Typical camp site in Kroeger campground with picnic table and fire ring
Kroeger campground in LaPlata Canyon
Typical camp site in Kroeger campground with picnic table and fire ring

Kroeger

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with the gate closed outside the operating season.

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.

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.

McPhee Park Road Closure Order

The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources.

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

Kroeger Campground is situated in the scenic La Plata Canyon within San Juan National Forest, offering 10 campsites spread across 2 acres of mixed conifer forest. The campground sits at approximately 9,000 feet elevation, providing cool summer nights and a mountain camping experience just 5 miles from the town of Hesperus. Sites are shaded by a mixture of spruce, fir, aspen, and cottonwood trees, with one site featuring a double table and large parking area. The campground accommodates both tent campers and smaller RVs, with most sites designed for RVs up to 25 feet. One pull-through site is available for easier maneuvering. All sites include picnic tables and metal fire grates. The nearby La Plata River offers fishing opportunities, though success rates are considered fair. Private property borders the campground, and visitors are reminded not to trespass. Amenities include potable water, vault toilets, and an on-site host during the operating season. Bear-safe food storage is mandatory due to active wildlife in the area. There is no trash pickup, so all trash must be packed out. The campground is accessible via a 2WD gravel road from Hesperus, though the road becomes 4WD further up the canyon. All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis at $22 per night, with check-in at 2:00 p.m. and check-out at noon.

Directions

From Durango, travel 12 miles west on U.S. Highway 160. Turn north on County Road 124 (La Plata Canyon Road) at Hesperus. The campground is located 5 miles up County Road 124. The paved road turns to gravel at the National Forest boundary. Access is by 2WD gravel road.

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

Vehicle

Max RV Length 25ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Typical camp site in Kroeger campground with picnic table and fire ring
Kroeger campground in LaPlata Canyon
Typical camp site in Kroeger campground with picnic table and fire ring
Typical camp site in Kroeger campground with picnic table and fire ring

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