the smaller side. T4 is tucked away perfectly in the trees, on the bank of the Dolores river. ATT has good reception for calling, but it is Edge service. It will not work for internet. They do have WiFi, but it can be a little slow if everyone is trying to use it at the same time. The bathrooms are fine, they are cleaned daily. You will not be disappointed if you choose Priest Gulch, the scenery and layout for tents and campers can’t be beaten!

SiteT4
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge by Will T., July 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge by Will T., July 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge by Will T., July 1, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 11, 2021

Our favorite Colorado campground

We've stayed here twice, is a fantastic place- internet is sketchy, but is not the park's problem. There is fishing in the park, free plentiful firewood-peaceful and quiet even though it is a busy place

Site51
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge by carl M., May 11, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 4, 2020

Beautiful place

This is a great campground. Full hookups available for $46 a night. Rv spots are kinda close together but we enjoyed having some younger families around. There is wifi but its hit or miss, laundry, restrooms, and satellite dishes at select spaces. The grounds are well maintained and the staff is very friendly. There is a short trail on site (Toehole Trail) that's super easy for kids and only goes about a quarter mile.

  • Review photo of Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge by Christopher W., October 4, 2020
  • Review photo of Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge by Christopher W., October 4, 2020
  • Review photo of Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge by Christopher W., October 4, 2020
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2019

Gorgeous setting, so well managed

Something for everyone here. So well managed, clean, and nestled beneath the trees with riverfront sites providing spectacular views.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 21, 2019

Awesome place for rv's,on the Dolores river

Hhalfway between Cortez and Telluride on hwy 145.absolutley gorgeous heavily treed right on the river,all sites are groomed and well maintained. We stopped here last year and came back as work campers. Live this place.a camper caught a 5 lb.cutthrout last week, brows,rainbows, fishing is good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos available of Priest Gulch Campground?

Yes, photos of Priest Gulch Campground are available online. These images showcase the campground's riverside setting, tree-covered sites, cabin rentals, and RV spaces. The visual content highlights the natural beauty of this location nestled between Cortez and Telluride, featuring the Dolores River, wooded grounds, and surrounding mountain scenery. Photos also display the well-maintained facilities, riverside tent sites, and the overall layout of this picturesque campground.

How much does it cost to stay at Priest Gulch Campground?

Full hookup RV sites at Priest Gulch Campground cost approximately $46 per night. The campground offers 98 RV sites with full hookups, tent spaces (limited to 4 sites), and 8 rental cabins at various price points. For current rates on tent sites and cabin rentals, it's best to contact the campground directly as these may vary by season and amenities. The free firewood included with stays adds value to your camping experience.

What other campgrounds are available near Dolores, CO?

The Dolores, CO area offers several camping alternatives. McPhee Reservoir provides developed campgrounds with boat access and fishing opportunities. For those seeking more primitive experiences, the San Juan National Forest has numerous dispersed camping areas along forest roads. Mesa Verde National Park, about 30 minutes away, offers Morefield Campground with amenities and proximity to ancient cliff dwellings. Joe Moore Reservoir and House Creek Campground provide additional options with water recreation. The region around Telluride (north of Dolores) also features several Forest Service campgrounds with varying amenities and stunning mountain views.

What do reviews say about Priest Gulch Campground?

Priest Gulch Campground is highly regarded for its beautiful setting along the Dolores River with shaded, well-maintained sites. Campers appreciate the immaculate grounds, clean facilities including restrooms, showers, and laundry. The riverside tent sites are particularly beloved, with T4 noted as an exceptional spot. Visitors enjoy amenities like free firewood, Saturday morning homemade cinnamon rolls, and good fishing opportunities (including trout catches). While WiFi is available, it can be unreliable. The peaceful atmosphere, helpful staff, and prime location between Cortez and Telluride make this a favorite destination for many repeat visitors.

What amenities are available at Priest Gulch Campground?

Priest Gulch Campground offers extensive amenities including full hookup RV sites, tent camping spaces along the river, and cabin rentals. Facilities include clean restrooms and showers, on-site laundry, a camp store for basics, and free firewood. The campground provides WiFi (though service can be inconsistent), walking paths, fishing access to the Dolores River, and select satellite dish-equipped spaces. Additional perks include fresh homemade cinnamon rolls on Saturday mornings, hiking trails within the property, and an immaculately maintained grounds with river access.