Cayton Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from late May through September. Due to the 9,400-foot elevation, seasonal closures are weather-dependent.
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.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect the public health and safety in the Rocky Mountain Region. This Order is supplemental to and does not rescind or replace those restrictions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, or any Forest Supervisor Order issued under 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart B.
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
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R.
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.
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.
McPhee Reservoir Prohibitions
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters on the Dolores Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest:
Mancos/Dolores Camping Restrictions
The following are prohibited on the National Forest System Lands on the Mancos-Dolores Ranger District, San Juan National Forest.
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.
About
Cayton Campground is located along Colorado Highway 145, part of the scenic San Juan Skyway, approximately 6 miles northeast of Rico. Situated at 9,400 feet elevation near the banks of the Dolores River, the campground occupies a grassy meadow surrounded by fir and aspen trees. The campground features two loops with 27 campsites total, with the lower loop offering 14 mostly level sites near the river and the upper loop providing gently sloping sites with more shade. The Dolores River offers excellent fishing for rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout, though it can be crowded on summer weekends. Hikers have access to numerous trails including the Colorado Trail which follows the ridge across Bolam Pass, and the Lizard Head and Cross Mountain Trails near Lizard Head Pass that lead to alpine basins surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks. The Barlow Creek Road continues past the campground and crosses Bolam Pass with spectacular views, eventually connecting to Hermosa Park Road behind Durango Mountain Resort. The San Juan Skyway between the campground and Telluride offers some of Colorado's most majestic scenery, including views of multiple peaks over 14,000 feet. Nearby trailheads include Priest Gulch (11 miles southwest), Bear Creek (14 miles south), Calico National Recreation Trail, and the Rico-Silverton Trail. The campground operates seasonally from late May through September.
Directions
From Rico, travel northeast on Colorado Highway 145 for 6 miles. Turn right (east) on Forest Road 578 (Barlow Creek Road). The campground entrance is a half-mile further.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 - $41 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 70ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 70ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| mandy@rockymountainrec.com | |
| Phone | +1 (661) 702-1420 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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