Fishing enthusiasts will find Lake Fork Campground positioned within Rio Grande National Forest, where the US Forest Service manages this established site near Capulin. The campground accepts reservations and welcomes pets, though campers should keep dogs leashed due to active bear populations in the area. A water pump serves the site, with reviewers noting it may need to run briefly to clear rust from the lines.
Firewood availability can vary seasonally, with wet conditions sometimes affecting ground supplies from previous storm damage. The Forest Service restricts outside wood to prevent tree disease spread, so campers can purchase dry wood from the camp host or in town. For those seeking additional options in the region, campgrounds around Rio Grande National Forest provide alternatives for extended stays.
Description
Overview
Lake Fork Campground sits in the Rio Grande Forest, 40 miles northwest of Antonito, Colorado. The campground is a true getaway from any city, and requires an 18-mile drive on a gravel road. This high elevation campground boasts limitless beauty with mountain peaks, alpine wildlife spotting and several varieties of birds.
Recreation
The campground is convenient to several trails, such as Lake Fork to Big Lake and Conejos Peak to Blue Lake. The Conejos River is a Gold Medal River, meaning it offers the greatest potential for trophy trout fishing. Rainbow and brown trout are the most common species in the river.
Facilities
Some campsites overlook the river. There is one centrally located drinking water spigot. All parking spurs are gravel. Firewood can be purchased on-site. No electric hookups are available. Campers will find an old-fashioned steel tub bath at Brummel's Rocky Mountain Lodge about 10 miles south.
Natural Features
The campground is located in south central Colorado on the banks of the Conejos River. It is shaded by spruce, aspen and a few cottonwoods and willows at an elevation of 9,500 feet. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area, including black bears, deer and marmots. Wildflowers dot the region, creating colorful landscapes for photography enthusiasts.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.
Nearby Attractions
Take in spectacular views of the Conejos Canyon and River along Forest Road 250.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundLake Fork Campground is located in Colorado
Directions
From Antonito, travel west on Highway 17 approximately 24 miles to the junction of Highways 17 and 250. Turn on Highway 250 and travel 18 miles on a gravel road to Lake Fork Campground.
Address
RIO GRANDE-SAN JUAN NF
CO
Coordinates
37.2997222 N
106.4666667 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 10 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 3 hrs 14 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 53 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 4 hrs 16 min from Farmington, NM
