Madden Creek Campground
La Plata County Road 124 is gated closed from December through May. When the road is open, camping is permitted in designated areas only. No reservations; first-come, first-served. 16-day stay limit.
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
Madden Creek Campground is one of five designated dispersed camping areas in La Plata Canyon, alongside Darby, La Plata City, Bay City, and Miners Cabin. Due to resource protection regulations, camping anywhere in La Plata Canyon outside these designated sites and the developed campgrounds (Kroeger and Snowslide) is prohibited. The area sits within a scenic corridor of mixed spruce, fir, and aspen forest in the San Juan National Forest. As a dispersed camping area, Madden Creek offers a more primitive and secluded experience. The site has one vault toilet but no potable water, so campers must bring their own water supply. There is no trash service; all refuse must be packed out. Campfires are only permitted in metal fire grates provided by the Forest Service. The standard Forest Service stay limit applies: maximum 16 consecutive days, after which campers must relocate at least 5 road miles away. Access is via La Plata County Road 124 from Hesperus. The road underwent repairs following flooding in October 2025. A gate at the cattle guard closes the road from December through May each winter, though all forms of winter recreation (snowmobiles, skiers, snowshoers) remain welcome beyond the gate on foot or non-motorized means.
Directions
From Durango, travel west on US Highway 160 for approximately 12 miles to Hesperus. Turn north onto La Plata County Road 124 (La Plata Canyon Road) and continue approximately 8 miles to Madden Creek Campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 884-2512 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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