Ute Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates May through September. Reservations are available on Recreation.gov, with some first-come, first-served sites.
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.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
Falls Creek Closure Area, Camping, and Motor Vehicle Travel Restrictions
This San Juan National Forest forest order describes closure areas, as well as camping and motor vehicle travel restrictions in the Falls Creek.
Dolores River Restoration Project Closure Order
The Dolores Ranger District has issued a Forest Closure Order for Dolores River Restoration Project located on "The Beach" for the construction of instream structures and bank improvements.
West Fork Road and Bridge Closure Order
The Pagosa Ranger District's West Fork Bridge is closed by Forest Order due to damage during the October 2025 flood events. Forest Road 648 (West Fork) is closed at location identified by this order.
Multiple roads and trails damaged by flooding on SJNF
In early October, severe flooding events created ongoing safety and access concerns for Forest users on the Columbine and Pagosa Ranger Districts of the San Juan National Forest. Available forest employees are assessing the many roads, trails, bridges, and other infrastructure that was damaged or…
Lemon Reservoir Restrictions
The following act is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters on the Columbine Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest:
Cascade Flume Safety Closure
Area closure: The purpose of this Order is for public health and safety during the Cascade Tacoma Flume repair. The recent failure of the flume resulted in infrastructure damage and a landslide that has destabilized the Described Area. Concerns for public safety include loose debris, continuing…
McPhee Reservoir Prohibitions
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the infestation of aquatic nuisance species.
Mancos/Dolores Camping Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and natural resources.
Purgatory Ski Resort Area Vehicle Use Restrictions
From November 15 through April 30 annually, it is prohibited to use an over-snow vehicle (snowmobiles, timber sleds, and ski bikes) or mechanized vehicle that lacks a motor, such as a non-electric bicycle, on the Described Roads and Described Trails and OFF NFS roads in the Described Area. (See map…
McPhee Overlook Trail Seasonal Closure
The purpose of the seasonal closure of the McPhee Over Trail is to protect critical winter wildlife habitat.
Chicken Creek Ski Area Dog Restrictions
Dogs are not allowed in the Chicken Creek Ski Area from December 15 to March 15, annually in order to protect public safety.
La Plata Canyon Camping and Fire Restrictions
La Plata Canyon Camping and Fire Restrictions are in place to protect the natural resources in this beautiful, very popular area. Camping is prohibited outside of Forest Service designated camping areas (Darby, La Plata City, Bay City, Miners Cabin, and Madden Creek) and developed campgrounds…
Andrews Lake Camping Restrictions
Andrews Lake area is closed to camping in order to protect natural resources.
Hermosa Creek Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions
In order to protect the National Forest System (NFS) lands and trails in the Hermosa Creek Wilderness, the following are prohibited:Entering or being upon a trail, campsite, or other area by a group larger than 15 people, with a maximum combination of people and stock not to exceed 25 in one…
Forest Wide Camping Stay Limits
In order to protect natural resources and to provide for public health and safety, the following are prohibited on National Forest System (NFS) lands in the San Juan National Forest:Camping, or leaving camping equipment at any location or within three (3) miles of any prior…
Chimney Rock National Monument Occupancy and Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect the objects of the monument through implementing restrictions prescribed in the Chimney Rock National Monument (CRNM) Final Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Grizzly Peak Research Natural Area Special Closure Order
This order implements prohibitions necessary to provide protection of natural conditions and processes in order to facilitate research and education and maintain biological diversity – the purposes for which RNAs are established on National Forest System lands – within the Grizzly Peak RNA.
Lizard Head Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Lizard Head Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
Forest Orders
Visit our Forest Order page for a list of all the current Forest Orders: Closures, Fire Restrictions, and Camping, Occupancy, and Use Restrictions.Forest and Regional orders are generally temporary in nature and are designed to protect public safety and our natural resource. After review, Regional…
About
Ute Campground is situated at the base of Haystack Mountain in the San Juan National Forest, sharing land with and named for the Southern Ute Nation. The campground features 26 individual sites on a gentle, south-facing slope with one group campsite, all set among ponderosa pines, Gambel oak, Rocky Mountain juniper, and fragrant sumac. While the pines provide shade, the area can get very warm in summer due to its southern exposure. The campground serves as the only Forest Service access point to Haystack Mountain and offers spectacular views of Chimney Rock National Monument's distinctive pinnacles. Located just across US Highway 160 from the monument, it's an ideal base for exploring the area's archaeological sites and guided tours offered by the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association. Recreation opportunities abound in the surrounding area. The campground is centrally positioned between the Turkey Springs Trail System and the Devil Mountain, Mule Mountain, and Horse Mountain trail systems, which feature trails for ATV, motorcycle, mountain bike, hiking, and horseback riding. Anglers can access stream fishing on the Piedra River, and fee permits allow fishing on Southern Ute Reservation waters at Lake Capote and the Piedra River. A natural hot spring is also accessible along the Piedra River.
Directions
From Pagosa Springs, travel west on US Highway 160 for approximately 17 miles. Turn right (north) into the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $22 - $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.PagosaRD@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (970) 264-2268 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Ute Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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