Recreation


White clouds in a blue sky are reflected in a stream with a bridge through a green mountain valley.

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Recreation on the Rio Grande National Forest

From the Sangre de Cristo to the San Juan Mountains, the jagged peaks and rushing rivers of the San Luis Valley public lands wrap themselves around this Rocky Mountain basin. Whether viewing the mountain scenery from roads or finding a challenge on trails, visitors discover solitude and self-reliance through uncrowded year-round recreation opportunities.

The Rio Grande National Forest forms the scenic backdrop to the San Luis Valley. With a landscape of high peaks, geological wonders, and steep river canyons, the spectacular scenery beckons adventures from near and far. 

Rio Grande National Forest offers several accessible recreational facilities and visitor discounts with the Interagency Access Pass for fees charged on national forests.

While many campgrounds are on a first-come basis, you can make reservations for some campgrounds. In addition, there are eight cabins that are available for nightly rental. To make reservations call: 877-444-6777 go to recreation.gov

Information on proposed recreation fee changes. 

Current Recreation Conditions

Area Name Status Area Conditions
Alamosa Campground Open Open Campground stays open until weather closes it.
Aspen Glade Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended September 9, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Big Meadows Campground and Picnic Area Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended September 30, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Big Meadows Reservoir Boating Site Open Open The lake is usually Ice Free by May and is then open until November. Access by groomed trail when snow depth is sufficient.
Bristol Head Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended September 2, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Buffalo Pass Campground Closed Closed Open early May through early November.
Cathedral Campground Open Open Open Year-Round. May be inaccessible due to snow levels.
Comstock Campground Open Open Open Year-Round.  May be inaccessible due to snow levels.
Conejos Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended September 2, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Cross Creek Campground Open Open Concessionaire operations end September 30, 2024.
Shoulder season fees apply after that. No potable water will be available.
Elk Creek Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended September 9, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Elk Creek Overflow Campground Open Open Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Highway Springs Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended September 30, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Ivy Creek Campground Open Open Open Year-Round.  May be inaccessible due to snow levels.
Lake Fork Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended September 2, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Lost Trail Campground Open Open Concessionaire operations ended September 27, 2024.
Shoulder season fees apply after that. No potable water will be available.
Lower Beaver Creek Campground Open Open Partially open. Concessionaire operations ended September 30, 2024.
Shoulder season fees apply after that. Sites 1-5 remain open during the winter with no services provided. May become inaccessible due to snow levels.
Luders Creek Campground Closed Closed Open early May through early November.
Marshall Park Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended September 30, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Mix Lake Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended September 2, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Mogote - Juniper Group Camping Site Closed Closed Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Mogote Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended September 2, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
North Clear Creek Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended September 2, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
North Crestone Creek Campground Closed Closed Open early May through early November.
There is no potable water at this campground.
Palisade Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended September 30, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Park Creek Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended September 30, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Poso Campground Closed Closed Open mid-May through mid-November.
Rio Grande Campground Open Open Open Year-Round.  May be inaccessible/closed due to Weather, Snow or Muddy Season.
River Hill Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended on September 27, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Road Canyon Campground Open Open Concessionaire operations ended September 27, 2024.
Shoulder season fees apply after that. No potable water will be available. Open year-round. May be inaccessible due to snow levels.
Rock Creek Campground Open Open Open Year-Round.  May be inaccessible due snow levels.
Silver Thread Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended September 30, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Spectacle Lake Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended September 5, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Stone Cellar Campground Closed Closed Open mid-May through mid November.
Stone Cellar Guard Station Cabin Closed Closed
Storm King Campground Closed Closed Open mid-May through mid-November.
Stunner Campground Open Open The campground does not have potable water. 
Thirty Mile Campground Open Open Partially open. Concessionaire operations ended September 27, 2024.
Shoulder season fees apply after that. No potable water will be available.
Trujillo Meadows Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended September 2, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Tucker Ponds Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations ended September 2, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Upper Beaver Creek Campground Closed Closed Concessionaire operations end September 30, 2024.
Open Memorial Day weekend through just past Labor Day.