This Forest Service campground requires navigating rough access roads to reach sites positioned near Rough Creek. The no-pets policy distinguishes it from many other public campgrounds in the area. Sites sit at elevation in the San Juan Mountains, where creek sounds provide consistent background noise throughout the day and night.
Campers planning extended stays should prepare for the challenging drive conditions, particularly after weather events. The creek proximity means cooler temperatures and higher humidity than drier mountain sites. For those wanting easier road access, Spruce sits less than two miles west with standard forest road conditions.
Description
The Rough Creek Trail #463 begins at the Rough Creek Trailhead, heads south into La Garita Wilderness and ends at the Skyline Trail #465. This trail serves as a secondary access route into the La Garita Wilderness Area, Wilderness Regulation do apply. It follows Pasture Creek for about one mile and then crosses over into the Rough Creek drainage. Herds of deer and elk are often seen at various places along the trail. Trail Map
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundRough Creek #463 is located in Colorado
Directions
Rough Creek Trailhead: From Lake City, travel south on Highway 149 for approximately 10 miles to FSR #788. Follow FSR #788 for approximately 11 miles to the Rough Creek Trailhead.
Coordinates
38.0513975 N
107.084587 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 1 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 56 min from Pueblo, CO
- 4 hrs 18 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 5 hrs 10 min from Farmington, NM
