Ute Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Sitting just off Highway 160 between Bayfield and Pagosa Springs, Ute Campground occupies a forested stretch of San Juan National Forest with Chimney Rock National Monument directly across the road. The sites are flat and spacious, set back from the highway into the trees, with picnic tables and fire rings at each one. Campers looking at camping near Chimney Rock will find this among the closest options to the monument.

Cleanliness stands out consistently across reviews. The pit toilets draw repeated mention as well-maintained, and an attentive camp host keeps the facilities stocked. Sites are spread out enough to provide reasonable separation. That said, noise can be a factor: the campground sits close to the road, and at least one reviewer reported a neighboring RV running a generator through the night. Cell service is listed as available, though at least one recent visitor noted no signal at their site.

The campground runs from Memorial Day through November, with nightly rates starting at $22. Full hookups are available for RVs up to 40 feet, and tent-only sites exist in smaller numbers. Reservations are accepted and fill quickly on weekends, though midweek arrivals often find open sites on a first-come basis. Capote Campground lies less than a mile away for campers who want a nearby alternative. Ute works well as an overnight stop on a longer route or as a base for exploring the surrounding area, and those who want to browse places to camp around San Juan National Forest will find several options in the corridor.

Fee Info

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Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

  • Starting July 30th, 2026, fire restrictions are changing for the San Juan National Forest. Zone 1 Fire Restrictions drop from Stage II to Stage I. Zone II Fire Restrictions drop from Stage II to no restrictions. View attached maps for Zone I and II details.Under Stage I Fire Restrictions in Zone 1, the following are prohibited:
    • Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in: a. A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas); b. A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or c. A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.
    • Using an explosive.
    • Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle, building, or a developed recreation site.
    • Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator. Alert Start Date: July 30, 2026 Alert End Date: December 31, 2026 Order Number: 02-13-00-26-1
  • Starting July 1, 2026 at 12:01am, Stage II Fire Prohibitions are in effect throughout the entire San Juan National Forest. The following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands of the San Juan National Forest:
    • Building,maintaining,attending,orusingafire,campfire,charcoalbarbecue,orgrill,except ifusingadevicesolelyfueledbyliquidorgasthatcanbeturnedonandoffinanareabarren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device.
    • Smoking,exceptinanenclosedvehicleorbuilding.
    • Weldingoroperatinganacetyleneorothertorchwithopenflame.
    • Usinganexplosive. See forest order below for more detail. Alert Start Date: July 1, 2026 Alert End Date: December 31, 2026 Rec Sites Affected: Columbine Ranger DistrictPagosa Ranger DistrictDolores Ranger District Order Number: 02-13-00-26-10

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsUte Campground is located in Colorado near Chimney Rock

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Directions from Pagosa Springs, CO: Travel west on U.S. Hwy 160 for 18.0 miles and campground is on north side of the highway.

Address

17351 W HWY 160
Bayfield, CO 81122

Coordinates

37.2154 N
107.2725 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 8/22/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 8/22/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 12/11/25

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Presented byHershey's

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 8/22/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 8/22/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 12/11/25

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups

Drive Time


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Reviews10 Camper Reviews - Ute Campground

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4.5

out of 5

10 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the spacious, flat sites and consistently clean facilities at reasonable rates. A few noted road noise and occasional generator disturbances, but most found it a solid base for exploring Pagosa Springs area.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2025

Close to Pagosa

Stayed here for 3 nights while exploring the Pagosa Springs area. The camp host is fantastic and was very attentive to campers and the facilities alike. Not much to do from the campground itself, but if you need a home base for a reasonable price ($22/night) this is the place for you. No cell service.

Site16
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Ute Campground by Kate A., June 30, 2025
  • Review photo of Ute Campground by Kate A., June 30, 2025
Reviewed Jun. 28, 2023

Mostly good, but disappointing.

Couldn’t find the Host. Looked several times in evening as we really wanted to buy firewood, and again in morning to checkout, but missed her every time. Actually kind of creepy….clean bathrooms, not crowded, but RV in campground ran generator ALL NIGHT LONG,!! So no sleep for us.

