Cathedral Campground
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 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. 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.
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.
Reservations
All sites are first come, first served and cannot be reserved.
General Information
No trash service or receptacles. Please pack out all garbage.
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. ATVs are not allowed on the trails.
Open Year-Round. May be inaccessible due to snow levels or spring road closures.
Check in time is after 2:00 pm. Check out time is before 11:00 am.
Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites ONLY.
*The discount applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fee or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party.
Visit the USGS store for passes.
Interagency Recreation Passes are Honored for Day Use.
Please be prepared to pay with cash or check.
14-day camping limit.
Fires in designated fire rings only
This can be bear country. Remain "Bear Aware" and store food properly while camping.
You must have a Colorado state Fishing License to fish.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $10/night.
Day use - $10 (picnicking)
Envelopes and fee tube are available near the entrance.
Dogs must be on leash not longer than six feet in length.
Contact Name: Divide Ranger District
Contact Phone: 719-657-3321
Address: 13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132
Phone: (719) 657-3321
Hours: Monday through Friday / 8:00 to 4:30 (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.8219922
Longitude: -106.60486
Elevation
9400
Directions
From Del Norte, Colorado: Travel 8.75 miles west on U.S. Highway 160 to 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.
Parking
Maximum spur length is 45 feet. Not all sites will fit vehicles of this length.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
