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Camping & Cabins

Campgrounds

The Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF) has 33 campgrounds with over 651 individual sites. The majority of the campgrounds are operated by a private concessionaire that is permitted by the RGNF. Some campgrounds have on-site hosts. While electric, sewer, and water hook-ups and showers are not available, most campgrounds have potable water and vault toilets. Eight of the campgrounds have sites that can be reserved. Reservations are recommended for holiday weekends. Many campgrounds have first-come, first-served sites. Visit the campground to see if any sites are available. If a site is not occupied you may camp and pay any applicable fees. If there are no open sites, you will need to visit another campground.

Cabin Rentals

The RGNF also offers eleven rental cabins ranging from refurbished guard stations to historic log cabins located in remote areas. All cabins are available by reservation only. 

Reservations

For cabin and campground reservations, please call Recreation.gov at 1- 877-444-6777 or visit them online at  http://www.recreation.gov. 

Each reservation will have a fee added to the total cost.

Locate a Cabin or Campground

Type "cabin" or "campground" in the search tool below to find your destination. 

Dispersed Camping

Several people sit outside of a camper with a canopy and lights around the top of it.

Often referred to as "boondocking," dispersed camping is camping outside of developed campgrounds on the Rio Grande National Forest. There is no fee to dispersed camp. Sites are not maintained, tracked, or reservable.

Dispersed Camping

Campground Camping

The brown and tan Silver Thread campground sign stands in a grassy area with a pole fence behind it.

The Forest has 33 campgrounds with over 650 individual sites. The majority of the campgrounds are operated by a private concessionaire operator that is permitted by the Forest.

Campground Camping
Showing: 1 - 10 of 50 results

Alamosa Campground
Site Open
Hiking Picnicking Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives
Alamosa Campground is on the Alamosa River 4.5 miles above Terrace Reservoir Dam. There are 5 campsites, one is pull through, with tables, fire rings, and ample parking. Potable water is not…

Alder Guard Station Cabin
Site Temporarily Closed
Biking Fishing Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Picnicking
The Alder Guard Station is located two miles north of the town of South Fork along Alder Creek. The guard station was built in 1910 and was the residence and office for the local ranger district. The…

Aspen Glade Campground
Site Closed
Fishing Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives
This is a pleasant and attractive campground that consists of three separate loops. There are 32 sites, 7 of which are pull-through. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and multiple restrooms on…

Big Meadows Campground and Picnic Area
Site Closed
Fishing Outdoor Science and Learning Water Activities Hiking Scenic Drives Picnicking Winter Sports
Big Meadows is located in the San Juan Mountains in south-central Colorado, about 11 miles west of South Fork, CO. The campground is lightly wooded with spruce trees, creating a beautiful meadow…

Bristol Head Campground
Site Closed
Fishing Picnicking Hiking Scenic Drives Outdoor Science and Learning
This campground contains 15 sites (11 are pull through) ranging from 35 to 55 feet in length. There are both dead end spurs and pull through sites. The campground sits in a meadow on a bench…

Buffalo Pass Campground
Site Closed
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Picnicking Horse Riding and Camping Fishing
Spacious loop campground amongst ponderosa pines with 19 sites and easy Highway 114 access.

Carnero Guard Station Cabin
Site Closed
Winter Sports Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Scenic Drives Fishing Hiking
Cozy cabin with full propane kitchen, dining area, and three bunk beds. Private location behind a hill, ideal for easy forest access.

Cathedral Campground
Site Closed
Biking Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Picnicking Hiking Fishing Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning Winter Sports
Cathedral Campground is northwest of Del Norte and northeast of South Fork on Embargo Creek. The campground has 22 sites, all first come, first served. 17 are dead end spurs and 5 are pull through…

Comstock Campground
Site Open
Biking Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Picnicking Winter Sports Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning Fishing
Comstock Campground is in the Rock Creek Drainage 18 miles southwest of Monte Vista. The campground facilities include 7 sites with tables and fire rings, a vault type toilet, and ample parking space…
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