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 October 29 at 9:42PM MDT until November 2 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of southwest Colorado, including the following areas, Animas River Basin, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, San Juan River Basin and Southwest San Juan Mountains and southeast Utah, including the following areas, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains and Southeast Utah. * WHEN...From Sunday morning through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, recently burned areas, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected across portions of southeast Utah and southwest Colorado from Sunday morning through Monday morning over soils that are still saturated from recent rainfall and flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 29 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT Low pressure begins to dig southward from the PACNW on Friday, tapping into a fetch of Pacific moisture that will evolve into an atmospheric river streaming into the Desert Southwest this weekend. Showers and thunderstorms develop on Friday and Saturday across the region. Lighter rainfall totals Friday and Saturday will reflect, initially lower, moisture. However, a few thunderstorms could produce impactful downpours on saturated soils left over from last weekend's historic rainfall. Deeper moisture develops Saturday night and early Sunday. This is expected to produce heavier and more widespread rainfall across southeast UT and southwest CO Sunday and Monday, mostly below 10000 feet. While rivers are forecast to remain below action stage, a growing concern lies in the potential for runoff around saturated hillsides in the region. This could produce rock, mud, and debris flows onto roadways, as well as flash flood prone burn scars, washes, slot canyons, and arroyos. Early estimates predict an area of 1 to 2 inches of new rainfall for portions of southeast UT and southwest CO. This is a preliminary forecast that hinges on slight shifts in a strong moisture plume impacting the region. It also attempts to capture the most statistically likely outcome, despite stronger and weaker outlier predictions. Outdoor enthusiasts, motorists, and residents of recent flood impacted areas are encouraged to remain abreast of the developing forecast in the coming days.
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.
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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