North Canyon Campground
Open for the 2026 season. Operating mid-May through September. The campground has 12 reservable sites via Recreation.gov and 9 first-come, first-served sites. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM noon.
Flood Watch issued October 30 at 3:02PM MDT until November 2 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be 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 late Saturday night 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
Winter Storm Watch issued October 30 at 12:22PM MDT until November 2 at 12:00PM MST by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Heavy snow possible above 10,000 feet. Total snow accumulations between 10 to 15 inches with locally higher amounts possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Northwest San Juan Mountains and Southwest San Juan Mountains. * WHEN...From Sunday morning through noon Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.
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
North Canyon Campground occupies a relatively open setting along the eastern shore of Vallecito Reservoir in the San Juan National Forest. Large ponderosa pines provide scattered shade while a thick understory offers privacy between sites. Willow thickets separate the camping area from the lakeshore, and many sites offer partial views of the lake and the high peaks of the San Juans to the northwest. The campground provides 21 sites, with 12 available through Recreation.gov and 9 first-come, first-served. Amenities include potable water, vault toilets, fire grates, picnic tables, and trash service. Several sites can accommodate larger RVs up to 40 feet, though all equipment must fit within the parking spur as no overflow parking exists. Vallecito Reservoir draws anglers targeting German brown trout, cutthroat, rainbow, kokanee salmon, and northern pike. Boating, waterskiing, and canoeing are popular, with boat rentals available at nearby resorts. The North Canyon Trail departs across the road from the campground, winding through ponderosa pine and aspen forests to a lake overlook. East Creek Trail, a quarter-mile northeast on Forest Road 852, accesses a lightly used drainage popular with fly fishers and horseback riders.
Directions
From Durango: Travel 17 miles on Florida Road (County Road 240). Turn left onto County Road 501. After 4 miles, slight right onto Forest Road 603 for 2.5 miles to campground entrance on the east side of Vallecito Reservoir. From Bayfield: Travel 14 miles north on County Road 501, then 2.5 miles northeast on Forest Road 603 to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $28 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 884-2512 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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