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 August 30 at 11:36AM MDT until September 1 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of Colorado, including the following areas, Central Colorado River Basin, Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, Central Yampa River Basin, Debeque to Silt Corridor, Flat Tops, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, Grand Valley, Grand and Battlement Mesas, Northwest San Juan Mountains, Paradox Valley/Lower Dolores River, Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus, Southwest San Juan Mountains, Uncompahgre Plateau and Dallas Divide, Upper Gunnison River Valley and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains and Utah, including the following areas, Arches/Grand Flat, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains, Southeast Utah and Tavaputs Plateau. * WHEN...Through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Recent burn scars will also be especially susceptible and these include the Lee and Elk RX, Gold Mountain and Elk, Ferris, and Babylon burn scars to name a few. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Monsoonal moisture will remain across the area through Monday evening and will support thunderstorms and showers with heavy rainfall across the watch area. Several rounds of heavier rain are expected increasing the chance for flash flooding especially in our more susceptible areas. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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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