Established Camping
Rio Grande National Forest Mogote Campground
About
USDA Forest Service
Rio Grande National Forest
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.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Wonderful Experience
The campground was very clean and campsites offered above average privacy. The lower loop offers sites close to the Conejos river. We were in spot #39 with a 32’ camper. Plenty of room to park my truck on the side and out of the main driveway. Most important to note: The campground host, Sam, was extremely accommodating, friendly and helpful. For example, a wildland fire broke out approximately 8 miles away and Sam personally visited each campsite to explain what he knew about the fire and ensured everyone that he would not hesitate to advise us to evacuate. I think he calmed many folk’s nerves. As a result, we remained and enjoyed our trip thoroughly. Additionally, upon returning from our trip, my son had realized he left behind a fly fishing pack containing countless flies, lured and accessories. He was absolutely devastated. Unfortunately, Mogote is 4.5 hours from Denver and returning was not an option. So, I left a message with a San Juan National Forest Ranger station in Del Norte who was able to put Sam and I in contact. I’m telling you that it took several people (Ranger, campground host at Aspen Glade and Sam at Mogote to deliver the message, locate the lost pack and facilitate returning the pack to my grateful son). Apologies for the lengthy review, but I want to express my deep appreciation for all of those who made this trip successful and assisted us with the return of my son’s beloved fishing equipment.
Beautiful, feels more isolated than it is
We camped here in July 2019 and it was beautiful! We originally reserved spots by the river but it was flooded so we wound up on the upper loop. It wound up being better because the mosquitoes were less bad away from the river. We were in site 15 I think but any of the sites on the upper loop are awesome because they face a large open field with scattered trees and mountains in the background. Our spot had some shade for our pop-up too. They don't want you to fill up water tanks at campground so the community spigot is not made to hook up to a hose, so if you have a camper fill up before arriving.
Great area
Great summer camping spot in southern Colorado. My friends and I have camped here many times. It has good fishing when the river is lower in mid summer. Try to get the river side camp sites; if you end up in the marshy still water spots the bugs can get bad. A fun day trip is to cross over into New Mexico and visit Chama. There's an Ace Hardware for any camping needs or repairs and some good spots for a burger and cold beer.
Location
Rio 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