Middle Mountain
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates late May through September. First-come, first-served only; no advance reservations.
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.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect the public health and safety in the Rocky Mountain Region. This Order is supplemental to and does not rescind or replace those restrictions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, or any Forest Supervisor Order issued under 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart B.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
Falls Creek Closure Area, Camping, and Motor Vehicle Travel Restrictions
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R.
Dolores River Restoration Project Closure Order
The Dolores Ranger District has issued a Forest Closure Order for Dolores River Restoration Project located on "The Beach" for the construction of instream structures and bank improvements.
West Fork Road and Bridge Closure Order
The Pagosa Ranger District's West Fork Bridge is closed by Forest Order due to damage during the October 2025 flood events. Forest Road 648 (West Fork) is closed at location identified by this order.
Multiple roads and trails damaged by flooding on SJNF
In early October, severe flooding events created ongoing safety and access concerns for Forest users on the Columbine and Pagosa Ranger Districts of the San Juan National Forest.
Lemon Reservoir Restrictions
The following act is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters on the Columbine Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest:
Cascade Flume Safety Closure
Area closure: The purpose of this Order is for public health and safety during the Cascade Tacoma Flume repair. The recent failure of the flume resulted in infrastructure damage and a landslide that has destabilized the Described Area.
McPhee Reservoir Prohibitions
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters on the Dolores Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest:
Mancos/Dolores Camping Restrictions
The following are prohibited on the National Forest System Lands on the Mancos-Dolores Ranger District, San Juan National Forest.
Forest Orders
Visit our Forest Order page for a list of all the current Forest Orders: Closures, Fire Restrictions, and Camping, Occupancy, and Use Restrictions.
About
Middle Mountain Campground is situated on the east side of Vallecito Reservoir in the San Juan National Forest, offering 24 first-come, first-served campsites with southern exposure and direct access to the water. The campground features an open, sunny layout with a grassy shoreline that experiences pleasant afternoon breezes. Shade is provided by scattered ponderosa pines and small aspen trees. Several sites can accommodate large RVs up to 35 feet in length. The campground provides essential amenities including potable water, vault toilets, picnic tables, and campfire rings. Firewood is available for campers to gather. The location offers excellent recreation opportunities including fishing on Vallecito Reservoir, OHV riding on Middle Mountain Road leading to old mining areas, and hiking access to trails including Cave Basin Trail and Pine River Trail which connects to the Weminuche Wilderness. Standard sites cost $28 per night while premium sites are $32 per night. Maximum occupancy is 8 people per site. Quiet hours are enforced between 10pm and 6am, and generators should be limited to one hour at a time. Pets must be leashed at all times. Check-in is at 2:00 pm and check-out is at 12:00 pm, though campers may arrive earlier if sites are empty.
Directions
From Durango: Travel 17 miles on Florida Road (County Road 240). Turn left onto County Road 501 for approximately 13 miles around the north end of Vallecito Reservoir, then south to the campground entrance. From Bayfield: Take County Road 501 approximately 22 miles around the north end of Vallecito Reservoir, then south to the campground entrance. Campground is located on the east side of Vallecito Reservoir.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $28 - $32 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 884-2512 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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