Lower Piedra
Closed for the entire 2026 season due to flooding damage from October 2025 storms. The access road (Forest Road 621) was washed away and complete road reconstruction is planned for 2026.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 28 at 2:42PM 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.
From Recreation.gov
**ALERT: Campground will be closed for the 2026 season due to flooding damage.**
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
Lower Piedra Campground occupies a scenic stretch along the west bank of the Piedra River within San Juan National Forest. The campground features 17 large, level campsites tucked beneath generous shade trees. The Piedra River remains a productive fishery despite regular angling pressure, making this a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The campground provides essential services including potable water, trash pickup, and two vault toilets. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire grate. Standard occupancy is 8 people per site with check-in at 2:00 PM and check-out at noon. Quiet hours run from 10 PM to 6 AM, and generator use should be limited to one hour at a time. Access is via Forest Road 621, approximately 23 miles west of Pagosa Springs or 18 miles east of Bayfield off US Highway 160. The campground accommodates RVs up to 35 feet, though all equipment must fit within the designated parking spur as no overflow parking exists. Dispersed camping is prohibited within 100 yards of FR 621 from the cattle guard to the campground boundary.
Directions
From Pagosa Springs: Travel west on US Highway 160 for about 23 miles. Turn north on Forest Road 621 (west side of the Piedra River) and continue about 1 mile to the campground. From Bayfield: Travel east on US Highway 160 for about 18 miles, then turn north on FR 621 for 1 mile.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $28 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.PagosaRD@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (970) 264-2268 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS - Lower Piedra Campground |
Availability
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