Graham Creek Campground
Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates May through September with 15 sites available through Recreation.gov and 10 sites first-come, first-served. The old boat ramp is permanently closed; lake access is by foot only for registered campers.
Flood Warning issued November 2 at 8:26PM MST until November 3 at 3:15PM MST by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...South Central La Plata County in southwestern Colorado... * WHEN...Until 315 PM MST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Numerous roads remain closed due to flooding. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 820 PM MST, - The stage at Durango was approaching the minor flood stage of 8 feet and the stage at Cedar Hill near the stateline was near major stage at 12.5 feet. - Forecast...the river is expected to continue to fall below flood stage at Durango by late evening. This water will continue to work downstream. The Cedar Hill gauge is forecast to drop below flood stage by late Tuesday afternoon. - Flood stage at Cedar Hill is 10.5 feet. - This includes the following streams and drainages... Lightner Creek, Basin Creek and Animas River. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Areas near Durango south to Bondad and the stateline. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
About
Graham Creek Campground is situated on the east side of Vallecito Reservoir in the San Juan National Forest, offering 25 campsites split between 15 reservable and 10 first-come, first-served. The hillside sites sit about 100 yards from the high-water line at 7,900 feet elevation, with scattered ponderosa pines providing partial shade and thick understory vegetation ensuring privacy between sites. Willow thickets separate the camping area from the lakeshore, with short trails providing foot access to the water. Vallecito Lake is a premier fishing destination for German brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and northern pike. The lake also supports boating, water skiing, and canoeing, with boat rentals available at nearby resorts. Trailered boats must use the boat ramp on the west side of the lake after a Colorado Parks and Wildlife inspection, as the old boat ramp at the campground is permanently closed. North Canyon Trail begins directly across from the campground, leading through ponderosa pine and aspen forests with a shorter spur to a scenic lake overlook. East Creek Trail starts a quarter-mile up Forest Road 852 and accesses a lightly used drainage popular with fly fishermen pursuing brook trout. Both trails accommodate horseback riders, though horses are not permitted in the campground itself.
Directions
From Bayfield, travel 14 miles north on County Road 501. Turn right on County Road 501A at the fire station, travel over the dam and continue just over 3 miles to the campground on the east side of Vallecito Reservoir. From Durango, travel 17 miles on Florida Road (County Road 240), turn left onto County Road 501 for 4 miles, then slight right onto Forest Road 603 for about 2.2 miles to the campground entrance.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $32 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 60ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 60ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Trevor@rockymountainrec.com | |
| Phone | +1 (970) 884-2512 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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