North Canyon Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens mid-May and operates through September. Reservations open via Recreation.gov, with 12 reservable sites and 9 first-come, first-served sites.
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
North Canyon Campground sits at 7,900 feet elevation on the east shore of Vallecito Reservoir in San Juan National Forest. The campground offers 21 sites in a more open setting than nearby Graham Creek, with large ponderosa pines scattered throughout providing limited shade. Thickets of willow separate the camping area from the lakeshore, while dense underbrush provides privacy between sites. Many sites have partial lake views, and paths lead down to the water. Several sites can accommodate larger RVs up to 40 feet. Vallecito Reservoir is renowned for its fishing, with anglers pursuing German brown trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and northern pike. The lake offers excellent opportunities for boating, water skiing, and canoeing, with boat rentals and fishing licenses available at nearby resorts. The North Canyon Trail begins across the road from the campground, winding through ponderosa pine and aspen forests with a side trail leading to a scenic overlook of the lake. East Creek Trail, accessed a quarter-mile northeast via Forest Road 852, provides access to a lightly used drainage popular with fly-fishermen and horseback riders. High peaks of the San Juans are visible to the northwest, creating a stunning backdrop for camping.
Directions
From Bayfield, travel 14 miles north on County Road 501, then 2.5 miles northeast on Forest Road 603 to the campground entrance on the east side of Vallecito Reservoir. 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 the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| 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
| mandy@rockymountainrec.com | |
| Phone | +1 (970) 884-2512 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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