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 throughs. 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) woods 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.
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 >
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 & Camping
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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
Hunting
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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
Nature Viewing
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Viewing Wildlife
Wildlife viewing
Species
elk, deer, antelope, small birds \& mammals
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate
OHV Riding & Camping
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OHV Trail Riding
Motorcycle trails up Embargo #792 \& Cathedral #794. ATVs NOT ALLOWED - too narrow \& hazardous
Class of Vehicle
Motorcycle
Staging Area
no
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate to Difficult
Picnicking
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Picnicking
Secluded tables in Aspen grove a good choice for solitude \& quiet
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Group Picnicking
Secluded tables in Aspen grove a good choice for solitude \& quiet
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