Anglers and paddlers find direct access to the Conejos River at Rio Grande National Forest Mogote Campground, which operates seasonally from late May through mid-September in the forested terrain near La Jara. The campground accommodates RVs up to 60 feet and offers both upper and lower loops, with the lower sites positioned closer to the water. Access requires caution, as reviewers note the road becomes rutted and challenging in wet conditions.
The campground features two distinct areas that provide different experiences. Sites on the upper loop face an open field with scattered trees and mountain views, while lower loop spots sit near the river itself. "We originally reserved spots by the river but it was flooded so we wound up on the upper loop," notes one camper who found the elevated sites had fewer mosquitoes. Site spacing provides above-average privacy according to multiple visitors.
River conditions vary significantly by season, with better fishing reported during mid-summer when water levels drop. Spring flooding can affect riverside sites, and mosquito activity increases near the water. The community water spigot lacks hose connections, so RV campers should fill tanks before arrival. Cell service runs limited to one bar on Verizon networks.
Campers seeking different accommodations can explore Conejos River Campground just over a mile away.
Description
Overview
Mogote Campground is located along the Conejos River, making it a perfect location for fishing and hiking. The pleasant campground is well shaded by groves of ponderosa pine and a mixture of cottonwood, spruce, willow and aspen. The campground is also in close proximity to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, home of America's highest and longest, coal fired, steam operated narrow-gauge railroad.
Recreation
The Conejos River is a Gold Medal River, offering a high potential for trophy trout fishing. Rainbow and brown trout are the most common species in the river. Popular hikes include the 15-mile Elk Creek Trail and the 10.9-mile South Fork Conejos Trail.
Facilities
Campsites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash bins are provided. An accessible toilet is located in the upper loop. No electric hookups are available. Firewood can be purchased on site.
Natural Features
The campground sits at an elevation of 8,400 feet, and is separated into an upper and lower loop. The lower loop sits along the fast-flowing Conejos River and many sites face the water. The campground is perched in a wooded section along the river valley. Rio Grande National Forest stretches across 1.86 million acres in south-central Colorado. The forest encompasses a myriad of ecosystems ranging from high elevation desert at 7,600 feet above sea level to rocky crags at over 14,300 feet in the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.
Nearby Attractions
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad can be accessed from Antonito. The train makes a 640-mile journey through abandoned mining towns, creating great entertainment for young and old.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundRio Grande National Forest Mogote Campground is located in Colorado
Directions
From Antonito, Colorado, go west on Highway 17 about 15 miles to the campground access road. Turn right and travel 1/4 mile to the Upper Loop Road.
Address
CONEJOS PEAK RD 15571 CR T-5
La jara, CO 81140
Coordinates
37.0647222 N
106.2344444 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/30/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/30/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 1 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 36 min from Pueblo, CO
- 2 hrs 41 min from Farmington, NM
- 2 hrs 50 min from Albuquerque, NM
