Lost Trail Campground
Open for the 2026 season. Forest Road 520 is currently open and passenger-car accessible to the campground. Water system is permanently closed; bring all drinking water. No trash service. The campground typically closes due to snow from November through mid-May.
Hydrologic Outlook issued July 20 at 10:32AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT Anomalous moisture has become established across portions of eastern Utah and western Colorado. Scattered thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain are expected this afternoon and early evening. Rainfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour will be possible with the stronger storms. These rates could lead to flash flooding and debris flows especially over steep terrain and recent burn scars. Also, rain over the past several days has lead to saturated soils, which increase the chances for excessive runoff. As a reminder: Keep an eye on our forecasts through the end of the week and stay tuned for updated hydrology alerts if visiting or if you reside below vulnerable terrain to flash flooding and/or debris flows. Storms across the west develop quickly, leaving little room for lead time in flashy terrain.
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
Lost Trail Campground sits at the end of Forest Road 520, deep in the Rio Grande National Forest near the Continental Divide. This remote 7-site campground serves as a basecamp for serious backcountry exploration, with trailheads providing access to the Weminuche Wilderness, Cataract Lake, Heart Lake, and the historic Carson City mining area. The nearby Rio Grande Reservoir offers fishing opportunities with boats allowed (trolling motors only, no wake). Facilities are basic: each site has a parking spur, picnic table, and fire ring, with a vault toilet serving the campground. The well water system is permanently closed due to safety concerns, so all drinking water must be packed in. There is no trash service or firewood provided. The campground operates first-come-first-served with no reservations. The access road above Rio Grande Reservoir is narrow and rough in places. Most sites have short spurs that cannot accommodate large RVs or trailers, and maneuvering space is limited. Three sites offer pull-through access. The area is bear country with mandatory food storage requirements from April through December.
Directions
From Creede, Colorado, travel 19 miles southwest on Colorado Highway 149 to Forest Road 520 (Rio Grande Reservoir Road). Take FR 520 west for 18.1 miles. The campground is on the south side of the road.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| 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 | $10 - $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (719) 657-3321 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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