Reservable sites at West Fork Campground require advance booking during peak summer months, with fees running $32 per night for this Forest Service facility that operates from early May through mid-September. The campground sits along a forested loop accessed by a rough road that can challenge low-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain. Sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet with water and sewer hookups available at select spots.
The compact layout creates decent spacing between sites despite the tight loop configuration. Campers consistently mention the sound of the adjacent West Fork creek, which flows close enough to several sites that the water noise carries into camp. Sites 16, 17, and 18 sit closest to the river, with 16 and 17 offering pull-through access. Jay H. notes the campground provides "very well maintained restrooms and potable water source" with vault toilets and hand-pump water access.
The Rainbow Hot Springs trailhead sits roughly a mile from camp, drawing hikers willing to tackle the challenging 12-mile round trip. Camp Comet advises hikers to "bring snacks or lunch and plenty of water" for the demanding trek. Several campers report wildlife encounters, including deer visiting campsites and mountain lion sightings along backcountry trails. The creek offers shallow areas for wading, though the water runs cold even in summer.
Road access requires caution, as multiple reviewers describe rough conditions that generate dust during dry periods. The campground's distance from main roads helps reduce highway noise, creating a buffer from traffic sounds. Some sites offer dispersed camping options beyond the main loop for those seeking additional space. Campers looking for developed amenities and river access might consider East Fork Campground five miles south, which provides different terrain and trail access.
Description
Overview
West Fork Campground sits near the West Fork San Juan River in a secluded 10-acre area, just over a mile from Highway 160. Visitors enjoy the area for its hiking opportunities and plentiful solitude.
Recreation
The West Fork and nearby Wolf Creek offer fishing opportunities, but are heavily fished streams. Only skilled and patient fishermen have much luck in these waters. The West Fork Trail, also known as the Rainbow Trail, leads into the Weminuche Wilderness from a trailhead a mile beyond the campground. The first portion of the trail passes through private property, so please stay on the trail and leave the gates as you find them.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family sites, some of which are adjacent to the river but without direct views. Most sites are suitable for large RVs. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided, as are vault toilets and drinking water.
Natural Features
The campground is situated among a forest of mixed conifers, where sites have sun and shade. The West Fork can be heard, but not seen from the campground.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Nearby Attractions
Trailheads for Windy Pass and Treasure Mountain Trails are located across Highway 160 from the West Fork Road turnoff. Treasure Falls, located off Highway 160 about three miles from the campground, is an impressive 100-foot waterfall with a short hike leading to its base.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundWest Fork Campground is located in Colorado
Directions
From Pagosa Springs, Colo., travel east on U.S. Highway 160 for about 13 miles, then turn northwest on Forest Road 684 and continue more than a mile to the campground entrance on the West Fork Road.
Address
West Fork Rd (FS Road 648)
San juan nf, CO
Coordinates
37.4447222 N
106.9030556 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/10/26- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 4/10/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/10/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 4/10/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 15 min from Pueblo, CO
- 4 hrs 38 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 5 hrs 44 min from Farmington, NM
- 5 hrs 44 min from Grand Junction, CO
