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Cathedral Campground
Cathedral Campground is northwest of Del Norte and northeast of South Fork, on Embargo Creek. It was remodeled in 2010 and now has 22 sites. 17 are dead end spurs and 5 are pull through sites. The sites vary from 35 to 45 feet in length. This campground is located in a mature aspen and spruce grove with a beautiful view of Cathedral Rock to the north. Embargo Creek flows alongside the east side of the grounds. There is ample fishing in Embargo Creek and hiking/horseback riding/mountain biking on Cathedral Creek Trail #794, Embargo Trail # 792 and Fremont's Camp Trail #885. Motorcycles may use both Cathedral and Embargo Trails. ATV’s are not allowed on the trails.The campground is composed of two large loops along Cathedral Creek. The left-hand loop features a large meadow and a few open sites. The right-hand loop has a dense Aspen and spruce (including Blue) forest and a more rustic feel. Scroll down to Information Center for individual site details.
John Charles Fremont's winter camp is nearby. He attempted an ill-fated expedition across the Rocky Mountains for a transcontinental railroad route in late 1848.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Open Year-Round. May be inaccessible due to snow levels. |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Open year-round. May be inaccessible due to snow levels. |
| Reservations: | First Come-First Serve |
| Area Amenities: | Accessible, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets |
| Fees: | Single Site - $10/night Day use - $10 (picnicking) Envelopes and fee tube are available near the entrance. |
| Permit Info: | 22 sites including 5 pull through sites and 17 dead end spur sites. Must have State Fishing Licence to fish. |
| Usage: | Light |
| Best Season: | June to September |
| Busiest Season: | July |
| Closest Towns: | South Fork, CO, and Del Norte, CO |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilet Accessible |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | No potable water is available. Click here for description of each site. |
General Information
Directions:From Del Norte, Colorado: Travel 8.75 miles west on U.S. Highway 160to Embargo Creek Rd. and County Rd. 18 signs. Turn right onto Rd. 18 and >go 1.4 miles to a "T" intersection (County Rd. 15). Turn right onto Rd. 15 and go 0.3 miles to another "T" intersection (County Rd. 65) Turn left onto Rd. 65 and go 3.2 miles to "Y" intersection (Forest Rd. 640/650). Bear left onto Rd. 640 (dirt, single lane with no turnouts) 7.6 miles to campground sign. Right at sign into campground..
From South Fork, CO, take US 160 east 5.3 miles to Embargo Creek Rd. and County Rd. 18 signs. Turn left onto Rd. 18 and follow directions above from >
Activities
Mountain Biking
#792 Embargo Creek Trail| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
|---|
Campground Camping
22 sites including 5 pull through sites
| No. of Sites | 22 single site(s) |
| Reservation Info | Not reservable |
| No. of Accessible sites | None |
| Status: | Open |
|---|
River and Stream Fishing
Trout fishing in streams and beaver pond| Fish Species | seasonal |
| Fishing Mode | Brook Trout |
| Special Designations | Flies, lures \& bait where allowed |
| Water Temperature | Easy to Intermediate |
| Water/Flow Level | cold |
Day Hiking
Three nearby trails, Embargo #792, Cathedral #794 and Freemont's Camp # 885| Elevation desc | #792-8,500' to 12,000', #794-9,400' to 10,960', #885-9,400' to Fremont's Christmas camp Dec. 1848. |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Backpacking
Horse Riding
Three nearby trails - Embargo #792, Cathedral # 794 \& Fremonts Camp #885, these trails are also used by motorcycles. No grazing available, guest is responsible to bring certified weed free hay or pelletized feed. You may use portable panels or electric fence to corral horses outside the campground.| Water Availability | nearby creeks |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Big Game Hunting
Open during hunting season - see Colorado Division of Wildlife regulations. Unit 79, access to Embargo Creek drainage| Species | antelope, deer, elk |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Viewing Wildlife
Wildlife viewing| Species | elk, deer, antelope, small birds \& mammals |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
OHV Trail Riding
Motorcycle trails up Embargo #792 \& Cathedral #794. ATVs NOT ALLOWED - too narrow \& hazardous| Staging Area | no |
| Class of Vehicle | Motorcycle |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
|---|
Picnicking
Secluded tables in Aspen grove a good choice for solitude \& quiet| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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Group Picnicking
Secluded tables in Aspen grove a good choice for solitude \& quiet| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
|---|
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
snowshoe trails near campground
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Amenities
| Camping trailer: | |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | |
| Tent camping: | |
| Toilets: | |
| Accessible: |
Related Information
Current Conditions
- UTV Travel Etiquette Video
This excellent video explores numerous ways to enhance your OHV experience while making you a better land steward and respectful OHV user. - Colorado Avalanche Information Center
- Dispersed Camping Etiquette Video
This great video guides campers through the basics of being a good camper in areas away from the developed recreation sites. Learn how to be a respectable, conscientious camper. - Fire Conditions
- Multiple-use National Forest Video
- Conejos Peak District Roads
- Divide District Roads
- Saguache District Roads
-
Cumbres & LaManga Winter Recreation
Location
