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.
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
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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