Lower Hermosa
Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates May through September on a first-come, first-served basis. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM. No advance reservations accepted.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 9 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT A strong low pressure system off the Pacific Coast will begin to draw in tropical moisture associated with Topical Storm Rachel this weekend. This strong southerly fetch will draw anomalously high moisture content across the Desert Southwest and into eastern Utah and western Colorado. The chance for widespread precipitation increases Saturday evening into Sunday. Total precipitation forecasts range from 1 to 3 inches across high terrain, with highest amounts favoring the Uintas, Tavaputs and the Southwest San Juan mountains. Embedded thunderstorms are also possible Sunday afternoon, increasing the threat for flash flooding across vulnerable terrain. While confidence in location and rainfall rates remain low at this time, the potential for rapidly rising rivers, streams, normally dry arroyos and slot canyons are possible Sunday through Monday. Please follow the evolving forecast, especially if your plans including recreating or commuting across eastern Utah and western Colorado Sunday onward. Also, keep in mind weather potential above your location and upstream, particularly for those who reside below sensitive terrain like recent burn scars.
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
Lower Hermosa Campground sits along Hermosa Creek at the southern gateway to the Hermosa Creek Special Management Area in Colorado's San Juan National Forest. The 19-site campground operates first-come, first-served from May through September, with payment accepted via cash, check, or the Recreation.gov mobile app's Scan and Pay feature. Each site accommodates up to 8 people and includes a picnic table and fire ring. The campground provides vault toilets but no potable water, so campers must pack in their own supply. The adjacent Lower Hermosa Creek Trailhead offers additional parking and a horse corral with hitching posts for overnight equestrian use, though horses are prohibited within the campground itself. Bear-safe food storage is strongly recommended. Hermosa Creek Trail #514 begins at the parking lot and follows the creek approximately 25 miles through the special management area to Upper Hermosa Trailhead. The singletrack trail attracts mountain bikers, horseback riders, hikers, and anglers, with some sections featuring steep dropoffs. Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM with generator use limited to one hour maximum.
Directions
From Durango, travel north on Highway 550 for approximately 14 miles. Turn left (west) at Hermosa onto County Road 201, which becomes Forest Road 576. Continue approximately 4 miles to the campground entrance.
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 | $18 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 884-2512 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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