Palisades Horse Camp
Currently closed for the season. Opens May 29, 2026. Summer season runs through September 27 with reservations via Recreation.gov. Limited first-come-first-served operations begin September 28 at half price ($16/night) until mid-November or when weather forces closure. No water service during fall/winter season.
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
Palisades Horse Camp sits at 8,400 feet in a stand of pine, spruce, and fir trees in the San Juan National Forest. Designed specifically for equestrian campers, all 12 sites include corrals with feeding bins accommodating 2-6 horses depending on site type. The campground requires certified weed-free feed as grazing is prohibited. A one-way loop offers both pull-through and back-in sites across 8 single-family and 4 double-family configurations. The Williams Creek Trail departs directly from camp and leads into the Weminuche Wilderness, eventually crossing the Continental Divide. The surrounding forest provides prime wildlife habitat for bears, deer, elk, and moose. Campground amenities include vault toilets, potable water faucets, a livestock water tank, fire grates, and wheelchair-accessible picnic tables. Wheelbarrows and rakes are provided for cleaning horse pens. This is bear country and proper food storage is required. Dogs must be leashed at all times. The campground accepts horses and mules only; no llamas or other livestock permitted.
Directions
From Pagosa Springs, travel 2.5 miles west on US Highway 160, turn right on Piedra Road (CR 600/FSR 631) for approximately 16 miles, continue on FR 631 for 6.2 miles, turn right onto Williams Creek Road (FR 640) for about 5 miles to the campground entrance.
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 | $64 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.PagosaRD@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (970) 264-2268 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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