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 Open Open Planned closing date of September 24, 2023
Big Meadows Campground and Picnic Area Open Open Full service ends on September 24, 2023.
Shoulder season fees apply after that. No potable water will be available.
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 Closed September 4, 2023
Buffalo Pass Campground Open Open 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 Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day 
Cross Creek Campground Open Open Full service ends on September 24, 2023. Shoulder season fees apply after that. No potable water will be available.
Elk Creek Campground Open Open Planned closing date of September 24, 2023
Elk Creek Overflow Campground Open Open Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Highway Springs Campground Closed Closed Closes September 24, 2023
Ivy Creek Campground Open Open Open Year-Round.  May be inaccessible due to snow levels.
Lake Fork Campground Open Open Planned closing date of September 24, 2023
Lost Trail Campground Open Open Full service ends on September 24, 2023.
Shoulder season fees apply after that. No potable water will be available.
Lower Beaver Creek Campground Open Open Full service ends on September 24, 2023. Shoulder season fees apply after that. No potable water will be available. Sites 1-5 remain open during the winter with no services provided. May become inaccessible due to snow levels.
Luders Creek Campground Open Open Open early May through early November.
Marshall Park Campground Closed Closed Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Mix Lake Campground Closed Closed Closed on September 8, 2023
Mogote - Juniper Group Camping Site Closed Closed Closed September 4, 2023
Mogote Campground Closed Closed Closed September 4, 2023
North Clear Creek Campground Closed Closed Closed September 4, 2023
North Crestone Creek Campground Open Open Open early May through early November.
There is no potable water at this campground.
Palisade Campground Open Open Full service ends on September 24, 2023.
Shoulder season fees apply after that. No potable water will be available.
Park Creek Campground Closed Closed Closes September 24, 2023
Poso Campground Open Open 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 Closes September 24, 2023
Road Canyon Campground Open Open Full service ends on September 24, 2023. 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 Full service ends on September 24, 2023.
Shoulder season fees apply after that. No potable water will be available.
Spectacle Lake Campground Closed Closed Closed September 4, 2023. 
Stone Cellar Campground Open Open Open mid-May through mid November.
Stone Cellar Guard Station Cabin Open Open
Storm King Campground Open Open Open mid-May through mid-November.
Stunner Campground Open Open The campground does not have potable water. 
Thirty Mile Campground Open Open Full service ends on September 24, 2023.
Shoulder season fees apply after that. No potable water will be available.
Trujillo Meadows Campground Closed Closed Closed September 4, 2023
Tucker Ponds Campground Closed Closed Closed September 4, 2023
Upper Beaver Creek Campground Open Open Full service ends on September 24, 2023. Shoulder season fees apply after that. No potable water will be available. Sites 1-4 (south side) remain open during the winter with no services provided. May become inaccessible due to snow levels.