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 Watch issued August 30 at 4:18AM MDT until August 31 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of Colorado, including the following areas, Central Colorado River Basin, Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, Central Yampa River Basin, Debeque to Silt Corridor, Flat Tops, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, Grand Valley, Grand and Battlement Mesas, Northwest San Juan Mountains, Paradox Valley/Lower Dolores River, Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus, Southwest San Juan Mountains, Uncompahgre Plateau and Dallas Divide, Upper Gunnison River Valley and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains and Utah, including the following areas, Arches/Grand Flat, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains, Southeast Utah and Tavaputs Plateau. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Recent burn scars will also be especially susceptible and these include the Lee and Elk RX, Gold Mountain and Elk, Ferris, and Babylon burn scars to name a few. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Monsoonal moisture will remain across the area today and will support thunderstorms and showers with heavy rainfall across the watch area. Several rounds of heavier rain are expected increasing the chance for flash flooding especially in our more susceptible areas. - 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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