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.
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.
STAGE 1 FIRE PROHIBITIONS
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect as of Jun 12th, 2026 for the entire San Juan National Forest.
Cottonwood Road Reconstruction Area Closure Order
The Cottonwood Road (NFSR 532) on the Dolores Ranger District will be closed from mile marker 3.7 to 4.6 and the Mavreeso Trailhead will be closed at the Cottonwood Road (southern terminus of the trail)
STAGE 1 FIRE PROHIBITIONS
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect as of 5/22/2026 for the San Juan National Forest. Areas affected are shown in the attached maps. This order will be rescinded and replaced by a new, full-forest Stage 1 Fire Restrictions order on 6/12/2026.
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.
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…
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.
McPhee Overlook Trail Seasonal Closure
The purpose of the seasonal closure of the McPhee Over Trail is to protect critical winter wildlife habitat.
Andrews Lake Camping Restrictions
Andrews Lake area is closed to camping in order to protect natural resources.
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…
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…
Fire Weather Watch issued June 10 at 11:51AM MDT until June 12 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from 10 AM to 8 PM MDT Thursday. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels is in effect from Friday morning through Friday evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 207 Southwest Colorado Lower Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 293 Gunnison Basin Forecast Area and Fire Weather Zone 295 Southwest Colorado Upper East Forecast Area. * TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until 10 PM MDT this evening. For the second Red Flag Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM MDT Thursday. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Friday morning through Friday evening. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...8 to 13 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.
Red Flag Warning issued June 10 at 11:51AM MDT until June 10 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from 10 AM to 8 PM MDT Thursday. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels is in effect from Friday morning through Friday evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 207 Southwest Colorado Lower Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 293 Gunnison Basin Forecast Area and Fire Weather Zone 295 Southwest Colorado Upper East Forecast Area. * TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until 10 PM MDT this evening. For the second Red Flag Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM MDT Thursday. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Friday morning through Friday evening. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...8 to 13 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.
Red Flag Warning issued June 10 at 11:51AM MDT until June 11 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from 10 AM to 8 PM MDT Thursday. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels is in effect from Friday morning through Friday evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 207 Southwest Colorado Lower Forecast Area, Fire Weather Zone 293 Gunnison Basin Forecast Area and Fire Weather Zone 295 Southwest Colorado Upper East Forecast Area. * TIMING...For the first Red Flag Warning, until 10 PM MDT this evening. For the second Red Flag Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM MDT Thursday. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Friday morning through Friday evening. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...8 to 13 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.
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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