Site23
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2022

Great place

First off, the host was just wonderful and helpful. The sites were spread out enough for privacy. Bathrooms were clean. Wasn't crowded. Really a great place to camp. Not that far from Pagosa Springs if you need supplies.

Site15
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2021

Easy access & en route

Stopped on a Thursday and there were about 5 other campers. We didn't have a reservation but each site had the availability on a post, seemed like 50-75% of the sites were reserved for the weekend. Stayed one night and went to Durango the next morning. Bathrooms we're small but clean.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Ute Campground by Kevin D., August 7, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2021

Quick Stop

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

Site#2
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 5, 2021

quiet place to crash

We stayed here on a Tuesday night (May 5). It was extremely quiet; we were probably one of two campsites that were occupied that night. The outhouse was clean, and the campsite host came by and said hello in the morning. Overall it was a nice place to crash on our way to the sand dunes.

Site18
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Ute Campground by Emma H., June 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Ute Campground by Emma H., June 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Ute Campground by Emma H., June 5, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 10, 2020

Easy access to sites and nice camp host

We stayed here on a trip between Pagosa Springs and Mesa Verde. It was a great stop as the campground is only $20 and it is only about 25 mins from Pagosa Springs so you can easily drive into the town and soak in the springs and then spend a semiquiet night in the trees. 

I say semi-quiet because it is right off the road but the sites go back deeper into the trees. 

But the bathrooms were super clean and the camp host is on top of people coming in a out and making sure the site is super clean.

It is right across from Chimney Rock National Monument so check that out too!

  • Review photo of Ute Campground by Hayley K., March 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Ute Campground by Hayley K., March 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Ute Campground by Hayley K., March 10, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2018

Easy access, quiet campsite

Ute Campground is a sweet little camping spot, just a turn off of hwy 160 between Bayfield and Pagosa Springs. Nice flat spacious campsites with picnic tables and a fire ring. Dirt roads were great for the kids to ride bikes. Endless hiking options. Wildlife viewing. Chimney rock across just across the road

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Ute Campground by Brooke C., August 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Ute Campground by Brooke C., August 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Ute Campground by Brooke C., August 14, 2018
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ute Campground located in Colorado?

Ute Campground is located just off Highway 160 between Bayfield and Pagosa Springs in southwestern Colorado. The campground is situated about 25 minutes away from Pagosa Springs, making it a convenient base for exploring the area. Its location near Chimney Rock provides beautiful scenic views and makes it an excellent stopping point for travelers moving between Pagosa Springs and Mesa Verde or Durango.

Can you tent camp at Ute Campground near Pagosa Springs?

Yes, tent camping is available at Ute Campground. The campground has specific tent-only sites among its offerings, with at least 4 dedicated tent sites noted. These sites typically include amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and BBQ stands. The campground's layout with plenty of trees provides good shade for tent campers. Even during busier periods, tent sites may be available when you arrive without a reservation, though weekend availability can be more limited.

Is there free camping available at or near Ute Campground?

No, Ute Campground is not free. The campground charges approximately $20-22 per night for camping. This is considered reasonably priced for the area, especially given its proximity to Pagosa Springs and the amenities provided. For those seeking free camping options, you might need to explore dispersed camping areas on nearby National Forest land, though these would lack the facilities and conveniences offered at Ute Campground.

What amenities and facilities does Ute Campground offer?

Ute Campground offers several convenient amenities. Each campsite features a picnic table, fire ring, and BBQ stand. The campground has clean pit toilets/outhouses that are well-maintained and stocked. Sites are spacious and flat with good separation for privacy. The campground has a resident host who sells firewood and assists campers. Dirt/gravel roads run throughout the campground, which kids enjoy for bike riding. The setting includes plenty of trees for shade, and the campground allows stays up to 28 days. Note that there's no cell service at the campground, and generators are permitted.